JP2025515797A - Insulated container - Google Patents

Abstract

An insulated container (700) is provided having a base (702) and a lid (704). The lid is hingedly rotatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration and can be secured in the closed configuration by one or more latch devices (720). In some examples, the insulated container further comprises a puller assembly (760) having a telescopic three-arm configuration defined by a stored configuration, a partially extended configuration, and a fully extended configuration. In other examples, the insulated container further comprises a wheel assembly (770) having a pair of wheels mounted on one or two axles and further including wheel grommets for absorbing shock and providing cushioning to the axles. In yet other examples, the insulated container further comprises a drain plug assembly (780) on a rear sidewall adjacent a bottom portion of the base, the drain plug assembly including a main tube (782) cooperatively engaging with an outer tube (794) having a plurality of ratchet teeth (797) that engage with one or more ratchet keys (783) on the main tube.

Description

Description of Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/743,075, filed May 12, 2022, entitled THERMAL INSULATING CONTAINER. This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/533,238, filed November 23, 2021, entitled THERMAL INSULATING CONTAINER, which is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16/218,089, filed December 12, 2018, entitled THERMAL INSULATING CONTAINER, now issued November 23, 2021 as U.S. Patent No. 11,180,291, entitled THERMAL INSULATING CONTAINER, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

This disclosure relates to an insulated container.

Various types of containers are often used to store food and other items. In some instances, it may be advantageous to maintain the temperature of the contents stored in the container. Therefore, insulated containers may be used.

However, certain conventional insulated containers are often not very durable and do not have adequate means for securing the lid in a closed position. For example, they have lids that can be lost or broken, handles that can protrude from the base of the container, and/or latches that are used to secure the lid that are ineffective. In these instances, the lids, handles, and/or latches can be fragile and, in some cases, can render the insulated container essentially useless.

This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form some of the concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The insulated container has various features described herein. In some examples, the insulated container may include a base; a lid hinged to the base; and a pull assembly attached to the base. The base may include a sidewall structure, a bottom portion connected to the sidewall structure, an opening formed at an end of the sidewall structure, and at least one latch device configured to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position. The sidewall structure may have a front sidewall, a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall, and two side sidewalls between the front sidewall and the rear sidewall. A bottom portion may be connected to a first end of each sidewall of the sidewall structure, the bottom portion configured to support the insulated container on a surface. An opening may be formed at a second end of each sidewall of the sidewall structure opposite the first end of each sidewall of the sidewall structure. The opening may be configured to provide access to an interior space of the insulated container formed by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion. A gasket may be configured to provide a watertight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position. A pull assembly may be attached to the rear sidewall. The pull assembly may have a telescoping three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull assembly is in a stored configuration, a second stage in which the pull assembly is in a partially extended configuration, and a third stage in which the pull assembly is in a fully extended configuration. The pull assembly may include an upper arm, a middle arm, and a lower arm. The upper arm may be telescoping and slidable within the middle arm, and the middle arm may be telescoping and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating a telescoping three-stage arm configuration.

In another example, the pull assembly may be attached to the rear sidewall with one or more brackets. The one or more brackets may be U-shaped brackets that fit the exterior of the lower arm against the rear sidewall. The pull assembly may further include one or more locking mechanisms for locking the pull assembly in the stored and fully extended configurations, with an upper locking mechanism between the upper and middle arms and a lower locking mechanism between the middle and lower arms. The pull assembly may further include a release button disposed on the pull. The release button may be connected to and actuable by the one or more locking mechanisms to lock and release the pull assembly between the stored and fully extended configurations. The pull assembly may have an extension arm overlap distance defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper, middle, and lower arms are in the fully extended configuration. The extension arm overlap distance may be about 70 mm. The pull assembly may include a pull with one or more pull bumpers including a raised portion extending around the periphery of the pull. The insulated container may further include a container bracket attached to the base, a lid bracket attached to the lid, and an angle lock bracket including a lock. The container bracket may include a first lock hole and the lid bracket may include a second lock hole. When the lid is in a closed and secured position, the first and second lock holes are aligned with each other, thereby allowing the lock to be inserted into the first and second lock holes. Furthermore, the at least one latch device may further include a latch upper portion pivotally attached to the lid and a latch lower portion pivotally attached to the latch upper portion. The latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab adapted to engage the catch. The latch lower portion may be formed from a first material and the latch upper portion may be formed from a second material. The first material may be more rigid than the second material. The catch may be disposed on a front surface of the bottom portion of the insulated container.

These and various other features are more fully described herein.

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate similar elements and in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1C is a front perspective internal cross-sectional view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1C is a side view of the insulated container of FIGS. 1A and 1B highlighting a carrying strap or carrying handle arrangement in which the strap or handle can be rotated from one side of the insulated container to the other via a handle pivot, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the handle pivot of FIG. 2A according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 13 is an enlarged front perspective view of another example handle pivot according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 2D is a rear perspective view of the handle pivot shown in FIG. 2C according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a front view of another example insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a side view of another example insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a rear view of another example insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 3C is a top view of a lid of the insulated container of FIG. 3A-3C according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 3C is a bottom view and a front view of the insulated container of FIG. 3A according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates one hinge arrangement that allows a lid to be rotated from a closed configuration to an open configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detached lid with an example gasket removed according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a low profile, over-center latch device or mechanism in an unlocked configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a front view of a latch or latching device arrangement for securing a lid in a closed configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a latch or latching arrangement for securing a lid in a closed configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a rear view of an arrangement of latches or latching devices for securing a lid in a closed configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of another example insulated container with the lid removed and a pressure regulator on the back or rear of the insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of another example insulated container with the lid removed and a pressure regulator on the back or rear side of the insulated container, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 7B is a close-up view of a pressure regulator of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 7B is a close-up view of a pressure regulator of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 8C is a close-up view of a duckbill-umbrella valve that constitutes the pressure regulator shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 8C is a close-up view of a duckbill-umbrella valve that constitutes the pressure regulator shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a front view of another insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a side view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a rear view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a side view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10D according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 10A is a top partial perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E with the lid open, according to one or more embodiments described herein. 10A-10E showing the puller assembly in a stored configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 10A is a side view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, showing the puller assembly in a partially extended configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 10A is a side view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, showing the puller assembly in a fully extended configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 10A is a side view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E in a tilted configuration, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 10A is a rear perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E showing the puller assembly in a stored configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 10B is a top rear perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E with the lid open and the puller assembly in an extended configuration, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 16 is a side view of the insulated container shown in FIG. 15 with the lid open and the puller assembly in an extended configuration, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 16B is a close-up side view of the puller assembly and lid section from FIG. 16A according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a side view of a puller assembly in both a retracted position and an extended position according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 17B is a close-up side view of a section of the puller assembly from FIG. 17A, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 17B is a close-up side view of a section of the puller assembly from FIG. 17A, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a close-up perspective view of a handle bumper section of a pull assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. 10A-10E depicting a bottom perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E showing a wheel assembly according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional rear view of a wheel and axle connection for the insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 20B is a close-up rear cross-sectional view of a wheel and axle connection for the insulated container shown in FIG. 20A according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional rear view of an axle connection and anti-rotation fitting for an insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 10B is a side cross-sectional view of a drain plug assembly for an insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 10A is an exploded view of a drain plug assembly for an insulated container shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a front view of another insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is a side view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a rear view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is a side view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A-24D are top views of the insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A-24D are bottom views of the insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a front perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a rear side perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F, showing the puller assembly in a stored configuration, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a top rear perspective view of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a front view of a puller assembly of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a rear view of a puller assembly of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a side perspective view of a puller assembly of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A-24F are bottom perspective views of the insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24B is a rear view of the wheel assembly and anti-rotation attachment for the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F with a portion of the pull assembly removed, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24B is a rear view of the wheel assembly and anti-rotation attachment for the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F with a portion of the pull assembly removed, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24B is a rear cross-sectional view of the axle connection and anti-rotation fitting for the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F with portions of the puller assembly removed, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a side perspective view of a wheel well on an insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is a side cross-sectional view of a drain plug assembly for an insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 24A is an exploded view of a drain plug assembly for an insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 24B is another exploded view of the drain plug assembly for the insulated container shown in FIGS. 24A-24F, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an example angle bracket kit for an insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an example angle bracket kit for an insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an example angle bracket kit for an insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an attachment of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an attachment of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an attachment of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an attachment of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an attachment of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary welding process for use with an insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary welding process for use with an insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary welding process for use with an insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein.

In addition, while the drawings may depict different components of a single embodiment to scale, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an insulated container adapted to store a content or a volume of liquid. In some examples, the insulated container may include a lid that can be locked or secured 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 of about 115° from the closed position and/or to allow non-destructive removal (e.g., removal and replacement) from a base of the insulated container. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container may include a pressure regulator that helps vent the insulated container to prevent the lid from locking due to changes in pressure or temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container may have a handle integrally molded into the base of the insulated container. These and various other features and aspects of the insulated container are described in more detail herein.

In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

1A and 1B show perspective views of an insulated container 100. In some examples, the insulated container 100 may include a base portion 102 and, in some examples, a lid 104 that may be non-destructively removably coupled thereto. The base portion 102 may be an insulated structure that forms an interior space for containing contents or liquid, as more fully discussed herein. In some examples, the base portion 102 may be cuboidal or substantially cuboidal in shape. In yet other examples, the base portion 102 may be substantially cylindrical in shape or have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the invention.

The base portion 102 can include a first end 106 having a bottom surface 108. The bottom surface 108 can be made to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, the ground, the floor of a vehicle, a boat deck, etc. The base portion 102 can also include a carrying handle or carrying strap 107. The carrying handle or strap 107 can be connected to a handle pivot 109. In one example, the insulated container is provided with multiple handle pivots 109. Each end of the handle or carrying strap 107 can be attached to a handle pivot 109 such that the handle or carrying strap 107 can freely rotate from the front of the insulated container to the back of the insulated container. As shown in FIG. 2A, the handle 107 engages with the handle pivot 109. The handle pivot 109 is made to rotate approximately 240°, allowing the handle 107 to rotate from the front of the insulated container 100 to the back of the insulated container 100. In another example, the handle 107 is adapted to engage the handle pivot 109 and move in an arc over the lid 104. In other examples, the handle pivot 109 is adapted to move at least 220°, 225°, 230°, 235°, 240°, 245°, or 250°. In other examples, the handle pivot 109 is adapted to move in a range of about 220° to 240°. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2B, an insert 109b is integrally molded into the base portion 102. The handle pivot 109 is adapted to engage the insert 109b. The insert 109b further includes a stop 109c adapted to engage a protrusion 109d on the handle pivot 109. The movement of the handle 107 is limited by the engagement of the protrusion 109d with the stop 109c. In some examples, the handle pivot 109 is secured to the base portion 102 and the insert 109b by a pivot fitting 109a. In some examples, the pivot fitting 109a can be a screw, bolt, rivet, or the like. In other examples, the handle pivot 109 further includes a strap loop 111 configured to attach a carrying strap or handle 107 to the handle pivot 109. In some examples, the handle or carrying strap 107 can be formed from a variety of suitable materials, such as one or more plastics. For example, the handle 107 can have a core formed from polyvinyl chloride and an outer portion formed from ethylene vinyl acetate. In other examples, the handle or carrying strap 107 can be formed from rope (such as polyester rope), or nylon webbing. In still other examples, the handle or carrying strap 107 can be made from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber reinforced materials. In yet another example, the handle or carrying strap 107 may include padding to make it easier to carry over the shoulder or by hand.

2C and 2D show another example handle pivot 109. The handle pivot 109 can include an attachment point 115 for the handle or carrying strap 107. In another example, as shown in FIG. 2D, the handle pivot 109 can include first and second stops 113. The stops 113 are configured to engage with at least one or more stops 113 or protrusions (not shown) when the handle pivot 109 engages the insert 109b. The structure and shape of the insert 109b and the handle pivot 109 can prevent the carrying strap or handle 107 from rotating under the insulated container 100.

The base portion 102 further includes a second end 110 that defines an opening 112 (shown in FIG. 5A) that can be used to access the interior space of the insulated container. The opening 112 can be covered by the lid 104 when the insulated container is in use (e.g., when the insulated container is in a closed configuration). The base portion 102 can further include a number of side portions 114 connected to the bottom surface that define a space for containing contents within the insulated container 100. The side portions 114 can be positioned to extend generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface 108.

In some examples, one or more side pocket handles 190 can be disposed on one or more side portions 114 (or other areas of the base portion 102). The side pocket handles can be integrally molded with the base portion 102 and can generally be undercuts or cutouts formed in the side portions 114 of the base portion 102. In some examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the undercuts or cutouts forming the side pocket handles can include recesses that extend along substantially all or most of the side portions 114. This makes it easier to manufacture the base portion 102 with the handles 190 integrally molded therein. In some examples, the side pocket handles 190 can be flush with the exterior surface of the base portion 102 to reduce the risk of breakage.

As previously mentioned, the insulated container 100 can be made to contain, store, transport, etc., a volume of contents or possibly liquid. In some examples, the insulated container 100 can be made to store between 22 quarts (about 21 L) and 28 quarts (about 26 L). In some examples, the insulated container can be made to store about 24 quarts (about 23 L). In other examples, the insulated container can be made to store at least 22 quarts (about 21 L), or the insulated container can be made to store at least 28 quarts (about 26 L), among others. In still other examples, the insulated container can be made to store about 16 quarts (about 15 L), 24 quarts (about 23 L), 36 to 38 quarts (about 34 to 36 L), or 48 to 58 quarts (about 45 to 55 L). In yet another example, the insulated container 100 may be configured to store contents between about 14 quarts (about 13 L) and about 45 quarts (about 43 L). Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 100 may be configured to store materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

In at least some examples, the insulated container 100 (and various other containers described herein) can be sized to accommodate the volumes of contents described above. For example, the insulated container 100 can be at least 17 inches (about 43 cm) tall, at least 16 inches (about 41 cm) wide, and at least 14 inches (about 36 cm) deep. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 100 can be made in different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

As previously mentioned, the insulated container 100 includes a lid 104. In some examples, the lid 104 can be connected to the base 102 into the closed configuration using a press fit. Additionally or alternatively, other fastening systems or devices can be used to secure the lid 104 to the base. The insulated container 100 can include a latching device 120 and a catch 140 on the front of the container, as shown in FIG. 1A, to secure the lid 104 in the closed position. In some examples, the insulated container 100 includes at least one or more latch slots 141 integrally molded into the top of the base 102. The latch slots 141 can be made to provide a recess of an appropriate size to accommodate the latch 120 in a manner such that the latch 120 is flush with the latch slots 141 when the lid 104 is in the closed and secured configuration. In other examples, the latch 120 is flush with the latch slots 141 and the catch 140 when the lid 104 is in the closed and secured configuration. In another embodiment, the insulated container 100 can include a lid 104 and a base 102 that define at least one corner lifting ledge 192 to facilitate gripping the lid for opening the lid. In another example, the insulated container can include multiple corner lifting ledges 192. In one example, the lifting ledge 192 can be formed by integrally molded portions of the corners of the lid 104 and integrally molded portions of the front corners on the top of the base 102. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 100 can include a front lifting ledge 191 that is integrally molded into the base 102. The front lifting ledge 191 can be integrally molded into the top of the base 102. The lifting ledge is designed to provide the insulated container with an accessible area that allows an individual to grip the lid 104 for easy opening (i.e., one-handed operation).

