Abstract:
A soft-sided insulated container assembly has a first insulated portion and a second insulated portion. The first and second insulated portions are generally box-shaped and are mounted in a back-to-back arrangement, such that they share a common wall. One of the portions has a receptacle in the nature of a removable, non-collapsible molded plastic tub, or bucket, that also has a mating, removable, multi-positional divider mounted therein. The molded plastic receptacle is substantially rigid and functions to provide a stiff internal structure within the surrounding soft-sided wall structure. The other portion is foldable, and can be moved between a collapsed, out of use position, to an expanded position for use when the main receptacle is not sufficiently capacious for all objects, or when different objects are better kept at different environmental conditions. The foldable portion is provided with securing straps to keep it neatly in the folded position when not in use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to the field of portable insulated containers.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Soft sided insulated containers have become popular for carrying either articles that may best be served cool, such as beverages or salads, or warm, such as appetizers, hot dogs, and so on. Such containers are frequently used to carry liquids, whether hot liquids, such as soup containers, coffee or tea, or cold liquids such as beer, soft drinks, or other carbonated beverages, juices and milk. The containers are typically made in a generally cube-like or rectangular parallelepiped shape, whether of sides of equal length or not, having a base, four upstanding walls, and a top. The top is generally a lid which opens to permit articles to be placed in, or retrieved from, the container. Most typically, collapsible, soft sided insulated coolers are used for objects that may tend to be less prone to bruising. For example, a cooler may be filled with ice and canned or bottled beverages. The cans and bottles may be relatively indifferent to their handling conditions—they are not troubled by being immersed in water, and, within reason, they can be bumped about without coming to much harm.  
         [0003]     This may not necessarily be true of other objects that one may wish to carry in a cooler, as for a picnic, for example. If one has egg sandwiches, or cucumber sandwiches, or items of a similar nature, it is desirable that the sandwiches be kept cool before being eaten. If one has warmed canapés or hors d&#39;oeuvres, it may be desirable that those appetizers be kept warm until served. However, such items as sandwiches or pastries tend not to be overly amenable to immersion in water, and, even if placed in a supposedly waterproof bag or plastic container may tend to become damp or clammy. Further, sandwiches or appetizers tend not to be particularly resilient, and once squashed may tend not to return to their former state.  
         [0004]     In that light, then, it may be desirable to have a soft sided insulated container that has a first compartment that is reinforced in a manner to have a relatively rigid form, and therefore to provide a measure of protection for the cucumber sandwiches, and so on. It may still be advantageous also to have a collapsible cooler compartment for carrying hot or cold beverages, or other items.  
         [0005]     Further still, even if provided with a soft sided insulated container having a rigid reinforcement, such that the container may be, generally speaking, non-collapsible, it may be helpful to have an auxiliary insulated container, or insulated container portion, such that if there is an extra amount to be carried over what might normally be desired, then that is provided for by having a collapsible compartment that can be moved to a collapsed position, and retained in such position, when not required, and moved to an expanded position when required. Alternatively, it may be desirable to have one insulated container that can be used for keeping objects hot or warm, and another insulated compartment that can be used for keeping objects cool or cold, or further still, one insulated container for segregating relatively dry objects from another insulated container in which one may keep relatively wet objects.  
         [0006]     While it may be cumbersome to have two separate containers for this purpose, the problem may be addressed, as in an aspect of the present invention, at least in part, by having a collapsible container and a container with rigid reinforcement mounted together. Further still, it may be advantageous to have the two container portions share a common container profile, and a common insulated wall.  
         [0007]     While items placed within the rigid insert may be provided with a measure of protection from external forces, they may be adversely affected by other items located within the rigid insert. For example, more durable items such as bottles and cans, may come into contact with less durable items such as sandwiches and buns when the items are jostled during transport of the container. This may cause the less durable items to become damaged. In addition to providing a relatively rigid receptacle, it may also be advantageous to provide an internal, multi-positional divider in the container to further segregate objects from each other.  
         [0008]     The contents of items such as soft drink or beer bottles, may also be affected. As the container is moved, any item contained therein may move, and contact a side of the rigid receptacle, or contact other items located within the container. This movement may lead to damage or breakage of the items themselves. Movement may also cause the contents of durable items such as soft drink and beer bottles to become agitated, causing the contents of such items to be expressed in an undesirable spray when opened.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In an aspect of the invention there is a soft sided insulated container assembly having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first enclosed space defined therewithin. The first portion has a soft-sided insulated wall structure and a reinforcement member mounted therewithin to maintain the first portion in a condition to receive objects in the first enclosed space. The second portion is movable between a first, folded position and a second, unfolded position, and, in the second, unfolded position, the second portion of the insulated container assembly has a second enclosed space defined therewithin in which to receive objects. The second portion has at least one releasable securement for maintaining the second portion in the first position. The container assembly has a first closure member operable to control access to the first enclosed space, and a second closure member operable to control access to the second enclosed space. The first and second portions are insulated one from another to permit different environmental conditions to be maintained in the first and second enclosed spaces respectively.  
         [0010]     In another feature of that aspect of the invention, the container assembly has a third portion mounted thereto defining a third enclosed space. In another feature, an entertainment device is mounted in the third portion. In still another feature, the assembly has an access port for accommodating an electrical connection to the entertainment device.  
         [0011]     In yet another feature, the second portion has a liner mounted therewithin. In still yet another feature, the liner is a waterproof liner. In a further feature, the liner is folded from a monolithic sheet of plastic stock. In yet a further feature, the liner is free of heat welded seams. In still a further feature, the liner is made of clear plastic, and the second portion has reflective inner walls visible through the liner.  
