Insulating container

An insulating container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching devices, in the closed configuration. In some examples, the insulating container further includes a pressure regulation device. In other examples, the latching devices further include an elastomeric latch upper and a semi-rigid latch lower configured to engage an insulating container keeper when the when the lid is in a closed and a secured position. In still other examples, the latch upper and the latch lower are configured in a recessed position, and flush with a front side of the insulating container lid and flush with a front side of a bottom portion of the insulating container when the latch device secures the lid in a closed position.

BACKGROUND

Various types of containers are often used to store food or other items. In some examples, it may be advantageous to maintain a temperature of the contents being stored in the container. Accordingly, an insulating container may be used. However, certain conventional insulating containers are often not very durable and lack an adequate means to secure the lid in a closed position. For instance, they have lids that may be lost or broken, handles that may protrude from a base portion of the container, and/or ineffective latches used to secure the lid. In these examples, the lid, handle, and/or the latches may be susceptible to breakage, which, in some cases, may render the insulating container virtually useless.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Insulating containers have various features are described herein. In some examples, the insulating containers may include a base or bottom portion formed by a plurality of sides and a lid. The lid may secure an opening formed by one end of each of the plurality of sides forming the base. The opening may be configured to provide access to an interior void of the insulating container that may also be formed by the sidewall structure or plurality of sides and the bottom portion. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge or hinges from a closed position or configuration to an open configuration. The lid may also include a gasket configured to seal the opening and configured to provide a watertight seal when the lid is in the closed and secured configuration. In some examples, the insulating container may include at least one latching device. The latching device may have a portion arranged on the lid and a portion arranged on the base or bottom portion and may be configured to secure the lid in the closed configuration. The latch may also include a latch upper that may be pivotally attached to the lid, and a latch lower that may be pivotally attached to the latch upper. The latch lower may also include an engaging tab configured to engage a keeper on the insulating container when the lid is secured in the closed configuration. The keeper may also be located on the front side of the base or bottom portion of the insulating container. The latch device may be substantially rectangular shaped when the lid is secured in the closed configuration. In some examples, the latching device may include a portion comprising an elastomeric material and another portion comprising rigid and elastomeric materials. In some examples, the latch lower is more rigid than the latch upper. In other examples, the engaging tab of the latch lower is a rigid material and the remainder of the latch lower is an elastomeric material. In another example, when the lid is in a secured and closed position, a portion of the latching device is tensioned.

In some examples, the latch upper and the latch lower may be configured in a recessed position and flush with the front side of the lid and flush with the front side of the bottom portion of the insulating container when the latch device secures the lid in a closed configuration. The keeper may also be configured to be flush with the latch upper and the latch lower when the latch device secures the lid in a closed configuration. In other examples, the latch upper may include a base, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm may be substantially perpendicular to the base, and the first arm and the second arm may be substantially parallel to each other. In such a configuration, the latch upper may be a substantially inverted U-shape. In another example, the latch lower engaging tab may be located between the first arm and the second arm of the latch upper when the latch lower is pivotally secured to the latch upper. In still other examples, the insulating container may include a pressure regulation device configured to passively allow regulation or equalization of the pressure between the interior void and the atmosphere to prevent lid lock. In yet other examples, the pressure regulation device may include a duckbill-umbrella valve.

In some examples, the insulating container may include a plurality of latching devices. The latching device may include a latch upper pivotally secured to the insulating container lid by a latch upper pin. In certain examples, the latch upper is constructed of an elastomeric rubber. In other examples, the latch lower may be constructed of a rigid plastic and elastomeric rubber. In yet other examples, the latch lower may be pivotally secured to the latch upper by a latch lower pin. In another example, the latch lower may include an engaging tab configured to engage a groove or slot configured in the bottom side of a keeper when the latch device secures the lid in a closed configuration. In another example, the latch lower may also include a finger lift in a position directly opposite the engaging tab. In yet another example, the finger lift extends away or distally from the insulating container lid. In some examples, In the latch upper may include a base, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm may be substantially perpendicular to the base, and the first arm and the second arm may be substantially parallel to each other. The latch upper may be a substantially inverted U-shape and the latch lower engaging tab may be configured to pivot or rotate between the first arm and the second arm of the latch upper when the latch lower is secured to the latch upper.

These and various other features will be described more fully herein.

Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure relate to an insulating container configured to store contents or a volume of liquid. In some examples, the insulating container may include a lid lockable or securable with at least one latch or at least one latching device, and the lid may be hinged to allow the lid to rotate from a closed position to an open position that is approximately 115° from the closed position, and/or be non-destructively removable (e.g., able to be removed and replaced) from a base portion of the insulating container. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating container may include a pressure regulation device that aids in venting the insulating container to prevent lid lock due to pressure or temperature changes. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating container may have handles that are integrally formed in the base portion of the insulating container. These and various other features and aspects of the insulating container will be described more fully herein.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bdepict perspective views of an insulting container100. In one example, the insulting container100may comprise a base portion102and a lid104that, in some examples, may be non-destructively, removably coupled thereto. The base portion102may be an insulated structure forming an interior void for containing contents or a liquid, as will be discussed more fully herein. In some examples, the base portion102may be cuboidal or substantially cuboidal in shape. In still other examples, the base portion102may be substantially cylindrical in shape or may have a substantially rectangular cross section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the invention.

The base portion102may include a first end106, having a bottom surface108. The bottom surface108may be configured to support the insulating container on a surface, such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, boat deck, or the like. The base portion102may also include carry handle or carry strap107. Carry handle or strap107may be connected to handle pivot109. In certain examples, the insulating container is configured with a plurality of handle pivots109. Each end of the handle or carry strap107may be attached to a handle pivot109allowing the handle or carry strap107to freely rotate from the front of the insulating container to the rear of the insulating container. As shown inFIG. 2A, handle107engages handle pivot109. Handle pivot109is configured to rotate approximately 240° and allows the handle107to be rotated from the front of insulating container100to the rear of the insulating container100. In another example, the handle107engages handle pivot109and is configured to travel in an arc over the lid107. In other examples, the handle pivot109is configured to travel at least 220°, 225°, 230°, 235°, 240°, 245°, or 250°. In other examples, the handle pivot109is configured to travel from about 220° to 240° of travel. In certain examples, as shown inFIG. 2B, an insert109bis integrally molded in the base portion102. The handle pivot109is configured to engage the insert109b. Insert109bfurther includes stops109cthat are configured to engage a protrusion109don the handle pivot109. The movement of the handle107is limited by the engagement of the protrusion109dwith the stops109c. In some examples, handle pivot109is secured to the base portion102and insert109bby pivot hardware109a. In certain examples, pivot hardware109amay be a screw, bolt, rivet, etc. In other examples, handle pivot109further includes a strap loop111configured to allow attachment of a carry strap or handle107to the handle pivot109. In some examples, the handle or carry strap107may be formed of various suitable materials, such as one or more plastics. For instance, the handle107may have a core formed of polyvinyl chloride and an outer portion formed of ethylene vinyl acetate. In other examples, the handle or carry strap107may be formed of rope (such as polyester rope), or a nylon webbing. In yet other examples, the handle or carry strap107may be constructed of various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In still other examples, the handle or carry strap107may include padding to facilitate easier carrying via the shoulder or by hand.

FIGS. 2C and 2Dillustrate another example handle pivot109. Handle pivot109may include a handle or carry strap107attachment point115. In other examples, as shown inFIG. 2D, the handle pivot109may include a first and second stop113. Stops113are configured to engage at least one or a plurality of stops109cor a protrusion (not shown) when the handle pivot109engages the insert109b. The configuration and geometry of the insert109band the handle pivot109may prevent the carry strap or handle107from rotating under the insulating container100.

The base portion102further includes a second end110defining an opening112(shown inFIG. 5A) that may be used to access the interior void of the insulating container. The opening112may be covered by lid104, when the insulting container is in use (e.g., when the insulating container is in a closed configuration). The base portion102may further include a plurality of side portions114connected to the bottom surface that define a void for receiving contents in the insulating container102. The side portions114may be arranged such that they extend generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface108.

In some examples, one or more side pocket handles190may be arranged in one or more side portions114(or other region of the base portion102). The side pocket handles may be integrally molded with the base portion102and may generally be an undercut or cutout formed in the side portion114of the base102. In some examples, such as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the undercut or cutout forming the side pocket handle may include a recess extending along substantially all or a majority of the side portion114. This may provide ease of manufacturing the base102with the integrally molded handles190. In some examples, the side pocket handles190may be flush with an exterior surface of the base102in order to reduce the risk of breakage.