In some examples, the lid 104 can be hinged such that it is connected (either removably or permanently) to the base 102 at a hinge 116 and can rotate about the hinge 116. The hinge can be one of a variety of types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, a double hinge, a ball joint hinge, a living hinge, and the like. The hinge 116 can open the lid 104 and rotate it away from the base 102 to provide access (e.g., through the opening 112) to the interior space defined by the base 102. That is, the hinge can facilitate rotating the lid 104 from a closed configuration of the insulated container (e.g., when the lid is in place covering the interior space defined by the base) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid is not covering the interior space defined by the base) and vice versa. In some examples, an insulated container 100 is made with at least one hinge 116. In other examples, an insulated container is made with multiple hinges. In yet another embodiment, the hinge 116 includes a first portion integrally molded to the lid 104 and a second portion integrally molded to the base 102. In yet another example, the hinge 116 further includes at least one pin pocket 194 or multiple pin pockets 194 to secure the lid 104 to the base 102 via at least one hinge pin 195, thereby allowing the lid to rotate from a closed position to an open position. In another example, multiple hinge pins 195 secure the lid 104 to the base 102.

In the examples described herein, the base 102 and the lid 104 may include an exterior or outer shell 117 that encloses and closes the insulating portion 118, as shown in Figs. 1C and 5A. The shell 117 is typically formed from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the shell 117 may be formed from a plastic material, such as polyethylene, that is molded to form portions of both the base 102 and the lid 104. In some examples, the insulating portion 118 is formed from an insulating material that exhibits low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating portion 118 may be formed from (or filled with) a polymeric foam, such as expanded polyurethane. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the invention. In some examples, the base 102 and the lid 104 portions are formed using a rotomolding process (not shown) as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing methods (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the insulating container without departing from the invention.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 3A-3C, the insulated container 200 includes a latching device 220 similar to that described with respect to Figures 1A and 1B. That is, the latching device includes a catch 240 (e.g., similar to catch 140 on container 100, as shown in Figure 1A, which includes latching device 120 for securing lid 104 in a closed position) on the base 202 on the front of the container 200. Thus, when the lid 204 is in a fully closed position, the engagement portion of the latch (not shown) is received within and engages with catch 240 formed on the front of the insulated container 200 (as shown in Figure 3A). In another embodiment, the insulated container 200 can include a lid 204 and base 202 that form at least one integrally molded corner lifting ledge 292 to facilitate gripping the lid to open it. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 200 can include a front lifting ledge 291 integrally molded on the base 202.

As with the previous examples, the catches 140 and 240 can be molded into the bases 102 and 202, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A. The latch 220 can be engaged/disengaged with the catch 240 using a process similar to that described below. In yet another embodiment, the base 202 can also include a carrying handle or carrying strap 207 (not shown). The carrying handle or strap 207 can be connected to a pivot 209. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container can be devoid of a carrying handle or strap and pivot. In another embodiment, the insulated container 200 can include a pressure regulator 210 located on the back or underside 214 of the base 202, as shown in FIG. 3C. In yet another example, the pressure regulator 210 can be fabricated into the lid 204.

In other embodiments, the lid 204 of the insulated container 200 can include a number of attached magnets 205, as shown in FIG. 4A. The magnets 205 can be disposed on the top exterior surface 203 of the lid 204. In some examples, the magnets can be substantially disk-shaped or substantially ring-shaped. In other examples, the magnets are configured to secure additional accessories to the top of the lid. In still other examples, the magnets 205 are secured to the top of the lid by a press fit or adhesive. In another example, the magnets 205 are threaded and screwed into the lid 204. In still other examples, the magnets 205 are secured to the top of the lid by fasteners 205a (as shown in FIG. 10), such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Some removable accessories include a lid pack, a plastic or wood cutting board, a seat cushion, or a lid net. The base portion 202 can include a first end 206 having a bottom surface 208. The bottom surface 208 can be configured to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, boat deck, etc., and can include a number of legs 212, as shown in FIG. 4B. The legs 212 can be configured to provide a non-skid or slip-resistant surface and can be configured to raise the insulated container 200 off the ground. In another example, the legs 212 can be configured to reduce friction with the ground or surface so that the insulated container can be more easily moved while it is on the ground (i.e., the insulated container can be easily slid or pushed across the ground). The legs 212 can be made of rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 208 can include a logo or name of the company or manufacturer of the insulated container embossed, molded, or pressed into the outer shell 217, as shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the bottom pocket 216 can be molded integrally into the bottom surface 208 of the base portion 202. The bottom pocket 216 allows an individual to grasp the base portion 202 from the bottom surface 208 to easily empty the insulated container or release its contents (i.e., ice, melted ice, water, etc.).

5A shows the lid 104 of the insulated container 100 in a substantially open position. As shown in FIG. 5C, the lid 104 is in a substantially closed but unlocked position. That is, the lid 104 is substantially perpendicular to the base 102 and covers the opening. To open the lid 104 and thereby access the interior space defined by the base 102 of the insulated container 100, the lid 104 can be lifted upward in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5A. When the lid 104 is in the closed and locked position, it seals the opening 112. The lid is made to move about 115° from a fully closed position to a fully open position. In some examples, the lid is made to move at least 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120° from a fully closed position to a fully open position. In other examples, the lid 104 can be made to move about 90° to 120° in the fully open position. In some examples, the lid remains upright when in a fully upright position. In yet other examples, with further reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A-3C, and 5A, to open the lid 104 (e.g., to provide access to the interior space defined by the base 102), the hinged lid 104 can be rotated away from the base portion 102 and can rest along the rear side 114 of the base portion 102 (e.g., the lid can be rotated at least 90° from a closed configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A-3C, and 5C) to an open configuration (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 5A). In some examples, the fully open position or configuration can include at least a portion of the upper exterior surface of the lid 104 in contact with the rear (or other) side portion 114 of the base portion 102 of the insulated container 100.

As shown in FIG. 5A, some exemplary insulated containers can include a plurality of foam plugs 130 on the underside of the lid 104. In other examples, the foam plugs 130 can further include attachment clips 132. The attachment clips can be made to engage and secure additional accessories or implements to the bottom (i.e., underside) of the lid 104 for convenient storage. For example, a net mesh attachment can be attached to the plurality of clips 132. In some examples, the net mesh (not shown) can be made from soft rubber, which can prevent certain items from being exposed to water or ice contained in the interior space of the insulated container. Other accessories, such as trays or baskets, can be stored at the bottom of the interior space of the insulated container and/or can be made to be placed on top of the interior space. In some examples, the trays or baskets can include a lip (not shown) on the periphery of the tray that can suspend the tray from the edge of the opening 112 while in the interior space of the insulated container. Such a configuration allows the lid 104 to be closed and in a fixed position while the tray or basket is secured in place within/within the insulated container 100, thereby making the interior space sealed.

As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the underside of the lid 104 may include the logo or name of the insulated container company or manufacturer embossed, molded, or pressed into the bottom of the lid 104.

In addition, in some examples, the insulated container can include a gasket or other sealing device. The gasket can be disposed on either the lid or the base and can help seal the lid and base when the lid is in a closed and secured configuration. In other examples, the gasket can be disposed on either the lid or the base and can provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured configuration. In some examples, the gasket can be received in a recess formed in at least one of the base and the lid and extending around the periphery of at least one of the base or the lid. In other examples, as shown in FIG. 5B, the gasket 150 can be received in a gasket adapter 152 formed in at least one of the base 102 or the lid 104 and extending around the periphery of at least one of the base or the lid. In other examples, the gasket 150 can be made of rubber, silicone, or other suitable material. The gasket can help maintain the temperature of the contents or liquid contained within the insulated container. Various other gasket examples may be used with any of the insulated containers described herein.

In some examples, the gasket can include strategically placed cutouts that can reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent the lid from locking), as described more fully below. In some examples, the gasket can be a conventional gasket with a substantially circular cross-section. In other examples, the gasket can have a particular cross-section that is made to aid in venting the insulated 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 can also include at least one drainage hole that allows passive venting of air or fluid into and out of the interior space to prevent the lid from locking when the insulated container is in a closed and secured configuration. In other examples, the gasket can include multiple drainage holes. In still other examples, the gasket is made to provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured configuration.

In some examples, the lid 104 can be made to remain secured or locked in a closed position using a latching device 120. The latching device 120 can be various types of latches, including latches having a latch portion and a catch portion on the base 102, as well as various other types of latches.

1A shows the latch device 120 in a closed and locked position, while FIG. 5C shows the latch device 120 in an unlocked position with the lid 104 in a closed but unlocked configuration. The latch device 120 is positioned such that when in the locked position, the lid 104 abuts the base 102 of the insulated container 100, thus closing, locking, and/or sealing the container. To open the latch device 120, the gripping portion or latch bottom 124, as shown in FIG. 6A, is pulled/flipped away from the base 102 of the container 100. In other words, the latch top 123 extends such that the latch bottom engagement tab 125 is released from the latch catch 140. Once the engagement tab 125 releases the latch catch 140, the latch 120 is moved upwards in an arc away from the container. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the latch lower portion 124 can be pivotally attached and secured to the latch upper portion 123. The latch upper portion 123 can be pivotally attached and secured to the lid 104 of the insulated container 100.

Similarly, to close the container 100, the latch device 120 is moved in an arc downward toward the container 100. When the movement of the latch top 123 and the latch bottom 124 reaches the latch catch 140, the latch bottom 124 is rotated so that the engagement tab 125 is positioned downward toward the base 102 and the engagement tab 125 is received/placed in the catch groove 142 at the bottom of the catch 140 as shown in FIG. 5C. The latch bottom 124 is then rotated/pushed downward until the latch bottom 124 and the latch top 123 are received and locked. When the latch top 123 is in the received and locked position, it is stretched and tensioned, thus maintaining a constant downward force on the lid 104 to lock it in the closed configuration and seal it. In some examples, the latch bottom can be stiffer than the latch top. In some examples, the latch top can be stiffer than the latch bottom. In yet another example, the engagement tab can be formed from a rigid material and the latch bottom can be formed from a resilient material. The latch bottom and the engagement tab can be formed by co-molding or injection molding (e.g., multi-material injection molding). In another example, the engagement tab of the latch bottom is a rigid material and the remainder of the latch bottom is a resilient material. In some examples, the latch bottom and the engagement tab can be formed from the same material. In another example, the latch top and latch bottom can be non-resilient and/or the latch top and latch bottom can be semi-rigid. In this example, the gasket is further made to compress the latch bottom so that the engagement tab can be rotated so that it can be received/located within the catch groove at the bottom of the catch, thereby securing the lid in a closed configuration. In some examples, the gasket can be further made as a resilient member (i.e., instead of the latch top or bottom) to provide the necessary clearance to engage the engagement tab of the latch bottom with the latch catch. The latch top and latch bottom maintain the lid in a position that compresses the gasket when in a stored and secured position. Thus, the gasket maintains a constant force on the lid that secures and seals the lid in a closed, fixed configuration. Additionally, the latch top 123 and latch bottom 124 of the latch 120 can be recessed mostly within the latch slot 141 when in the stowed position, and in some instances, the latch mechanism 120 does not extend or protrude beyond its surface. In other instances, the latch device/mechanism 120 is substantially rectangular when the lid 104 is secured in the closed position/configuration.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the latch top 123 is sized and made from a material such that when in the closed/received and secured position, sufficient force is maintained to maintain the closed position of the container lid 104. In other words, when in the closed position, the latch top 123 is not fully returned to the unextended position/state, so a certain amount of tension is maintained. In some examples, the latch top 123 can be elastic rubber and the latch bottom 124 can be rigid plastic or composite material. In other examples, the latch top 123 can be rigid plastic or composite material and the latch bottom 124 can be elastic rubber. In still other examples, the latch top 123 can be made from both elastic rubber and/or rigid plastic or composite material. In still other examples, the latch bottom 124 can be made from both elastic rubber and/or rigid plastic or composite material. In some examples, the latch top 123 and/or the latch bottom can be made in whole or in part from semi-rigid and/or semi-elastic material. In another example, both the latch top 123 and the latch bottom 124 are elastic rubber. In yet another example, both the latch top 123 and the latch bottom 124 are rigid plastic or composite materials. The engagement tab 125 of the latch bottom 124 is received within a recessed groove 142 of the latch catch 140 when in the closed position. In some examples, the engagement tab 125 is sized and shaped to maximize contact with the recessed groove 142, thus ensuring an easily maintainable closure.

One example of a latching device 120 that may be used with the insulated container 100 is described with reference to Figures 6A-6C. The latching device 120 shown and described is only one example of a latch that may be used, and various other types of latches may be used without departing from the invention.

6A-6C are front, perspective, and rear views of an exemplary latch device 120 for securing a lid in a closed configuration. The latch device 120 includes a latch upper portion 123 and a latch lower portion 124. The latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab 125 adapted to engage a groove or slot 142 formed in the bottom of the catch portion 140. The latch lower portion can further include a finger hook 126 positioned opposite the engagement tab 125. In other examples, the finger hook 126 can extend outwardly away from the insulated container lid 104.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the latch top 123 is typically pivotally/hinged attached to the lid portion 104 of the container 100 and is made from a flexible, stretchable, resilient, elastomeric, integrally molded material housed within a recessed, elongated latch slot 145 that is typically integrally molded into the container 100. In some instances, the latch slot can be integrally molded as part of both the lid 104 and the bottom portion 102. The latch top 123 and latch bottom 124 can be integrally molded from a rubber-like material, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The latch top 123 and latch bottom 124 can be molded from a material that can be molded or shaped into a shape and therefore can be molded or made from a plastic material or another suitable material that can maintain the molded shape. The latch upper portion 123 and the latch lower portion 124 can be made of a structural size, thickness and material sufficient to withstand repeated stress cycles as the latch 120 engages and disengages the latch catch 140 over an extended period of time.

