US20240017907A1 - Insulating device - Google Patents
Insulating device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240017907A1 US20240017907A1 US18/217,013 US202318217013A US2024017907A1 US 20240017907 A1 US20240017907 A1 US 20240017907A1 US 202318217013 A US202318217013 A US 202318217013A US 2024017907 A1 US2024017907 A1 US 2024017907A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- collar structure
- lid
- gasket
- lateral
- compression surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 231
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 231
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 50
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 12
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920006602 NBR/PVC Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 101150044878 US18 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000004072 lung Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/008—Details; Accessories for making water- or air-tight
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3813—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/20—Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/10—Arrangement of fasteners
- A45C13/1023—Arrangement of fasteners with elongated profiles fastened by sliders
- A45C13/103—Arrangement of zip-fasteners
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
- B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/20—Sealing means
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid, portable, insulated devices or containers useful for keeping food and beverages cool or warm, and, more particularly, an insulating device with a waterproof closure.
- Coolers are designed to keep food and beverages at lower temperatures.
- Containers may be composed of rigid materials such as metal or plastics or flexible materials such as fabric or foams.
- Coolers can be designed to promote portability.
- rigid containers can be designed to incorporate wheels that facilitate ease of transport or coolers can be designed in smaller shapes to allow individuals to carry the entire device.
- Non-rigid containers can be provided with straps and/or handles and may in certain instances be made of lighter weight materials to facilitate mobility.
- Non-rigid coolers that maximize portability can be designed with an aperture on the top that allows access to the interior contents of the cooler. The aperture can also be provided with a closure.
- aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to insulating devices having one or more of ( 1 ) a waterproof closure ( 2 ) an outer shell, ( 3 ) an inner liner, ( 4 ) an insulating layer floating freely in between the outer shell and the inner liner, or ( 5 ) a waterproof storage compartment.
- an insulating device may comprise: a body assembly comprising an outer shell defining a sidewall; an inner liner forming a storage compartment; an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment; a lid assembly; an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and a closure.
- the closure may comprise a lid collar structure and a body collar structure.
- the lid collar structure may extend around a perimeter of the lid assembly, comprising a first lateral compression surface and a first longitudinal compression surface.
- the body collar structure may extend around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening, comprising a second lateral compression surface and a second longitudinal compression surface.
- the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure. Additionally, the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
- an insulating container may comprise: a body assembly comprising a storage compartment; a lid assembly; an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening.
- the closure may comprise a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly and a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening. When the closure is closed, at least a portion of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against at least a portion of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
- a method of forming an insulating device may comprise the following steps: forming an inner liner first portion and an outer shell first portion; securing the inner liner first portion to the outer shell first portion to form a lid assembly; forming an inner liner second portion and an outer shell second portion; securing the inner liner second portion to the outer shell second portion to form a body assembly, wherein the body assembly comprises an opening into a storage compartment; and forming a sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment.
- Forming the sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment may comprise forming a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly and forming a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly.
- the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the body collar structure to resealably seal the sealable closure.
- the closure may further comprise a zipper.
- the zipper may comprise an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface.
- the upper portion and the lower portion may be configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.
- the insulating device may further comprise a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure.
- the V-shaped gasket may comprise a seal body; a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal.
- the primary seal arm When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the insulating device may further comprise a dual-seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure.
- the dual-seal gasket may comprise a primary seal arm and a secondary seal arm. When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the insulating device may further comprise a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure.
- the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the insulating device may further comprise a plunger extending from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure; a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure; and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel.
- the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
- the insulating device may further comprise lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel.
- the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.
- FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an example insulating device in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the example insulating device of FIG. 1 , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 3 A depicts a front isometric view of the insulating device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 3 B depicts an isometric view of the insulating device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an open configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a portion of a body assembly that may be utilized to form a sealed closure of an insulating container, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 5 schematically depicts a closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 6 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 7 schematically depicts another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 8 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism of FIG. 7 , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 9 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism of FIG. 7 , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 10 schematically depicts another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 11 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism of FIG. 10 , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 12 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism of FIG. 10 , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 13 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another closure mechanism 1300 , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIGS. 14 A and 14 B schematically depict another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 15 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism of FIGS. 14 A and 14 B , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 16 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism of FIGS. 14 A and 14 B , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIGS. 17 A and 17 B schematically depict various implementations of a gasket for the closure mechanism of FIGS. 14 A and 14 B , according to one or more aspects described herein;
- FIG. 18 schematically depicts an exemplary body collar structure that may be used with any of the closure mechanisms, according to one or more aspects described herein.
- 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. None 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.
- FIGS. 1 , 2 , 3 A, and 3 B depict an example insulating device 100 that may be utilized with the closure devices and implementations described herein.
- the example insulating device 100 includes closure 102 , and an opening 104 is formed through a first/front sidewall 106 A, a second/left sidewall 106 B, and a third/right sidewall 106 C and partially through a fourth/back sidewall 106 D of the insulating device 100 .
- the opening 104 may be configured to provide access to an inner storage compartment/chamber 108 as is shown in FIG. 3 B .
- the closure 102 can be substantially waterproof or water resistant so as to resist liquid from exiting the opening 104 when the insulating device 100 is in any orientation.
- the example insulating device 100 generally includes a body assembly 110 and a lid assembly 112 .
- the lid assembly 112 may include a pull tab 113 and/or a handle 115 to increase ease of opening and holding the lid assembly 112 .
- the inner liner 114 and an outer shell 116 between which are positioned one or more layers of insulation together form the three main components of the insulating device 100 .
- the inner liner 114 can, in one example, be formed of double laminated TPU nylon fabric
- the outer shell 116 can, in one example, be formed of TPU nylon fabric
- the insulating layer spaced between the inner liner 114 and outer shell 116 may be formed of NBR/PVC foam blend or any other suitable blend or foam.
- the inner liner 114 and the outer shell 116 can be formed of one or more of PVC, TPU coated nylon, coated fabrics, and other weldable and/or waterproof fabrics.
- An inner liner 115 of the lid assembly 112 may be formed from materials similar to those of the inner liner 114 .
- the insulating device 100 and the body assembly 110 may include a strap 111 that connects to one or more of the first/front sidewall 106 A, the second/left sidewall 106 B, the third/right sidewall 106 C, and/or the fourth/back sidewall 106 D of the insulating device 100 .
- the strap 111 may connect to one or more of the sidewalls 106 A, 106 B, 106 C, 106 D using various connecting mechanisms known and used in the art, such as D-rings, hooks, clasps, swivel hooks, etc.
- the insulating container/device 100 is one example container that may be utilized with the closure embodiments described herein. Additional insulating containers are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/174,964, filed 12 Feb. 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.
- FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a portion of a body assembly 400 that may be utilized to form a sealed closure of an insulating container, according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the body assembly 400 may be integrated into an insulating container similar to insulating container 100 .
- the body assembly 400 may be referred to as a base assembly 400 .
- the body assembly 400 may be utilized as a liner in place of the inner liner 114 .
- the body assembly 400 may have a front side 402 , a left side 403 , a right side 404 , a back side 405 , and a base side 406 .
- sides 402 - 406 may form the inner walls/inner liner of a storage compartment of an insulating container, such as container 100 . Accordingly, the body assembly 400 may have an opening 408 extending into an internal storage compartment. As depicted, the body assembly 400 includes rounded sides—the geometries of these features may be implemented with any dimensional values, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
- the body assembly 400 further includes a body collar structure 430 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 400 at the opening 408 .
- This body collar structure 430 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of a closure mechanism that is described in further detail with reference to the proceeding figures.
- the body assembly 400 may be formed by one or more injection molding processes.
- the body assembly 400 may be formed from one or more polymers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, one or more thermoplastic elastomers, among others. Additionally or alternatively, the body assembly 400 may be formed from one or more fiber-reinforced materials, metals and/or alloys. Further, the body assembly 400 may be formed as a single element, or from two or more elements that are affixed to one another.
- the body assembly 400 may additionally include one or more thermoformed sheets configured to act as a migration barrier to impede chemical migration and to block moisture and/or odor.
- the body collar structure 430 may be utilized without forming the sides 402 - 406 .
- FIG. 5 schematically depicts a closure mechanism 500 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the body assembly 400 is removably coupled to a lid assembly 501 to form the closure mechanism 500 .
- the body assembly 400 may include a body collar structure 430 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body assembly 400 .
- the lid assembly 501 may include a lid collar structure 502 that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly 501 .
- the lid assembly 501 may be integrated into a lid assembly of an insulating device, such as lid assembly 112 of insulating device 100 . Accordingly, in one example, the lid assembly 502 may be added to, or may replace the inner liner 115 of the lid assembly 112 .
