WO2023275799A1

WO2023275799A1 - Soft-sided cooler

Info

Publication number: WO2023275799A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Zachrich; Björn FLEMSÄTER
Original assignee: Dometic Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2022-06-29
Publication date: 2023-01-05

Abstract

Present embodiments relate to a soft-sided cooler to keep food or beverage items or containers warm or cool. More specifically, but without limitation, present embodiments relate to a soft cooler having one or more flaps disposed adjacent to the closure.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRA

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION

FOR

SOFT-SIDED COOLER

BY

CHRISTIAN ZACHRICH

AND

BJORN FLEMSATER

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

[0001] This PCT patent application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional

Patent Application Serial Number 63/216,726, filed June 30, 2021 and titled “Soft-Sided Cooler”, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] Present embodiments relate to a soft-sided cooler to keep food or beverage items or containers warm or cool. More specifically, but without limitation, present embodiments relate to a soft cooler having a flap or drape disposed adjacent to the closure to limit heat transfer. 2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Various types of soft coolers use closures to provide access to a cavity within the cooler. However, in the space adjacent to the closure there is a loss of ability to insulate since there needs to be access to the inside of the cooler.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a soft cooler which overcomes these and other features of known coolers.

[0005] The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0007] Present embodiments relate to a soft-sided cooler which improves insulation in the area of the opening of the cavity. The instant embodiment provides improved function to inhibit transfer in the area of the opening adjacent to the closure. In some embodiments utilizing a lid and a base, the insulation is located by behind the closure and reduce heat transfer between the lid and base.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a cooler may comprise a base having a bottom and at least one sidewall extending from the bottom to an upper edge, the at least one sidewall and the bottom defining a cavity wherein food or drinks are capable of being stored, the bottom and the at least one sidewall defining the base. A lid may be hingedly attached to the base. A closure may extend along adjacent perimeters of each of the at least one sidewall and the lid. The base and the lid may each have an inner liner, an outer liner, and an insulation disposed therebetween. A closure may be connected to the inner liner and the outer liner of the base, and the closure may be connected to the inner liner and the outer liner of the lid. One or more flaps may be disposed inwardly of the closure and limiting heat transfer between the cavity an exterior of the cooler through the closure, the one or more flaps may be connected to the lid or the base.

[0009] According to some optional embodiments, the following features may be used alone with the cooler or in combination with other features and the cooler. The one or more flaps may depend from the lid. The one or more flaps may be connected to the inner liner of the lid and spaced from the closure. The one or more flaps may further comprise an internal insulation within the one or more flaps. The one or more flaps may extend to the at least one sidewall of the base. The one or more flaps may extend at an angle from a land of the base toward the lid. The one or more flaps may extend from the inner liner of the base vertically toward the lid. The one or more flaps may have an insulation. The one or more flaps may be defined by the insulation of the at least one sidewall, the one or more flaps extending upwardly to a height equal to or greater than the elevation of the closure. The one or more flaps may be spaced inwardly of the closure and may define an air gap between the one or more flaps and the closure. The one or more flaps may be sized or located to preclude engagement with the closure. The inner liner may be formed of two or more pieces of inner liner material. The insulation of the at least one sidewall may be adhesively fixed within the at least one sidewall. The lid may have an upper edge and a recessed area disposed inside a perimeter defined by the upper edge. The one or more flaps may be connected to the inner liner of the at least one sidewall both of a land and the inner liner of the at least one sidewall. The one or more flaps may be defined by an insert formed of an insulation material. The insert may be located on a land of the base.

The insert may be located on an interior surface of the lid. The one or more flaps may be sized to locate adjacent to an inner edge or surface of an insert.

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order that the embodiments may be better understood, a soft-sided cooler will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of a soft-sided cooler will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein:

[0012] FIG. l is a perspective view of a soft-sided cooler in a closed configuration;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a soft-sided cooler in an open configuration;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooler with an alternative flap configuration;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the cooler;

[0016] FIG. 5 is an end view of the cooler showing the straps at one end wall;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a first section view, including a detail view, of a portion of the cooler showing an embodiment of the cooler flap;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a second section view, including a detail view, of a portion of the cooler showing an embodiment of the cooler flap; [0019] FIG. 8 is a third section view, including a detail view, of a portion of the cooler showing an embodiment of the cooler flap; and,