6A-6C, the latch top 123 can include a base 300, a first arm 302, and a second arm 304. The first arm 302 and the second arm 304 can be substantially perpendicular to the base 300. The first arm 302 can be substantially parallel to the second arm 304. The latch top 123 can be shaped substantially like an inverted U. In another example, the latch bottom 124 includes an engagement tab 125. The engagement tab 125 can be made to pivotally rotate in/between the latch top first arm 302 and the latch top second arm 304. In another example, a catch 140 as shown in FIG. 1A can be positioned between the latch top first arm 302 and the latch top second arm 304, below the latch top base 300. FIG. 1A further illustrates that the catch 140 can be flush with the latch upper base 300, the first arm 302, the second arm 304, and the latch lower portion 124 when the insulated container lid is in the closed and secured configuration.

Figures 6B and 6C show that the latch bottom 124 can be pivotally attached to the latch top 123 and secured to the latch top 123 by a pin 122 on the latch bottom. The latch top 123 can be pivotally attached to the lid 104 and secured to the lid 104 by a pin 121 on the latch top, as shown in Figure 5C.

In some examples, the latch 120 is made such that the finger hook 126 extends from the latch bottom 124 at an angle away from the plane of the latch 120. The angle between the finger hook 126 and the latch bottom 124 and latch top 123 can assist or facilitate a user to grasp the finger hook 126. At this angle, a user can easily place a finger between the finger hook 126 and the side of the base portion 102 of the insulated container 100 to release the latch 120 from the catch 140. Additionally, the latch top 123 is made from a resilient material so that the finger hook 126 does not easily become dislodged or broken even though it may extend from the body of the container.

The finger grip 126, as best seen in FIG. 6B, is generally shaped to be easily grasped or accessed by a user. Although not intended to be limiting, other shapes and arrangements of the finger grip 126 for operating the latch 120 are contemplated.

Similar to the examples discussed above, another feature of the latch mechanism or device 120, the latch catch 140, can be integrally molded into the base portion 102. The latch catch 140 can be disposed within an elongated catch slot 141. As discussed above, the latch catch can include a groove or slot 142 formed in the bottom of the catch 140. The recessed groove 142 is generally configured to receive the engagement tab 125 of the latch bottom 124. In other examples, the latch catch 140 can be substantially square or substantially rectangular. Similarly, the elongated catch slot 141 can be substantially rectangular. This combination of features provides a strong and very robust lid latch system.

7A-7B show another example insulated container 400 with the lid removed to better show the interior space 412. In some examples, at least one pressure regulator 410 can be fabricated on the rear portion 414 of the base 402. The pressure regulator 410 can be fabricated to regulate the internal pressure of the interior space 412 with the external atmospheric pressure. The pressure regulator 410 can be permanently secured or removably inserted into a molded hole (not shown) in the rear portion 414. In some examples, the pressure regulator can include a vent 402 disposed on the interior rear portion 414 and within the interior space 412. In some examples, the vent 402 can include a plurality of umbrella valve vents 411 fabricated to allow one-way passage and release of air from the interior space 412 via an umbrella valve 500, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The pressure regulator may also include a vent gasket 406, an umbrella valve gasket 408, and a vent stem 404, as shown in FIG. 8B. In one example, the vent stem 404 may include a plurality of ribs configured to provide a friction or press fit into a substantially cylindrical bore integrally molded into the rear portion 414. In yet another form, the pressure regulator may be secured within the rear portion 414 by adhesive, RF welding, or the like. In another example, the umbrella valve 500 may be fabricated within and over the stem 404 and the umbrella valve gasket 408. In another example, the pressure regulator may also include a duckbill valve 504 within the stem 404.

8A, 9A, and 9B, the pressure regulator 410 can include an umbrella valve 500 and a duckbill valve 504. The duckbill valve 504 and the umbrella valve 500 can be made to allow passive venting of air into and out of the interior space 412 of the insulated container 400 to regulate and potentially equalize the internal pressure of the insulated container 400 with atmospheric pressure. In one example, the umbrella valve 500 is an elastic valve having a diaphragm-shaped sealing disk 506 that creates a seal over the umbrella valve vent 411. When the pressure in the interior space 412 reaches a predetermined level, an appropriate force is reached to lift the convex diaphragm 506 from the umbrella valve vent 411 to allow air to flow in one direction (i.e., out of the interior space 412). The diaphragm 506 is further made to immediately prevent air from flowing back in the opposite direction. In this manner, the pressure regulator reduces the pressure within the insulated vessel when, for example, atmospheric pressure decreases (e.g., when climbing a mountain or driving up a hill). In yet another example, the pressure regulator 410 can also include a duckbill valve 504. The duckbill valve 504 includes a passageway 502 configured to allow air to pass from the exterior of the insulated vessel 400 to the interior space 412 when the interior pressure of the interior space 412 is lower than atmospheric pressure. In another example, the duckbill valve 504 can be a one-piece elastic component that includes the passageway 502. The valve 504 includes a substantially duckbill-shaped elastic lip 508 configured to prevent backflow of fluid out of the interior space 412 and allow air to flow into the interior space 412 when atmospheric pressure is greater than the interior pressure of the insulated vessel 400 (e.g., when descending a mountain or driving down a hill).

10A-23 illustrate another exemplary insulated container 600 according to one or more aspects described herein. For the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-23, features are referenced using similar reference numerals in the "6xx" reference numeral sequence, rather than "1xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A/1B/1C, "2xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 3A/3B/3C, or "4xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 7A/7B. "6xx" features may resemble "1xx", "2xx" or "4xx" features. Thus, certain features of the insulated container 600 already described above with reference to the insulated containers 100, 200, or 400 of FIGS. 1A/1B/1C, 3A/3B/3C, and 7A/7B may not be described in as much detail, or may not be described at all. Additionally, any of the features previously described with respect to insulated containers 100, 200, and 400 in Figures 1A through 9B can be utilized with insulated container 600.

Figure 10A shows a front view of the insulated container 600. Figures 10B and 10D show side views of the insulated container 600. Figure 10C shows a rear view of the insulated container 600. Figure 10E shows a front perspective view of the insulated container 600.

In one example, the insulated container 600 can include a base portion 602 and, in some examples, a lid 604 that can be non-destructively and removably coupled thereto. The base portion 602 can be an insulated structure that forms an interior space for containing contents or liquid. In some examples, the base portion 602 can be cubic or substantially cubic in shape. In yet other examples, the base portion 602 can be substantially cylindrical in shape or have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from this invention.

The base portion 602 can include a first end 606 having a bottom surface 608. The bottom surface 608 can be configured to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle floor, a boat deck, etc.

The base portion 602 further includes a second end 610 that defines an opening 612 (shown in FIG. 11) that can be used to access the interior space of the insulated container. FIG. 11 shows a top partial perspective view of the insulated container 600 with the lid 604 open. The opening 612 can be covered by the lid 604 when the insulated container 600 is in use (e.g., when the insulated container 600 is in a closed configuration). The base portion 602 can further include a plurality of side portions 614 connected to the bottom surface 608 that define a space for containing contents within the insulated container 600. The side portions 614 can be arranged to extend generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface 608. The plurality of side portions 614 can include a front side portion 614A, a rear side portion 614B opposite the front side portion 614A, and two lateral side portions 614C between the front side portion 614A and the rear side portion 614B.

In some examples, one or more side pocket handles 690 can be disposed on one or more side portions 614 (or other areas of the base portion 602). The side pocket handles 690 can be integrally molded with the base portion 602 and can generally be undercuts or cutouts formed in the side portions 614 of the base portion 602. In some examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 10B and 10D, the undercuts or cutouts forming the side pocket handles 690 can include recesses that extend along substantially all or most of the length of the side portions 614. This can facilitate manufacturing the base portion 602 with the handles 690 integrally molded therein. In some examples, the side pocket handles 690 can be flush with the exterior surface of the base portion 602 to reduce the risk of breakage.

As previously mentioned, the insulated container 600 can be made to contain, store, transport, etc., a volume of contents or possibly liquid. In some examples, the insulated container 600 can be made to store about 60 liters (about 63.4 quarts) or 48 liters (about 50.7 quarts). In some examples, the insulated container 600 can be made to store between 22 quarts (about 21 l) and 28 quarts (about 26 l). In some examples, the insulated container 600 can be made to store about 24 quarts (about 23 l). In other examples, the insulated container 600 can be made to store at least 22 quarts (about 21 l) or the insulated container can be made to store at least 28 quarts (about 26 l), among others. In yet other examples, the insulated container 600 may be configured to store about 16 quarts of content, 24 quarts of content, 36 to 38 quarts of content, or 48 to 58 quarts of content. In yet other examples, the insulated container 600 may be configured to store between about 14 quarts of content and about 45 quarts of content. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 600 may be configured to store materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure set forth herein.

In at least some examples, the insulated container 600 (and various other containers described herein) can be sized to accommodate the volumes of contents described above. For example, the insulated container 600 can be at least 17 inches (about 43 cm) tall, at least 16 inches (about 41 cm) wide, and at least 14 inches (about 36 cm) deep. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 600 can be made in different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

As previously mentioned, the insulated container 600 includes a lid 604. In some instances, the lid 604 can be connected to the base 602 into a closed configuration using a press fit. Additionally or alternatively, other fastening systems or devices can be used to secure the lid 604 to the base. The insulated container 600 can include a latching device 620 and catch on the base 602 on the front of the container to secure the lid 604 in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10E. In some instances, the lid 604 can be made to remain secured or locked in the closed position using the latching device 620. The latching device 620 can be various types of latches, including latches having latch portions and catch portions on the base 602, as well as various other types of latches. The insulated container 600 can include any of the latching devices and catches as previously described and specifically shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, 4A, 5A, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 6C.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10E, the insulated container 600 can include a lid 604 and a base 602 that form at least one corner lifting ledge 692 to facilitate gripping the lid for opening it. In another example, the insulated container 600 can include multiple corner lifting ledges 692. In one example, the lifting ledge 692 can be formed by an integrally molded portion of a corner of the lid 604 and an integrally molded portion of a front corner on the top of the base 602. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 600 can include a front lifting ledge 691 that is integrally molded into the base 602. The front lifting ledge 691 can be integrally molded into the top of the base 602. The lifting ledge 691 can be made to provide the insulated container 600 with an accessible area that allows an individual to grip the lid 604 for easy opening (i.e., one-handed operation).

In some examples, the lid 604 can be hinged such that it is connected (either removably or permanently) to the base 602 at a hinge 616 and can rotate about the hinge 616. The hinge can be one of a variety of types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, a double hinge, a ball joint hinge, a living hinge, and the like. The hinge 616 can open the lid 604 and rotate it away from the base 602 to provide access (e.g., through the opening 612) to the interior space defined by the base 602. That is, the hinge 616 can facilitate rotating the lid 604 from a closed configuration of the insulated container 600 (e.g., when the lid 604 is in place covering the interior space defined by the base 602) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid 604 is not covering the interior space defined by the base 602) and vice versa. In some examples, the insulated container 600 is made with at least one hinge 616. In other examples, the insulated container is made with multiple hinges 616. In yet other forms, the hinge 616 includes a first portion integrally molded to the lid 604 and a second portion integrally molded to the base 602.

In the examples described herein, the base 602 and the lid 604 can include an exterior or outer shell that encloses and closes the insulating portion, as shown and described in FIGS. 1C and 5A. The shell is typically formed from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the shell can be formed from a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), polypropylene with rubberizing agents, or polyethylene, that is molded to form portions of both the base 602 and the lid 604. The thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO) is composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, or other polyolefins as hard segments and ethylene propylene rubber (ethylene propylene monomer (EPM) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)) as soft segments. In some examples, the insulating portion is formed from an insulating material with low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating portion can be formed from (or filled with) a polymeric foam, such as expanded polyurethane. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the invention. In some examples, the base 602 and lid 604 portions are formed using an injection molding process (not shown) as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing methods (e.g., rotomolding, stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the insulated container without departing from this invention.

The base portion 602 can include a first end 606 having a bottom surface 608. The bottom surface 608 can be configured to support the insulated container 600 on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, boat deck, etc., and can include a plurality of legs as previously described and shown in FIG. 4B. In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container 600 can include one or more lateral legs 613, as shown in FIG. 19. The lateral legs 613 or legs can be configured to provide a non-skid or slip-resistant surface and can be configured to raise the insulated container 600 off the ground. In another example, the lateral legs 613 or legs can be configured to reduce friction with the ground or surface so that the insulated container can be more easily moved while it is on the ground (i.e., the insulated container can be easily slid or pushed across the ground). The lateral legs 613 can be spaced apart and parallel, thereby creating and providing an air gap between the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container and the ground. The side legs 613 or legs can be made from rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable materials. In another embodiment, the side legs 613 can be molded into the base 602 with an alternative finish or texture for the side legs 613 in the mold. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 608 can include a logo or name of the insulated container company or manufacturer embossed, molded, or pressed into the outer shell.

Figures 11, 15, and 16A show the lid 604 of the insulated container 600 in a substantially open position. As shown in Figures 10A-10E, the lid 604 is in a substantially closed configuration. That is, the lid 604 is substantially perpendicular to the base 602 and covers the opening. The lid 604 can be lifted upwardly to open the lid 604 and thereby access the interior space defined by the base 602 of the insulated container 600. When the lid 604 is in the closed and secured position, the lid 604 seals the opening 612.