         [0012]     In still yet a further feature, the reinforcement member is a receptacle. In still another feature, the reinforcement member is a waterproof receptacle operable to contain liquids. In yet another feature, the reinforcement member is a receptacle for accommodating objects placed in the first enclosed space, and has a mating divider. The divider is locatable to partition the first enclosed space into upper and lower regions. In still yet another feature, the reinforcement member is a receptacle for accommodating objects placed in the first enclosed space, and has a mating divider. The divider is locatable to partition the first enclosed space into side by side regions. In still another feature, the reinforcement member is a receptacle for accommodating objects placed in the first enclosed space, and has a folding divider for sub-dividing the first enclosed space. In still a further feature, the reinforcement member is a receptacle for accommodating objects placed in the first enclosed space, and the receptacle has a horizontally oriented shoulder defined therein, and a divider. The divider is locatable on the shoulder.  
         [0013]     In another aspect of the invention there is a soft-sided insulated container assembly having a first insulated portion and a second insulated portion. The first insulated portion and the second insulated portion share a common insulated wall. The first and second insulated portions are maintainable at different environmental conditions from each other, and different environmental conditions from ambient. The first insulated portion has a non-collapsible receptacle mounted therein. The receptacle is capable of holding liquids. The receptacle provides stiffening to the first insulated portion. The second insulated portion is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second insulated portion is securable in the collapsed position.  
         [0014]     In a further additional feature of that aspect of the invention the receptacle is a molded plastic bucket. In another feature, the container assembly also includes a multi-positionable divider mountable within the receptacle. In another feature, the soft-sided insulated container assembly includes a third, un-insulated portion mounted thereto. The third, uninsulated, portion has a third closure member operable to control access thereto, and is maintainable at an environmental condition approximating external ambient. In still another feature the first and second portions each have the general shape of a six-sided box, and the first and second portions are mounted back-to-back. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     These aspects and other features of the invention can be understood with the aid of the following illustrations of a number of exemplary, and non-limiting, embodiments of the principles of the invention in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1   a  shows an isometric view, from the top, right front corner, of an example of an embodiment of a container assembly according to the present invention in which a portion of the container assembly is in a collapsed position;  
         [0017]      FIG. 1   b  shows an isometric view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a  in a fully expanded position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 1   c  shows an isometric view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a,  from above and diagonally opposite to  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0019]      FIG. 1   d  shows an isometric view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   b,  from above and diagonally opposite to  FIG. 1   b;    
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0021]      FIG. 3   a  shows a left hand side view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0022]      FIG. 3   b  shows a left hand side view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   b;    
         [0023]      FIG. 4   a  shows a right hand side view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0024]      FIG. 4   b  shows a right hand side view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   b;    
         [0025]      FIG. 5   a  shows a top, or plan, view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0026]      FIG. 5   b  shows a top, or plan, view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   b;    
         [0027]      FIG. 6   a  shows a bottom view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0028]      FIG. 6   b  shows a bottom view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   b;    
         [0029]      FIG. 7   a  shows a rear view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0030]      FIG. 7   b  shows a rear view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   b;    
         [0031]      FIG. 8   a  shows an isometric view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a  with the front compartment in an open condition;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8   b  shows an isometric view of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a  with the rear compartment in an open condition;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9   a  shows a perspective view of the receptacle of  FIG. 8   c;    
         [0034]      FIG. 9   b  shows an opposite perspective view to that of  FIG. 9   a  of the receptacle of  FIG. 5   c;    
         [0035]      FIG. 9   c,  shows a top view of the receptacle  FIG. 9   a;    
         [0036]      FIG. 9   d,  shows a bottom view of the receptacle  FIG. 9   a;    
         [0037]      FIG. 9   e,  shows a side view of the receptacle  FIG. 9   a;    
         [0038]      FIG. 9   f,  shows an end view of the receptacle  FIG. 9   a;    
         [0039]      FIG. 10   a,  shows a perspective view of a partition of the receptacle of  FIG. 9   a;    
         [0040]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the receptacle of  FIG. 9   a  in a partially folded condition;  
         [0041]      FIG. 12  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle and partition of the container assembly of  FIG. 1   a  taken along the line ‘ 12 - 12 ’ of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0042]      FIG. 13   a  shows a perspective view of an alternate receptacle to the receptacle of  FIG. 8   c;    
         [0043]      FIG. 13   b  shows an opposite perspective view to that of  FIG. 13   a  of the receptacle of  FIG. 13   a;    
         [0044]      FIG. 13   c,  shows a top view of the receptacle  FIG. 13   a;    
         [0045]      FIG. 13   d,  shows a bottom view of the receptacle  FIG. 13   a;    
         [0046]      FIG. 13   e,  shows a side view of the receptacle  FIG. 13   a;    
         [0047]      FIG. 13   f,  shows an end view of the receptacle  FIG. 13   a;    
         [0048]      FIG. 14   a,  shows a top view of the receptacle and partition of  FIG. 13   a,  showing the partition positioned within the receptacle;  
         [0049]      FIG. 14   b,  shows a top view of the receptacle and partition of  FIG. 14   a,  showing the partition in an alternative position;  
         [0050]      FIG. 14   c,  shows a top view of the receptacle and partition of  FIG. 14   a,  showing the partition in an alternative position;  
         [0051]      FIG. 14   d,  shows a top view of the receptacle and partition of  FIG. 14   a,  showing the partition in an alternative position;  
         [0052]      FIG. 14   e,  shows a top view of the receptacle and partition of  FIG. 14   a,  showing the partition in an alternative position; and  
         [0053]      FIG. 14   f,  shows a top view of the receptacle and partition of  FIG. 14   a,  showing the partition in an alternative position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0054]     The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention.  