- the lid assembly 502 may be formed in a similar manner to the body assembly 400 , using similar manufacturing methodologies and/or materials. Indeed, it is contemplated that the structures described throughout this disclosure may be formed using any manufacturing processes and/or materials, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
- FIG. 6 schematically depicts a more detailed view of an exemplary closure mechanism 600 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the closure mechanism 600 includes a lid assembly 601 and a body assembly 603 .
- the lid assembly 601 and the body assembly 603 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100 .
- the lid assembly 601 includes a lid collar structure 602 that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly 601 .
- This lid collar structure 602 includes a lateral compression surface 604 and a longitudinal compression surface 606 .
- the lateral compression surface 604 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrows 609 a and 609 b .
- the longitudinal compression surface 606 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrows 607 a and 607 b.
- the body assembly 603 further includes a body collar structure 630 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 603 at the opening.
- This body collar structure 630 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of the closure mechanism 600 .
- the body collar structure 630 may include a shoulder element 610 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 630 .
- This shoulder element 610 may include a longitudinal compression surface 612 and a lateral compression surface 614 . Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 601 and the body assembly 603 is closed, the lateral compression surface 604 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 614 , and the longitudinal compression surface 606 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 612 to seal the opening.
- the lateral compression surface 604 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 616 .
- the top collar flexure structure 616 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 602 is compressed against the body collar structure 630 . Further, the top collar flexure structure 616 may urge the lateral compression surface 604 toward the lateral compression surface 614 .
- the lid collar structure 602 includes a lateral gasket 620 A that extends around at least a portion of the lateral compression surface 604 . This lateral gasket 620 A may be received into a lateral gasket channel 622 that extends into the lateral compression surface 604 .
- the lateral gasket 620 A includes a wiper structure 624 that extends outward along direction 609 b and upward along direction 607 a .
- lateral gasket 620 A and any other gasket described throughout this disclosure may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries.
- gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d-shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries.
- the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials.
- the lid collar structure 602 may additionally include a longitudinal gasket 620 B that extends around at least a portion of the longitudinal compression surface 606 of the lid collar structure 602 . Accordingly, when the closure mechanism 600 is closed, the longitudinal gasket 620 B is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 612 of the body collar structure 630 and the lateral gasket 620 A is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 614 of the body collar structure 630 . Compression of the longitudinal compression surface 606 against the longitudinal compression surface 612 may result in direct or indirect contact between the surfaces 606 and 612 . Similarly, compression of the lateral compression surface 604 against a lateral compression surface 614 may result in direct or indirect contact between surfaces 604 and 614 .
- the closure mechanism 600 may additionally include a zipper 641 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 6 as having an upper zipper portion 644 and a lower zipper portion 646 .
- the upper zipper portion 644 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 640 .
- This upper zipper portion 644 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 646 , with the lower zipper portion 646 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 642 .
- the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 644 to the lower zipper portion 646 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 607 a and 607 b . This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 606 against the longitudinal compression surface 612 , and further seals the closure 600 .
- the zipper 641 formed by upper portion 644 and lower portion 646 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed.
- the closure mechanism 600 includes a gutter structure 650 formed between a ledge surface 652 of the body collar structure 630 and the shoulder element 610 . This gutter structure 650 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper 641 from draining into the storage compartment through the opening 408 .
- FIG. 7 schematically depicts another closure mechanism 700 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the closure mechanism 700 includes a lid assembly 701 and a body assembly 703 .
- the lid assembly 701 and the body assembly 703 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100 .
- FIG. 8 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism 700 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the lid assembly 701 may include a lid collar structure 702 similar to lid collar structure 602 and a body collar structure 730 similar to body collar structure 630 .
- the lid collar structure 702 includes a lateral compression surface 704 and a longitudinal compression surface 706 .
- the lateral compression surface 704 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 709 a and 709 b .
- the longitudinal compression surface 706 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 707 a and 707 b.
- the body collar structure 730 may include a shoulder element 710 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 730 .
- This shoulder element 710 may include a longitudinal compression surface 712 and a lateral compression surface 714 . Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 701 and the body assembly 703 is closed, the lateral compression surface 704 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 714 , and the longitudinal compression surface 706 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 712 to seal the opening.
- the lateral compression surface 704 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 716 .
- the top collar flexure structure 716 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 702 is compressed against the body collar structure 730 . Further, the top collar flexure structure 716 may urge the lateral compression surface 704 toward the lateral compression surface 714 .
- the lid collar structure 702 includes a gasket 720 that extends around at least a portion of the lateral compression surface 704 . This gasket 720 may be received into a gasket channel 722 that extends into the lateral compression surface 704 .
- the gasket 720 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 714 of the body collar structure 730 . Compression of the lateral compression surface 704 against a lateral compression surface 714 may result in direct or indirect contact between surfaces 704 and 714 .
- the closure mechanism 700 may additionally include a zipper 741 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 7 as having an upper zipper portion 744 and a lower zipper portion 746 .
- the upper zipper portion 744 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 740 .
- This upper zipper portion 744 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 746 , with the lower zipper portion 746 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 742 .
- the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 744 to the lower zipper portion 746 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 707 a and 707 b .
- This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 706 against the longitudinal compression surface 712 , and further seals the closure 700 .
- the zipper 741 formed by upper portion 744 and lower portion 746 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed.
- the closure mechanism 700 includes a gutter structure 750 formed between a ledge surface 752 of the body collar structure 704 and the shoulder element 710 . This gutter structure 750 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper from draining into the storage compartment of an insulating container to which the closure mechanism 700 is affixed.
- FIG. 9 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism 700 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the body collar structure 704 includes body rib structures 902 and 904
- lid collar structure 702 includes lid rib structure 906 .
- These rib structures 902 , 904 and 906 are configured to brace the lid collar structure 702 and the body collar structure 704 during compression to form the interference fit. It is contemplated that the rib structures 902 , 904 and 906 may be implemented with any geometries, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
- FIG. 10 schematically depicts another closure mechanism 1000 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the closure mechanism 1000 includes a lid assembly 1001 and a body assembly 1003 .
- the lid assembly 1001 and the body assembly 1003 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100 .
- FIG. 11 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism 1000 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the lid assembly 1001 may include a lid collar structure 1002 similar to lid collar structures 602 and 702 .
- the body assembly 1003 further includes a body collar structure 1030 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 1003 at the opening similar to body collar structures 630 and 730 .
- the lid collar structure 1002 includes a lateral compression surface 1004 and a longitudinal compression surface 1006 .
- the lateral compression surface 1004 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1009 a and 1009 b .
- the longitudinal compression surface 1006 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1007 a and 1007 b.
- the body collar structure 1030 may include a shoulder element 1010 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1030 .
- This shoulder element 1010 may include a longitudinal compression surface 1012 and a lateral compression surface 1014 . Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 1001 and the body assembly 1003 is closed, the lateral compression surface 1004 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1014 , and the longitudinal compression surface 1006 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1012 to seal an opening of an insulating container or device, such as opening 104 .
- the lateral compression surface 1004 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 1016 .
- the top collar flexure structure 1016 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 1002 is compressed against the body collar structure 1004 . Further, the top collar flexure structure 1016 may urge the lateral compression surface 1004 toward the lateral compression surface 1014 .
- the lid collar structure 1002 includes a longitudinal gasket 1020 that extends around at least a portion of the longitudinal compression surface 1006 . This longitudinal gasket 1020 may be received into a longitudinal gasket channel 1022 that extends into the longitudinal compression surface 1006 .
- the longitudinal gasket 1020 is configured to compress against a plunger element 1025 that extends from the longitudinal compression surface 1012 .
- the plunger element 1025 may be formed as a raised rim on the longitudinal compression surface 1012 .
- additional or alternative plunger geometries may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Compression of the lateral compression surface 1004 against a lateral compression surface 1014 may result in direct or indirect contact between surfaces 1004 and 1014 .
- the closure mechanism 1000 may additionally include a zipper 1041 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 11 as having an upper zipper portion 1044 and a lower zipper portion 1046 .
- the upper zipper portion 1044 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 1040 .
- This upper zipper portion 1044 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 1046 , with the lower zipper portion 1046 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 1042 .
- the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 1044 to the lower zipper portion 1046 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 1007 a and 1007 b .
- This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 1006 against the longitudinal compression surface 1012 , and further seals the closure 1000 .
- the zipper 1041 formed by upper portion 1044 and lower portion 1046 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed.
- FIG. 12 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism 1000 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the body collar structure 1004 includes body rib structures 1202
- lid collar structure 1002 includes lid rib structure 1204 .
- These rib structures 1202 and 1204 are configured to brace the lid collar structure 1002 and the body collar structure 1004 during compression to form the interference fit. It is contemplated that the rib structures 1202 and 1204 may be implemented with any geometries, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
- FIG. 13 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another closure mechanism 1300 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the closure mechanism 1300 includes a lid assembly 1301 and a body assembly 1303 .
- the lid assembly 1301 and the body assembly 1303 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100 .