In addition, in some examples, such as shown in FIG. 11, the insulated container 600 can include a gasket 650 or other sealing device. The gasket 650 can be disposed on either the lid 604 or the base 602 and can help seal the lid 604 and the base 602 when the lid 604 is in a closed and secured configuration. In other examples, the gasket 650 can be disposed on either the lid 604 or the base 602 and can provide a watertight or nearly watertight seal when the lid 604 is in a closed and secured configuration. In some examples, the gasket 650 can be received in a recess formed in at least one of the base 602 and the lid 604 and extending around the periphery of at least one of the base 602 or the lid 604. In other examples, such as shown in FIG. 11, the gasket 650 can be received in a gasket adapter 652 formed in at least one of the base 602 or the lid 604 and extending around the periphery of at least one of the base 602 or the lid 604. In other examples, the gasket 650 can be made from rubber (such as neoprene or EPDM), silicone, or other suitable materials. The gasket 650 can help maintain the temperature of the contents or liquid contained within the insulated container 600. Various other gasket examples may be used with any of the insulated containers described herein.

In some examples, the gasket 650 can include strategically placed cutouts that can reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent the lid from locking), as described more fully below. The gasket 650 can include cutouts, or the lid 604 or base 602 can include a change in profile to reduce or eliminate compression of the gasket 650. The change in profile of the base 602 or lid 604 can reduce compression of the gasket 650 and allow venting when the internal pressure of the insulated container 600 reaches a certain pressure. In some examples, the gasket 650 can be a conventional gasket with a substantially circular cross-section. In other examples, the gasket 650 can have a particular cross-section made to aid in venting the insulated container. In some examples, the cross-section is a V-shaped or substantially V-shaped portion of the gasket 650. In yet another example, the gasket 650 can also include at least one drainage hole that allows passive venting of air or fluid into and out of the interior space to prevent the lid from locking when the insulated container 600 is in the closed and secured configuration. In another example, the gasket 650 can include multiple drainage holes. In yet another example, the gasket 650 is configured to provide a watertight seal when the lid 604 is in the closed and secured configuration.

In another example, the insulated container 600 can include a pull assembly 660, as specifically shown in Figures 12A-18. Figures 12A-12C show side views of the insulated container 600 showing the pull assembly 660 in various stored and extended configurations. Figure 13 shows a side view of the insulated container 600 in a tilted configuration and the pull assembly 660 in an extended configuration. Figure 14 shows a rear perspective view of the insulated container 600 with the pull assembly 660 in the stored configuration. Figure 15 shows a top rear perspective view of the insulated container 600 with the lid 604 open and the pull assembly 660 in the extended configuration. Figure 16A shows a side view of the insulated container 600 with the lid 604 open and the pull assembly 660 in the extended configuration. Figure 16B shows a close-up side view of the pull assembly and lid area from Figure 16A. Figure 17A shows a side view of the pull assembly 660 in both the stored and extended positions. 17B and 17C show close-up side views of the section of the pull assembly from FIG. 17A. Finally, FIG. 18 shows a close-up perspective view of the handle bumper section of the pull assembly 660.

12A-18 show the pull assembly 660 that allows the user to move the insulated container 600 ergonomically. The pull assembly 660 can be useful when tilting the insulated container 600 into a rolling position with the end opposite the wheels 672 away from the resting surface of the container. FIGS. 12A-12C show the pull assembly 660 as it transitions from the stored configuration shown in FIG. 12A to the extended position of FIG. 12C. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, the pull assembly 660 can be a telescoping handle design with three stages of handle/arm configuration. FIG. 12A shows the pull assembly 660 in a first stage, where the pull assembly 660 is in a stored (or retracted or nested) configuration. FIG. 12B shows the pull assembly 660 in a second stage, where the pull assembly 660 is in a partially extended configuration. FIG. 12C illustrates the puller assembly 660 in a third stage, with the puller assembly 660 in a fully extended configuration. The puller assembly 660 can have one or more locking mechanisms 665A, 665B for the stored, partially extended, and/or fully extended configurations.

The pull assembly 660 can be connected to the side portion 614 of the base 602, specifically the rear side portion 614B of the base 602. The pull assembly 660 can be located on the same rear side portion 614B that includes the wheel assembly 670. When the pull assembly 660 is in the extended configuration, a user can grab the pull 662 and tilt the front side portion 614A and lift upward, which transfers the mass of the insulated container 600 to the wheels 672 and allows the user to pull the insulated container 600. The pull assembly 660 can have an extended configuration that allows the user to pull the container 600. FIG. 13 shows a tilted insulated container 600 with the pull assembly 660 fully extended. The pull assembly 660 can have a stored configuration that allows the pull assembly 660 to be flush with the top of the insulated container 600. When the pull assembly 660 is in the stored configuration, the upper surface 663 of the pull 662 can be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the lid 604.

The pull assembly 660 can be attached to the rear side portion 614B. The pull assembly 660 can include one or more brackets 666A, 666B, 666C that attach the pull assembly 660 to the rear side portion 614B. The pull assembly 660 can include one or more brackets for attaching the pull assembly to the rear side portion 614B, such as one bracket, two brackets, three brackets, or four or more brackets. The one or more brackets can include a first bracket 666A (or upper bracket) attached to the top of the pull assembly 660, a second bracket 666B (or middle bracket) attached to the middle of the pull assembly 660, and a third bracket 666C (or lower bracket) attached to the bottom of the pull assembly 660. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first bracket 666A, the second bracket 666B, and the third bracket 666C are all connected to the lower arm 664C, and specifically, the lower arm 664C and the puller assembly 660 can be attached to the rear side portion 614B. The brackets 666 can be placed at the attachment points on the rear side portion 614B of the base 602 before the insulation portion (foam) is filled into the base 602.

Additionally, the brackets 666A, 666B, 666C can be U-shaped brackets that fit over the exterior of the lower arm 664C of the pull assembly 660 to hold the lower arm 664C and the pull assembly 660 to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600. The brackets 666A, 666B, 666C can be of various other shapes without departing from the embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, the brackets 666A, 666B, 666C can be of various widths. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first bracket 666A and the third bracket 666C can have a first width. The second bracket 666B can have a second width that is less than the first width. The brackets 666A, 666B, 666C can include one or more fasteners 667 on each side of the brackets 666A, 666B, 666C that connect the brackets 666A, 666B, 666C to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600. In an exemplary embodiment, the first bracket 666A and the third bracket 666C can include two fasteners 667 on each side of the brackets 666A, 666C that connect the brackets 666A, 666C to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600. The second bracket 666B can include one fastener 667 on each side of the second bracket 666B that connects the second bracket 666B to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600.

As shown in Figures 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, and 17C, the pull assembly 660 can include a telescopic feature. The pull assembly 660 can include an upper arm 664A, a middle arm 664B, and a lower arm 664C. The upper arm 664A can be nested within and slidable within the middle arm 664B. In addition, the middle arm 664B can be nested within and slidable within the lower arm 664C. Such nesting and sliding of the upper arm 664A, the middle arm 664B, and the lower arm 664C can create a telescopic feature of the pull assembly 660.

16A and 16B show the pull assembly 660 in an extended configuration with the lid 604 open. The lid 604 can be a low profile lid, such that the lid 604 can be fully opened when the pull assembly 660 is in the fully extended configuration. In another embodiment, the lid 604 can include a low profile seat cushion, such that the lid 604 with the seat cushion can be fully opened when the pull assembly 660 is in the fully extended configuration.

16A and 16B, the lid 604 can include a step portion 605 disposed at the rear of the lid 604. The step portion 605 can be recessed from the top surface of the lid 604 closest to the rear portion 614B. In one embodiment, the step portion 605 can be about 1/2 inch from the top surface of the lid 604. In other embodiments, the step portion 605 can be 1/4 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/2 inches, or other dimensions from the top surface of the lid 604 without departing from this invention. The step portion 605 can help eliminate the risk of pinching between the intermediate arm 664B and the lid 604. The step portion 605 can have a variety of shapes and sizes without departing from this invention.

17A, 17B, and 17C show the internal components of the pull assembly 660 in detail. FIG. 17A shows the pull assembly 660 in detail in both the partially extended and fully extended configurations. The pull assembly 660 can include one or more locking mechanisms, an upper locking mechanism 665A and a lower locking mechanism 665B. The locking mechanisms 665A and 665B can be located between the arms 664A, 664B, 664C to latch and lock the pull assembly 660 in the stored and/or fully extended configurations. In particular, the upper locking mechanism 665A can be located between the upper arm 664A and the middle arm 664B. The lower locking mechanism 665B can be located between the middle arm 664B and the lower arm 664C. A release button 668 can be connected to the locking mechanisms 665A, 665B and function as an actuator thereof. The locking mechanisms 665A, 665B can be released with a release button 668 on the pull handle 662. The locking mechanisms 665A, 665B can include various components known in the art for extending and retracting pull handles, such as actuators, hinges, spring-loaded bearings, bushings, locking pins, locking holes, etc.

17B and 17C, the pull assembly 660 can have an extension arm overlap distance D1, D2. The extension arm overlap distance D1, D2 can be defined as the overlap between the nested arms when the arms 664A, 664B, 664C are in the extended configuration. The extension arm overlap distance D1, D2 allows for more contact between the arms and the inner portion of the bushing, thereby making the pull assembly 660 stronger and more stable when in the extended configuration. The pull assembly 660 can have an extension arm overlap distance D1 that represents the distance between the bottom of the upper arm 664A and the top of the middle arm 664B when the upper arm 664A and the middle arm 664B are in the fully extended and locked configuration. The puller assembly 660 may also have an extension arm overlap distance D2 that represents the distance between the bottom of the middle arm 664B and the top of the lower arm 664C when the middle arm 664B and the lower arm 664C are in a fully extended and locked configuration. The extension arm overlap distances D1, D2 may be approximately 70 mm. The extension arm overlap distances D1, D2 may be other distances without departing from this invention.

As shown in FIG. 18, the pull assembly 660 can include a pull handle 662 that can be grasped by a user to pull the pull assembly 660 to an extended configuration. The user can grasp the pull handle 662 in the extended configuration and tilt and lift the front side portion 614A upward, which transfers the mass of the insulated container 600 to the wheels 672 and allows the user to pull the insulated container 600.

The pull handle 662 may include a handle bumper 669. The handle bumper 669 may be disposed on each of the pull handle arms 664 of the pull handle 662. The handle bumper 669 may be utilized to prevent the handle grip 663 of the pull handle 662 from wearing down if/when the insulated container 600 is tipped over. The handle bumper 669 may include a raised portion that extends to the outer periphery of the pull handle 662 adjacent to the upper pull handle arm 664A and/or to the outer periphery of the upper pull handle arm 664A. The raised portion may extend partially or completely to the outer periphery of the pull handle 662 and/or the pull handle arm 664.

The components of the pull assembly 660 can be formed from a polymeric material, which can be a filled or unfilled polymer. For example, the polymeric material can be PC-ABS, polyethylene, or other similar materials. Additionally, the components of the pull assembly 660 can be manufactured with polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques. Alternatively, or if desired, the pull assembly 660 can be formed from a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or other metallic material having a density less than 3 g/cc. Alternatively, the components of the insulated container 600, such as the lid, body, lid support member, and pull assembly, can include SF moldings made of a composite polymeric material having a low density foam core and a higher density polymeric skin.

In another example, the insulated container 600 can include a rear wheel assembly 670, as shown in detail in Figures 10A-10D and 19-21. Figure 19 shows a bottom perspective view of the insulated container 600 showing the wheel assembly 670. Figures 20A and 20B show rear cross-sectional views of the wheel assembly 670 and axle coupling for the insulated container 600. Figure 21 shows a rear cross-sectional view of the axle coupling and anti-rotation fitting for the wheel assembly 670 of the insulated container 600.

The insulated container 600 may include a wheel assembly 670 including a pair of wheels 672 to assist a user in easily moving the insulated container 600. The wheel assembly 670 may include tires 671 and wheels 672, each of which may be attached to the base 602 with an axle 674. The wheel assembly 670 may include a single axle 674 for both wheels 672 or a dual axle 674 with an axle on each wheel 672. The tires 671 may be made from foamed polyurethane having a hardness of about 80 Shore A and a density of 0.75 KG/LT. The wheels 672 may be made from a rigid material such as a glass-filled nylon material. The tires 671 may be overmolded, stretch-fit, or grip-fit onto the wheels 672. The wheels 672 may include ribs or other gripping structures on the inner edge of the wheels 672 to help grip the foamed tires 671 securely.

Each of the wheel assemblies 670 and the wheels 672 can be attached to the base 602. More specifically, each wheel 672 can be attached to the rear side portion 614B adjacent the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container 600. Each wheel 672 can be secured within a wheel recess 673 in the base portion 602 and the rear side portion 614B. Each wheel 672 can be secured within the recess 673 using at least one spring retaining ring 675 and coupled to at least one axle 674. Additionally, the wheels 672 and tires 671 can extend rearward beyond the puller assembly 660, thereby providing additional leading edge protection to the puller assembly 660. Additionally, the wheels 672 and tires 671 can be elevated off the ground when the insulated container 600 is lying flat on the ground. The tires 671 can also include a flat tread profile to improve sand/soft terrain performance. The wheels 672 can also include a single-ply wheel hub to provide reduced weight. Additionally, the flat, thin tread profile of tire 671 provides a lightweight wheel.

20A and 20B detail an exemplary embodiment of the wheel assembly 670 showing the wheels 672 and axles 674 of the insulated container 600. The wheel assembly 670 can include one or more ball bearings 677A, an inner spacer 677B, and an outer spacer 677C that sets the distance between the bearings 677A. The inner spacer 677B can be made of an aluminum material. The outer spacer 677C can be made of a rigid polypropylene material and can be used to set the position of the wheels 672. The wheels 672, the inner spacer 677B, the outer spacer 677C, and the wheel grommets 676 can be held along the axis of the axle 674 by a spring retaining ring 675 along the end of the axle 674. The spring retaining ring 675 can fit radially around the end of the axle 674 to pass through the wheels 672 and hold the axle 674 in the base 602.

