Abstract:
The present invention comprises an insulated container having a liner fitted therein. The liner is removable, reusable, and washable. The insulated container also has an insulated partition defining a pair of thermally isolated compartments to maintain different temperatures in each compartment. To secure the liner in place, a latch is provided, and to vent trapped air, the liner includes a channel. The liner is also configured to shed water when inverted in a washing machine so that the liner can be easily sterilized. An additional unique feature of this invention is that the liner also includes coupling cavities configured to accept various bottles and cans to prevent the bottle or can from tipping over inside the insulated container.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field  
         [0002]     The present invention generally relates to storage containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to insulated storage containers.  
         [0003]     2. Background  
         [0004]     Insulated storage containers are well known in the art and are commonly used to isolate their contents from the external environment. To cool the contents of the container, ice or a sealed gel refrigerant may be used to suppress the internal temperature of the container below ambient temperature. Alternatively, a sealed gel heat pack may be used to elevate the internal temperature of the container above ambient. Sportsmen, campers, picnickers, and mothers of newborns have found insulated containers to be particularly useful when electrically powered refrigerators and food warmers are unavailable.  
         [0005]     Several attempts have been made to enhance the functionality of insulated containers. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,544 describes a bait storage cooler and tackle holder used to store bait and food. This insulated container has a lower portion that is divided into two compartments by a non-insulated wall and includes a lid having recesses to receive and support beverage cans. The non-insulated wall permits the two compartments to be maintained at a similar temperature while preventing intermingling of the contents. For instance, bait in one compartment can be separated from food contained in the other compartment.  
         [0006]     Separating the contents of the two compartments may be desirable in some applications to maintain the two compartments at approximately the same temperature. However, this device is not well suited for insulating the two compartments relative to one another where it is desirable to maintain the two compartments at different temperatures. An insulated container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the &#39;544 patent would facilitate thermal homeostasis rather than prevent it.  
         [0007]     Another drawback of the container described in the &#39;544 patent is that it is often difficult to clean. Typically, the size of insulated containers render them difficult to wash and incapable of being placed within a standard dishwasher or household sink for easy cleaning. Many users find it necessary to clean such coolers outside with a garden hose. Aside from being a laborious task, cleaning the container outdoors with a garden hose substantially limits the degree of cleaning possible. Outdoors debris and contaminants may find their way into the container when cleaning in this manner. This may be particularly undesirable where maintaining a sanitary environment is critical. The device described in the &#39;544 patent also does nothing to securely fasten beverage containers such as bottles or cans in an upright orientation. Accordingly, these beverage containers would be free to tip over and leak if the insulated container happens to be jarred or tipped over.  
         [0008]     Another attempt to advance the art of insulated containers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,467. This patent discloses a disposable cooler liner made from a flexible, impermeable material provided with an adhesive to attach the liner within the chest. The liner includes thin inner walls to provide separate compartments such that the contents may be separated from one another while maintaining each compartment at approximately the same temperature.  
         [0009]     Once again, this device does not thermally isolate the separate compartments. Additionally, the use of a flexible impermeable liner allows for easy removal and disposal, but frustrates the user&#39;s ability to easily clean and reuse the liner. If the user desires to wash the flexible liner in a dish washer it would be difficult to keep the liner open so that it can be fully cleaned. This would present a substantial problem in applications where maintaining a sanitary environment is critical. Moreover, once the liner has been removed and cleaned the adhesive is likely to be compromised.  
         [0010]     One application in which insulated storage containers are utilized is by mothers of newborn babies. Often when they leave home for an extended period of time it is desirable to bring along milk, juice or formula for the baby. In such applications the mother may desire to refrigerate some bottles to prevent the contents from souring. However, the mother may also wish to simultaneously warm some of the other bottles so that the contents of the bottle are approximately body temperature for feeding. If the above noted devices were utilized the insulated container would be incapable of simultaneously refrigerating some of the bottles while warming the other bottles. Additionally, the bottles would be permitted to tip over and, as is common with baby bottles fitted with nipples, the bottle could spill its contents within the container. Babies have underdeveloped immune systems; therefore, it is critical to be able to sterilize items which are commonly used to care for the baby. If the above noted containers were utilized by a mother, it would difficult to efficiently sterilize the container thus unnecessarily risking the health of the baby.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     An object of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies present in the prior art.  
         [0012]     In accordance with one exemplary embodiment constructed in accordance with certain teachings of the present disclosure, an insulated container id disclosed including a container body with a lid fitted to the container body. The insulated container also includes a liner fitted within the container body and is configured to be removable and reusable. In one embodiment, the liner is constructed from a rigid flexible material so that it is washable. In another embodiment of the present invention, the liner has an inwardly angled configuration in order to shed fluids. In yet another embodiment, the liner may have a latch to releasably secure the liner to the container body. In yet still another embodiment, the liner includes an insulated partition. The insulated partition allows for the insulated container to have two thermally isolated regions so that items may be simultaneously stored in the insulated container at dissimilar temperatures. Each of the above embodiments provide features which provide a multifunctional liner which provides unique advantages over the prior art.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the liner includes at least one coupling cavity. The coupling cavity is configured to securely retain a bottle or can in an upright orientation within the insulated container. Unlike prior art containers which do not positively secure the contents in an upright orientation, in one embodiment of the present invention, the insulated container prevents bottles or cans from tipping over and spilling their contents inside the container.  