         [0055]     In the description and drawings herein, reference may be made to a cartesian coordinate system in which the vertical direction, or z-axis, extends in an up and down orientation from bottom to top. The x-axis extends in the long dimension of the container assembly, when fully expanded, running in the front-to-back direction. The y-axis extends cross-wise horizontally relative to the x-axis, running in the side-to-side direction. Unless noted otherwise, the terms “inside” and “outside”, “inwardly” and “outwardly”, refer to location or orientation relative to the enclosed spaces of the first and second portions of the container assembly, as may be.  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIGS. 1   a - 8   b,  a container assembly is indicated generally as  20 . Container assembly  20  has a first, or main portion  22 , and a second, or auxiliary portion  24 . Main portion  22  has a soft-sided, insulated wall structure  26 , and a reinforcement member, or stiff wall structure, in the nature of a relatively rigid, resilient, molded plastic tub, indicated as receptacle  28 , mounted within soft-sided insulated wall structure  26 . Receptacle  28  is watertight, and is removable from within wall structure  26 , to facilitate washing thereof, and of container assembly  20  more generally. Container portion  22  is intended to be maintained in the shape: shown in the Figures, and is not intended to be collapsible.  
         [0057]     The second, or auxiliary portion  24  of container assembly  20  is a soft-sided, collapsible container portion having a folded waterproof liner  30  mounted therewithin, as is more fully described below. Auxiliary container portion  24  is collapsible, being movable between a neatly folded and secured storage, or collapsed position, as shown in  FIGS. 1   a,  and  1   c,  and a fully expanded, or deployed, position as shown in  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   d.    
         [0058]     The first and second portions  22  and  24  of soft-sided, insulated container assembly  20  are mounted together in a back-to-back manner, and have a shared insulated common wall  36 . Inasmuch as both portions  22  and  24  are insulated not only from the external ambient conditions by their respective insulated external peripheral wall structures, but also from each other by their insulated mating interface along the common insulated wall  36  of the enclosed spaces of their respective internal insulated chambers. Portions  22  and  24  are of matching profile, and are mated about their peripheries, typically by stitching.  
         [0059]     In addition to insulated container portions  22  and  24 , assembly  20  also includes an externally mounted auxiliary enclosure structure, in the nature of an accessories pouch  32 . In the embodiment illustrated, pouch  32  is mounted to the front wall of first portion  22  of insulated container assembly  20 .  
         [0060]     First Portion  22   
         [0061]     First insulated container portion  22  has an outer casing  42 , namely soft sided insulated wall structure  26 ; an insert, namely receptacle  28 , and a divider or partition  46  removably mountable in receptacle  28 . The outer casing  42  defines an enclosed space, or compartment  48 , for receiving receptacle  28 , and receptacle  28  has a chamber  50  which may be divided by placement of partition  46  therein. Partition  46  may be used to separate items placed with in chamber  50 . Items may also be retained by partition  46 , as described in detail below. A closure member such as lid  52 , attached to outer casing  42 , may be used to enclose receptacle  28  within compartment  48 .  FIG. 1   a  shows container  20  with lid  52  in a closed position being secured by a fastener in the nature of a zipper  56 . An optional carrying means such as strap  54  may be attached to outer casing  42  to facilitate transport of container  20 .  
         [0062]     Outer Casing  42   
         [0063]     Outer casing  42  is preferably made of an insulative material for thermally insulating receptacle  28 . The insulative material inhibits heat transfer between chamber  50  and the surroundings of container assembly  20 . This helps to maintain a preferred temperature of items such as food products stored within receptacle  28 . For example, if items such as bottled soft drinks or wine  57  (see  FIG. 12 ), which are stored within chamber  50 , have a lower temperature than the container assembly&#39;s surroundings, then the insulative material may reduce the rate of heat transfer to the bottled soft drink  57 , keeping the soft drink or wine, or other liquid at a low temperature for a longer period than if it were not placed within container assembly  50 . When lid  52  is in a closed position, heat transfer may be inhibited to a greater extent.  
         [0064]     The insulative material may additionally be soft and yielding so that the container will tend not to damage, or be damaged by, objects it comes into contact with. If a suitable plastic or other material as is known in the art is used, then outer casing  42  may also be readily cleaned to remove dirt and other debris acquired through use.  
         [0065]     Outer casing  42  preferably has a bottom panel  60 , and wall panels including: a front panel  62 , a rear panel  64  namely common insulated wall  36 , and a pair of left and right hand side panels  66  and  68 . In the description of the embodiments of the claimed invention, the choice of front and rear, left and right, orientations is arbitrary. Each panel  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68  is preferably located at substantially right angles to two adjacent wall panels. For example, panel  64  is located adjacent panel  66  at one end, and adjacent panel  68  at an opposite end. The bottom panel may be attached to all four panels  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , along edges thereof. The combination of panels  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , and the bottom, define compartment  48 . The bottom and panels  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , each are preferably rectangular, with respective opposite panels  62  and  64 , and  66  and  68 , being congruent to one another. In this preferred configuration, compartment  48  has a generally cube-like or rectangular parallelepiped shape. Panels  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , and bottom may be fastened to one another by sewing, gluing or some other suitable fastening means. Alternatively, two or more panels (including the bottom panel) may be formed from a single piece of material having one or more folds therein to define the two or more panels. Lid  52  and an adjacent wall may also be formed from a single piece of material. For example, rear panel  64  and lid  52  may be formed from a single piece of material having a fold therein to define rear panel  64  and lid  52 . It may be noted that lid  52  may thusly be connected to the upper margin of rear panel  64  by a flexible fabric hinge.  
         [0066]     In the preferred embodiment, connected panels  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68  each have a distal edge  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  78 , respectively, which define container opening  80  through which receptacle  28  may be placed into compartment  48 . Lid  52  may be attached to rear panel edge  74 , and may have zipper teeth  58  attached about its perimeter for matingly engaging corresponding zipper teeth  60  which traverse panel edges  76 ,  72 , and  78 . Zipper  56  may be used to inhibit access to compartment  48  via container opening  80  by securing lid  52  to panels  62 ,  66  and  68 . Securing lid  52  to panels  62 ,  66  and  68  may also inhibit heat transfer to and from chamber  50 .  