Additionally, the wheel assembly 670 can include a wheel grommet 676. The wheel grommet 676 can be positioned between the wheel recess 673 and the outer spacer 677C. The wheel grommet 676 can also be positioned around the axle 674. The wheel grommet 676 can provide a seal between the wheel recess 673 and the interior of the base 602. The wheel grommet 676 can be a rubber/non-rigid material (such as EPDM rubber). The wheel grommet 676 can be used to prevent water and other materials from entering the insulating center of the base 602. The wheel grommet 676 can be a bushing or grommet that absorbs shocks and forces exerted on the wheel 672 and cushions the axle 674. The wheel grommet 676 can absorb shocks and forces exerted on the wheel 672, allowing the axle 674 to rotate when large forces are applied to the wheel 672. For example, during a drop test in which the insulated container 600 is loaded with a load of approximately 75 pounds (approximately 34 kg) and the insulated container 600 is simulated being dropped, the wheel assembly 670 does not break due to the wheel grommets 676. All of the force from the drop can be concentrated on the axles 674 instead of the wheels 672. The force from the drop can be absorbed and/or dissipated by the wheel grommets 676 to reduce the high impact and prevent it from reaching the base 602, the axles 674, the axle brackets 678, and other critical components. The drop test includes dropping the insulated container 600 from a height of approximately one meter off the ground and can be completed in cold, hot, and room temperature conditions. The insulated container 600 can be dropped in multiple orientations, including at the rear, where both wheels 672 are subjected to the impact force, and at the wheel corner, where one wheel 672 is subjected to the force.

21 details an exemplary embodiment of an axle bracket 678 that prevents the axle 674 from rotating out. The axle bracket 678 can be an anti-rotation attachment to the base 602. There can be at least one axle bracket 678 per axle 674. Additionally, there can be multiple axle brackets 678, such as two, three, or four axle brackets 678 per axle 674. One or more axle brackets 678 can be hidden from view by the puller assembly 660. The axle bracket 678 can be attached to the axle 674 with fasteners 679. The axle 674 can include a flat portion 674A having fastener attachment points 679A. The flat portion 674A of the axle 674 can bear against and permanently engage the flat portion 678A of the axle bracket 678. The axle bracket 678 may include additional flat engagement features 678B that contact the base 602 and hold the axle bracket 678 to the base 602. These flats 678A may prevent the axle 674 from rotating around the base 602 by holding the axle 674 stationary and in a permanent position within the base 602.

In another example, the insulated container 600 can include a drain plug assembly 680, as shown in detail in Figures 10C, 19, 22, and 23. Figure 19 shows a bottom perspective view of the insulated container 600 showing the drain plug assembly 680. Figure 22 shows a side cross-sectional view of the drain plug assembly 680 for the insulated container 600. Figure 23 shows an exploded view of the drain plug assembly 680 for the insulated container 600.

22 and 23, the drain plug assembly 680 can include a main pipe 682, an outer pipe 694, and a gasket 686. The drain plug assembly 680 can be positioned and installed within a passage through the wall of the base portion 602. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain plug assembly 680 can be positioned on the rear side portion 614B adjacent the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container 600. The drain plug assembly 680 can be positioned and installed within a drain plug recess 609 that provides a protected drain plug assembly 680. The drain plug assembly 680 can include a ratchet feature that allows the main pipe 682 (or inner pipe) to be keyed so that the main pipe 682 cannot rotate/open when threading the main pipe 682 into the outer pipe 694.

The main tube 682 may include a drainage pass-through portion 685 having one or more ratchet keys 683 at a first end and a main tube rim 681 at an opposite end. The main tube 682 may also have a male threaded connection 684 located between the main tube rim 681 and the ratchet keys 683. The main tube 682 may also include a gasket 686. The gasket 686 may provide compression between the main tube 682 and the inner wall 618 of the base 602. The gasket 686 may include a radial feature 686A that helps secure the gasket 686 against the main tube rim 681 and the inner wall 618 of the base 602. The gasket 686 may be a separate component or the gasket 686 may be molded into the main tube 682. The gasket 686 may be a soft material, such as silicone, while the main tube 682 is a more rigid material. The gasket 686 can have, for example, a durometer of 40, Shore A.

The outer tube 694 may also include a sealing ring 694A on the outer tube rim 695 of the outer tube 694. The sealing ring 694A contacts the rear side portion 614B and the base outer wall structure 619. The outer tube 694 may include a female threaded connection 698. The outer tube 694 may also include ratchet teeth 697 on the same end as the outer tube rim 695. The ratchet teeth 697 may be located on the interior of the outer tube 694. The outer tube 694 may also include a sealing ring 694A on the outer tube rim 695 of the outer tube 694. The sealing ring 694A may contact the rear side portion 614B and the base outer wall structure 619. The sealing ring 694A may also create a seal to prevent foam leakage during assembly. The sealing ring 694A may be a single ring concentric with the axis of the outer tube 694. The sealing ring 694A can also include multiple rings or non-circular bodies.

As shown in FIG. 22, the main pipe 682 and the outer pipe 694 can be engaged to form and create the drain plug assembly 680. The main pipe 682 and the outer pipe 694 can pass through the rear side portion 614B, the base inner wall structure 618, and the base outer wall structure 619. The main pipe 682 and the outer pipe 694 can cooperatively engage with each other, thereby creating the drain plug assembly 680 of the insulated container 600. The main pipe 682 can be first attached using a rectangular fitting having a flat portion 682A of the main pipe 682 that engages with a rectangular opening in the rear side portion 614B and the inner wall 618 of the base 602. This rectangular fitting 682A can prevent rotation of the drain plug assembly 680 relative to the base 602. The outer pipe 694 can then be threaded onto the main pipe 682. The male threaded connection 684 of the main tube 682 can then engage with the female threaded connection 698 of the outer tube 694. The ratchet key 683 and ratchet teeth 697 can then engage and ratchet the main tube 682 and the outer tube 694 together. The outer tube 694 can include a flat head structure 699 to allow an instrument to tighten the outer tube 694 to the main tube 682. The flat head structure 699 can be any polygonal shape having one or more flat sides, such as, for example, a square, pentagon, hexagon, or other polygonal shape. The flat head structure 699 can also include curved sides. The flat head structure 699 can be any shape having one or more flat sides. The outer tube 694 can have a bottoming feature of a specific length that stops the threaded connection between the main tube 682 and the outer tube 694 against the inner wall/face 618 of the base 602. This bottoming feature sets the distance between the inner wall 618 and the outer wall 619 of the base 602.

The ratchet feature of the drain plug assembly 680 may consist of ratchet teeth 697 on the outer tube 694 that engage one or more ratchet keys 683 (or pawls) on the main tube 682. The ratchet keys 683 on the main tube 682 engage the ratchet teeth 697 on the outer tube 694 as the outer tube 694 is threaded onto the main tube 682. The engagement of the ratchet keys 683 with the ratchet teeth 697 allows continuous rotational movement of the main tube 682 in only one direction (closing) while preventing movement in the opposite direction (opening). The ratchet teeth 697 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a gentle slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. When the ratchet teeth 697 are moving in the unrestricted (i.e., closing) direction, the ratchet key 683 slides easily over the gently sloping edges of the ratchet teeth 697, and the pressure of the connection forces the ratchet key 683 (possibly with an audible "click") into the recesses between the ratchet teeth 697 as it passes the top of each ratchet tooth 697. However, when the ratchet teeth 697 are moving in the opposite (open) direction, the ratchet key 683 engages the steep edge of the first ratchet tooth 697 that it encounters, thereby locking the ratchet key 683 against the ratchet teeth 697 and preventing further movement in that direction.

When the main pipe 682 is fully threaded into the outer pipe 694, the main pipe rim 681 can engage the rear side portion 614B and the gasket 686 can engage the base inner wall structure 618. The gasket 686 can prevent liquid from leaking from the insulated container 600 between the drain plug assembly 680 and the cooler base 602. The gasket 686 can also prevent foam from leaking during the assembly process.

24A-33 illustrate another example insulated container 700 according to one or more aspects described herein. For the embodiments of FIGS. 24A-33, features are referenced using similar reference numbers in the "7xx" reference number sequence rather than "1xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A/1B/1C, "2xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 3A/3B/3C, "4xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 7A/7B, or "6xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-23. "7xx" features may resemble "1xx", "2xx", "4xx", or "6xx" features. Thus, certain features of the insulated container 700 already described above with reference to the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, or 600 of the embodiments of Figures 1A/1B/1C, 3A/3B/3C, 7A/7B, and 10A-23 may not be described in as much detail or at all. Additionally, any of the features previously described with respect to the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, and 600 in Figures 1A through 23 may be utilized in the insulated container 700.

Figure 24A shows a front view of the insulated container 700. Figures 24B and 24D show side views of the insulated container 700. Figure 24C shows a rear view of the insulated container 700. Figure 24E shows a top view of the insulated container 700. Figure 24F shows a bottom view of the insulated container 700. Figure 24G shows a front perspective view of the insulated container 700.

In one example, the insulated container 700 can include a base portion 702 and, in some examples, a lid 704 that can be non-destructively and removably coupled thereto. The base portion 702 can be an insulated structure that forms an interior space for containing contents or liquid. In some examples, the base portion 702 can be cubic or substantially cubic in shape. In yet other examples, the base portion 702 can be substantially cylindrical in shape or have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from this invention.

The base portion 702 can include a first end 706 having a bottom surface 708 (as shown in detail in FIG. 24F). The bottom surface 708 can be configured to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, the ground, a vehicle floor, a boat deck, etc.

The base portion 702 further includes a second end 710 that defines an opening (shown in FIG. 11) that can be used to access the interior space of the insulated container. The opening can be covered with a lid 704 when the insulated container 700 is in use (e.g., when the insulated container 700 is in a closed configuration). The base portion 702 can further include a plurality of side portions 714 connected to the bottom surface 708 that define a space for containing contents within the insulated container 700. The side portions 714 can be arranged to extend generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface 708. The plurality of side portions 714 can include a front side portion 714A, a rear side portion 714B opposite the front side portion 714A, and two lateral side portions 714C between the front side portion 714A and the rear side portion 714B.

In some examples, one or more side pocket handles 790 can be disposed on one or more side portions 714 (or other areas of the base portion 702). The side pocket handles 790 can be integrally molded with the base portion 702 and can generally be undercuts or cutouts formed in the side portions 714 of the base portion 702. In some examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the undercuts or cutouts forming the side pocket handles 790 can include recesses that extend along substantially all or most of the length of the side portions 714. This can facilitate manufacturing the base portion 702 with the handles 790 integrally molded therein. In some examples, the side pocket handles 790 can be flush with the exterior surface of the base portion 702 to reduce the risk of breakage.

As previously mentioned, the insulated container 700 can be made to contain, store, transport, etc., a volume of contents or possibly liquid. In some examples, the insulated container 700 can be made to store about 60 liters (about 63.4 quarts) or 48 liters (about 50.7 quarts). In some examples, the insulated container 700 can be made to store between 22 quarts (about 21 l) and 28 quarts (about 26 l). In some examples, the insulated container 700 can be made to store about 24 quarts (about 23 l). In other examples, the insulated container 700 can be made to store at least 22 quarts (about 21 l) or the insulated container can be made to store at least 28 quarts (about 26 l), among others. In yet other examples, the insulated container 700 may be configured to store about 16 quarts of content, 24 quarts of content, 36 to 38 quarts of content, or 48 to 58 quarts of content. In yet other examples, the insulated container 700 may be configured to store between about 14 quarts of content and about 45 quarts of content. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 700 may be configured to store materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure set forth herein.

In at least some examples, the insulated container 700 (and various other containers described herein) can be sized to accommodate the volumes of contents described above. For example, the insulated container 700 can be at least 17 inches (about 43 cm) tall, at least 16 inches (about 41 cm) wide, and at least 14 inches (about 36 cm) deep. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 700 can be made in different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

As previously mentioned, the insulated container 700 includes a lid 704. In some instances, the lid 704 can be connected to the base 702 into a closed configuration using a press fit. Additionally or alternatively, other fastening systems or devices can be used to secure the lid 704 to the base. The insulated container 700 can include a latching device 720 and catch on the base 702 on the front of the container to secure the lid 704 in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24G. In some instances, the lid 704 can be made to remain secured or locked in the closed position using the latching device 720. The latching device 720 can be various types of latches, including latches having latch portions and catch portions on the base 702, as well as various other types of latches. The insulated container 700 can include any of the latching devices and catches as previously described and specifically shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, 4A, 5A, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 6C.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24G, the insulated container 700 can include a lid 704 and a base 702 that form at least one corner lifting ledge 792 to facilitate gripping the lid for opening it. In another example, the insulated container 700 can include multiple corner lifting ledges 792. In one example, the lifting ledge 792 can be formed by an integrally molded portion of a corner of the lid 704 and an integrally molded portion of a front corner on the top of the base 702. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 700 can include a front lifting ledge 791 that is integrally molded into the base 702. The front lifting ledge 791 can be integrally molded into the top of the base 702. The lifting ledge 791 can be made to provide the insulated container 700 with an accessible area that allows an individual to grip the lid 704 for easy opening (i.e., one-handed operation).

In some examples, the lid 704 can be hinged such that it is connected (either removably or permanently) to the base 702 and can rotate about the hinge. The hinge can be one of a variety of types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, a double hinge, a ball joint hinge, a living hinge, and the like. The hinge can open the lid 704 and rotate it away from the base 702 to provide access (e.g., through an opening) to the interior space defined by the base 702. That is, the hinge can facilitate rotating the lid 704 from a closed configuration of the insulated container 700 (e.g., when the lid 704 is in place covering the interior space defined by the base 702) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid 704 is not covering the interior space defined by the base 702) and vice versa. In some examples, the insulated container 700 is made with at least one hinge. In other examples, the insulated container is made with multiple hinges. In yet another embodiment, the hinge includes a first portion integrally molded to the lid 704 and a second portion integrally molded to the base 702.

In the examples described herein, the base 702 and the lid 704 can include an exterior or outer shell that encloses and closes the insulating portion, as shown and described in FIGS. 1C and 5A. The shell is typically formed from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the shell can be formed from a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), polypropylene with rubberizing agents, or polyethylene, that is molded to form portions of both the base 702 and the lid 704. The thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO) is composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, or other polyolefins as hard segments and ethylene propylene rubber (ethylene propylene monomer (EPM) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)) as soft segments. In some examples, the insulating portion is formed from an insulating material with low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating portion can be formed from (or filled with) a polymeric foam, such as expanded polyurethane. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the invention. In some examples, the base 702 and lid 704 portions are formed using an injection molding process (not shown) as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing methods (e.g., rotomolding, stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the insulated container without departing from this invention.