As discussed above, the insulating container100may be configured to contain, store, carry, etc., a volume of contents or possibly a liquid. In some examples, the insulting container100may be configured to store between twenty-two (22) and twenty-eight (28) quarts of contents. In some examples, the insulating container may be configured to store approximately twenty-four (24) quarts of contents. In other examples, the insulating container may be configured to store at least twenty-two (22) quarts of contents, or the insulating container may be configured to store at least twenty-eight (28) quarts of contents, among others. In yet other examples, the insulating container may be configured to store approximately sixteen (16) quarts of contents, twenty-four (24) quarts of contents, thirty-six (36) to thirty-eight (38) quarts of contents, or forty-eight (48) to fifty-eight (58) quarts of contents. In still other examples, the insulting container100may be configured to store between about fourteen (14) and about forty-five twenty-eight (45) quarts of contents. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating container100may be configured to store materials in a solid, liquid, or a gaseous state, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

In at least some examples, the insulating container100(and various other containers described herein) may be sized to accommodate the volume of contents described above. For example, the insulating container100may be at least seventeen (17) inches tall, at least sixteen (16) inches wide, and at least fourteen (14) inches deep. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating container100may be configured in different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

As previously discussed, the insulating container100includes a lid104. In some examples, the lid104may connect to the base102in a closed configuration using a press fit. Additionally or alternatively, other securing systems or devices may be used to secure the lid104to the base. Insulating container100may include latching devices120and keepers140of the base102on the front of the container, as shown inFIG. 1A, to secure the lid104in the closed position. In some examples, the insulating container100includes at least one or a plurality of latch slots141integrally molded at the top of base102. The latch slots141may be configured to provide a recess sized appropriately to accommodate the latch120in such a manner that the latch120is flush with the latch slot141when the lid104is in a closed and secured configuration. In other examples, the latch120is flush with the latch slot141and the keeper140when the lid104is in a closed and secured configuration. In other configurations, insulating container100may include a lid104and base102that form at least one corner lift ledge192to facilitate easy gripping of the lid for opening. In other examples, the insulating container may include a plurality of corner lift ledges192. In certain examples, the lift ledge192may be formed by an integrally molded portion of the corner of the lid104, and an integrally molded portion of the front corner at the top of the base102. In still other configurations, insulating container100may include front lift ledge191integrally molded in the base102. The front lift ledge191may integrally molded at the top of the base102. The lift ledge is configured to provide the insulating container an easily accessible region to allow an individual to grasp the lid104for ease of opening (i.e., one handed operation).

In some examples, the lid104may be hinged such that it is connected to (either removably or permanently) the base102at a hinge116and may be rotated about the hinge116. The hinge may be one of various types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, double hinge, ball joint hinge, living hinge, and the like. The hinge116may permit the lid104to be opened and rotated away from the base portion102, to allow access to the internal void defined by the base portion102(e.g., via opening112). That is, the hinge may facilitate rotation of the lid104from a closed configuration of the insulating container (e.g., when the lid is in place covering the internal void formed by the base) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid is not covering the internal void formed by the base), and vice versa. In some examples, the insulating container100is configured with at least one hinge116. In another example, the insulating container is configured with a plurality of hinges. In still other configurations, hinge116comprises a first portion integrally molded in the lid104and a second portion integrally molded in the base102. In yet other examples, the hinge116may further include at least one pin pocket194or a plurality of pin pockets194to secure the lid104to the base102via at least one hinge pin195thus allowing the lid to rotate from a closed position to an open position. In other examples, a plurality of hinge pins195secure the lid104to the base102.

In the examples described herein, base102and lid104may include an exterior surface or outer shell117surrounding and enclosing an insulating portion118, as shown inFIGS. 1C and 5A. The shell117is typically formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the shell117may be formed of a plastic material, such as polyethylene, that is molded to form both the base102and lid104portions. In some examples, the insulating portion118is formed of an insulating material that exhibits low thermal conductivity. For instance, the insulating portion118may be formed of (or filled with) a polymer foam, such as polyurethane foam. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the invention. In some examples, the base102and lid104portions are formed using a roto-molded process as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, and the like) may be used to form the insulating container without departing from the invention.

In other embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C, the insulating container200includes latching devices220similar to those discussed with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. That is, the latching devices include keepers240of the base202on the front of the container200(e.g., similar to keepers140on container100, as shown inFIG. 1A, including latching devices120to secure the lid104in the closed position). Accordingly, when the lid204is in the fully closed position, the engaging portion of a latch (not shown) will be received in and engaged with keepers240formed on the front of the insulating container200(as shown inFIG. 3A). In other configurations, insulating container200may include a lid204and base202that form at least one integrally molded corner lift ledge292to facilitate easy gripping of the lid for opening. In still other configurations, insulating container200may include front lift ledge291integrally molded in the base202.