         [0067]     Lid  52  has an extent substantially equal to that of the casing bottom. This need not be the case. Lid  52  could cover a small opening set in a larger top panel, or could cover an opening of half, or some other portion of the top panel. The opening need not extend fully along panel free edges  76 ,  72 , and  78 , but could extend along part of one or two sides as may be found suitable for a particular use.  
         [0068]     Outer casing  42  may have shoulder strap  54  attached thereto, for example, at side panels  66  and  68 . Outer casing  42  may also have an auxiliary receptacle or pouch  32 . Pouch  32  may have a see-through mesh pocket  34 , such as may be convenient for viewing the contents thereof, which may include knives, forks, spoons or other objects.  
         [0069]     Receptacle  28   
         [0070]     Two embodiments of receptacle  28  are shown, the first embodiment being shown in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   f,  and the second embodiment being shown in  FIGS. 11   a  to  11   f,  and in  FIGS. 12   a - 12   f.  These two embodiments are fundamentally similar, the latter embodiment differing from the former in that the former has generally planar side portions whereas the latter has, in its lower regions, arcuate side portions and arcuate corner portions molded to provided a more rounded enclosure for such things as round cylindrical bottles or drink cans. The flat sided version of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   f  is preferred. Except where otherwise noted, these two version are given the same item numbers for their various corresponding elements.  
         [0071]     Receptacle  28  is preferably configured to be the same general size and shape as compartment  48  so that receptacle  28  may be placed within compartment  48  and lid  52  may be closed using zipper  56  to contain receptacle  28 . While receptacle  28  preferably conforms to compartment  48 , it may have some other configuration that fits within compartment  48 . For example, receptacle  28  may have fewer than four, or greater than four, walls. In an alternative embodiment, receptacle  28  may be configured to have one continuous wall defining a round cylindrical segment or other generally rounded shape.  
         [0072]     In the preferred embodiment, receptacle  28  has a bottom  90 , a receptacle front wall  92 , a rear wall  94 , and a pair of left and right hand side walls  96  and  98 . Each wall  92 , 94 , 96  and  98  is preferably generally located at a generally square corner to two adjacent walls. For example, wall  94  is located adjacent wall  96  at one end of wall  94 , and adjacent wall  98  at an opposite end of wall  94 . Bottom  90  may be attached to all four walls  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98 , along edges thereof. Walls  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98 , and bottom  90 , co-operate to define an interior surface  100  of receptacle  28 , which bounds chamber  50 . Bottom  90  and walls  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98 , each are preferably generally rectangular in shape with opposite walls  92  and  94 , and  96  and  98 , being substantially congruent to one another. In this configuration, chamber  50  has a generally cube-like or rectangular parallelepiped shape having contours, as described in detail below. It should be noted that receptacle  28  may be configured without a bottom  90 .  
         [0073]     Walls  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98  extend from receptacle bottom  90 , and each wall terminates at free edges  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108 , respectively. Free edges  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  together define a receptacle rim, or edge  110  of generally rectangular plan form, with radiused corners. Receptacle edge  110  is preferably generally equidistant from bottom  90  (i.e., lies in a parallel, upwardly spaced plane) and defines a receptacle mouth or opening  112  by which to obtain access to chamber  50 . While bottom  90  is generally planar, it may alternatively have portions defining indents (not shown) that conform to the profiles of one or more items to be contained within receptacle  28 . Such indents may inhibit movement of these items when placed within the indents corresponding to their respective profiles.  
         [0074]     Receptacle  28  is preferably rigid to provide a degree of structural reinforcement to casing  42  to give protection to items stored therein from external forces caused, for example, by bumping, jostling, or knocking of container assembly  20  when it is transported or otherwise used. At the same time, receptacle  28  may tend to be sufficiently lightweight that it may tend not make container  20  unduly heavy to carry when container assembly  20  is filled with items such as beverage bottles  57  or sandwiches. A plastic, for example, may be used to form receptacle  28 . A relatively tough plastic is preferred because it may tend to resist breakage, it can contain melting ice and spilled liquids, and it may be readily cleaned.  
         [0075]     The amount of material required to construct receptacle  28  may be reduced by including one or more strengtheners, such as ribs  114 , that extend in a generally upward direction from bottom  90  to increase the rigidity of receptacle  28 . Ribs  114  may be attached to, or preferably be format integrally with, receptacle  28 . Each wall  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98  preferably has at least one rib  114 , which at least partially traverses an external surface thereof. As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b,  ribs  114  are generally parallel to one another, and originate adjacent bottom  90 , extending from bottom  90  and ending at a rib terminus  122 . While rib terminus  122  may be located at or adjacent receptacle edge  110 , it is preferably located at some mid-point between bottom  90  and receptacle edge  110 . In this intermediate position, rib terminus  122  may also form a portion of an interior shoulder  118  which may be used to support partition  46 , as described in further detail below.  
         [0076]     The interior surface  100  of receptacle  28  has at least one guide  116  for receiving or engaging a portion of partition  46 , for example, an edge, such as edge  115  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ; and described in further detail below). Guide  116  may be added to, or, preferably be made integrally with receptacle  28 . In the preferred embodiment, guide  116  is integrally formed with a wall, such as wall  92  or  94 , of receptacle  28 , and is oriented so that an edge, for example edge  115 , of partition  46  may be placed therein. When partition  46  is held by guide  116 , it is preferably oriented to divide chamber  50 . Most preferably, the internally facing surfaces of the integrally molded wall feature of rib  114  also function as guide  116 .  