The base portion 702 can include a first end 706 having a bottom surface 708. The bottom surface 708 can be configured to support the insulated container 700 on a surface such as a table, the ground, the floor of a vehicle, the deck of a boat, etc., and can include a plurality of legs 713 as shown in FIG. 24F. The plurality of legs 713 can include four separate legs disposed about the periphery of the bottom surface 708. In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container 700 can include one or more lateral legs as previously described and shown in FIG. 19. The plurality of legs 713 can be configured to provide a non-skid or slip-resistant surface and can be configured to hold the insulated container 700 elevated off the ground. In another example, the plurality of legs 713 can be configured to reduce friction with the ground or surface so that the insulated container can be more easily moved while it is on the ground (i.e., the insulated container can be easily slid or pushed across the ground). The legs 713 can be spaced apart and parallel, thereby creating and providing a gap between the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container and the ground. The legs 713 can be made of rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material. In another embodiment, the legs 713 can be molded into the base 702 with an alternative finish or texture for the legs 713 in the mold. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 708 can include a logo or name of the company or manufacturer of the insulated container embossed, molded, or pressed into the outer shell.

In another example, the insulated container 700 can include a pull assembly 760, as specifically shown in Figures 25, 26, and 27A-27C. Figures 12A-12C show side views of the insulated container 700 showing the pull assembly 760 in various stored and extended configurations. Figure 13 shows a side view of the insulated container 700 in a tilted configuration and the pull assembly 760 in an extended configuration. Figure 25 shows a bottom rear perspective view of the insulated container 700 with the pull assembly 760 in a stored configuration. Figure 26 shows a top rear perspective view of the insulated container 700 with the pull assembly 760 in a stored configuration. Figures 27A-27C show diagrams of the components of the pull assembly 760. In particular, Figure 27A shows a front view of the pull assembly 760, Figure 27B shows a rear view of the pull assembly 760, and Figure 27C shows a rear perspective view of the pull assembly 760.

25, 26, and 27A-27C show a pull assembly 760 that allows a user to ergonomically move the insulated container 700. The pull assembly 760 can assist in tilting the insulated container 700 into a rolling position by moving the opposite end of the wheels 772 away from the resting surface of the container. The pull assembly 760 can be a telescoping handle design with three stages of handle/arm configuration. In a first stage, the pull assembly 760 can be in a stored (or retracted or nested) configuration. In a second stage, the pull assembly 760 can be in a partially extended configuration. In a third stage, the pull assembly 760 can be in a fully extended configuration. The pull assembly 760 can have one or more locking mechanisms for the stored, partially extended, and/or fully extended configurations.

The pull assembly 760 can be connected to the side portion 714 of the base 702, specifically the rear side portion 714B of the base 702. The pull assembly 760 can be located on the same rear side portion 714B that includes the wheel assembly 770. When the pull assembly 760 is in the extended configuration, a user can grab the pull 762, tilt the front side portion 714A, and lift upward, which transfers the mass of the insulated container 700 to the wheels 772 and allows the user to pull the insulated container 700. The pull assembly 760 can have an extended configuration that allows the user to pull the container 700. The pull assembly 760 can have a stored configuration that allows the pull assembly 760 to be flush with the top of the insulated container 700. When the pull assembly 760 is in the stored configuration, the top surface 763 of the pull 762 can be substantially parallel to the top surface of the lid 704. When the pull assembly 760 is in the stored configuration, the upper surface 763 of the pull 762 may be aligned with or below the upper surface of the lid 704.

The pull assembly 760 can be attached to the rear side portion 714B. The pull assembly 760 can include one or more brackets 766A, 766B that attach the pull assembly 760 to the rear side portion 714B. The pull assembly 760 can include one or more brackets for attaching the pull assembly to the rear side portion 714B, such as one bracket, two brackets, three brackets, or four or more brackets. The one or more brackets can include a first bracket 766A (or upper bracket) attached to the top of the pull assembly 760 and a second bracket 766B (or lower bracket) attached to the bottom of the pull assembly 760. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, both the first bracket 766A and the second bracket 766B are connected to the lower arm 764C, and specifically, the lower arm 764C and the pull assembly 760 can be attached to the rear side portion 714B. The bracket 766 can be installed at the mounting point on the rear side portion 714B of the base 702 before the insulation (foam) is filled into the base 702.

In addition, one or more of the brackets 766A, 766B can be a U-shaped bracket that fits over the exterior of the lower arm 764C of the pull assembly 760 to hold the lower arm 764C and the pull assembly 760 to the rear side portion 714B of the insulated container 700. As shown in Figures 27A, 27B, and 27C, the second bracket or lower bracket 766B can include a bracket housing of the lower arm 764C of the pull assembly 760 to hold the lower arm 764C and the pull assembly 760 to the rear side portion 714B of the insulated container. The brackets 766A, 766B can be of various other shapes without departing from the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the brackets 766A, 766B can be of various widths and lengths. The brackets 766A, 766B may include one or more fasteners 767 on each side of the brackets 766A, 766B that connect the brackets 766A, 766B to the rear side portion 714B of the insulated container 700.

As previously described and shown (particularly in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, and 17C), the pull assembly 760 can include a telescoping feature. The pull assembly 760 can include an upper arm, a middle arm, and a lower arm 764C. The upper arm can be nested within and slidable within the middle arm. In addition, the middle arm can be nested within and slidable within the lower arm 764C. Such nesting and sliding of the upper arm, middle arm, and lower arm 764C can create the telescoping feature of the pull assembly 760.

27A, 27B, and 27C show detailed views of various components of the pull assembly 760. FIG. 17A shows detailed view of the pull assembly 760 from a front view. The pull assembly 760 can include one or more locking mechanisms, such as an upper locking mechanism and a lower locking mechanism. The locking mechanisms can be located between the arms to latch and lock the pull assembly 760 in the retracted and/or fully extended configurations. Specifically, the upper locking mechanism can be located between the upper and middle arms. The lower locking mechanism can be located between the middle and lower arms 764C. A release button 768 can be connected to the locking mechanism and function as its actuator. The locking mechanism can be released with the release button 768 on the pull 762. The locking mechanism can include various components known in the art for extending and retracting pullers, such as actuators, hinges, spring-loaded bearings, bushings, locking pins, locking holes, etc.

25, 26, and 27A-27C, the pull assembly 760 can include a pull handle 762. The pull handle 762 can be grasped by a user to pull the pull assembly 760 to an extended configuration. The user can grasp the pull handle 762 in the extended configuration and tilt the front side portion 714A and lift it up, which transfers the mass of the insulated container 700 to the wheels 772 and allows the user to pull the insulated container 700.

The pull handle 762 may include a handle bumper (as described in detail above and shown in FIG. 18). The handle bumpers may be disposed on each of the pull handle arms of the pull handle 762. The handle bumpers may be utilized to prevent the handle grips 763 of the pull handle 762 from wearing down if/when the insulated container 700 is tipped over. The handle bumpers may include a raised portion that extends to the outer periphery of the pull handle 762 adjacent the upper pull handle arm and/or to the outer periphery of the upper pull handle arm. The raised portion may extend partially or completely to the outer periphery of the pull handle 762 and/or the pull handle arm.

The components of the pull assembly 760 can be formed from a polymeric material, which can be a filled or unfilled polymer. For example, the polymeric material can be PC-ABS, polyethylene, or other similar materials. Additionally, the components of the pull assembly 760 can be manufactured with polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques. Alternatively, or if desired, the pull assembly 760 can be formed from a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or other metallic material having a density less than 3 g/cc. Alternatively, the components of the insulated container 700, such as the lid, body, lid support member, and pull assembly, can include SF moldings made of a composite polymeric material having a low density foam core and a higher density polymeric skin.

In another example, the insulated container 700 can include a rear wheel assembly 770, as shown in detail in Figures 28, 29A, 29B, 29C, 30, and 31. Figure 28 shows a bottom perspective view of the insulated container 700 showing the wheel assembly 770. Figures 29A and 29B show views of the wheel assembly 770 and anti-rotation fittings 778 of the insulated container 700 with a portion of the pull assembly 760 removed. Figure 29C shows a rear cross-sectional view of the axle connection and anti-rotation fittings for the wheel assembly 770 of the insulated container 700. Figure 30 shows a side perspective view of the wheel recesses 773 on the base 702 of the insulated container 700, which allow each wheel 772 to be attached to the base 702.

The insulated container 700 may include a wheel assembly 770 including a pair of wheels 772 to assist a user in easily moving the insulated container 700. The wheel assembly 770 may include tires 771 and wheels 772, each of which may be attached to the base 720 with an axle 774. The wheel assembly 770 may include a single axle 774 for both wheels 772 or a dual axle 774 with an axle on each wheel 772. The tires 771 may be made from foamed polyurethane having a hardness of about 80 Shore A and a density of 0.75 KG/LT. The wheels 772 may be made from a rigid material such as a glass-filled nylon material. The tires 771 may be overmolded, stretch-fit, or grip-fit onto the wheels 772. The wheels 772 may include ribs or other gripping structures on the inner edge of the wheels 772 to help grip the foamed tires 771 securely.

Each of the wheel assemblies 770 and the wheels 772 can be attached to the base 702. More specifically, each wheel 772 can be attached to the rear side portion 714B adjacent the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container 700. Each wheel 772 can be secured within a wheel recess 773 in the base portion 702 and the rear side portion 714B. Each wheel 772 can be secured within the recess 773 using at least one spring retaining ring and coupled to at least one axle 774. Additionally, the wheels 772 and tires 771 can extend rearward beyond the puller assembly 760, thereby providing additional leading edge protection to the puller assembly 760. Additionally, the wheels 772 and tires 771 can be elevated off the ground when the insulated container 700 is lying flat on the ground. The tires 771 can also include a flat tread profile to improve sand/soft terrain performance. The wheels 772 can also include a single-ply wheel hub to provide weight savings. Additionally, the flat, thin tread profile of tire 771 provides a lightweight wheel.

29A and 29B detail an exemplary embodiment of the wheel assembly 770 showing the wheels 772 and axles 774 of the insulated container 700. The wheel assembly 770 can include one or more ball bearings and a spacer 777B on the axles 774 that sets the distance between the bearings. The spacer 777B can be made from a rigid polypropylene material and can be used to set the position of the wheel 772. The wheel 772, spacer 777B, and wheel grommet 776 can be held along the axis of the axle 774 by a spring retaining ring along the end of the axle 774. The spring retaining ring can fit radially around the end of the axle 774 and pass through the wheel 772 to hold the axle 774 within the base 702.

Additionally, the wheel assembly 770 can include wheel grommets 776, as detailed and shown above in FIGS. 20A and 20B. The wheel grommets 776 can be positioned between the wheel recesses 773 and the outer spacer 777B. The wheel grommets 776 can also be positioned around the axle 774 to provide a seal between the wheel recesses 773 and the interior of the base 702. The wheel grommets 776 can be rubber/non-rigid materials (such as EPDM rubber). The wheel grommets 776 can be used to prevent water and other materials from entering the insulating center of the base 702. The wheel grommets 776 can be bushings or grommets that absorb shocks and forces exerted on the wheels 772 and cushion the axle 774. The wheel grommets 776 can absorb shocks and allow the axle 774 to rotate when large forces are exerted on the wheels 772. For example, during a drop test in which the insulated container 700 is loaded with a load of approximately 75 pounds (approximately 34 kg) and the insulated container 700 is simulated being dropped, the wheel assembly 770 does not break due to the wheel grommets 776. All of the force from the drop can be concentrated on the axles 774 instead of the wheels 772. The force from the drop can be absorbed and/or dissipated by the wheel grommets 776 to reduce the high impact and prevent it from reaching the base 702, the axles 774, the axle brackets 778, and other critical components. The drop test includes dropping the insulated container 700 from a height of approximately one meter off the ground and can be completed in cold, hot, and room temperature conditions. The insulated container 700 can be dropped in multiple orientations, including at the rear, where both wheels 772 are subjected to the impact force, and at the wheel corner, where one wheel 772 is subjected to the force.

29A, 29B, and 29C detail an exemplary embodiment of an axle bracket 778 that prevents the axle 774 from rotating out. FIGS. 29A and 29B show the axle bracket 778 without the puller assembly 760 shown. The axle bracket 778 can be an anti-rotation attachment to the base 702. There can be at least one axle bracket 778 per axle 774. In addition, there can be multiple axle brackets 778, such as two, three, or four axle brackets 778 per axle 774. One or more axle brackets 778 can be hidden from view by the puller assembly 760. The axle brackets 778 can be attached to the axle 774 with fasteners 779. The axle 774 can include a flat portion 774A having fastener attachment points 779A. The flat portions 774A of the axle 774 can bear against and permanently engage the flat portions 778A of the axle bracket 778. The axle bracket 778 can include additional flat engagement features 778B that contact the base 702 and hold the axle bracket 778 to the base 702. These flat portions 778A can prevent the axle 774 from rotating around the base 702 by holding the axle 774 in a stationary, permanent position within the base 702.

30 shows the wheel recess 773 in the base 702 of the insulated container 700. As shown in FIG. 30, the wheel recess 773 can include molded radial ribs 773A extending from the axle holes/openings 774A. The radial ribs 773A can create strength in the base 702 to hold the axle 774 and wheel assembly 770. Any number of radial ribs 773A can be utilized to help create strength in the base 702 and the insulated container 700.

In another example, the insulated container 700 can include a drain plug assembly 780, as shown in detail in Figures 24C, 25, 31, 32, and 33. Figure 31 shows a side cross-sectional view of the drain plug assembly 780 for the insulated container 700. Figure 32 shows an exploded view of the drain plug assembly 780 for the insulated container 700. Figure 33 shows an additional exploded view of the drain plug assembly 780 with a drain plug 787 for the insulated container 700.

31-33, the drain plug assembly 780 can include a main pipe 882, an outer pipe 794, a gasket 786, and a drain plug 787. The drain plug 787 can be used by a user to unscrew and drain the insulated container 700 or to install. The drain plug assembly 780 can be positioned and installed within a passage through the wall of the base portion 702. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain plug assembly 780 can be positioned on the back side portion 714B adjacent the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container 700. The drain plug assembly 780 can be positioned and installed within a drain plug recess 709 that provides a protected drain plug assembly 780. The drain plug assembly 780 can include a ratchet feature that allows the main pipe 782 (or inner pipe) to be keyed so that the main pipe 782 cannot rotate/open when the main pipe 782 is threaded onto the outer pipe 794.