Similar to the examples discussed above, the keepers140and240may be molded into the base102and202as shown inFIGS. 1A and 3A, respectively. A similar process to that described below may be used to engage/disengage the latch220with the keepers240. In still other embodiments, the base portion202may also include carry handle or carry strap207(not shown). Carry handle or strap207may be connected to pivot209. In still other embodiments, the insulating container may lack a carry handle or strap and pivots. In other embodiments, insulating container200may include pressure regulation device210arranged in a rear or back side214of the base202, as shown inFIG. 3C. In yet other examples, the pressure regulation device210may be configured in the lid204.

In other embodiments, the lid204of insulating container200may include a plurality of accessory magnets205, as shown inFIG. 4A. The magnets205may be arranged on a top, exterior surface203of the lid204. In some examples, the magnet may be substantially disc shaped or substantially ring shaped. In other examples, the magnets are configured to secure additional accessories to the top of the lid. In yet other examples, the magnet205is secured to the top of the lid via a press fit or adhesive. In another example, the magnet205is threaded and screwed into the lid204. In still other examples, the magnet205is secured to the top of the lid by a fastener205a(as shown inFIG. 10) such as a screw, bolt, rivet, or the like. Some example attachable and removable accessories may include a lid pack, a plastic or wooden cutting board, a seat cushion, or a lid net. The base portion202may include a first end206, having a bottom surface208. The bottom surface208may be configured to support the insulating container on a surface, such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, boat deck, or the like and may include a plurality of feet212, as shown inFIG. 4B. Feet212may be configured to provide a non-skid or no-slip surface, and may be configured to keep the insulating container200elevated off the ground. In another example, feet212may be configured to reduce friction with the ground or surface so that the insulating container may be moved more easily while the container is on the ground (i.e., the insulating container may easily slide or be easily pushed across the ground). Feet212may be constructed of rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material. In still other embodiments, the bottom surface208may include a logo or name of a company or manufacturer of the insulating container embossed, integrally molded, or pressed into the exterior shell217, as shown inFIG. 4B. In some embodiments, bottom pocket216may be integrally molded in the bottom surface208of the base portion202. Bottom pocket216allows an individual to grasp the base portion202from the bottom surface208to facilitate easy emptying or dumping out the contents of the insulating container (e.g., ice, melted ice, water, etc.).

FIG. 5Aillustrates the lid104of the insulating container100in a substantially open position. As shown inFIG. 5C, the lid104is in a substantially closed, but unsecured position. That is, the lid104is substantially perpendicular to the base102and is covering the opening. In order to open the lid104, and thereby access the internal void defined by the base102of the insulating container100, the lid104may be lifted upward, in the direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 5A. When the lid104is configured in the closed and secured position, the lid seals the opening112. The lid is configured to travel approximately 115° from the fully closed to fully open position. In some examples, the lid is configured to travel at least 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120° from the fully closed to fully open position. In other examples, the lid104may be configured to travel from about 90° to 120° in the fully open position. In some examples, the lid remains upright when configured in the fully upright position. In still other examples, with further reference toFIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A-3C, and 5A, to open the lid104(e.g., to allow access to an interior void formed by the base102), the hinged lid104may be rotated away from the base portion102and may rest along a rear side114of the base portion102(e.g., the lid may rotate at least 90° from a closed configuration (e.g., the position shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A-3C, and 5C) to an open configuration (e.g., the position shown inFIG. 5A). In some examples the fully open position or configuration may include at least a portion of a top, exterior surface of the lid104being in contact with a rear (or other) side portion114of the base portion102of the insulating container100.