- the body assembly 1303 may be removably coupled to a lid assembly 1301 to from the closure 1300 .
- the lid assembly 1301 may be integrated into a lid assembly of an insulating device, such as lid assembly 112 of insulating device 100 . Accordingly, in one example, the lid assembly 1301 may be added to, or may replace the inner liner 115 of the lid assembly 112 .
- the lid assembly 1301 may be formed in a similar manner to the body assembly 1303 , using similar manufacturing methodologies and/or materials. Indeed, it is contemplated that the structures described throughout this disclosure may be formed using any manufacturing processes and/or materials, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
- the body assembly 1303 further includes a body collar structure 1330 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 1303 .
- This body collar structure 1330 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of the closure mechanism 1300 .
- the lid assembly 1301 includes a lid collar structure 1302 that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly 1301 .
- This lid collar structure 1302 includes a lateral compression surface 1304 and a longitudinal compression surface 1306 .
- the lateral compression surface 1304 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1309 a and 1309 b .
- the longitudinal compression surface 1306 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1307 a and 1307 b.
- the body collar structure 1330 may include a shoulder element 1310 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1330 .
- This shoulder element 1310 may include a longitudinal compression surface 1312 and a lateral compression surface 1314 . Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 1301 and the body assembly 1303 is closed, the lateral compression surface 1304 may be configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1314 , and the longitudinal compression surface 1306 may be configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1312 to seal the opening.
- the lateral compression surface 1304 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 1316 .
- the top collar flexure structure 1316 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 1303 is compressed against the body collar structure 1330 . Further, the top collar flexure structure 1316 may urge the lateral compression surface 1304 toward the lateral compression surface 1314 .
- the lid collar structure 1302 includes a dual-seal gasket 1320 that extends around at least a portion of a gasket channel 1322 of the lid collar structure 1302 .
- the dual-seal gasket includes a primary seal arm 1323 , otherwise referred to as a primary wiper arm 1323 , a secondary seal arm 1325 , otherwise referred to as a secondary wiper arm 1325 , and a standoff arm 1327 .
- the standoff arm 1327 is configured to compress against an inner wall of the gasket channel 1322 to position the gasket 1320 correctly within the channel 1322 .
- the primary seal arm 1323 may be configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1314
- the secondary seal arm 1325 may be configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1312 of the body collar structure 1330 to seal an opening between the lid assembly 1301 and the body assembly 1303 .
- dual-seal gasket 1320 may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries.
- gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d-shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries.
- the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials.
- the closure mechanism 1300 may additionally include a zipper 1341 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 13 as having an upper zipper portion 1344 and a lower zipper portion 1346 .
- the upper zipper portion 1344 may extend along and may be flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 1340 .
- This upper zipper portion 1344 may configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 1346 , with the lower zipper portion 1346 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 1342 .
- the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 1344 to the lower zipper portion 1346 may urge compression along the longitudinal direction 1307 a and 1307 b . This longitudinal compression may urge compression of the longitudinal compression surface 1306 against the longitudinal compression surface 1312 , and further seal the closure 1300 .
- the zipper 1341 formed by upper portion 1344 and lower portion 1346 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed.
- the closure mechanism 1300 may include a gutter structure 1350 formed between a ledge surface 1352 of the body collar structure 1330 and the shoulder element 1310 . This gutter structure 1350 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper from draining into a storage compartment sealed by the closure 1300 .
- FIGS. 14 A and 14 B schematically depict another closure mechanism 1400 , according to one or more aspects described herein.
- the closure mechanism 1400 includes a lid assembly 1401 and a body assembly 1403 .
- the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100 .
- FIGS. 15 and 16 schematically depict a more detailed view of the closure mechanism 1400 , according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, FIG. 15 schematically depicts the closure mechanism 1400 in a fully closed position and FIG. 16 schematically depicts the closure mechanism 1400 in a partially closed position.
- the lid assembly 1401 may include a lid collar structure 1402 similar to lid collar structures 602 , 702 , 1002 and a body collar structure 1430 similar to body collar structures 630 , 730 , 1030 .
- the lid collar structure 1402 includes a lateral compression surface 1404 and a longitudinal compression surface 1406 .
- the lateral compression surface 1404 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1409 a and 1409 b .
- the longitudinal compression surface 1006 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1407 a and 1407 b.
- the body collar structure 1430 may include a shoulder element 1410 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1430 . Additionally, the body collar structure 1430 may include an angled surface 1432 that angles inward from the external portion of the insulating container 1400 . The angled surface 1432 may improve the interface of the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 . Additionally, the angled surface 1432 may improve in the alignment of the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 .
- This shoulder element 1410 may include a longitudinal compression surface 1412 and a lateral compression surface 1414 .
- the lateral compression surface 1404 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1414
- the longitudinal compression surface 1406 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1412 to seal an opening of an insulating container or device, such as opening 104 .
- the lateral compression surface 1404 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 1416 .
- the top collar flexure structure 1416 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 1402 is compressed against the body collar structure 1404 . Further, the top collar flexure structure 1416 may urge the lateral compression surface 1404 toward the lateral compression surface 1414 .
- the lid collar structure 1402 includes a gasket 1420 that extends around at least a portion of the longitudinal compression surface 1406 . This gasket 1420 may be received into a gasket channel 1422 that extends into the longitudinal compression surface 1406 . Additionally, the top collar flexure structure 1416 may include a lid gasket arm 1418 .
- the lid gasket arm 1418 may be a lead that extends from the top collar flexure structure 1416 below the gasket 1420 in order to protect the tip of the gasket 1420 from being folded up when the lid assembly 1401 is lining up with the body assembly 1403 .
- the lid gasket arm 1418 may also be used to protect the gasket 1420 from peeling when pressing the lid assembly 1401 into the body assembly 1403 .
- the gasket 1420 may be a V-shaped gasket.
- the V-shaped gasket 1420 may resist pressure and hold pressure better than other gasket types. Generally, the internal pressure of the insulating container 1400 may push to engage the gasket 1420 and sealing arms further against the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 .
- the V-shaped gasket 1420 may place the primary sealing surface further down the base wall for more reliable compression. Additionally, the V-shaped gasket 1420 may reduce the force to close the lid assembly 1401 on the base assembly 1403 .
- the gasket 1420 may include a seal body 1428 with a primary seal arm 1426 extending from the seal body 1428 and a secondary seal arm 1425 extending from the other side of the seal body 1428 .
- the primary seal arm 1426 may be referred to as a primary wiper arm 1426
- the secondary seal arm 1425 otherwise referred to as a secondary wiper arm 1425 .
- the primary seal arm 1426 may also include a wiper structure 1427 .
- the wiper structure 1427 may also be called scraper, and may protect and seal the insulating container 1400 against moisture, dust, and/or dirt.
- the seal body 1428 and the secondary seal arm 1425 are configured to compress against an inner wall of the gasket channel 1422 to position the gasket 1420 correctly within the channel 1422 .
- gasket 1420 may be configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1414 and the longitudinal compression surface 1412 of the body collar structure 1430 to seal an opening between the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 .
- gasket 1420 may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries.
- gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d-shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries.
- the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials.
- FIGS. 17 A and 17 B illustrate two exemplary types of the V-shaped gasket 1420 .
- the V-shaped gaskets 1420 include a seal body 1428 .
- a primary seal arm 1426 and a secondary seal arm 1425 may extend from the seal body 1428 .
- the primary seal arm 1426 may include a wiper structure 1427 .
- Various geometries may be utilized for any of the various components of the gasket 1420 , such as changing the width, length, density, stiffness, angle, etc. of the seal body 1428 , primary seal arm 1426 , secondary seal arm 1425 , and/or wiper structure 1427 .
- FIG. 17 A shows a V-shaped gasket 1420 with a more rectangular-shaped seal body 1428
- FIG. 17 B shows a V-shaped gasket 1420 with rounded corners for the seal body 1428
- the V-shaped gaskets 1420 and the components make it easier to “tune”/adjust any of the gasket components and the properties of the gasket 1420 , such as, for example, tune the primary seal arm 1426 to adjust the gasket and sealing performance by changing the thickness, length, and/or angle of the primary seal arm 1426 .
- the geometries of these components of the V-shaped gasket 1420 may be implemented with any dimensional values, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
- the V-shaped gasket 1420 may need to impart a stiffness to part of the seal geometry, while having the primary seal arm 1426 acting as a compliant portion and the secondary seal arm 1425 acting as a stiff element.
- the secondary seal arm 1425 or the stiff element may resist torqueing and deformation and drive unity of movement between the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 .
- the primary seal arm 1426 or the compliant portion may deliver the sealing between the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 and modulate enough to compensate for any deformation that does occur during drop scenarios to ensure leak protection for the insulating container 1400 .
- the closure mechanism 1400 may additionally include a zipper 1441 that is schematically depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16 as having an upper zipper portion 1444 and a lower zipper portion 1446 .