[0020] FIG. 9 is a further section view of an alternative flap arrangement defined by the wall insulation and liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It is to be understood that a soft-sided cooler is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0022] Also, while the terms “frontside,” “backside,” “top,” “base,” “bottom,” “side,”

“forward,” and “rearward” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0023] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 - 9, the present embodiments relate to a soft-side cooler bag which reduces heat transfer through the closure area of the cooler. The cooler may comprise improved areas of insulation which are located adjacent to the closure. Specifically, the cooler may have one or more flaps disposed behind, or inwardly of, the insulation, or additionally the flap may be insulated. The flap may be disposed on a lid, on a base, or both.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a cooler, for example a soft- sided cooler 10. The cooler 10 is insulated may be used to store food or beverage containers so that the food or beverage containers may keep the food or beverage container at or below a desired temperature over a period of time. In some embodiments, the cooler may be a passive cooler so that ice, or an icepack may be used to keep the food or drink cold. In other embodiments, the cooler 10 may be actively cooled, for example by a battery-powered refrigerant compression system. Likewise, a hot structure may be used to maintain food or drink warm in the passive configuration, or alternatively, the battery powered refrigerant compression system may be run in reverse direction to function as a heat pump, or in further alternatives, a battery powered heating element may be used.

[0026] The cooler 10 is shown as soft-sided cooler or may be a semi-rigid cooler in a closed condition. The cooler is defined as semi-rigid as it may be somewhat rigid when no force is being applied but is capable of flexing with application of small amounts of force. The cooler 10 may comprise a base 12 and a lid 14. The base 12 may include one or more sidewalls 16 depending on the shape of the cooler desired. In the depicted embodiment, the base 12 and lid 14 are shown having a rectangular bottom 18 with the at least one sidewall 16 extending upward from the bottom 18.

The instant embodiment shows a plurality of walls 16 extending upwardly and joined at ends to define corners 19. In some embodiments, the corners 19 may be rounded or chamfered to provide a desirable design aesthetic and allow for insertion of insulation. As will be described further herein, the at least one wall 16 may be defined by an outer liner 27 and an insulation foam 70 (FIG. 6) inwardly located relative to the outer liner 27. An inner liner 54 (FIG. 6) may be located inwardly of the insulation foam 70. The insulation foam 70 in some embodiments may be adhesively fixed between the inner liner 54 and the outer liner 27, welded therebetween, or sewn in order to provide a fixed insulation, or in other embodiments may be a floating insulation.

[0027] In the depicted embodiment, there is a front wall 20, a rear wall 22 (FIG. 4), a first endwall 24 and a second sidewall 26, all extending from the bottom 18 to an open upper edge 28 (FIG. 2). At the upper edge 28 of the at least one wall 16, is a first closure portion 32, which partially defines a closure 30 between the base 12 and the lid 14. The at least one wall 16 and more specifically, the outer liner 27 may be formed of various materials including in some non-limiting embodiments a waterproof thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polyester. In some embodiments this may be TPU 840D polyester.

[0028] Disposed at the top of the base 12 and hingedly attached to the top of the base

12 is the lid 14. The lid 14 has a height and a shape which may match the outer perimeter shape or footprint of the base 12. The lid 14 also comprises a second closure portion 34 disposed along a bottom edge 36 of lid 14. The lid 14 is hinged to the base 12 to open and close.

[0029] Along the first endwall 24 and the second endwall 26 are a pair of straps 40,

42. The straps 40, 42 are intended to be used for hand carrying for example by one person, or alternatively with one person at each end of the cooler 10. The straps 40,

42 may also be used to tie down the cooler 10 for example during transit. Each strap 40, 42 may have a first end and a second end which connect to the same endwall 24, 26 defining a loop. The straps 40, 42 may be formed of various fabrics comprising vinyl, polyester, molle straps, or other materials. This list is not exhaustive but instead illustrative and non-limiting, as various fabrics or combinations of fabrics and materials may be utilized. The straps 40, 42 may be sewn, welded, or connected in other fashions to the endwalls 24, 26 respectively and may optionally utilize a reinforcement material one or within the endwalls 24, 26 for better support of the straps 40, 42 during lifting.