As illustrated inFIG. 5A, some example insulating containers may include a plurality of foam plugs130in the underside of the lid104. In other examples, the foam plug130may further include an accessory clip132. The accessory clip may be configured to engage with and secure additional accessories or devices to the bottom (i.e., underside) of the lid104for convenient storage. For example, a net mesh accessory may be attached to a plurality of clips132. In some examples, the net mesh (not shown) may be constructed of a flexible rubber and it may prevent certain items from getting exposed to water or ice residing in the interior void of the insulating container. Other accessories such as trays or baskets may be stored in the bottom of the interior void of the insulating container, and/or may be configured to rest at the top of the interior void. In some examples, a tray or basket may include a lip around the perimeter of the tray (not shown) that allows the tray to hang from the edge of the opening112while remaining within the interior void of the insulating container. Such a configuration allows the lid104to be configured in the closed and secured position thereby sealing the interior void while the tray or basket is secured in place inside/within the insulating container100.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the underside of the lid104may include a logo or name of a company or manufacturer of the insulating container that is embossed, integrally molded, or pressed into the bottom of the lid104.

In addition, in some examples, the insulating container may include a gasket or other sealing device. The gasket may be arranged in either the lid or the base and may aid in sealing the lid and the base when the lid is in a closed and secured configuration. In other examples, the gasket may be arranged in either the lid or the base and may provide a watertight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured configuration. In some examples, the gasket may be seated in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid and extending around a perimeter of the at least one of the base or the lid. In other examples, as shown inFIG. 5B, the gasket150may be seated in a gasket adapter152formed in at least one of the base102or the lid104and extending around a perimeter of the at least one of the base or the lid. In other examples, the gasket150may be constructed of rubber, silicone, or other suitable material. The gasket may aid in maintaining the temperature of the contents or liquid contained within the insulating container. Various other gasket examples may be used with any of the insulating containers described herein.

In some examples, the gasket may include strategically placed cut-outs that may reduce or eliminate a need for a vent (e.g., a vent to prevent lid lock), as will be discussed more fully below. In some examples, the gasket may be a traditional gasket having a substantially circular cross section. In other examples, the gasket may have a particular cross section configured to aid in venting the insulting container. In some examples, the cross section is a V-shaped or substantially V-shaped portion of the gasket. In yet other examples, the gasket may also include at least one weep hole to allow passive venting of air or fluids in and out of the interior void when the insulating container is in a closed and secured configuration to prevent lid lock. In other examples, the gasket may include a plurality of weep holes. In still other examples, the gasket is configured to provide a watertight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured configuration.

In some examples, the lid104may be configured to remain secured or locked in a closed position using latching devices120. The latching devices120may be various types of latches, including a latch having a latch portion and a keeper portion on the base102, as well as various other types of latches.

FIG. 1Aillustrates the latching device120in a closed and secured position, whileFIG. 5Cillustrates the latching device120in an unsecured position while the lid104is in a closed, but unsecured configuration. When in a secured position, the latching device120is positioned such that the lid104abuts the base102of the insulating container100, thus closing, securing, and/or sealing the container. To disengage the latching device120, the grasping portion or latch lower124, as shown inFIG. 6A, is pulled/flipped away from the base102of the container100. In other words, the latch upper123stretches so that the latch lower engaging tab125disengages from the latch keeper140. Once the engaging tab125clears the latch keeper140, the latch120is swung upward, away from the container, and in an arc. As illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6C, the latch lower124may be pivotally attached and secured to the latch upper123. The latch upper123may be pivotally attached and secured to the lid104of the insulating container100.