         [0014]     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify identical elements and wherein:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the insulated container of the present invention with the lid in a closet orientation;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the insulated container of the present invention with the lid in an open orientation;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the insulated container of the present invention with a can and two bottles supported by the lid;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the insulated container;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a liner of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the insulated container;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the insulated container though line A-A of  FIG. 6  through one of the coupling cavities;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an insulating layer of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9   a  is a partial perspective view of the container body about the first locking member;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9   b  is a perspective view of the second locking member;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-section along line B-B of  FIG. 6  about the hinge assembly about the anchor which pivotably engages the outer shell of the insulated container. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]     As best appreciated with reference to  FIG. 1 , the present invention provides an insulated container  10  having a container body  12  with a lid  14  covering the container body  12 . The insulated container also has a handle  16  attached to the container body  12  via a pair of anchors  18  which are fitted into a pair of corresponding apertures  20  to provide a pivotable connection between the handle  16  and container body  12 . Alternatively, the handle  16  may be attached to the container body  12  via a variety of other mechanisms. For instance, the handle  16  may be integrally formed into the sides of the container body  12  or lid  14  (not shown). The handle  16  could also be connected to the container body  12  or lid via a sliding connection with a boss which travels within a track (not shown).  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows the insulated container  10  with the lid  14  in an open configuration exposing the internal cavity  22  of the insulated container  10 . Various bottles  24   a,    24   b,    24   c  and cans  26  may be secured within the internal cavity  22  as explained in further detail below. The lid  14  is pivotably connected to the container body  12  via a hinge  28 . With particular reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lid  14  has ledges  30  to prevent inadvertent contact with the anchors  18  when the lid  14  is in the closed orientation. To open the lid  14 , the lid  14  has a recess  32  where the user may grasp the lid  14  to pivot the lid  14 . An upper surface  34  of the lid  14  has domed portions  36  to secure a can  26  or bottle  24 . Alternatively, the upper surface  34  may also include recesses (not shown) to secure a can  26  or bottle  24  to the lid  14 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , a lower surface  38  of the lid  14  has a rib  40  which separates the lower surface  38  into two regions  42   a  and  42   b.  To prevent the bottles  24  from tipping over when located within insulated container  10 , the lower surface  38  of the lid  14  has concave portions  44  which receive at least a portion of a can  26  or bottle  24 . A bead or gasket  46  extends from the lower surface  38  of the lid  14  to releasably seal the internal cavity  22 .  
         [0029]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the container body  12  includes an outer shell  48  an insulated layer  50  fitted within the outer shell  48  and a liner  52  releasably secured within the insulating layer  50 . The liner is formed from a flexible rigid plastic material or any other cost-effective, easily manufacturable, durable material. Turning to  FIG. 5 , the liner  52  has two chambers  54   a,    54   b.  Of course the insulated container  10  could be further divided into additional chambers without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. Each chamber  54   a,    54   b  is defined by a bottom surface  56  and four side walls  58 . Surrounding the side walls  58  is a lip  60 . The side walls  58  are inwardly tapered from the lip  60  towards the bottom surface  56 . Rather than having to wash the entire insulated container which is often cumbersome and difficult to perform reliably, the liner  52  of the present invention may be removed and cleaned separate from the outer shell  48  and the insulated layer  50 . The tapered configuration of the side walls  58  allows the liner  52  to shed water when inverted thus facilitating thorough cleaning when inverted and placed in a common household washing machine.  
         [0030]     Formed into the bottom surface  56  are coupling cavities  62 . Preferably, each coupling cavity  62  is configured to receive multiple different bottles  24  or cans  26 . A pair of latches  64  are formed into the liner  52  adjacent the lip  60 . Each latch  64  has a flexible arm  66  with a hook  68  to secure the liner  52  to the outer shell  48 . The liner  52  is separated into the two chambers  54   a,    54   b  by an elongate channel  70 . To enhance the structural rigidity of the liner  52  a rib  72  is formed between the chambers  56  within the elongate channel  70 .  