[0030] Additionally, the soft-sided cooler 10 may include a shoulder carrying strap 46 as well. The shoulder strap 46 may comprise a first end 47 and second end 48, and have a shoulder pad 49 disposed therebetween. The ends 47, 48 of the shoulder carrying strap 46 may include clips, fasteners, or other connectors so that the shoulder strap may be connected to an associate D-ring or other corresponding fastener. Connections for the strap 46 may include removable rings, clips or like structures which may be engaged by structures at the endwalls 24, 26 of the cooler 10. The strap 46 may extend centered across cooler 10 or may be skewed. For example, one end 48 may be closer to the front of the cooler 10 on one end wall 26, while the other end 47 may be closer to the rear of the cooler 10. Or, alternatively, both ends of the shoulder strap 46 may be closer to the front or rear, in order to improve access to the cooler 10 interior while the shoulder strap 46 is in use. In some embodiments for example, the clips or rings 43 (FIG. 5) that connect to the strap 46 may be connected to the straps 40, 42.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the cooler 10. The cooler 10 is shown with the lid 14 in an open position. When the lid 14 is open, an interior of the cooler 10 is shown. The cooler 10 comprises a cavity 50 defined within the at least one wall 16 of the base 12. The cavity 50 may provide a storage area for food or drinks to be retained as cool or warm. At the top of the cooler 10 may be a land or landing 52 against which the lid 14 seats. The land or landing 52 may have a thickness related to the wall 16 thickness. The land 52 thickness may be same, greater than, or less than the thickness of the remaining at least one wall 16 below. [0032] The inside of the cooler 10 includes a liner 54 that is waterproof wherein ice may be stored and the melted ice may be retained. The liner 54 may define a portion of the at least one wall 16 (FIG. 1). The liner 54 may be used both within the base 12 and on the inside surface of the lid 14. In some non-limiting embodiments, the liner 54 material may be a 420D nylon liner, food grade liner. Other materials may be utilized.

[0033] Still further, optional features may be located within the cooler 10. For example, straps, trims, attachment features or other structures may be located within the cooler 10. These features may be attached by welding to the liner 54, or may be connected alternately.

[0034] Also shown in the open position, the present embodiments may include one or more drapes or flaps 60 extending from the lid 14 to the base 12 or alternatively from the base 12 to the lid 14. The one or more flaps 60 may extend about an inner perimeter of the base 12 and lid 14, inwardly of where the two structures join by closure 30 (FIG. 1). Due to this construction, the flap 60 is offset inwardly from the perimeter or edge of the lid 14. The flap or drape 60 may be insulated to reduce heat transfer through the closure 30 where the structures meet. While the flap 60 is shown depending from the lid 14, the flap 60 may also be located on the base 12 and extend upwardly from the base 12 toward the lid 14. The flap 60 may be formed of various materials and in some embodiments may be formed of the same material, or a material that is weldable, to the inner liner 54 which may be the same or a similar material as the inner liner 54. In further embodiments, the flap 60 may be adhered with an adhesive or sewn to the inner liner 54.

[0035] Also shown in this view is an optional pocket 21 on the front wall 20 which may be opened and closed with a closure, such as a zipper for example. The optional pocket 21 may be located on any wall 16 (20, 22, 24, 26) of the cooler 10.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative perspective view of an embodiment is depicted. The cooler 10 is shown in an open condition and again comprises the base 12 and the lid 14. In this embodiment, the flap 60 is shown extending upwardly from the base 12. Like the flap of FIG. 2, the flap 60 of FIG. 3 is located inwardly of the closure 30 (32, 34). In either version, the flap 60 is offset from the outer surface and limits interference with the closure portions 32, 34 and may be formed of a single continuous flap, or multiple flap segments. Further, in either embodiment, the flap 60 may or may not have insulation therein. In some embodiments, the flap 60 may be formed of insulation. The insulation may be an insulation foam, which may render the flap thicker and more rigid, or may be without providing a thinner more flexible flap. Further, in either embodiment, an air gap is defined between the flap 60 and the closure 30 (portion 32, 34), which provides further insulative property. In either embodiment of FIG. 2 or 3, for non-limiting example, where two flaps 60 may be utilized, the two flaps 60 may be concentrically arranged wherein one flap is outward of an inner flap, for example.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, a rear view of the cooler 10 is shown. The closure

30 is shown extending about the base 12 and the lid 14 and a hinge 15 is shown on the rear surface 22. The hinge 15 is located between the lid 14 and the base 12. The hinge 15 may be defined by the outer liner 27 defining the rear wall 22 and/or the inner liner 54 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, or additionally, a distinct hinge structure may also be used between the base 12 and lid 14. The hinge 15 allows for pivoting function of the lid 14 relative to the base 12.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, a side view of the cooler 10 is shown depicting the end wall 26 of the at least one wall 16. The strap 42 is shown defined by the first and second ends connected to the endwall 26. A ring 43 may be located on the strap 42 and a similar arrangement may be used on the opposite side of the cooler 10, to provide connection locations for the shoulder strap 46.