- the upper zipper portion 1444 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 1440 .
- This upper zipper portion 1444 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 1446 , with the lower zipper portion 1446 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 1442 .
- the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 1444 to the lower zipper portion 1446 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 1407 a and 1407 b .
- This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 1406 against the longitudinal compression surface 1412 , and further seals the closure 1400 .
- the zipper 1441 formed by upper portion 1444 and lower portion 1446 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed.
- FIG. 18 specifically illustrates another exemplary body collar structure 1830 with base ribs 1834 to increase resistance to torsion and keep the gasket in place and in contact.
- the body collar structure 1830 may be utilized in place of or with the body collar structure 1430 and any of the insulating containers provided.
- the body collar structure 1830 may include a shoulder element 1810 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1830 .
- the shoulder element 1810 may include may include a longitudinal compression surface 1812 and a lateral compression surface 1814 as described and detailed above with reference to the longitudinal compression surface 1412 and the lateral compression surface 1414 .
- the body collar structure 1830 may include may include an angled surface 1832 that angles inward from the external portion of the insulating container.
- the base ribs 1834 may be located in between the angled surface 1832 and a body collar zipper flange surface 1842 .
- the base ribs 1834 may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the body collar structure 1830 .
- the base ribs 1834 may be include various truss and/or beam structures and may be implemented, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
- an insulating device may include a body assembly that has an outer shell defining a first sidewall, a second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall.
- the insulating device may also include an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, with the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment.
- the insulating device may also include a lid assembly. An opening may be formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, with the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment.
- the insulating device may also include a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening.
- the closure may additionally include a lid collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly, with the lid collar structure having a first lateral compression surface and a first longitudinal compression surface.
- the closure may also include a body collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening, with the body collar structure having a second lateral compression surface and a second longitudinal compression surface.
- the closure may additionally include a zipper that has an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface, such that the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening of the insulating device.
- the zipper may urge the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- an interference fit may compress the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the lid collar structure may include a lid rib and the body collar structure may include a body rib, such that the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure and the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.
- the insulating device may also include a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure.
- the V-shaped gasket may further comprise: a seal body; a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal.
- the primary seal arm When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the V-shaped gasket may further comprise a wiper structure.
- the seal body and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against an inner wall of a gasket channel to position the V-shaped gasket correctly within the gasket channel.
- the insulating device may also include a dual-seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure, with the dual-seal having a primary seal arm and a secondary seal arm, such that when the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the insulating device may also include a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure.
- the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the lateral gasket may further include a wiper structure.
- the insulating device may also include a plunger that extends from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure, a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel.
- the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
- the insulating device may also include a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel.
- the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.
- an insulating device may include a body assembly that includes a storage compartment, a lid assembly, and an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, with the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment.
- the insulating device may also include a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening, with the closure including a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly, and a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening. When the closure is closed, at least a portion of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against at least a portion of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
- the lid collar structure may further include a first longitudinal compression element and a first lateral compression element
- the body collar structure may further include a second longitudinal compression element and a second lateral compression element
- the closure of the insulating device may further include a zipper that has an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper phalange surface, and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper phalange surface.
- the upper portion and the lower portion may be configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.
- the zipper urges the first longitudinal compression element of the lid collar structure to compress against lung tool compression element of the body collar structure.
- an interference fit compresses the first lateral compression element of the lid collar structure against the second lateral compression element of the body includes a body rib, such that the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.
- the insulating device may also include a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure.
- the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- the lateral gasket may further include a wiper structure.
- the insulating device may also include a plunger that extends from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure, a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel.
- the plunger When the closure is closed, the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
- the insulating device may also include a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel.
- the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.
- An example method of forming an insulating device can include forming an inner liner first portion and an outer shell first portion, securing the inner liner first portion and the outer shell first portion to a sealable closure to form a lid assembly, forming an inner liner second portion and an outer shell second portion, securing the inner liner second portion to the outer shell second portion to form a body assembly, such that the body assembly includes an opening into a storage compartment.
- the method may additionally include forming a sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment, which further includes forming a lid collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly, forming a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly, such that the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the body collar structure to resealably seal the sealable closure.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
An insulating device can include an opening having a waterproof closure which allows access to a storage compartment within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure may also prevent any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber that is substantially impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/389,641, filed Jul. 15, 2022, which is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/174,964 filed on Feb. 12, 2021, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/295,682, filed Mar. 7, 2019 now U.S. Pat. No. 11,076,666, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/096,206, filed Oct. 24, 2018 now U.S. Pat. No. 11,229,268, PCT/US18/21546, filed Mar. 8, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/468,673, filed Mar. 8, 2017 which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.
- The present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid, portable, insulated devices or containers useful for keeping food and beverages cool or warm, and, more particularly, an insulating device with a waterproof closure.
- Coolers are designed to keep food and beverages at lower temperatures. Containers may be composed of rigid materials such as metal or plastics or flexible materials such as fabric or foams. Coolers can be designed to promote portability. For example, rigid containers can be designed to incorporate wheels that facilitate ease of transport or coolers can be designed in smaller shapes to allow individuals to carry the entire device. Non-rigid containers can be provided with straps and/or handles and may in certain instances be made of lighter weight materials to facilitate mobility. Non-rigid coolers that maximize portability can be designed with an aperture on the top that allows access to the interior contents of the cooler. The aperture can also be provided with a closure.
- This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relating to this invention 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 invention.
- Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to insulating devices having one or more of (1) a waterproof closure (2) an outer shell, (3) an inner liner, (4) an insulating layer floating freely in between the outer shell and the inner liner, or (5) a waterproof storage compartment.
- In certain examples, an insulating device may comprise: a body assembly comprising an outer shell defining a sidewall; an inner liner forming a storage compartment; an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment; a lid assembly; an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and a closure. The closure may comprise a lid collar structure and a body collar structure. The lid collar structure may extend around a perimeter of the lid assembly, comprising a first lateral compression surface and a first longitudinal compression surface. The body collar structure may extend around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening, comprising a second lateral compression surface and a second longitudinal compression surface. When the closure is closed, the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure. Additionally, the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
- In other examples, an insulating container may comprise: a body assembly comprising a storage compartment; a lid assembly; an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening. The closure may comprise a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly and a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening. When the closure is closed, at least a portion of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against at least a portion of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
- In yet another example, a method of forming an insulating device may comprise the following steps: forming an inner liner first portion and an outer shell first portion; securing the inner liner first portion to the outer shell first portion to form a lid assembly; forming an inner liner second portion and an outer shell second portion; securing the inner liner second portion to the outer shell second portion to form a body assembly, wherein the body assembly comprises an opening into a storage compartment; and forming a sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment. Forming the sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment may comprise forming a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly and forming a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly. The lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the body collar structure to resealably seal the sealable closure.
- In one embodiment, the closure may further comprise a zipper. The zipper may comprise an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface. The upper portion and the lower portion may be configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.
- In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure. The V-shaped gasket may comprise a seal body; a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal. When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a dual-seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure. The dual-seal gasket may comprise a primary seal arm and a secondary seal arm. When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- In yet another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure. When the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a plunger extending from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure; a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure; and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
- In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.
- The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.
-
FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an example insulating device in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the example insulating device ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 3A depicts a front isometric view of the insulating device ofFIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 3B depicts an isometric view of the insulating device ofFIGS. 1 and 2 in an open configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a portion of a body assembly that may be utilized to form a sealed closure of an insulating container, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 5 schematically depicts a closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 6 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 7 schematically depicts another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 8 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism ofFIG. 7 , according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 9 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism ofFIG. 7 , according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 10 schematically depicts another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 11 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism ofFIG. 10 , according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 12 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism ofFIG. 10 , according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 13 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of anotherclosure mechanism 1300, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIGS. 14A and 14B schematically depict another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 15 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism ofFIGS. 14A and 14B , according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIG. 16 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism ofFIGS. 14A and 14B , according to one or more aspects described herein; -
FIGS. 17A and 17B schematically depict various implementations of a gasket for the closure mechanism ofFIGS. 14A and 14B , according to one or more aspects described herein; and -
FIG. 18 schematically depicts an exemplary body collar structure that may be used with any of the closure mechanisms, according to one or more aspects described herein. - In the following description of the various examples and components of this disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- 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.
