JP7325416B2 - insulation backpack - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/451,064, filed on September 9, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/261,407, filed September 9, 2016. which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/154,626, filed May 13, 2016, which is a U.S. patent application No. 14/831,641, which is a divisional application of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/479,607, filed September 8, 2014, which is now No. 9,139,352, which claims priority from US patent application Ser. No. 61/937,310, filed Feb. 7, 2014. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/261,407, filed September 9, 2016; US Patent Application No. 62/299,421, filed on February 24, 2016, claims priority from US Patent Application No. 62/299,402, filed February 24, 2016. All of the above patent applications are fully incorporated herein by reference for all non-limiting purposes.

FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid portable insulating devices or containers useful for keeping food and beverages cool or warm, and more particularly to insulating devices having waterproof closures.

Background Coolers are designed to keep food and beverages cool. The container can be constructed from rigid materials such as metal or plastic or flexible materials such as fabric or foam. Coolers can be designed to facilitate portability. For example, a rigid container can be designed to incorporate wheels to facilitate transportation, or a cooler can be designed with a smaller profile to allow an individual to carry the entire device. Non-rigid containers may be provided with straps and/or handles and, in certain instances, may be made from lightweight materials to facilitate movement. A non-rigid cooler that maximizes portability can be designed with an opening at the top that allows access to the contents inside the cooler. The opening can also be provided with a closure.

This summary provides an introduction to some general concepts related to the invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

Aspects of the disclosure herein include (1) a waterproof closure, (2) an outer shell, (3) an inner liner, (4) a free-floating insulating layer between the outer shell and the inner liner, or (5) ) may relate to an insulation device having one or more of the waterproof storage compartments.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed description will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various figures in which the reference numerals appear. .

1 illustrates a left front perspective view of an exemplary thermal insulation device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1B illustrates a front perspective view of the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 1A without shoulder straps; FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 1A without shoulder straps; FIG. 1B illustrates a top perspective view of the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 1A without shoulder straps; FIG. 1B illustrates a plan view of a portion of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B illustrates a portion of an alternative top perspective view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B shows another schematic of an enlarged portion of a cross-sectional view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 1A; FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of forming a thermal insulation device; FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative exemplary insulation device; FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative exemplary insulation device; 4 illustrates part of an exemplary closure and an exemplary test method for determining whether an insulating device retains its contents; 1 illustrates an exemplary test for determining the strength of insulation devices; FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of another exemplary thermal insulation device; 12 illustrates a side view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 11; FIG. FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary thermal insulation device in an alternate configuration; FIG. 12 illustrates side and cross-sectional views of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 11; 14B shows an enlarged cross-section of FIG. 14A. FIG. 12 shows a schematic exploded view of an exemplary insulation layer for the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 11; 4 illustrates a portion of another exemplary thermal insulation device; 16B illustrates a side view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 16A; FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary thermal insulation device; Figure 18 shows a front view of the thermal insulation device of Figure 17; Figure 18 shows a rear view of the thermal insulation device of Figure 17; Figure 18 shows a side view of the thermal insulation device of Figure 17; Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the thermal insulation device of Figure 17; 18 shows a schematic exploded view of an exemplary insulation layer for the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of an exemplary insulation layer for the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 17; FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary test method; 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary thermal insulation device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 24; FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 24; FIG. 25 illustrates a plan view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 24; FIG. 25 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 24; FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 24; FIG. 25 illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 24; FIG. 25 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary insulation layer of the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 24; FIG. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the inner liner of the thermal insulation device; Figure 25 shows the insulation device of Figure 24 in the open position; 4 illustrates an exemplary manufacturing method for forming a thermal insulation device; 4 illustrates an exemplary method of securing the handle to the insulation device; 1 illustrates an exemplary test method; FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of another exemplary thermal insulation device; 35B illustrates a side view of the exemplary insulation device of FIG. 35A; FIG. 35B illustrates a rear view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 35A; FIG. 35B illustrates a plan view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 35A; FIG. 35B illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 35A; FIG. 35B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary thermal insulation device of FIG. 35A; FIG. FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary lid; 36B illustrates a transparent plan view of the exemplary lid of FIG. 36A; FIG. FIG. 1 illustrates a front isometric view of a thermal insulation device in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Figure 38 shows an isometric view of the back portion of the same insulation device of Figure 37 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates a front view of a thermal insulation device according to one or more aspects described herein; FIG. [0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a right side view of a thermal insulation device in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. [0014] Fig. 4 illustrates another implementation of a right side view of a thermal insulation device in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; [0014] Fig. 4 illustrates a left side view of a second side of a thermal insulation device in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; 1 illustrates a rear elevation view of a thermal insulation device in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a thermal insulation device in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; FIG. 38 illustrates another isometric view of the thermal insulation device of FIG. 37 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; FIG. [0014] Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of another implementation of a thermal insulation device in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; 4 schematically illustrates a split ring fastener implementation in accordance with one or more aspects described herein;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of various examples and components of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and are shown as various exemplary structures and environments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. . It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized, and that structural and functional changes may be made from the structures and methods specifically described without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Also, terms such as "front side", "back side", "top", "base", "bottom", "side", "front", and "rear" describe various exemplary features and elements. and these terms are used herein for convenience, e.g., based on exemplary orientations shown in the figures and/or orientations of typical use. . Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary thermal insulation device 10 that can be configured to retain desired contents that have been stored chilled or warmed for an extended period of time. The insulation device can generally include an outer shell 501 , a closure 301 , an insulation layer 502 and an inner liner 500 . As shown in FIG. 3C, inner liner 500 forms a chamber or receptacle 504 for receiving desired contents therein. Various handles, straps, and webs (e.g., 210, 212, 218, 224) may also be included with insulation device 10 to carry, hold, or secure insulation device 10, as shown in FIG. 1A. can be done.