[0039] With reference to the next several FIGS., side section views with corresponding detail views are shown for various embodiments. The embodiments relate to the flap which, as previously referenced, may extend from the base 12 or depend from the lid 14. Referring first to FIG. 6, a section view of a portion of the soft side cooler 10 is shown. The section view shows the construction a portion of the cooler 10 so that the lid 14 and base 12 are both shown, including in the detail window. The cooler 10 comprises an outer liner 27 on both the base 12 and the lid 14. The outer liner 27 may be formed of waterproof TPU polyester, in some non limiting examples.

[0040] Inside of the outer liner 27 may be a foam insulation 70, for example, an EVA foam in both the lid 14 and the walls 16 of the base 12. The EVA foam may form an insulation layer for the soft-side cooler. Other forms of foams may be used alternatively to the EVA foam.

[0041] The cooler 10 may also comprise the inner liner 54 as previously discussed.

The inner liner 54 is shown in the lid 14 and along the walls of the base 12. In the depicted configuration, there is an outer liner 27, an inner liner 54, and a foam insulation 70 sandwiched between the two.

[0042] The closure 30 is shown between the lid 14 and the base 12. The closure 30 is shown joining the outer liner 27 and the inner liner 54 to provide a connection of the lid 14 and base 12 when the closure 30 is closed. In some non-limiting embodiments, the closure 30 may be in the form of a zipper, and in some further embodiments, the zipper may be a waterproof zipper so that if the cooler is overturned and any ice is melted inside, the cooler will not leak, at least for some period of time. The closure 30 is shown formed of the first portion 32, and the second portion 34.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, the cooler 10 may further comprise a curtain or flap 160. In this embodiment, the inner liner 54 of the base 12 extends upwardly beyond the foam insulation 70 and is joined by a coupling liner 71. The coupling liner 71 extends from the closure 30 and is joined with the portion of the inner liner 54 extending adjacent to the inner foam insulation 70 of the base 12. The coupling liner 71 and the base inner liner 54 may be joined directly, or may additionally include a weld strip or liner material to additionally join the liners. [0044] The flap 160 is shown extending upwardly from the base 12 but may alternatively depend from the lid 14 in order to provide a blocking structure at or near an elevation of the closure 30. This arrangement reduces the heat transfer (loss) between the cavity and the closure 30. The flap 160 is shown extending upwardly from the base 12 at an angle and returning downward to the land 52. The flap 160 may or may not include an insulation foam therein, and in the depicted embodiment, the flap 160 is shown without the EVA foam in this area.

[0045] Additionally, the flap may be sized, have an orientation, a length, and/or is spaced a distance, that reduces the likelihood of the flap engaging the closure. That may apply for any of the embodiments herein.

[0046] In this embodiment, the section view also shows a depression in the lid 14 which matches the contour of bottom 18 (FIG. 1) so that the coolers 10 may be stacked in arrangement convenient for storage, shipping or the like.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7, a further alternative is provided. The flap 260 is shown extending from the inner liner 54 of the base 12 upward to the lid 14. The flap 260 of this embodiment may or may not include insulation therein. In the instant embodiment, the flap 260 is shown with a foam insulation 270. In this embodiment, the flap 260 is connected to the inner liner 54 of the base 12. As with other embodiments, the flap 260 may be connected in a variety of ways, but according to some embodiments may be connected by weld, an adhesive, sewn, or a combination. This list is not exhaustive as other methods and structures for connection may be utilized

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 8, a further alternative is shown in which the flap 360 is formed in a different manner. In this embodiment, the flap 360 is formed and attached to the inner liner 54 of the lid 14. The flap, or drape, 360 may depend downwardly and engage the inside liner 54 surface of the base 12. The flap 360 may or may not include an insulation interior in the flap 360, and in the depicted embodiment is shown without. In any event, when the lid 14 closes, the flap 360 depends downwardly to cover the space adjacent to the closure.