-
FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B depict an exampleinsulating device 100 that may be utilized with the closure devices and implementations described herein. The exampleinsulating device 100 includesclosure 102, and anopening 104 is formed through a first/front sidewall 106A, a second/left sidewall 106B, and a third/right sidewall 106C and partially through a fourth/back sidewall 106D of the insulatingdevice 100. Moreover, theopening 104 may be configured to provide access to an inner storage compartment/chamber 108 as is shown inFIG. 3B . In one example, theclosure 102 can be substantially waterproof or water resistant so as to resist liquid from exiting theopening 104 when the insulatingdevice 100 is in any orientation. - The example
insulating device 100 generally includes abody assembly 110 and alid assembly 112. As illustrated inFIG. 3A , thelid assembly 112 may include apull tab 113 and/or ahandle 115 to increase ease of opening and holding thelid assembly 112. Theinner liner 114 and anouter shell 116 between which are positioned one or more layers of insulation together form the three main components of the insulatingdevice 100. Theinner liner 114 can, in one example, be formed of double laminated TPU nylon fabric, theouter shell 116 can, in one example, be formed of TPU nylon fabric, and the insulating layer spaced between theinner liner 114 andouter shell 116 may be formed of NBR/PVC foam blend or any other suitable blend or foam. It is also contemplated that theinner liner 114 and theouter shell 116 can be formed of one or more of PVC, TPU coated nylon, coated fabrics, and other weldable and/or waterproof fabrics. Aninner liner 115 of thelid assembly 112 may be formed from materials similar to those of theinner liner 114. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 3A , the insulatingdevice 100 and thebody assembly 110 may include astrap 111 that connects to one or more of the first/front sidewall 106A, the second/left sidewall 106B, the third/right sidewall 106C, and/or the fourth/back sidewall 106D of the insulatingdevice 100. Thestrap 111 may connect to one or more of the sidewalls 106A, 106B, 106C, 106D using various connecting mechanisms known and used in the art, such as D-rings, hooks, clasps, swivel hooks, etc. - The insulating container/
device 100 is one example container that may be utilized with the closure embodiments described herein. Additional insulating containers are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/174,964, filed 12 Feb. 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. -
FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a portion of abody assembly 400 that may be utilized to form a sealed closure of an insulating container, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, thebody assembly 400 may be integrated into an insulating container similar to insulatingcontainer 100. In one example, thebody assembly 400 may be referred to as abase assembly 400. Thebody assembly 400 may be utilized as a liner in place of theinner liner 114. Thebody assembly 400 may have afront side 402, aleft side 403, aright side 404, aback side 405, and abase side 406. These sides 402-406 may form the inner walls/inner liner of a storage compartment of an insulating container, such ascontainer 100. Accordingly, thebody assembly 400 may have anopening 408 extending into an internal storage compartment. As depicted, thebody assembly 400 includes rounded sides—the geometries of these features may be implemented with any dimensional values, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. - The
body assembly 400 further includes abody collar structure 430 that extends around a perimeter of thebody assembly 400 at theopening 408. Thisbody collar structure 430 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of a closure mechanism that is described in further detail with reference to the proceeding figures. - The
body assembly 400 may be formed by one or more injection molding processes. In certain examples, thebody assembly 400 may be formed from one or more polymers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, one or more thermoplastic elastomers, among others. Additionally or alternatively, thebody assembly 400 may be formed from one or more fiber-reinforced materials, metals and/or alloys. Further, thebody assembly 400 may be formed as a single element, or from two or more elements that are affixed to one another. Thebody assembly 400 may additionally include one or more thermoformed sheets configured to act as a migration barrier to impede chemical migration and to block moisture and/or odor. In one example, thebody collar structure 430 may be utilized without forming the sides 402-406. -
FIG. 5 schematically depicts aclosure mechanism 500, according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, thebody assembly 400 is removably coupled to alid assembly 501 to form theclosure mechanism 500. Thebody assembly 400 may include abody collar structure 430 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of thebody assembly 400. Thelid assembly 501 may include alid collar structure 502 that extends around a perimeter of thelid assembly 501. In one example, thelid assembly 501 may be integrated into a lid assembly of an insulating device, such aslid assembly 112 of insulatingdevice 100. Accordingly, in one example, thelid assembly 502 may be added to, or may replace theinner liner 115 of thelid assembly 112. Thelid assembly 502 may be formed in a similar manner to thebody assembly 400, using similar manufacturing methodologies and/or materials. Indeed, it is contemplated that the structures described throughout this disclosure may be formed using any manufacturing processes and/or materials, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. -
FIG. 6 schematically depicts a more detailed view of anexemplary closure mechanism 600, according to one or more aspects described herein. Theclosure mechanism 600 includes alid assembly 601 and abody assembly 603. Thelid assembly 601 and thebody assembly 603 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such ascontainer 100. Thelid assembly 601 includes alid collar structure 602 that extends around a perimeter of thelid assembly 601. Thislid collar structure 602 includes alateral compression surface 604 and alongitudinal compression surface 606. Thelateral compression surface 604 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrows longitudinal compression surface 606 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrows - The
body assembly 603 further includes abody collar structure 630 that extends around a perimeter of thebody assembly 603 at the opening. Thisbody collar structure 630 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of theclosure mechanism 600. Thebody collar structure 630 may include ashoulder element 610 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of thebody collar structure 630. Thisshoulder element 610 may include alongitudinal compression surface 612 and alateral compression surface 614. Accordingly, when the closure formed by thelid assembly 601 and thebody assembly 603 is closed, thelateral compression surface 604 is configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 614, and thelongitudinal compression surface 606 is configured to compress against thelongitudinal compression surface 612 to seal the opening. - In one example, the
lateral compression surface 604 forms a portion of a topcollar flexure structure 616. Accordingly, the topcollar flexure structure 616 may be configured to flex when thelid collar structure 602 is compressed against thebody collar structure 630. Further, the topcollar flexure structure 616 may urge thelateral compression surface 604 toward thelateral compression surface 614. In one example, thelid collar structure 602 includes alateral gasket 620A that extends around at least a portion of thelateral compression surface 604. Thislateral gasket 620A may be received into alateral gasket channel 622 that extends into thelateral compression surface 604. In one implementation, thelateral gasket 620A includes awiper structure 624 that extends outward alongdirection 609 b and upward alongdirection 607 a. However, it is contemplated thatlateral gasket 620A, and any other gasket described throughout this disclosure may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries. For example, gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d-shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries. Further, the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials. - The
lid collar structure 602 may additionally include a longitudinal gasket 620B that extends around at least a portion of thelongitudinal compression surface 606 of thelid collar structure 602. Accordingly, when theclosure mechanism 600 is closed, the longitudinal gasket 620B is configured to compress against thelongitudinal compression surface 612 of thebody collar structure 630 and thelateral gasket 620A is configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 614 of thebody collar structure 630. Compression of thelongitudinal compression surface 606 against thelongitudinal compression surface 612 may result in direct or indirect contact between thesurfaces lateral compression surface 604 against alateral compression surface 614 may result in direct or indirect contact betweensurfaces - The
closure mechanism 600 may additionally include azipper 641 that is schematically depicted inFIG. 6 as having an upper zipper portion 644 and alower zipper portion 646. The upper zipper portion 644 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collarzipper flange surface 640. This upper zipper portion 644 is configured to be removably coupled to thelower zipper portion 646, with thelower zipper portion 646 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collarzipper flange surface 642. When theclosure 600 is closed using thezipper 641, the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 644 to thelower zipper portion 646 urges compression along thelongitudinal direction longitudinal compression surface 606 against thelongitudinal compression surface 612, and further seals theclosure 600. - In one example, the
zipper 641 formed by upper portion 644 andlower portion 646 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. In one example, theclosure mechanism 600 includes agutter structure 650 formed between aledge surface 652 of thebody collar structure 630 and theshoulder element 610. Thisgutter structure 650 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through thezipper 641 from draining into the storage compartment through theopening 408. -
FIG. 7 schematically depicts anotherclosure mechanism 700, according to one or more aspects described herein. Theclosure mechanism 700 includes alid assembly 701 and abody assembly 703. Thelid assembly 701 and thebody assembly 703 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such ascontainer 100.FIG. 8 schematically depicts a more detailed view of theclosure mechanism 700, according to one or more aspects described herein. Accordingly, thelid assembly 701 may include alid collar structure 702 similar tolid collar structure 602 and abody collar structure 730 similar tobody collar structure 630. Thelid collar structure 702 includes alateral compression surface 704 and alongitudinal compression surface 706. Thelateral compression surface 704 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow longitudinal compression surface 706 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow - The
body collar structure 730 may include ashoulder element 710 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of thebody collar structure 730. Thisshoulder element 710 may include alongitudinal compression surface 712 and alateral compression surface 714. Accordingly, when the closure formed by thelid assembly 701 and thebody assembly 703 is closed, thelateral compression surface 704 is configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 714, and thelongitudinal compression surface 706 is configured to compress against thelongitudinal compression surface 712 to seal the opening. - In one example, the