The main pipe 782 may include a drain passage portion 785 having one or more ratchet keys 783 at a first end and a main pipe rim 781 at an opposite end to the first end. The drain passage portion 785 may include female threads 785A that engage with male threads 788 on the drain plug 787. The main pipe 782 may also have a male threaded connection 784 located between the main pipe rim 781 and the ratchet key 783. The main pipe 782 may also include a gasket 786. The gasket 786 may provide compression between the main pipe 782 and the inner wall 718 of the base 702. The gasket 786 may include a radial feature 786A that helps secure the gasket 786 against the main pipe rim 781 and the inner wall 718 of the base 702. The gasket 786 may be a separate component or the gasket 786 may be molded into the main pipe 782. The gasket 786 may be a soft material such as silicone, while the main tube 782 is a more rigid material. The gasket 786 may have, for example, durometer 40, shore A. The outer tube 794 may include a female threaded connection 798. The outer tube 794 may also include an outer tube rim 795 and ratchet teeth 797 at the same end. The ratchet teeth 797 may be located on the interior of the outer tube 794. The outer tube 794 may also include a sealing ring 794A secured against the outer tube rim 795 of the outer tube 794. The sealing ring 794A may be between the outer tube rim 795 and the rear side portion 714B and the base outer wall structure 719. The sealing ring 794A may also create a seal to prevent foam from leaking during assembly. The sealing ring 794A may be a single ring concentric with the axis of the outer tube 794. The sealing ring 794A may also include multiple rings or a non-circular body.

As shown in FIG. 31, the main pipe 782 and the outer pipe 794 can be engaged to form and create the drain plug assembly 780. The main pipe 782 and the outer pipe 794 can pass through the rear side portion 714B, the base inner wall structure 718, and the base outer wall structure 719. The main pipe 782 and the outer pipe 794 can cooperatively engage with each other, thereby creating the drain plug assembly 780 of the insulated container 700. The main pipe 782 can be first attached using a rectangular feature having a flat portion 782A of the main pipe 782 that engages with a rectangular opening in the rear side portion 714B and the inner wall 718 of the base 702. This rectangular feature can prevent rotation of the drain plug assembly 780 relative to the base 702. The outer pipe 794 can then be threaded onto the main pipe 782. The male threaded connection 784 of the main pipe 782 can then be engaged with the female threaded connection 798 of the outer pipe 794. The ratchet key 783 and ratchet teeth 797 can then engage and ratchet the main tube 782 and the outer tube 794 together. The outer tube 794 can include a flat head structure 799 to allow an instrument to tighten the outer tube 794 to the main tube 782. The flat head structure 799 can be any polygonal shape having one or more flat sides, such as, for example, a square, pentagon, hexagon, or other polygonal shape. The flat head structure 799 can also include curved sides. The flat head structure 799 can be any shape having one or more flat sides. The outer tube 794 can have a bottoming feature of a specific length that stops the threaded connection between the main tube 782 and the outer tube 794 against the inner wall/face 718 of the base 702. This bottoming feature sets the distance between the inner wall 718 and the outer wall 719 of the base 702.

The ratchet feature of the drain plug assembly 780 may consist of ratchet teeth 797 on the outer tube 794 that engage one or more ratchet keys 783 (or pawls) on the main tube 782. The ratchet keys 783 on the main tube 782 engage the ratchet teeth 797 on the outer tube 794 as the outer tube 794 is threaded onto the main tube 782. The engagement of the ratchet keys 783 with the ratchet teeth 797 allows continuous rotational movement of the main tube 782 in only one direction (closing) while preventing movement in the opposite direction (opening). The ratchet teeth 797 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a gentle slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. When the ratchet teeth 797 are moving in the unrestricted (i.e., closing) direction, the ratchet key 783 slides easily over the gently sloping edges of the ratchet teeth 797, and the pressure of the connection forces the ratchet key 783 (possibly with an audible "click") into the recesses between the ratchet teeth 797 as it passes the top of each ratchet tooth 797. However, when the ratchet teeth 797 are moving in the opposite (opening) direction, the ratchet key 783 engages the steep edge of the first ratchet tooth 797 that it encounters, thereby locking the ratchet key 783 against the ratchet teeth 797 and preventing further movement in that direction.

When the main tube 782 is fully threaded into the outer tube 794, the main tube rim 781 can engage the rear side portion 714B and the gasket 786 can engage the base inner wall structure 718. The gasket 786 can prevent liquid from leaking from the insulated container 700 between the drain plug assembly 780 and the cooler base 702. The gasket 786 can also prevent foam from leaking during the assembly process.

33, the drain plug 787 can include male threads 788. The male threads 788 on the drain plug 787 can engage with the female threads 785A of the drain passage portion 785 of the drain plug assembly 780 when the drain plug 787 is threaded into the drain assembly 780 and the main pipe 782. In addition, a drain plug cap 789 and gasket can be provided on the top of the drain plug 787. The drain plug cap 789 can include features to assist the user in threading and unthreading the drain plug 787 from the drain plug assembly 780. In addition, the drain plug 787 can include various gaskets to ensure a watertight seal when the drain plug 787 is tightened into the main pipe 782 and the drain plug assembly 780.

34A-34C and 35A-35E illustrate another exemplary insulated container 800 according to one or more aspects described herein. For the embodiments of FIGS. 34A-34C and 35A-35E, features are referenced using similar reference numbers in the "8xx" reference number sequence rather than "1xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A/1B/1C, "2xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 3A/3B/3C, "4xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 7A/7B, "6xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-23, or "7xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 24A-33. "8xx" features may resemble "1xx", "2xx", "4xx", "6xx", or "7xx" features. Thus, certain features of the insulated container 800 already described above with reference to the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, or 700 of the embodiments of Figures 1A/1B/1C, 3A/3B/3C, 7A/7B, and 10A-33 may not be described in as much detail or at all. Additionally, any of the features previously described with respect to the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, and 700 in Figures 1A through 33 may be utilized in the insulated container 800.

34A-34C, the insulated container 800 can include a corner lock bracket 830. The corner lock bracket 830 can be installed and/or attached to the insulated container 800 to lock the insulated container 800 in a closed/locked configuration. The corner lock bracket 830 can be an angle bracket kit in one embodiment. In one example, the corner lock bracket 830 can include a container bracket 832, a lid bracket 834, a number of fasteners 836, and a lock 838. The container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 can include a lock hole and one or more fastener holes 835. As shown in FIG. 34B, the container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 can be attached to the corners of the insulated container 800. The container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 can be attached to the insulated container 800 by passing one or more fasteners 836 through one or more fastener holes 835. 34B, the container bracket 832 can be attached to a corner of the base 802 along the top portion 802B of the base 802, and the lid bracket 834 can be attached to a corner of the back portion 804B of the lid 804. When the lid 804 is in the closed and secured configuration, the container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 mate together such that the locking holes 833 of the container bracket 832 and the locking holes 833 of the lid bracket 834 mate, thereby allowing the lock 838 to be inserted into both locking holes 833. The corner lock bracket 830 can include a metal washer molded into the corner lock bracket to reinforce the locking holes 833. Additionally, one or more screw bosses can be hidden in the base 802 and/or lid 804. The one or more screw bosses can include a fastener/screw alignment recess that allows one or more of the multiple fasteners 836 to penetrate a surface of the base 802 and/or lid 804 before the fastener 836 can engage the screw boss.

As shown in FIGS. 35A-35E, an accessory 840 such as a tray or basket 840 and a container divider panel 844 can be placed or stored at the bottom of the interior space of the insulated container 800 and/or can be made to be placed at the top of the interior space. In some examples, one or more container divider panels 844 can be placed within the interior space of the insulated container 800 to separate the contents within the insulated container 800. In some examples, the tray or basket 840 can include a lip 842 around the periphery of the tray that allows the tray 840 to hang off the edge of the opening 812 while within the interior space of the insulated container 800. In such a configuration, the lid 804 can be closed and set in a fixed position while the tray or basket 840 and/or the container divider panel 844 are secured inside/within the insulated container 800, thereby sealing the interior space.

In other exemplary embodiments, the insulated container may be an injection molded container. For example, portions or parts of the insulated container may be formed in multiple pieces using exemplary welding processes, such that the lid may be formed in two pieces. Exemplary welding processes may be used for portions or parts of the insulated container disclosed herein using adhesives, ultrasonic welding techniques, or electromagnetic bonding (such as Emabond®). For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,984,738, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, an electromagnetic welding element preform may be a structure made of plastic particles and magnetic particles. When a high frequency induction coil with an energized voltage is placed in proximity to the joint, the particles act as a susceptor for electromagnetic radiation, and the resulting induced eddy currents heat the element sufficiently to melt the preform and adjacent plastic, thereby fusing the joint. The magnetic particles remain within the fused plastic part.

In one example, an airtight seal can be formed between the two pieces that form the lid and the two pieces that form the lower shell of the insulated container. Exemplary welding processes can provide superior plastic welds for demanding applications. For example, electromagnetic bond (such as "Emabond") welding processes use radio frequency energy in conjunction with an electromagnetic susceptor material to provide heat precisely to the bond line to provide superior welds of virtually all thermoplastic materials. The airtight seal can be formed completely around the perimeter of the insulated container where the weld is located, ensuring that the foam and the interior of the insulated container are not degraded by moisture or the like.

Figures 36A-36C illustrate an exemplary electromagnetic bond (e.g., "Emabond") welding process 900 that may be used with an insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein. As shown in Figure 36A, a first component 910 (which may be referred to as a tongue) may be welded to a second component 920 (which may be referred to as a groove) using an electromagnetic susceptor material 930 and a high frequency energy source 932, such as a radio frequency (RF) coil. The parameters of the electromagnetic bond, as well as the process settings for the injection molding machine, are generally standard and may be fine-tuned to meet specific design and/or material requirements.

In one example, the first component 910 can be in the form of a tongue and the second component 920 can be in the form of a groove to form a tongue and groove connection. The first component 910 can be a lid and the second component 920 can be a base/body. The lid and base/body can have the same contour as both the tongue and groove. The lid and base connection of the insulated container can have the same tongue and groove. An additional rib or contour can be added to the tongue side to guide the tongue into the groove, which can help to hold the contour of the part and the electromagnetic susceptor material 930 and prevent the electromagnetic susceptor material 930 from leaking through the seam and/or prevent the electromagnetic susceptor material 930 from causing variations in the finished material surface. The electromagnetic susceptor material 930 can be disposed in the connection between the first component 910 and the second component 920. The first component 910 and the second component 920 can be brought together and placed in a fixture that houses a radio frequency energy source 932 that can conform to the contours of the weld line.

Figure 36B shows an RF coil 932 emitting precise focused radio frequency energy (RF energy) to the weld location between the first component 910 and the second component 920 and to the electromagnetic susceptor material 930. During the connection of the first component 910 and the second component 920, the activated RF coil 932 heats and melts the electromagnetic susceptor material 930, melting the adjacent surfaces. Energy is consumed only during the actual heating cycle, which typically lasts between 1 and 30 seconds.

36C shows the final weld of the electromagnetic susceptor material 931 formed and welded between the first component 910 and the second component 920. After connecting the first component 910 and the second component 920, the electromagnetic susceptor material 930 can fill the connection design gap. An exemplary welding process can melt the first component 910 and the second component 920 to provide a polymer-to-polymer weld. In addition, the first component 910 and the second component 920 can be in the form of a tongue and groove connection, although other connections and joints are contemplated, such as dovetail, butt, pocket, groove and groove, rib, box, rib and groove joints, biscuit, etc.

Any feature previously described in relation to the insulated container 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800 in Figures 1A through 36C may also be utilized in any of the other insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800, even if not specifically described for that insulated container. Thus, any particular feature of the insulated container 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800 already previously described in relation to the insulated container 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800 may not be described in as much detail or at all for any or all of the other insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800.

Additionally or alternatively, various other ventilation or pressure regulation configurations may be used without departing from the invention. For example, a portion of the base may include a material that is breathable but does not allow water or other liquids to penetrate. This mesh material may allow ventilation without spilling liquids contained within the insulated container.

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

The present disclosure has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose served by this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

100, 200, 400, 600, 700, 800 Insulated container 102, 202, 402, 602, 702, 802 Base, base 104, 204, 604, 704, 804 Lid 106, 206, 606, 706 First end 107, 207 Carry handle or strap 108, 208, 608, 708 Bottom 109, 209 Handle pivot 110, 610, 710 Second end 112, 612 Opening 113 Stop 114 Side portion 116, 616 Hinge 117 Outer shell 120, 220, 620, 720 Latch device 123 Latch top 124 Latch bottom 125 Engagement tab 126 Finger hook 130 Foam plug 132 Attachment clip 140, 240, 836 Fastener 141 Latch slot 142 Fastener groove 150, 650, 686, 786 Gasket 191, 291, 691, 792 Front lifting ledge 192, 292, 692, 792 Corner lifting ledge 194 Pin pocket 205 Magnet 210, 410 Pressure regulator 212, 713 Plurality of legs 216 Bottom pocket 300 Latch top base 302 First arm 304 Second arm 404 Vent stem 406 Vent gasket 408 Umbrella valve gasket 411 Umbrella valve vent 412 Interior space 414 Rear portion 500 Umbrella valve 502 Passage 504 Duckbill valve 506 Diaphragm 508 Resilient lip 613 Side legs 614A, 714A Front side portion 614B, 714B Rear side portion 614C, 714C Lateral side portion 660, 760 Pull assembly 662, 762 Pull 664A Upper arm 664B Middle arm 664C, 764C Lower arm 665A, 665B Locking mechanism 666A, 766A First bracket, upper bracket 666B Second bracket, middle bracket 666C, 766B Third bracket, lower bracket 668, 768 Release button 669 Handle bumper 670, 770 Rear wheel assembly 671, 771 Tire 672, 772 Wheel 673, 773 Wheel recess 674, 774 Axle 676, 776 Wheel grommet 678, 778 Wheel bracket 679, 779 Fastener 680, 780 Drain plug assembly 681, 781 Main pipe rim 682, 782 Main pipe 683, 783 Ratchet key 684, 784 Male threaded connection 694, 794 Outer pipe 697, 797 Ratchet teeth 690, 790 Side pocket handle 778 Anti-rotation fitting 830 Angle bracket kit 832 Vessel bracket 833 Locking hole 834 Lid bracket 840 Attachment, basket 842 Lip 844 Vessel divider panel 900 Welding process 910 First component 920 Second component 930 Electromagnetic susceptor material 932 High frequency energy source