         [0077]     Guide  116  may be in the nature of a rebate, groove or fluting, and may be substantially linear to permit partition  46  to be slidingly received therein. Guide  116  may be located to correspond to the location of a rib  114  so that guide  116  is defined within rib  114 . Accordingly, guide  116  originates adjacent bottom  90 , and extends along interior surface  100 , from bottom  90 , and ends at a guide terminus  124 , which corresponds to rib terminus  122 . Guide terminus  124  may be located at or adjacent receptacle edge  110 , but is preferably located at some mid-point between bottom  90  and receptacle edge  110  adjacent interior shoulder  118 . A longitudinal axis of guide  116  may be substantially perpendicular to a plane of bottom  90 .  
         [0078]     Guide  116  need not be the same length as rib  114 ; it need only be of sufficient length to receive at least part of an edge (such as edge  115 ) of partition  46  to inhibit movement thereof in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of guide  116 . Receptacle  28  may alternatively be formed with guide  116  (and, if desired, rib  114 ) oriented at an angle other than at 90 degrees relative to bottom  90 . This would in turn alter the orientation of a received partition  46 . In the embodiment illustrated, rib  114  both strengthens receptacle  28  and defines guide  116 . This arrangement may also facilitate the manufacture of receptacle  28  if, for example, it is made by injection moulding. In the preferred embodiment, guide  116  is substantially straight for receiving a substantially straight edge  115  of partition  46 .  
         [0079]     Receptacle  28  may be provided with additional guides  116  for receiving edge  115  of partition  46 , for example. Two guides  116  may co-operate and each receive an edge of partition  46 , such as edges  115  and  117 , to inhibit movement of partition  46 . The provision of multiple guides  116  within receptacle  28  permits chamber  50  of receptacle  28  to be sub-divided in different ways depending on which guides  116  are used for receiving partition  46  (as further explained below).  
         [0080]     Guides  116  are configured to receive an edge of partition  46 , as noted above. Accordingly, each guide  116  has substantially the same shape as the edge (for example, edge  115 ) of partition  46  that is received by guide  116 . Each guide  116  is preferably bounded by generally parallel edges. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 13   a - 13   e  there are concave rounded or arcuate Intermediate portions  130  between the guides  116 . The rounded intermediate portion  130  may facilitate the manufacture, for example by moulding, of receptacle  28 , may increase the stiffness of the structure more generally, and may serve to provide a nesting curvature for a round cylindrical container, such as a bottle or can that may be placed in a receptacle  46 .  
         [0081]     Receptacle  28  may also have a shoulder  118  for supporting partition  46 , or a portion of partition  46 , in a generally horizontal orientation (as in  FIG. 14   c ), such as to function as a shelf or partial shelf Shoulder  118  extends along interior surface  100 , and is preferably located between receptacle edge  110  and bottom  90 . In the preferred embodiment, shoulder  118  extends along a perimeter of interior surface  100  at a height intermediate to the bottom and the upper rim, preferably generally about halfway between the two. Shoulder  118  projects from interior surface  100 , and may present a surface  120 , which is generally parallel to bottom  90 . Subject to the existence of intermediate arcuate portions  130 , surface  120  may have a generally uniform width, and may have gaps therein where guides  116  intersect shoulder  118 . Each gap  126  corresponds to a guide terminus  124 .  
         [0082]     In the preferred embodiment, receptacle  28  has an array of four generally parallel guides  116 , two guides located in each of opposed walls  92  and  94 , respectively, to divide the chamber into roughly equal thirds. In the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 13   a - 13   f  and  14   a - 14   f,  a further two guides  116  are located in the end walls to permit the internal chamber to be divided in half longitudinally as well as the ⅓-⅔ portions possible transversely. Wall portions between adjacent guides  116  may be configured to abut items typically stored within receptacle  28 , such as cans or beverage bottles  57 .  
         [0083]     If receptacle  28  is configured to be substantially the same size as compartment  48 , then spaces or gaps  145  between receptacle  28  and one or more of walls  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , may be reduced. A smaller gap  145  may reduce the likelihood that spilled liquids, food, or such other matter may find its way between the inwardly facing wall surfaces of soft sided wall structure  26  and the outwardly facing surfaces of receptacle  28 , which may reduce the frequency with which compartment  48  requires cleaning. Gap  145  may be tend reduced by configuring receptacle edge  110  to have a reinforcement or stiffener in the nature of a flange or lip  149 . Lip  149  may extend peripherally along receptacle edge  110 , and is preferably located adjacent one or more of outer casing free edges  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  78  when receptacle  28  is positioned within outer casing  42 . This proximity of lip  149  to free edges  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  78 , attempts to reduce the size of a gap  145  that may form between the flexible outer casing  42  and receptacle  28 . By reducing the size of gap  145 , matter such as a spilled liquid may be encouraged to be either caught within receptacle  28  or repelled by an exterior surface  147  of outer casing  42 . Lip  149  may have a generally L-shaped cross-section forming a step in receptacle edge  110 , and may project away from walls  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98 , and chamber  50 . Lip  149  may alternatively or additionally be arcuate, rounded or have some other shape that projects from walls  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  to discourage the passage of matter between outer casing  42  and receptacle  28 .  
         [0084]     Partition  46   
         [0085]     Two embodiments of Partition  46  are shown. The first embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 8   a,    8   c,  and  10   a  to  10   d  is a single fold, two portion partition, with unequal portions. That is, it has a hinge that is not located in the middle of the panel, but rather closer to one side in a roughly ⅓-⅔ arrangement. The second embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 11 , and  14   a - 14   f.  The partition of the second embodiment is much the same as the first, except insofar as it has two hinges and three partition portions, arranged in a roughly equal ⅓-⅓-⅓ arrangement. Many other arrangements are possible, whether ¼-¾, or ½-½, or ⅖-⅗ split in the case of a single hinge, two portion partition, or ¼-¼- ½, or 3/10- 3/10- 4/10 or some other arrangement of widths for a two hinge, three partition arrangement. It should also be noted that a four portion partition, of appropriate divisions could also be used. In any case, to the extent possible, the same item numbers have been used for the corresponding features of the two embodiments of partition  46 .  