lateral compression surface 704 forms a portion of a topcollar flexure structure 716. Accordingly, the topcollar flexure structure 716 may be configured to flex when thelid collar structure 702 is compressed against thebody collar structure 730. Further, the topcollar flexure structure 716 may urge thelateral compression surface 704 toward thelateral compression surface 714. In one example, thelid collar structure 702 includes agasket 720 that extends around at least a portion of thelateral compression surface 704. Thisgasket 720 may be received into agasket channel 722 that extends into thelateral compression surface 704. - Accordingly, when the
closure mechanism 700 is closed, thegasket 720 is configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 714 of thebody collar structure 730. Compression of thelateral compression surface 704 against alateral compression surface 714 may result in direct or indirect contact betweensurfaces - The
closure mechanism 700 may additionally include azipper 741 that is schematically depicted inFIG. 7 as having anupper zipper portion 744 and alower zipper portion 746. Theupper zipper portion 744 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collarzipper flange surface 740. Thisupper zipper portion 744 is configured to be removably coupled to thelower zipper portion 746, with thelower zipper portion 746 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collarzipper flange surface 742. When theclosure 700 is closed using thezipper 741, the removable coupling of theupper zipper portion 744 to thelower zipper portion 746 urges compression along thelongitudinal direction longitudinal compression surface 706 against thelongitudinal compression surface 712, and further seals theclosure 700. - In one example, the
zipper 741 formed byupper portion 744 andlower portion 746 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. In one example, theclosure mechanism 700 includes agutter structure 750 formed between aledge surface 752 of thebody collar structure 704 and theshoulder element 710. Thisgutter structure 750 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper from draining into the storage compartment of an insulating container to which theclosure mechanism 700 is affixed. -
FIG. 9 schematically depicts another implementation of theclosure mechanism 700, according to one or more aspects described herein. In the depicted example, thebody collar structure 704 includesbody rib structures lid collar structure 702 includeslid rib structure 906. Theserib structures lid collar structure 702 and thebody collar structure 704 during compression to form the interference fit. It is contemplated that therib structures -
FIG. 10 schematically depicts anotherclosure mechanism 1000, according to one or more aspects described herein. Theclosure mechanism 1000 includes alid assembly 1001 and abody assembly 1003. Thelid assembly 1001 and thebody assembly 1003 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such ascontainer 100.FIG. 11 schematically depicts a more detailed view of theclosure mechanism 1000, according to one or more aspects described herein. Accordingly, thelid assembly 1001 may include alid collar structure 1002 similar tolid collar structures body assembly 1003 further includes abody collar structure 1030 that extends around a perimeter of thebody assembly 1003 at the opening similar tobody collar structures body collar structure 1030 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of theclosure mechanism 1000. Thelid collar structure 1002 includes alateral compression surface 1004 and alongitudinal compression surface 1006. Thelateral compression surface 1004 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow longitudinal compression surface 1006 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow - The
body collar structure 1030 may include ashoulder element 1010 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of thebody collar structure 1030. Thisshoulder element 1010 may include alongitudinal compression surface 1012 and alateral compression surface 1014. Accordingly, when the closure formed by thelid assembly 1001 and thebody assembly 1003 is closed, thelateral compression surface 1004 is configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 1014, and thelongitudinal compression surface 1006 is configured to compress against thelongitudinal compression surface 1012 to seal an opening of an insulating container or device, such asopening 104. - In one example, the
lateral compression surface 1004 forms a portion of a topcollar flexure structure 1016. Accordingly, the topcollar flexure structure 1016 may be configured to flex when thelid collar structure 1002 is compressed against thebody collar structure 1004. Further, the topcollar flexure structure 1016 may urge thelateral compression surface 1004 toward thelateral compression surface 1014. In one example, thelid collar structure 1002 includes alongitudinal gasket 1020 that extends around at least a portion of thelongitudinal compression surface 1006. Thislongitudinal gasket 1020 may be received into alongitudinal gasket channel 1022 that extends into thelongitudinal compression surface 1006. - Accordingly, when the
closure mechanism 1000 is closed, thelongitudinal gasket 1020 is configured to compress against aplunger element 1025 that extends from thelongitudinal compression surface 1012. In one example, theplunger element 1025 may be formed as a raised rim on thelongitudinal compression surface 1012. However, additional or alternative plunger geometries may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Compression of thelateral compression surface 1004 against alateral compression surface 1014 may result in direct or indirect contact betweensurfaces - The
closure mechanism 1000 may additionally include azipper 1041 that is schematically depicted inFIG. 11 as having anupper zipper portion 1044 and alower zipper portion 1046. Theupper zipper portion 1044 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collarzipper flange surface 1040. Thisupper zipper portion 1044 is configured to be removably coupled to thelower zipper portion 1046, with thelower zipper portion 1046 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collarzipper flange surface 1042. When theclosure 1000 is closed using thezipper 1041, the removable coupling of theupper zipper portion 1044 to thelower zipper portion 1046 urges compression along thelongitudinal direction longitudinal compression surface 1006 against thelongitudinal compression surface 1012, and further seals theclosure 1000. In one example, thezipper 1041 formed byupper portion 1044 andlower portion 1046 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. -
FIG. 12 schematically depicts another implementation of theclosure mechanism 1000, according to one or more aspects described herein. In the depicted example, thebody collar structure 1004 includesbody rib structures 1202, andlid collar structure 1002 includeslid rib structure 1204. Theserib structures lid collar structure 1002 and thebody collar structure 1004 during compression to form the interference fit. It is contemplated that therib structures -
FIG. 13 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of anotherclosure mechanism 1300, according to one or more aspects described herein. Theclosure mechanism 1300 includes alid assembly 1301 and abody assembly 1303. Thelid assembly 1301 and thebody assembly 1303 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such ascontainer 100. Thebody assembly 1303 may be removably coupled to alid assembly 1301 to from theclosure 1300. In one example, thelid assembly 1301 may be integrated into a lid assembly of an insulating device, such aslid assembly 112 of insulatingdevice 100. Accordingly, in one example, thelid assembly 1301 may be added to, or may replace theinner liner 115 of thelid assembly 112. Thelid assembly 1301 may be formed in a similar manner to thebody assembly 1303, using similar manufacturing methodologies and/or materials. Indeed, it is contemplated that the structures described throughout this disclosure may be formed using any manufacturing processes and/or materials, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. - The
body assembly 1303 further includes abody collar structure 1330 that extends around a perimeter of thebody assembly 1303. Thisbody collar structure 1330 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of theclosure mechanism 1300. Thelid assembly 1301 includes alid collar structure 1302 that extends around a perimeter of thelid assembly 1301. Thislid collar structure 1302 includes alateral compression surface 1304 and alongitudinal compression surface 1306. Thelateral compression surface 1304 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow longitudinal compression surface 1306 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow - The
body collar structure 1330 may include ashoulder element 1310 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of thebody collar structure 1330. Thisshoulder element 1310 may include alongitudinal compression surface 1312 and alateral compression surface 1314. Accordingly, when the closure formed by thelid assembly 1301 and thebody assembly 1303 is closed, thelateral compression surface 1304 may be configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 1314, and thelongitudinal compression surface 1306 may be configured to compress against thelongitudinal compression surface 1312 to seal the opening. - In one example, the
lateral compression surface 1304 forms a portion of a topcollar flexure structure 1316. Accordingly, the topcollar flexure structure 1316 may be configured to flex when thelid collar structure 1303 is compressed against thebody collar structure 1330. Further, the topcollar flexure structure 1316 may urge thelateral compression surface 1304 toward thelateral compression surface 1314. - In one example, the
lid collar structure 1302 includes a dual-seal gasket 1320 that extends around at least a portion of agasket channel 1322 of thelid collar structure 1302. In one implementation, the dual-seal gasket includes aprimary seal arm 1323, otherwise referred to as aprimary wiper arm 1323, asecondary seal arm 1325, otherwise referred to as asecondary wiper arm 1325, and astandoff arm 1327. In one example, thestandoff arm 1327 is configured to compress against an inner wall of thegasket channel 1322 to position thegasket 1320 correctly within thechannel 1322. Further, theprimary seal arm 1323 may be configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 1314, and thesecondary seal arm 1325 may be configured to compress against thelongitudinal compression surface 1312 of thebody collar structure 1330 to seal an opening between thelid assembly 1301 and thebody assembly 1303. It is contemplated that dual-seal gasket 1320, and any other gasket described throughout this disclosure, may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries. For example, gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d-shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries. Further, the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials. - The
closure mechanism 1300 may additionally include azipper 1341 that is schematically depicted inFIG. 13 as having anupper zipper portion 1344 and alower zipper portion 1346. Theupper zipper portion 1344 may extend along and may be flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collarzipper flange surface 1340. Thisupper zipper portion 1344 may configured to be removably coupled to thelower zipper portion 1346, with thelower zipper portion 1346 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collarzipper flange surface 1342. When theclosure 1300 is closed using thezipper 1341, the removable coupling of theupper zipper portion 1344 to thelower zipper portion 1346 may urge compression along thelongitudinal direction longitudinal compression surface 1306 against thelongitudinal compression surface 1312, and further seal theclosure 1300. - In one example, the
zipper 1341 formed byupper portion 1344 andlower portion 1346 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. In one example, theclosure mechanism 1300 may include agutter structure 1350 formed between aledge surface 1352 of thebody collar structure 1330 and theshoulder element 1310. Thisgutter structure 1350 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper from draining into a storage compartment sealed by theclosure 1300. -