The present disclosure has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose served by this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present disclosure, not to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.
EMBODIMENT 1
In the insulated container,
A base,
a sidewall structure having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall, and two side sidewalls between the front sidewall and the rear sidewall;
a bottom portion connected to a first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the bottom portion configured to support the insulated container on a surface thereof;
an opening formed in a second end of each side wall of the sidewall structure opposite the first end of each side wall of the sidewall structure, the opening configured to provide access to an interior space of the insulated container defined by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion, the opening being gasketed to provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position;
at least one latch device configured to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position;
a base comprising:
a lid hinged to the base; and
a puller assembly attached to the rear sidewall, the puller assembly having a telescoping three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the puller assembly is in a stored configuration, a second stage in which the puller assembly is in a partially extended configuration, and a third stage in which the puller assembly is in a fully extended configuration, the puller assembly including an upper arm, a middle arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being telescoping and slidable within the middle arm, and the middle arm being telescoping and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescoping three-stage arm configuration;
An insulated container comprising:
EMBODIMENT 2
2. The insulated container of embodiment 1, wherein the pull assembly is attached to the rear sidewall with one or more brackets, the one or more brackets being U-shaped brackets that fit over the exterior of the lower arm against the rear sidewall.
EMBODIMENT 3
2. The insulated container of embodiment 1, wherein the lid includes a step portion positioned adjacent the rear sidewall, the step portion including a recessed portion from a top surface of the lid.
EMBODIMENT 4
2. The insulated container of embodiment 1, wherein the pull assembly further comprises one or more locking mechanisms for locking the pull assembly in the stored configuration and the fully extended configuration, an upper locking mechanism being between the upper arm and the middle arm, and a lower locking mechanism being between the middle arm and the lower arm.
EMBODIMENT 5
5. The insulated container of embodiment 4, wherein the pull assembly further includes a release button disposed on the pull, the release button being connected to and actuating the one or more locking mechanisms to lock and release the pull assembly between the stored configuration and the fully extended configuration.
EMBODIMENT 6
2. The insulated container of embodiment 1, wherein the puller assembly has an extension arm overlap distance defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper arm, the middle arm, and the lower arm are in a fully extended configuration, the extension arm overlap distance being approximately 70 mm.
EMBODIMENT 7
2. The insulated container of embodiment 1, wherein the pull assembly includes a pull tab having one or more pull tab bumpers including a raised portion extending around a periphery of the pull tab.
EMBODIMENT 8
a container bracket attached to the base, a lid bracket attached to the lid, and an angle lock bracket including a lock;
Further equipped with
2. The insulated container of embodiment 1, wherein the container bracket includes a first locking hole and the lid bracket includes a second locking hole, and when the lid is in a closed and fixed position, the first and second locking holes align with each other, thereby allowing the lock to be inserted into the first and second locking holes.
EMBODIMENT 9
The at least one latch device is
a latch top pivotally attached to the lid; and
a latch lower portion pivotally attached to said latch upper portion;
Further comprising:
the latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab adapted to engage a catch;
the latch lower portion is formed from a first material and the latch upper portion is formed from a second material, the first material being stiffer than the second material;
2. The insulated container of embodiment 1, wherein the fastener is located on a front side of a bottom portion of the insulated container.
EMBODIMENT 10
In the insulated container,
A base,
a sidewall structure having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall, and two side sidewalls between the front sidewall and the rear sidewall;
a bottom portion connected to a first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the bottom portion configured to support the insulated container on a surface thereof;
an opening formed in a second end of each side wall of the sidewall structure opposite the first end of each side wall of the sidewall structure, the opening configured to provide access to an interior space of the insulated container defined by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion, the opening being gasketed to provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position;
at least one latch device configured to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position;
a base comprising:
a lid hinged to said base;
a wheel assembly disposed adjacent to the rear sidewall, the wheel assembly including a pair of wheels on opposite sides of the rear sidewall, each wheel mounted within a wheel housing by an axle secured by an axle bracket, the axle assembly further including a wheel grommet disposed between the wheel housing and the axle bracket, the wheel grommet absorbing shock and providing cushioning to the axles; and
a pull assembly attached to the rear sidewall adjacent the bottom portion, the pull assembly having a telescoping three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull assembly is in a stored configuration, a second stage in which the pull assembly is in a partially extended configuration, and a third stage in which the pull assembly is in a fully extended configuration;
Equipped with
When the puller assembly is in the fully extended configuration and the base is tilted, the mass of the insulated container is transferred to the wheels, allowing a user to pull and roll the insulated container.
EMBODIMENT 11
11. The insulated container of embodiment 10, wherein an outer side of each wheel extends beyond the puller assembly toward the rear sidewall to provide tip protection to the insulated container.
EMBODIMENT 12
11. The insulated container of embodiment 10, wherein each wheel is elevated from a ground area when the bottom portion and base are placed flat on the ground area.
EMBODIMENT 13
11. The insulated container of embodiment 10, wherein the puller assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being telescoping and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being telescoping and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescoping three-stage arm configuration.
EMBODIMENT 14
14. The insulated container of embodiment 13, wherein the puller assembly has an extension arm overlap distance defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper arm, the middle arm, and the lower arm are in a fully extended configuration, the extension arm overlap distance being approximately 70 mm.
EMBODIMENT 15
The at least one latch device is
a latch top pivotally attached to the lid; and
a latch lower portion pivotally attached to said latch upper portion;
Further comprising:
the latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab adapted to engage a catch;
the latch lower portion is formed from a first material and the latch upper portion is formed from a second material, the first material being stiffer than the second material;
11. The insulated container of embodiment 10, wherein the fastener is located on a front side of a bottom portion of the insulated container.
EMBODIMENT 16
In the insulated container,
A base,
a sidewall structure having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall, and two side sidewalls between the front sidewall and the rear sidewall;
a bottom portion connected to a first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the bottom portion configured to support the insulated container on a surface thereof;
an opening formed in a second end of each side wall of the sidewall structure opposite the first end of each side wall of the sidewall structure, the opening configured to provide access to an interior space of the insulated container defined by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion, the opening being gasketed to provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position;
at least one latch device configured to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position;
a base comprising:
a lid hinged to said base;
a drain plug assembly at the rear sidewall adjacent a bottom portion of the base, the drain plug assembly including a main pipe cooperatively engaging an outer pipe extending through the rear sidewall, the main pipe having one or more ratchet keys on an outer pipe having an inner pipe threadedly engaging the outer pipe and a plurality of ratchet teeth engaging the one or more ratchets on the main pipe, the ratchet keys of the main pipe engaging the ratchet teeth on the outer pipe when the main pipe is threaded onto the outer pipe; and
a pull assembly attached to the rear sidewall adjacent the bottom portion, the pull assembly having a telescoping three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull assembly is in a stored configuration, a second stage in which the pull assembly is in a partially extended configuration, and a third stage in which the pull assembly is in a fully extended configuration;
An insulated container comprising:
EMBODIMENT 17
17. The insulated container of embodiment 16, wherein the puller assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being telescoping and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being telescoping and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescoping three-stage arm configuration.
EMBODIMENT 18
17. The insulated container of embodiment 16, wherein the outer tube further comprises a gasket positioned on the rim of the main tube between the main tube and a rear sidewall of the base.
EMBODIMENT 19
17. The insulated container of embodiment 16, wherein the ratchet teeth are uniform and asymmetrical, each tooth having a gentle slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge.
EMBODIMENT 20
The at least one latch device is
a latch top pivotally attached to the lid; and
a latch lower portion pivotally attached to said latch upper portion;
Further comprising:
the latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab adapted to engage a catch;
the latch lower portion is formed from a first material and the latch upper portion is formed from a second material, the first material being stiffer than the second material;
17. The insulated container of embodiment 16, wherein the fastener is located on a front side of a bottom portion of the insulated container.

Claims (20)

In the insulated container,
A base,
a sidewall structure having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall, and two side sidewalls between the front sidewall and the rear sidewall;
a bottom portion connected to a first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the bottom portion configured to support the insulated container on a surface thereof;
an opening formed in a second end of each side wall of the sidewall structure opposite the first end of each side wall of the sidewall structure, the opening configured to provide access to an interior space of the insulated container defined by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion, the opening being gasketed to provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position;
at least one latch device configured to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position;
a base comprising:
a lid hinged to the base; and a puller assembly attached to the rear sidewall, the puller assembly having a telescoping three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the puller assembly is in a stored configuration, a second stage in which the puller assembly is in a partially extended configuration, and a third stage in which the puller assembly is in a fully extended configuration, the puller assembly including an upper arm, a middle arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm telescoping and slidable within the middle arm, and the middle arm telescoping and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescoping three-stage arm configuration;
An insulated container comprising: The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the pull assembly is attached to the rear sidewall with one or more brackets, the one or more brackets being U-shaped brackets that fit snugly against the rear sidewall on the exterior of the lower arm. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a step portion positioned adjacent to the rear sidewall, the step portion including a portion recessed from the top surface of the lid. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the pull assembly further includes one or more locking mechanisms for locking the pull assembly in the stored configuration and the fully extended configuration, an upper locking mechanism being between the upper arm and the middle arm, and a lower locking mechanism being between the middle arm and the lower arm. The insulated container of claim 4, wherein the pull assembly further includes a release button disposed on the pull, the release button being connected to and actuating the one or more locking mechanisms to lock and release the pull assembly between the stored configuration and the fully extended configuration. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the pull assembly has an extension arm overlap distance defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper arm, the middle arm, and the lower arm are in a fully extended configuration, the extension arm overlap distance being approximately 70 mm. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the pull assembly includes a pull handle having one or more pull handle bumpers including a raised portion extending around the periphery of the pull handle. a container bracket attached to the base, a lid bracket attached to the lid, and an angle lock bracket including a lock;
Further equipped with
2. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the container bracket includes a first locking hole and the lid bracket includes a second locking hole, and when the lid is in a closed and secured position, the first and second locking holes align with one another, thereby allowing the lock to be inserted into the first and second locking holes. The at least one latch device is
a latch upper portion pivotally attached to the lid; and a latch lower portion pivotally attached to the latch upper portion.
Further comprising:
the latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab adapted to engage a catch;
the latch lower portion is formed from a first material and the latch upper portion is formed from a second material, the first material being stiffer than the second material;
The insulated container of claim 1 , wherein the fastener is disposed on a front side of a bottom portion of the insulated container. In the insulated container,
A base,
a sidewall structure having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall, and two side sidewalls between the front sidewall and the rear sidewall;
a bottom portion connected to a first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the bottom portion configured to support the insulated container on a surface thereof;
an opening formed in a second end of each side wall of the sidewall structure opposite the first end of each side wall of the sidewall structure, the opening configured to provide access to an interior space of the insulated container defined by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion, the opening being gasketed to provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position;
at least one latch device configured to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position;
a base comprising:
a lid hinged to said base;
a wheel assembly disposed adjacent to the rear sidewall, the wheel assembly including a pair of wheels on opposite sides of the rear sidewall, each wheel mounted within a wheel housing by an axle secured by an axle bracket, the axle assembly further including a wheel grommet disposed between the wheel housing and the axle bracket, the wheel grommet absorbing shock and providing cushioning for the axle; and a pull handle assembly mounted on the rear sidewall adjacent the bottom portion, the pull handle assembly having a telescoping three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a stored configuration, a second stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a partially extended configuration, and a third stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a fully extended configuration;
Equipped with
When the puller assembly is in the fully extended configuration and the base is tilted, the mass of the insulated container is transferred to the wheels, allowing a user to pull and roll the insulated container. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the outer side of each wheel extends beyond the pull assembly toward the rear sidewall to provide tip protection to the insulated container. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein each wheel is elevated above a ground area when the bottom portion and base are placed flat on the ground area. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the pull assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being telescoping and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being telescoping and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescoping three-stage arm configuration. The insulated container of claim 13, wherein the pull assembly has an extension arm overlap distance defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper arm, the middle arm, and the lower arm are in a fully extended configuration, the extension arm overlap distance being approximately 70 mm. The at least one latch device is
a latch upper portion pivotally attached to the lid; and a latch lower portion pivotally attached to the latch upper portion.
Further comprising:
the latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab adapted to engage a catch;
the latch lower portion is formed from a first material and the latch upper portion is formed from a second material, the first material being stiffer than the second material;
The insulated container of claim 10 , wherein the fastener is disposed on a front side of a bottom portion of the insulated container. In the insulated container,
A base,
a sidewall structure having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall, and two side sidewalls between the front sidewall and the rear sidewall;
a bottom portion connected to a first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the bottom portion configured to support the insulated container on a surface thereof;
an opening formed in a second end of each side wall of the sidewall structure opposite the first end of each side wall of the sidewall structure, the opening configured to provide access to an interior space of the insulated container defined by the sidewall structure and the bottom portion, the opening being gasketed to provide a water-tight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position;
at least one latch device configured to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position;
a base comprising:
a lid hinged to said base;
a drain plug assembly on the rear sidewall adjacent a bottom portion of the base, the drain plug assembly including a main pipe cooperatively engaging an outer pipe extending through the rear sidewall, the main pipe having one or more ratchet keys on a male threaded connection, the outer pipe having a female threaded connection that threadably engages the male threaded connection of the main pipe and a plurality of ratchet teeth that engage the one or more ratchets on the main pipe, the ratchet keys of the main pipe engaging the ratchet teeth on the outer pipe when the main pipe is threaded onto the outer pipe; and a wheel assembly disposed adjacent the rear sidewall, the wheel assembly including a pair of wheels on opposite sides of the rear sidewall, each wheel mounted within a wheel housing by an axle secured by an axle bracket, the axle assembly further including a wheel grommet disposed between the wheel housing and the axle bracket, the wheel grommet absorbing shock and providing a cushioning effect for the axle;
An insulated container comprising: The insulated container of claim 16, wherein the pull assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being telescoping and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being telescoping and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescoping three-stage arm configuration. The insulated container of claim 16, wherein the outer tube further includes a gasket positioned on the rim of the main tube between the main tube and the rear sidewall of the base. The insulated container of claim 16, wherein the ratchet teeth are uniform and asymmetric, each tooth having a gentle slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. The at least one latch device is
a latch upper portion pivotally attached to the lid; and a latch lower portion pivotally attached to the latch upper portion.
Further comprising:
the latch lower portion further includes an engagement tab adapted to engage a catch;
the latch lower portion is formed from a first material and the latch upper portion is formed from a second material, the first material being stiffer than the second material;
The insulated container of claim 16 , wherein the fastener is located on a front side of a bottom portion of the insulated container.

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