         [0086]     Referring to  FIGS. 14   a  to  14   f,  partition  46  may be positioned or located within receptacle  28  to sub-divide chamber  50  in different ways, as shown, for example in  FIGS. 14   a  to  14   f.  By sub-dividing chamber  50 , the movement of items stored within chamber  50  may be inhibited, which may limit the extent to which they come into damaging contact with one another, and with walls  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  and bottom  90 , when container  20  is transported or moved. Partition  46  may be made of a substantially rigid material so that it may tend to resist deformation when contacted by items stored in receptacle  28 . As discussed in further detail below, one or more guides  116 , and shoulder  118 , or both, may co-operate with partition  46  to inhibit its movement within receptacle  28  when it is located to sub-divide chamber  50 .  
         [0087]     Positioning of partition  46  may be facilitated by providing partition  46  with a hinged connection  150  therein. Hinged connection  150  separates partition  46  into at least a first partition portion  146  and a second partition portion  148 . First and second portions  146  and  148  are joined to one another along hinged connection  150 , and are movable relative to one another about hinge  150 .  
         [0088]     A linear portion  152  of partition  46 , which traverses partition  46  between first and second portions  146  and  148 , preferably defines hinge  150 . To permit bending of partition  46  at linear portion  152 , linear portion  152  preferably has a thickness which is less than a thickness of at least one of the first and second portions  146  and  148 . If partition  46  is moulded from a plastic then hinge  150  may be integrally formed therein.  
         [0089]     Hinge  150  may alternatively be formed using a flexible joining member such as an adhesive tape attached to both first and second partition portions  146  and  148 . Alternatively, hinge  150  may be formed by laterally inserting a pivot member such as a pin through one or more projections extending from each of first and second partition portions  146  and  148 , respectively. First and second partition portions  146  and  148  may then rotate about the pin connecting them.  
         [0090]     In the preferred embodiment, first and second partition portions  146  and  148  may be generally planar, and may be connected or mounted along adjacent edges  151  and  153  thereof. In this configuration, the angular displacement of first and second portions  146  and  148  relative to one another about hinge  150  may be varied. For example, partition  46  may be configured to be generally planar when first and second portions  146  and  148  are co-planar (see  FIG. 14   b ), and may be configured to be generally L-shaped when first and second portions  146  and  148  are generally at right angles relative to each other (see  FIG. 14   c ).  
         [0091]     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 13   a - 13   f  and  14   a - 14   f,  partition  46  has a third partition portion  154  attached to second partition portion  148 . Third portion  154  may be attached using second hinge  156 , which may be configured in a manner similar to hinge  150 , as described above. Hinges  150  and  156  are preferably parallel to one another, permitting partition  46  to be configured as: generally planar and horizontal when portions  146 ,  148  and  152  are co-planar (see  FIG. 14   a ); generally L-shaped when one of portions  146  or  152  is rotated about its associated hinge ( 150  or  156 ) to be generally perpendicular to the remaining two portions (see  FIGS. 14   b - 14   f ); and generally U-shaped when portions  146  and  152  are rotated towards each other about hinges  150  and  156 , respectively, until they are generally perpendicular to intermediate portion  148 .  
         [0092]     Referring to  FIG. 14   a,  when in a generally horizontal planar orientation, partition  46  is preferably congruent to a shape defined by an intersection of support surface  120  and receptacle interior surface  100 . This permits partition  46  to lie within receptacle  28  and to be supported about its margin by shoulder  118 . In this configuration, partition  46  divides compartment  50  into a first sub-chamber  158  between itself and bottom  90 , and a second sub-chamber  160  adjacent opening  112  (best seen in  FIG. 14   a ). Items stored within each sub-chamber  158  and  160  may be kept separate by first placing one or more items into sub-chamber  158 , placing partition  46  onto shoulder  118 , and then placing one or more additional items onto partition  46  for storage within sub-chamber  160 . Items in sub-chamber  158  may be accessed by pivoting, or lifting, one of panels  146  and  152  away from sub-chamber  158 . Similarly, access to sub-chamber  158  may be gained by pivoting or lifting two adjacent panels, such as panels  146  and  148  away from sub-chamber  158 . To move panels of partition  46 , partition  46  may be grasped through one or more holes therein.  
         [0093]     Partition  46  may also be configured to partially sub-divide chamber  50  when partition  46  has a general L-shape. In this configuration, edges  161  and  163  of one portion, for example portion  154 , may be placed or slidingly engaged with a pair of transversely opposed guides  116 ). The remaining two portions  146  and  148 , lying perpendicular to portion  154 , may be supported by shoulder  118 . Items stored between partition  46  and bottom  90  may be separated from items placed onto portions  146  and  148 . Items may additionally be placed on a portion  162  of bottom  90  that is exposed even when partition  46  is in place. If the distance between partition portions  146  and  148  and bottom  90  is substantially the same as the width of portion  154 , then items placed on bottom portion  162  may be separated by portion  154  from items placed on the portion of bottom  90  that is enclosed by partition  46 . In the preferred embodiment, portions  146 ,  148  and  154  all have substantially the same width, and shoulder  118  is displaced from bottom  90  by a distance generally equal to two times the width of one of these portions. Accordingly, in the configuration shown in  FIG. 12 , a distal end  164  of portion  154 , is displaced from bottom  90  by a distance generally equal to the width of potion  154 . As a result, movement along bottom  90  of items which are larger than this displacement, may be inhibited by portion  154 . It should be noted that portions  146 ,  148  and  154  may have substantially different widths, and shoulder  118  may be displaced from bottom  90  by any distance that is suitable for storage of a particular item. For example, a greater distance may be used when constructing a receptacle  28  for containing wine bottles  57 , than when constructing a receptacle  28  for containing beer bottles (not shown).  