FIGS. 14A and 14B schematically depict anotherclosure mechanism 1400, according to one or more aspects described herein. Theclosure mechanism 1400 includes alid assembly 1401 and abody assembly 1403. Thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such ascontainer 100.FIGS. 15 and 16 schematically depict a more detailed view of theclosure mechanism 1400, according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically,FIG. 15 schematically depicts theclosure mechanism 1400 in a fully closed position andFIG. 16 schematically depicts theclosure mechanism 1400 in a partially closed position. Accordingly, thelid assembly 1401 may include alid collar structure 1402 similar tolid collar structures body collar structure 1430 similar tobody collar structures lid collar structure 1402 includes alateral compression surface 1404 and alongitudinal compression surface 1406. Thelateral compression surface 1404 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow longitudinal compression surface 1006 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated byarrow - The
body collar structure 1430 may include ashoulder element 1410 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of thebody collar structure 1430. Additionally, thebody collar structure 1430 may include anangled surface 1432 that angles inward from the external portion of the insulatingcontainer 1400. Theangled surface 1432 may improve the interface of thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403. Additionally, theangled surface 1432 may improve in the alignment of thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403. Thisshoulder element 1410 may include alongitudinal compression surface 1412 and alateral compression surface 1414. Accordingly, when the closure formed by thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403 is closed, thelateral compression surface 1404 is configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 1414, and thelongitudinal compression surface 1406 is configured to compress against thelongitudinal compression surface 1412 to seal an opening of an insulating container or device, such asopening 104. - In one example, the
lateral compression surface 1404 forms a portion of a topcollar flexure structure 1416. Accordingly, the topcollar flexure structure 1416 may be configured to flex when thelid collar structure 1402 is compressed against thebody collar structure 1404. Further, the topcollar flexure structure 1416 may urge thelateral compression surface 1404 toward thelateral compression surface 1414. In one example, thelid collar structure 1402 includes agasket 1420 that extends around at least a portion of thelongitudinal compression surface 1406. Thisgasket 1420 may be received into agasket channel 1422 that extends into thelongitudinal compression surface 1406. Additionally, the topcollar flexure structure 1416 may include a lid gasket arm 1418. The lid gasket arm 1418 may be a lead that extends from the topcollar flexure structure 1416 below thegasket 1420 in order to protect the tip of thegasket 1420 from being folded up when thelid assembly 1401 is lining up with thebody assembly 1403. The lid gasket arm 1418 may also be used to protect thegasket 1420 from peeling when pressing thelid assembly 1401 into thebody assembly 1403. - The
gasket 1420 may be a V-shaped gasket. The V-shapedgasket 1420 may resist pressure and hold pressure better than other gasket types. Generally, the internal pressure of the insulatingcontainer 1400 may push to engage thegasket 1420 and sealing arms further against thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403. The V-shapedgasket 1420 may place the primary sealing surface further down the base wall for more reliable compression. Additionally, the V-shapedgasket 1420 may reduce the force to close thelid assembly 1401 on thebase assembly 1403. Thegasket 1420 may include aseal body 1428 with aprimary seal arm 1426 extending from theseal body 1428 and asecondary seal arm 1425 extending from the other side of theseal body 1428. Theprimary seal arm 1426 may be referred to as aprimary wiper arm 1426 Thesecondary seal arm 1425, otherwise referred to as asecondary wiper arm 1425. Theprimary seal arm 1426 may also include awiper structure 1427. Thewiper structure 1427 may also be called scraper, and may protect and seal the insulatingcontainer 1400 against moisture, dust, and/or dirt. In one example, theseal body 1428 and thesecondary seal arm 1425 are configured to compress against an inner wall of thegasket channel 1422 to position thegasket 1420 correctly within thechannel 1422. Further, theprimary seal arm 1426 may be configured to compress against thelateral compression surface 1414 and thelongitudinal compression surface 1412 of thebody collar structure 1430 to seal an opening between thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403. It is contemplated thatgasket 1420, and any other gasket described throughout this disclosure, may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries. For example, gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d-shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries. Further, the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials. -
FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate two exemplary types of the V-shapedgasket 1420. As illustrated inFIGS. 17A and 17B , the V-shapedgaskets 1420 include aseal body 1428. Aprimary seal arm 1426 and asecondary seal arm 1425 may extend from theseal body 1428. Theprimary seal arm 1426 may include awiper structure 1427. Various geometries may be utilized for any of the various components of thegasket 1420, such as changing the width, length, density, stiffness, angle, etc. of theseal body 1428,primary seal arm 1426,secondary seal arm 1425, and/orwiper structure 1427.FIG. 17A shows a V-shapedgasket 1420 with a more rectangular-shapedseal body 1428, whileFIG. 17B shows a V-shapedgasket 1420 with rounded corners for theseal body 1428. For example, the V-shapedgaskets 1420 and the components make it easier to “tune”/adjust any of the gasket components and the properties of thegasket 1420, such as, for example, tune theprimary seal arm 1426 to adjust the gasket and sealing performance by changing the thickness, length, and/or angle of theprimary seal arm 1426. The geometries of these components of the V-shapedgasket 1420 may be implemented with any dimensional values, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. - The V-shaped
gasket 1420 may need to impart a stiffness to part of the seal geometry, while having theprimary seal arm 1426 acting as a compliant portion and thesecondary seal arm 1425 acting as a stiff element. Thesecondary seal arm 1425 or the stiff element may resist torqueing and deformation and drive unity of movement between thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403. Theprimary seal arm 1426 or the compliant portion may deliver the sealing between thelid assembly 1401 and thebody assembly 1403 and modulate enough to compensate for any deformation that does occur during drop scenarios to ensure leak protection for the insulatingcontainer 1400. - The
closure mechanism 1400 may additionally include azipper 1441 that is schematically depicted inFIGS. 15 and 16 as having anupper zipper portion 1444 and alower zipper portion 1446. Theupper zipper portion 1444 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collarzipper flange surface 1440. Thisupper zipper portion 1444 is configured to be removably coupled to thelower zipper portion 1446, with thelower zipper portion 1446 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collarzipper flange surface 1442. When theclosure 1400 is closed using thezipper 1441, the removable coupling of theupper zipper portion 1444 to thelower zipper portion 1446 urges compression along thelongitudinal direction longitudinal compression surface 1406 against thelongitudinal compression surface 1412, and further seals theclosure 1400. In one example, thezipper 1441 formed byupper portion 1444 andlower portion 1446 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. -
FIG. 18 specifically illustrates another exemplarybody collar structure 1830 withbase ribs 1834 to increase resistance to torsion and keep the gasket in place and in contact. Thebody collar structure 1830 may be utilized in place of or with thebody collar structure 1430 and any of the insulating containers provided. Thebody collar structure 1830 may include ashoulder element 1810 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of thebody collar structure 1830. Theshoulder element 1810 may include may include alongitudinal compression surface 1812 and alateral compression surface 1814 as described and detailed above with reference to thelongitudinal compression surface 1412 and thelateral compression surface 1414. Additionally, thebody collar structure 1830 may include may include anangled surface 1832 that angles inward from the external portion of the insulating container. Thebase ribs 1834 may be located in between theangled surface 1832 and a body collarzipper flange surface 1842. Thebase ribs 1834 may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of thebody collar structure 1830. Thebase ribs 1834 may be include various truss and/or beam structures and may be implemented, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. - In one example, an insulating device may include a body assembly that has an outer shell defining a first sidewall, a second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall. The insulating device may also include an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, with the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment. The insulating device may also include a lid assembly. An opening may be formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, with the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The insulating device may also include a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening. The closure may additionally include a lid collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly, with the lid collar structure having a first lateral compression surface and a first longitudinal compression surface. The closure may also include a body collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening, with the body collar structure having a second lateral compression surface and a second longitudinal compression surface. When the closure is closed, the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
- The closure may additionally include a zipper that has an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface, such that the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening of the insulating device.
- When the closure is closed, the zipper may urge the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- When the closure is closed, an interference fit may compress the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- The lid collar structure may include a lid rib and the body collar structure may include a body rib, such that the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure and the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.
- The insulating device may also include a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure. The V-shaped gasket may further comprise: a seal body; a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal. When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- The V-shaped gasket may further comprise a wiper structure.
- The seal body and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against an inner wall of a gasket channel to position the V-shaped gasket correctly within the gasket channel.
- The insulating device may also include a dual-seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure, with the dual-seal having a primary seal arm and a secondary seal arm, such that when the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
- The insulating device may also include a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure. When the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- The lateral gasket may further include a wiper structure.