Similarly, to close the container100, the latch device120is moved in a downward arc, toward the container100. When the movement of the latch upper123and the latch lower124reaches the latch keeper140, the latch lower124is rotated so the engaging tab125is positioned downward, toward the base102and the engaging tab125is seated/positioned within the keeper groove142in the bottom of the keeper140, as shown inFIG. 5C. The latch lower124is then rotated/pushed downward until the latch lower124and latch upper123are seated and secured. When in the seated and secured position, the latch upper123is stretched and tensioned thus maintaining a constant downward force on the lid104securing and sealing it in the closed configuration. In certain examples, the latch lower may be more rigid than the latch upper. In some examples, the latch upper may be more rigid than the latch lower. In still other examples, the engaging tab may be formed of a rigid material and the latch lower may be formed of an elastomeric material. The latch lower and the engaging tab may be formed by co-molding or injection molding (e.g., multi-material injection molding). In other examples, the engaging tab of the latch lower is a rigid material and the remainder of the latch lower is an elastomeric material. In some examples, the latch lower and the engaging tab may be formed of the same materials. In another example, the latch upper and the latch lower may be not be elastic and/or the latch upper and the latch lower may be semi-rigid. In this example, the gasket is further configured to compress allowing the latch lower to be rotated so that the engaging tab can be seated/positioned within the keeper groove in the bottom of the keeper thus securing the lid in the closed configuration. In certain examples, the gasket may be further configured as the elastic component (i.e., in place of the latch upper or lower) to provide the necessary clearance required to engage the latch lower engaging tab with the latch keeper. When in the seated and secured position, the latch upper and latch lower maintain the lid in a position that compresses the gasket. The gasket thus maintains a constant force on the lid securing and sealing the lid in the closed and configuration. Further, when in the seated position, the latch upper123and the latch lower124of the latch120may be mostly recessed within the latch slot141, and, in some examples, the latch mechanism120does not extend or protrude beyond the surface thereof. In other examples, the latch device/mechanism120is substantially rectangular shaped when the lid104is secured in the closed position/configuration.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the latch upper123is made of materials and sized such that when in the closed/seated and secured position, enough force remains to maintain the closed position of the container lid104. In other words, in the closed position, a certain amount of tension is maintained on the latch upper123as it is not completely returned to its unstretched position/state. In some examples, the latch upper123may be an elastomeric rubber and the latch lower124may be a rigid plastic or composite material. In other examples, the latch upper123may be a rigid plastic or composite material and the latch lower124may be an elastomeric rubber. In yet other examples, the latch upper123may be constructed of both an elastomeric rubber and/or a rigid plastic or composite material. In still other examples, the latch lower124may be constructed of both an elastomeric rubber and/or a rigid plastic or composite material. In certain examples, the latch upper123and/or latch lower may be wholly or partly constructed of a semi-rigid and/or semi-elastomeric material. In another example, both the latch upper123and the latch lower124are an elastomeric rubber. In still another example, both the latch upper123and the latch lower124are a rigid plastic or composite material. In the closed position, the engaging tab125of the latch lower124is received within the recessed groove142of the latch keeper140. In some example examples, the engaging tab125is sized and shaped so as to provide maximum contact with the recessed groove142, thus ensuring an easily maintainable closure.

One example latching device120that may be used with the insulating container100is described with reference toFIGS. 6A-6C. The latching device120shown and described is merely one example latch that may be used and various other types of latches may be used without departing from the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6Care front, perspective, and rear views of an example latching device120to secure the lid in a closed configuration. The latching device120includes a latch upper123and a latch lower124. The latch lower further includes engaging tab125configured to engage a groove or slot142formed on the bottom of keeper portion140. The latch lower may further include a finger lift126positioned opposite the engaging tab125. In other examples, the finger lift126may extend out and away or distally from the insulating container lid104.

According to one aspect of the invention, the latch upper123is made of a flexible, stretchable, resilient, elastomeric, one-piece molded material that is typically pivotally/hingedly attached to the lid portion104of the container100and received within a recessed, elongated latch slot145which is typically integrally molded to the container100. In some examples, the latch slot may be integrally molded as part of both the lid104and the bottom portion102. The latch upper123and latch lower124may be molded in a single-piece construction from rubbery materials as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The latch upper123and latch lower124may also be formed of a material that is formed or made from a plastics material or another suitable material which can be formed or molded into a shape and thus retain the shape to which it has been formed. The latch upper123and latch lower124may be made of sufficient size, thickness and materials of construction to withstand repeated cycles of stress as the latch120is engage/disengaged with the latch keeper140over time.

As further depicted inFIGS. 6A-6C, the latch upper123may include a base300, a first arm302, and a second arm304. The first arm302and the second arm304may be substantially perpendicular to the base300. The first arm302may be substantially parallel to the second arm304. The latch upper123may be substantially shaped like an inverted U. In other examples, the latch lower124includes the engaging tab125. Engaging tab125may be configured to pivotally rotate within/between the latch upper first arm302and the latch upper second arm304. In another example, the keeper140, as shown inFIG. 1A, may be located between the latch upper first arm302, the latch upper second arm304, and below the latch upper base300.FIG. 1Afurther illustrates that the keeper140may be flush with the latch upper base300, first arm302, second arm304, and latch lower124when the insulating container lid is in the closed and secured configuration.

FIGS. 6B and 6Cillustrate that latch lower124may be pivotally attached to the latch upper123and secured to the latch upper123by latch lower pin122. Latch upper123may be pivotally attached to lid104and secured to the lid104by latch upper pin121, as shown inFIG. 5C.