         [0094]     Referring to  FIG. 14   c,  edges  161  and  163  of portion  154 , and edges  165  and  167  of portion  148 , may be respectively inserted into opposed guides,  116 . Once so inserted, portion  146  may be rotated about hinge  150  to be supported by shoulder  118 , and to provide an alternate division of chamber  50 . In this configuration, distal end  164  of portion  154  is located adjacent bottom  90 . Other examples of possible configurations for partition  46  are shown in  FIGS. 14   a  to  14   f.  These different configurations of partition  46  may permit items of various dimensions to be stored within receptacle  28 . If a different configuration of partition  46  is required, partition  46  may be manually removed, reconfigured and repositioned as needed.  
         [0095]     Partition  46  may preferably have a peripheral reinforcement or stiffener in the nature of a rim or flange  172 . Flange  172  preferably extends about at least a portion of the periphery of partition  46 . Flange  172  may project generally perpendicularly from partition  46 , either in one direction, or in two directions, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Flange  172  is preferably relieved adjacent all hinges. Partition  46  may additionally have an aperture, such as may be in the nature of a circular hole  166  passing through at least one of portions  146 ,  148  and  154 . Hole  166  may permit grasping of partition  46  so that it may be re-located to divide chamber  50 .  
         [0096]     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 16 , hole  166  may additionally be configured to receive an item such as a vessel, for example bottle  57 , which is placed within chamber  50 . Bottle  57  has a neck and a body. Hole  166  is preferably at least the same size as a cross-sectional dimension of the neck, and is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the body. Referring to  FIG. 16 , receptacle shoulder  118  may be located to permit the vessel neck to intersect hole  166  when vessel  57  is placed onto receptacle bottom  90 , and the portion (for example portion  146 ) having hole  166  is supported by support surface  120  of shoulder  118 . Because hole  166  is preferably at least the same size as bottle cross-sectional dimension  174 , lateral movement of the bottle neck within hole may be inhibited, for example, when container  20  is carried or bumped. By inhibiting movement of the bottle neck, and by connection bottle  57 , bottle  57  may be discouraged from toppling and spilling its contents, or coming into undesired contact with other items stored within receptacle  28 . Hole  166  may be located in a partition portion, such as portion  146 , to position the bottle body adjacent one of the wall portions, when bottle  57  is supported by bottom  90 , portion  146  is supported by support surface  120 , and the bottle neck intersects hole  166 . In this configuration, wall portion  144 , which preferably conforms to a profile of bottle body, may inhibit movement of bottle  57  towards wall portion  144 .  
         [0097]     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has two holes  166  and  178 , located in partition portion  146 , one or more holes may be placed in any portion, and may even straddle portions (not shown). Hole size may also be varied depending on the particular size of item that will be supported or retained within hole  166 .  
         [0098]     Second Portion  24   
         [0099]     As noted above, second container portion  24  has two major elements, those being a collapsible soft-sided insulated container wall structure  42 , and removable, water impermeable liner  30 , noted above, for placement inside second insulated container portion  24 . An optional moveable bulkhead, or baffle, in the nature of a partition wall  200  seats within liner  30  for dividing the interior space into two sub-compartments  202 ,  204 .  
         [0100]     The insulated enclosure structure of second insulated container portion  24  has a bottom insulated panel  206 , a front insulated panel  208 , a rear insulated panel  210 , and a pair of left and right hand insulated side panels  212  and  214 . In this preferred embodiment the choice of front and rear, left and right, orientations is arbitrary. Each of front panel  208 , the rear panel, namely common wall  36 , and left and right hand side panels  212  and  214  is joined at sewn seams to bottom  206  at its edges. Similarly, front panel  208  and side panels  212  and  214  have top edges distant from their base edges. Rear panel  210  is joined by a folded hinge  224  at its top edge to a top panel in the nature of a lid  226 . Lid  226  has a closure member in the nature of a zipper  228  extending in a U-shape around the three free edge portions of its periphery to mate with the other portions of zipper  228  positioned about the three top edges  220 ,  221  and  222  of panels  208 ,  212  and  214 . Lid  226  is moveable between a closed position, in which zipper  228  may be zipped closed, and an open position in which lid  226  is folded back to permit entry and exit of objects to and from an internal cavity  230  defined between bottom  206  and panels  208 ,  210 ,  212  and  214 .  
         [0101]     In the preferred embodiment, lid  226  has an extent substantially equal to that of bottom panel  206 . This need not be the case. Lid  206  could be a small opening set in a larger top panel, or could be an opening of half, or some other portion of the panel. The opening need not extend fully along three sides of lid  206 , but could extend along part of one or two sides as may be found suitable in a particular use.  
         [0102]     The top edges  208 ,  212 , and  214  form the rim  234  of cavity  230 . On the inside of rim  234  is a liner securing means, or liner attachment mounting, in the nature of a zipper  236 , which, in the embodiment illustrated, includes portions mounted respectively to panels  208 ,  212 , and  214  near their upper margins, and a hook and eye fabric fastener strip mounted to panel  210 . Although this arrangement is preferred, in an alternative embodiment all of the strip portions (or some other combination of them) could be hook-and-eye fabric fasteners. Other types of mounting could be used, in addition to zippers, such as interlocking seal strips, snaps, clips, grommets or other means.  
         [0103]     Container  24 , with liner  30  installed, can be folded to a collapsed position, as shown in  FIGS. 1   a,    3   a  and  4   a.  In this collapsed, or storage position, side panels  212  and  214  fold inward, and bottom  206  folds upward. This permits front panel  208  to move toward rear panel  310 . Lid  226  is then drawn forward and downward in front of front panel  208 . Lid  226  has, on its inner face, spaced inwardly from zipper  228 , a retainer in the nature of another hook and eye fastener strip  242  that engages a mating hook and eye fastener strip  244  located on a lower portion of the front face of auxiliary pouch  232 . In addition, left and right hand side retainers  246  and  248  mounted to the left and right hand edges of auxiliary pouch  232  of front panel  48  are drawn around to fasten to fastening strips  250  and  252  located on the outer, rearward face of rear panel  210 . (When container  24  is in its open position, strips  246  and  248  engage storage strips  254  and  256  located on side panels  212  and  214  respectively).  