[0049] Optionally, a second flap 362 is shown depending from the lid liner 54. The flap 362 provides an additional barrier in the air gap between the flap 360 and the closure 30. The flaps 360, 362 may alternatively extend from the base 12 or both the base 12 and the lid 14. The flaps 360, 362 may be of the same length or differing lengths, either flap 360, 362 may or may not be insulated, or one of the two may be insulated and one not insulated. Still further the flaps 360, 362 may be the same or differing thicknesses, for example if one is insulated and the other is not.

[0050] In the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 8, the flap 360 may have a length that extends upwardly or downwardly past the closure 30. However, in some embodiments, the flaps 360 may depend from the lid 14 to the upper surface of the land 52 or may extend up to the near the inner surface 54 of the lid 14. In any of these embodiments, the flap 360 provides a barrier to heat transfer.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 9, a further embodiment of a flap construction is shown. In this embodiment, the foam insulation 470 and inner liner 54 of the base 12 extend upwardly along the interior of the base 12 to define the flap 460. Instead of the insulation stopping below the closure 30, the insulation 470 continues extending upwardly and the inner liner 54 of the base 12 extends from the closure portion of the base, upwardly along, and around to the inside surface of the lid 14. The flap 460 may be sized to extend to or adjacent to the base or the lid, or extend beyond the opening defined in the area of the closure 30 so that the lid or base is engaged, or the lid or base are not engaged. It is desirable to block the heat transfer in the area of the closure.

[0052] The embodiments provide a soft cooler in which one or more flaps may be utilized on the base, lid, or both. The flaps limit heat transfer between the closure and the interior of the base. [0053] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. [0055] Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0056] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0057] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0058] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0059] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

[0060] The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A cooler, comprising: a base comprising a bottom and at least one sidewall extending from the bottom to an upper edge, said at least one sidewall and said bottom defining a cavity wherein food or drinks are capable of being stored, said bottom and said at least one sidewall defining said base; a lid hingedly attached to said base; a closure extending along adjacent perimeters of each of said at least one sidewall and said lid; said base and said lid each having an inner liner, an outer liner, and an insulation disposed therebetween; said closure connected to said inner liner and said outer liner of said base, and said closure connected to said inner liner and said outer liner of said lid; and, one or more flaps disposed inwardly of said closure and limiting heat transfer between said cavity and an exterior of the cooler through said closure, said one or more flaps connected to said lid or said base.

2. The cooler of Claim 1 , said one or more flaps depending from said lid.

3. The cooler of Claim 2, said one or more flaps connected to said inner liner of said lid and spaced from said closure.

4. The cooler of Claim 2, said one or more flaps further comprising an internal insulation within said one or more flaps.

5. The cooler of Claim 1, said one or more flaps extending to said at least one sidewall of said base.

6. The cooler of Claim 5, said one or more flaps extending at an angle from a land of said base toward said lid.

7. The cooler of Claim 1 , said one or more flaps extending from said inner liner of said base vertically toward said lid.

8. The cooler of Claim 7, said one or more flaps having an insulation.

9. The cooler of Claim 1 , said one or more flaps defined by said insulation of said at least one sidewall, said one or more flaps extending upwardly to a height equal to or greater than an elevation of said closure.

10. The cooler of Claim 1, said one or more flaps spaced inwardly of said closure and defining an air gap between said one or more flaps and said closure.

11. The cooler of Claim 1 , said one or more flaps being sized or located to preclude engagement with said closure.

12. The cooler of Claim 1, said inner liner formed of two or more pieces of inner liner material.

13. The cooler of Claim 1, said insulation of said at least one sidewall being adhesively fixed within said at least one sidewall.

14. The cooler of Claim 1, said lid having an upper edge and a recessed area disposed inside a perimeter defined by said upper edge.

15. The cooler of Claim 1, said one or more flaps connected to said inner liner of said at least one sidewall both of a land and said inner liner of said at least one sidewall.

16. The cooler of Claim 1, said one or more flaps defined by an insert formed of an insulation material.

17. The cooler of Claim 16, said insert being located on a land of said base.

18. The cooler of Claim 16, said insert being located on an interior surface of said lid.

19. The cooler of Claim 1, said one or more flaps being sized to locate adjacent to an inner edge or surface of an insert.