In some examples, the latch120is configured such that the finger lift126extends from the latch lower124at an angle that departs from the plane of the latch120. The angle between the finger lift126and the latch lower124and the latch upper123may aid in or facilitate grasping the finger lift126by a user. At this angle, the user is easily able to slip his or her fingers between the finger lift126and the side of the base portion102of the insulating container100for disengaging the latch120from the keeper140. Further, because the latch upper123is made from a resilient material, even though the finger lift126may extend from the body of the container, it is not easily dislodged or broken.

The finger lift126, as best shown inFIG. 6B, is typically formed into a shape that is easily grasped or accessed by a user. Without intending to be limited thereby, other shapes and geometries are contemplated for the finger lift126for manipulation of the latch120.

Similar to the examples discussed above, another feature of the latching mechanism or device120, the latch keeper140may be integrally molded within the base portion102. The latch keeper140may be positioned within an elongated keeper slot141. As previously discussed, the latch keeper may include a groove or slot142formed in the bottom of the keeper140. The recessed groove142is typically configured for receiving the engaging tab125of the latch lower124. In other examples, the latch keeper140may be substantially square or substantially rectangular shaped. Similarly, the elongated keeper slot141may be substantially rectangular shaped. This combination of features provides a strong and very secure lid latching system.

FIGS. 7A-7Billustrate another example insulating container400with the lid removed to better illustrate the interior void412. In some examples, at least one pressure regulation device410may be configured in the rear side portion414of the base402. The pressure regulation device410may be configured to regulate the internal pressure of the interior void412with the external atmospheric pressure. The pressure regulation device410may be permanently affixed or removably inserted into a bore (not shown) integrally molded in the rear side portion414. In certain examples, the pressure regulation device may include vent402positioned on the interior rear side portion414and within the interior void412. In some examples, vent402may include a plurality of umbrella valve vents411configured to allow the one way passage and release of air from the interior void412via an umbrella valve500, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B. The pressure regulation valve may also include a vent gasket406, umbrella valve gasket408, and vent stem404, as shown inFIG. 8B. In certain examples, the vent stem404may include a plurality of ribs configured to provide a friction or press fit in a substantially cylinder-shaped bore integrally molded in the rear side portion414. In still other configurations, the pressure regulation device may be secured in the rear side portion414by an adhesive, RF welding, etc. In another example, the umbrella valve500may be configured within and over the stem404and umbrella gasket408. In other examples, the pressure regulation device may also include a duckbill valve504within the stem404.

As shown inFIGS. 8A, 9A, and 9B, the pressure regulation device500may include umbrella valve500and duckbill valve504. The duckbill valve504and umbrella valve500may be configured to allow the passive transmission of air into and out of the interior void412of the insulating container400to regulate and potentially equalize the internal pressure of the insulating container400with the atmospheric pressure. In one example, the umbrella valve500is an elastomeric valve with a diaphragm-shaped sealing disk506that creates a seal over the umbrella valve vents411. When the pressure within the interior void412reaches a predetermined level, the proper force is reached to lift the convex diaphragm506from the umbrella valve vents411to allow flow of air in a one-way direction (i.e., out of the interior void412). The diaphragm506is further configured to prevent the back flow immediately in the opposite direction of air. The pressure regulation device thus reduces the pressure within the insulating container, for example, when the atmospheric pressure is reduced (e.g., climbing a mountain or driving up a hill). In still other examples, the pressure regulation device410may also include a duckbill valve504. The duckbill valve504includes a channel502configured to allow the passage of air from the exterior of the insulating container400into the interior void412when the internal pressure of the interior void412is less than the atmospheric pressure. In another example, the duckbill valve504may be a one-piece, elastomeric component that includes a channel502. The valve504may include elastomeric lips508substantially shaped like a duckbill configured to prevent the backflow of fluid out of the interior void412and configured to allow the flow of air into the interior void412when the atmospheric pressure is greater than the internal pressure of the insulating container400(e.g., descending from a mountain or driving down a hill).

Additionally or alternatively, various other venting or pressure regulation arrangements may be used without departing from the invention. For instance, a portion of the base may include a material that is breathable for air but does not permit water or other liquids to penetrate. This mesh material may allow venting without permitting spillage of the liquid contained within the insulating container.

The insulating containers described herein include various features that ensure easy and efficient manufacture of the insulating containers, while providing durability and wear resistance. The insulating containers and the various integrally molded features, such as side pocket handles, pressure regulation mechanisms or devices, latch devices, etc., may be advantageous in improving durability and wear resistance.

The present disclosure 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 disclosure, 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 disclosure.