         [0104]     A cross section of front panel  208  or side panels  212 ,  214  is similar to the cross section of panel  62 ,  66  or  68 , shown in  FIG. 12 , except, of course, with liner  30  in place of receptacle  28 . This kind of section is typical not only of front panel  208  but also, generally, of rear panel  210 , side panels  212  and  214 , bottom panel  206  and lid  226 . The outer facing layer of front panel  208  is a canvas covering layer for resisting abrasion. It overlays a closed cell foam insulation layer. The inner face of the insulation layer is covered by flexible plasticised metallic foil sheeting that is shiny and reflective. The material is sold under the name Therma-Flect (T.M.). Liner  30  lies inside the reflective sheeting  272 , and is pressed against it by the objects it contains.  
         [0105]     Liner  30   
         [0106]     Liner  30 , is shown in  FIG. 8   b.  It is made from a membrane, or web, in the nature of a sheet  300  of flexible, transparent plastic stock, in particular, static cling vinyl. The shiny, reflective surface of sheeting  272  is visible through liner  30  in use. Liner  30  has a base  302  and four sides, front, rear, left hand and right hand respectively,  304 ,  306 ,  308 , and  310  extending upwardly from base  302 . Each of sides  304 ,  306 ,  308  and  310  is joined to base  302  at a base edge, as indicated, and each has an opposite, distal edge distant from its respective base edge. The sides meet at respective upstanding corners. A chamber  316  is defined between base  302  and sides  304 ,  306 ,  308  and  310 . Chamber  316  has an opening  318  defined by the peripheral lip  320  formed collectively by the distal edges of sides  304 ,  306 ,  308  and  310 . This mounting may be by heat welding or by use of a bonding agent or adhesive. In the preferred embodiment lip  320  is folded over to form a hem, and fasteners are of the nature of a continuous zipper around three sides of lip  320 , and a fastener on the fourth side in the nature of a fabric hook-and-eye strip are sewn in place with stitching that is at a height relative to base  302  that is expected to be well above the liquid level in liner  30 .  
         [0107]     Liner  30  is preferably a single integral sheet, folded up and, absent punctures of that sheet, is not intended to leak below the level of the sewn seam at lip  320 . The body of base  302  and sides  304 ,  306 ,  308  and  310  is seamless, being free of heat welds or other joints. In general use the liquid level in chamber  316  is not expected to be greater than one half of the height of the sides, and still less commonly to be more than three quarters of the height. There are no seams below either of these levels, heat welded or otherwise.  
         [0108]     Liner  30  is also thin enough that it can be folded inside container  24  when container  24  is compressed to its collapsed position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a,    3   a,  and  4   a.  Liner  30  need not be transparent, but could be translucent or opaque. A transparent liner is preferred since it permits the reflection of sheeting  272  to be seen.  
         [0109]     Auxiliary Wall Structure  32   
         [0110]     Auxiliary wall structure  32  includes an outwardly and upwardly extending flap  324 , a side wall  326 , and a tracked closure member in the nature of a zipper  328  operable to control access to the interior of the space  330  defined between flap  324  and side panel wall  326 . Flap  324  has an arcuate, padded lower portion  332  having a first margin attached to front wall  62 , near the juncture of front wall  62  with bottom panel  60 . Padded lower portion  332  extends upwardly and outwardly from that edge to an arcuate lateral seam  338 . A padded, generally planar (when closed) upper portion  340  extends upward from the upper margin of lower portion  332 . Upper portion  340  has an external mesh pocket  342  mounted thereto. Side wall  326  is formed in a U-shape, having depending lower portions that are mated to lower portion  332 , upwardly extending side portions  344 ,  346 , and a curved central portion  348  extending therebetween, the inner margins of items  344 ,  346  and  348  being sewn to the front face of front panel  62  of first insulated container portion  22 , and the outer margins having one half of a tracked closure member, in the nature of zipper  328  mounted thereto, for co-operation with the other half of zipper  328  that is mounted to the upper margin of flap  324 , to whose shape margins  344 ,  346 ,  348  conform. Upper curved central portion has an eyelet  350 , of two overlapping flaps to admit an electronic jack, or plug  352 , of a head set such as may be plugged into a an entertainment unit  356  such as may be a music playing device, which may be a CD player, a cassette player, a portable radio, or, as in the preferred embodiment, an entertainment unit combining all three capabilities. An internal pouch  358  having an elasticized upper lip  360  is provided for receiving entertainment unit  356 , and such cassettes or compact discs as may be desired by the user. Alternatively, item  32  has an internal space suitable for accommodating knives, forks, spoons, napkins, and other items such as may be desired for a picnic. Internal gussets  364  extend between the lateral margins of pouch  324  and the opposed margins of front flap  324  acting to limit the extent to which flap  324  can be opened, and thereby discouraging it from opening to such an extent that objects container therein may too easily fall out. The termination points of zipper  328  extend to a lower height than the upper margins of gussets  364 . A generally triangular lifting lug  366  is mounted to front panel  62  adjacent to eyelet  350 . While item  32  is not thermally insulated, flap  324  is fabricated with an internal layer of rubberized padding that is intended to provide a measure of protection against rough handling to such electronic equipment or other objects as may be carried therein.  
         [0111]     Although the embodiments illustrated and described above are preferred, the principles of the present invention are not limited to this specific example which is given by way of illustration. It is possible to make other embodiments that employ the principles of the invention and that fall within its spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.