         [0031]     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each coupling cavity  62  is configured to receive different sized cans  24  or bottles  26 . Each coupling cavity  62  has a first cylindrical cross-section  74  of about approximately 2.6 inches in diameter, a second cylindrical cross-section  76  of about approximately 2.3 inches in diameter, a third cylindrical cross-section  78  of about approximately 2.0 inches in diameter. Between the first cylindrical cross-section  74  and the second cylindrical cross-section  76 , is a first taped portion  80 . Between the second cylindrical cross-section  74  and the third cylindrical cross-section  76  is a second tapered portion  82 . Adjacent the third cylindrical cross-section  78  is a third tapered portion  84 . The purpose of this configuration is to permit cans  24  and bottles  26  of differing dimensions to be securely retained within the coupling cavities  62 . This unique feature of the invention in combination with the concave portions  44  in the lid  14  prevents a can  26  or bottle  24  from tipping over and spilling its contents within the internal cavity  22 . This overcomes one of the most problematic features of transporting bottles  24 . If a baby bottle tips over, it may result in spilling its contents creating not only creating a mess but also an unsanitary condition which is particularly undesirable when used for babies with underdeveloped immune systems.  
         [0032]     With reference to  FIG. 8 , the insulating layer  50  may be constructed from a variety of materials such expanded polystyrene foam commonly sold under the trademark Styrofoam or any other insulating material capable of providing an insulation. The insulating layer  50  has chambers  86   a,    86   b  corresponding to the chambers  54   a,    54   b  of the liner  52 . The insulated layer  50  has a bottom wall  90  wit a pair of side walls  92 , a front wall  94  and a rear wall  96  extending from the bottom wall  90 . Separating the chambers  86   a,    86   b  is an insulated partition  98 . This insulated partition  98  thermally isolates the chambers  86   a,    86   b  from one another. This unique feature of the invention permits items to be stored in the same insulated container at different temperatures. For instance, a caregiver for a newborn baby may wish to refrigerate bottles  24  containing formula within one of the chambers  86   a  or  86   b  while simultaneously warm another bottle  24  in the other chamber  86   a  or  86   b.  Of course this feature may also have multiple other applicants. For instance, a camper may wish to store beverages at a cool temperature within one of the chambers  86   a  or  86   b  while also storing a soup, casserole or other item simultaneously at a heightened temperature. These examples are merely exemplary and a multitude of other applications could utilize the unique features of the present invention. In either of the above examples, one of the chambers  86   a,    86   b  could be cooled by ice or an enclosed gel refrigerant and the other chamber  86   a,    86   b  could be warmed by a enclosed gel heat pad.  
         [0033]     The insulated layer  50  has a groove  100  to engage with rib  40  and scalloped portions  102  to egage with the coupling cavities  62  in order to maintain proper alignment between the insulated layer  50  and the liner  52 . Channels  104  are formed on the side walls  92  to provide clearance for the latches  64 . Through holes  106  are formed in the bottom surface  90  of the insulated portion  98  in order to permit affixing the insulated layer  50  to the outer shell  48  as will be explained in further detail below. Yet another unique feature of the present invention is that it includes vents  108 . The vents  108  allow for air trapped between the liner  52  and insulated layer  50  to be vented as the liner  52  is inserted adjacent the insulated layer  50  in order to easy assembly and reduce wear on the insulated container  10 . The vents  108  also allow for air to seep into the region between the liner  52  and the insulated layer  50  in order to depressurize this region as the liner  52  is removed.  
         [0034]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b,  show the locking mechanism utilized to secure the insulated layer  50  to the outer shell  48 . The locking mechanism includes a first member  110  integrally molded to the outer shell  48 . The first member  112  has a base portion  114  with a cylindrical portion  116  extending therefrom. The cylindrical portion  116  has an octagonal inner bore  118 . The second member  120  has a planar portion  122  with a cylindrical portion  124  extending therefrom. The cylindrical portion has an octagonal inner bore  126  with a projection  128  extending within the inner bore  126 . To assemble the body, the inner layer  50  is aligned within the outer shell  48  such that the first members  112  extend upward into the through holes  106  in the insulated layer  50 . To secure the insulated layer  50  in place, second members  120  are pressed down onto corresponding first members in order to lock the insulated layer  50  in place. Of course a suitable adhesive could also be utilized without departing from the unique aspects of this invention.  
         [0035]     As best appreciated with reference to  FIG. 11 , the hook  68  of the latch  64  engages a slot or depression  130  formed in the outer shell  48  to releasably secure the liner  52  within the inner layer  50 . The latches  64  may be released in order to permit the removal of the liner  52  by pressing the flexible arms  66  inwardly to disengage the hooks  68  from the outer shell  48 . Due to the flexible nature of the latches  64 , the hooks  68  will automatically reengage the slots  130  when fully inserted into location. A band  132  extends from the outer shell  48  and includes the aperature  20  which receives the anchor  18  formed on the handle  16 . The aperature  20  and anchor  18  are cylindrical in shape so that the handle  16  is free to pivot relative to the body  12 .  
         [0036]     Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, modifications may be made without departing from the teachings of the present invention. For instance, the present invention has described the particular configuration of the first valve, the second valve, and the one-way valve. The principle operation of these devices is to permit airflow in one direction and resist airflow in the opposite direction. One of ordinary skill in the art can best appreciate that the there are a variety of devices which can achieve this function such as duck bill valves, one-way flapper valves, pumps and the like. The present invention anticipates the substitution of these various other devices without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be limited only by the following claims.