- The insulating device may also include a plunger that extends from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure, a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
- The insulating device may also include a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.
- In another aspect, an insulating device may include a body assembly that includes a storage compartment, a lid assembly, and an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, with the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The insulating device may also include a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening, with the closure including a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly, and a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening. When the closure is closed, at least a portion of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against at least a portion of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
- The lid collar structure may further include a first longitudinal compression element and a first lateral compression element, and the body collar structure may further include a second longitudinal compression element and a second lateral compression element.
- The closure of the insulating device may further include a zipper that has an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper phalange surface, and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper phalange surface. The upper portion and the lower portion may be configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.
- When the closure is closed, the zipper urges the first longitudinal compression element of the lid collar structure to compress against lung tool compression element of the body collar structure.
- When the closure is closed, an interference fit compresses the first lateral compression element of the lid collar structure against the second lateral compression element of the body includes a body rib, such that the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.
- The insulating device may also include a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure. When the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
- The lateral gasket may further include a wiper structure.
- The insulating device may also include a plunger that extends from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure, a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
- The insulating device may also include a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.
- An example method of forming an insulating device can include forming an inner liner first portion and an outer shell first portion, securing the inner liner first portion and the outer shell first portion to a sealable closure to form a lid assembly, forming an inner liner second portion and an outer shell second portion, securing the inner liner second portion to the outer shell second portion to form a body assembly, such that the body assembly includes an opening into a storage compartment. The method may additionally include forming a sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment, which further includes forming a lid collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly, forming a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly, such that the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the body collar structure to resealably seal the sealable closure.
- The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims (28)
1. An insulating device comprising:
a body assembly comprising an outer shell defining a sidewall;
an inner liner forming a storage compartment;
an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment;
a lid assembly;
an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and
a closure comprising:
a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly, comprising a first lateral compression surface and a first longitudinal compression surface; and
a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening, comprising a second lateral compression surface and a second longitudinal compression surface,
wherein when the closure is closed, the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure is configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure is configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
2. The insulating device of claim 1 , wherein the closure further comprises:
a zipper comprising:
an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface; and
a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface,
wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.
3. The insulating device of claim 2 , wherein when the closure is closed, the zipper urges the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
4. The insulating device of claim 1 , wherein when the closure is closed, an interference fit compresses the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
5. The insulating device of claim 4 , wherein the lid collar structure comprises a lid rib and the body collar structure comprises a body rib, wherein the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure and the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.
6. The insulating device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure, the V-shaped gasket further comprising:
a seal body;
a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and
a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal,
wherein when the closure is closed, the primary seal arm is configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
7. The insulating device of claim 6 , wherein the V-shaped gasket further comprises a wiper structure.
8. The insulating device of claim 6 , wherein the seal body and the secondary seal arm are configured to compress against an inner wall of a gasket channel to position the V-shaped gasket correctly within the gasket channel.
9. The insulating device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a dual-seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure, the dual-seal gasket further comprising:
a primary seal arm; and
a secondary seal arm,
wherein when the closure is closed, the primary seal arm is configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm is configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
10. The insulating device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure; and
a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure,
wherein when the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket is configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket is configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.
11. The insulating device of claim 10 , wherein the lateral gasket further comprises a wiper structure.
12. The insulating device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a plunger, extending from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure;
a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure; and
a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel,
wherein when the closure is closed, the plunger is configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
13. The insulating device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure; and
a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel,
wherein when the closure is closed, the lateral gasket is configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.
14. An insulating device comprising:
a body assembly comprising a storage compartment;
a lid assembly;
an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and
a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening, the closure comprising:
a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly; and
a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening,
wherein when the closure is closed, at least a portion of the lid collar structure is configured to compress against at least a portion of the body collar structure to seal the opening.
15. The insulating device of claim 14 , wherein the lid collar structure further comprises a first longitudinal compression element and a first lateral compression element, and wherein the body collar structure further comprises a second longitudinal compression element and a second lateral compression element.
16. The insulating device of claim 15 , wherein the closure further comprises:
a zipper, comprising:
an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface; and
a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface,
wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.
17. The insulating device of claim 16 , wherein when the closure is closed, the zipper urges the first longitudinal compression element of the lid collar structure to compress against the second longitudinal compression element of the body collar structure.
18. The insulating device of claim 17 , wherein when the closure is closed, an interference fit compresses the first lateral compression element of the lid collar structure against the first lateral compression element of the body collar structure.
19. The insulating device of claim 18 , wherein the lid collar structure comprises a lid rib and the body collar structure comprises a body rib, wherein the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure and the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.
20. The insulating device of claim 14 , further comprising:
a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure, the V-shaped gasket further comprising:
a seal body;
a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and
a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal,
wherein when the closure is closed, the primary seal arm is configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
21. The insulating device of claim 20 , wherein the V-shaped gasket further comprises a wiper structure.
22. The insulating device of claim 20 , wherein the seal body and the secondary seal arm are configured to compress against an inner wall of a gasket channel to position the V-shaped gasket correctly within the gasket channel.
23. The insulating device of claim 14 , further comprising:
a dual-seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure, the dual-seal gasket further comprising:
a primary seal arm; and
a secondary seal arm,
wherein when the closure is closed, the primary seal arm is configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm is configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.
24. The insulating device of claim 14 , further comprising:
a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression element of the lid collar structure; and
a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression element of the lid collar structure,
wherein when the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket is configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression element of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket is configured to compress against the second lateral compression element of the body collar structure.
25. The insulating device of claim 24 , wherein the lateral gasket further comprises a wiper structure.
26. The insulating device of claim 14 , further comprising:
a plunger, extending from the body collar structure;
a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure; and
a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel,
wherein when the closure is closed, the plunger is configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.
27. The insulating device of claim 14 , further comprising:
a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure; and
a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel,
wherein when the closure is closed, the lateral gasket is configured to compress against the body collar structure to seal the opening.
28. A method of forming an insulating device comprising:
forming an inner liner first portion and an outer shell first portion;
securing the inner liner first portion to the outer shell first portion to form a lid assembly;
forming an inner liner second portion and an outer shell second portion;
securing the inner liner second portion to the outer shell second portion to form a body assembly, wherein the body assembly comprises an opening into a storage compartment;
forming a sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment, comprising:
forming a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly; and
forming a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly,
wherein the lid collar structure is configured to compress against the body collar structure to resealably seal the sealable closure.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/217,013 US20240017907A1 (en) | 2022-07-15 | 2023-06-30 | Insulating device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202263389641P | 2022-07-15 | 2022-07-15 | |
US18/217,013 US20240017907A1 (en) | 2022-07-15 | 2023-06-30 | Insulating device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240017907A1 true US20240017907A1 (en) | 2024-01-18 |
Family
ID=87569979
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/217,013 Pending US20240017907A1 (en) | 2022-07-15 | 2023-06-30 | Insulating device |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240017907A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2024015965A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106542182A (en) * | 2015-09-16 | 2017-03-29 | 王仲雄 | The waterproof bag of high adhesion |
CN110381771B (en) * | 2017-03-08 | 2022-06-24 | 野醍冷却器有限责任公司 | Container with magnetic closure |
US11242189B2 (en) * | 2019-11-15 | 2022-02-08 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Insulating device |
US11401099B2 (en) * | 2019-12-20 | 2022-08-02 | California Innovations Inc. | Soft-sided insulated container with hard-sided liner |
-
2023
- 2023-06-30 US US18/217,013 patent/US20240017907A1/en active Pending
- 2023-07-14 WO PCT/US2023/070217 patent/WO2024015965A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2024015965A1 (en) | 2024-01-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11992103B2 (en) | Container with magnetic closure | |
US11834252B2 (en) | Insulating container | |
US11174090B2 (en) | Container with magnetic closure | |
US20230413966A1 (en) | Container with Magnetic Closure | |
US20050286815A1 (en) | Atmospheric and/or differential pressure closure for an evacuable storage container | |
US11639252B2 (en) | Container with venting or multiple sealing feature | |
US20080047859A1 (en) | Water Proof Firearm Case | |
CN113800078B (en) | Refrigeration bag and foldable refrigeration bag | |
US11834253B2 (en) | Insulating device | |
US20220297919A1 (en) | Soft-sided insulated container with hard-sided liner | |
US20240017907A1 (en) | Insulating device | |
US20030116466A1 (en) | Deaerator-carrying compression bag | |
US11992104B2 (en) | Container with resealable closure | |
US20110274505A1 (en) | Sealed pneumatic carrier with slam-latch |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: YETI COOLERS, LLC, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NIXON, RYAN;MILLER, MARK D.;SULLIVAN, DEREK G.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20230718 TO 20230905;REEL/FRAME:065216/0887 |