Insulation device 10 can be configured to keep the desired contents stored in receptacle 504 cold or hot for an extended period of time. In one example, the insulation device 10 can also be designed to retain water inside the internal chamber or receptacle 504, wherein the insulation device 10 is configured to be "resistant" to water from the outside. be able to. In other words, the insulation device 10 can be made "watertight" inside the inner liner 500, such that water can flow into the inner liner 500 either from the outside of the inner liner 500 or from the inside when the closure 301 is in the closed position. can not leak into.

4 shows a bottom view of the thermal insulation device 10. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, thermal insulation device 10 may include base 215 and base support ridge 400 . The base support ridge 400 can provide structural integrity and support to the insulation device 10 when the insulation device 10 is placed on a surface.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the top of outer shell 501 has a first perimeter (T _cir ) and the bottom of outer shell 501 has a second perimeter or base perimeter 401 (B _cir ). The top perimeter of outer shell 501 can be equal to the bottom perimeter when folded into a cylinder, and B _cir can be equal to T _cir . In one example, the first perimeter and the second perimeter can both have an elliptical shape to form an elongated or elliptical cylinder. In one example, the upper outer layer can have a length of 23.5 inches and a width of 5.5 inches. Accordingly, the length to width ratio of the upper outer layer 501a may be approximately 4.3. Additionally, the base 215 can have a length of 20.0 inches and a width of 12.25 inches. Thus, the length to width ratio of base 215 is approximately 1.6. In this example, the length to width ratio of the top wall can be greater than the length to width ratio of the base.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 5A, an inner layer or inner liner 500 is formed from an upper inner liner portion or first inner liner portion 500a, an inner layer intermediate or second portion 500b, and an inner layer lower portion 500c. can be Upper inner liner portion 500a, inner layer intermediate portion 500b, and inner layer lower portion 500c are secured together to form chamber 504, such as by welding. Chamber 504 can be a "dry bag" or container for storing contents. In one example, after the upper inner liner portion 500a, the inner layer middle portion 500b, and the inner layer lower portion 500c are secured or bonded together, a tape such as TPU tape may be placed across the seams joining the sections of the chamber 504. can. As such, the inner liner 500 can maintain liquid within the chamber 504 of the insulation device 10 or prevent liquid contents from entering the chamber 504 of the insulation device 10 . In one example, inner liner 500 may be suspended within insulation device 10 by closure 301 alone, as described in further detail below.

A thermal insulation layer 502 can be disposed between the inner liner 500 and the outer shell 501 and can be formed as a thermal insulator to help maintain the internal temperature of the receptacle 504 . In one example, insulating layer 502 can be a free-floating layer that is not directly attached to outer shell 501 or inner liner 500 . Thermal insulation layer 502 can be formed from a first portion 502a and a second or base portion 502b. First portion 502a and second portion 502b can be formed from an insulating foam material, as described in further detail below.

The first portion 502a can have a rectangular shape that is cylindrically folded and positioned between the inner liner 500 and the outer shell 501 and that maintains its shape when wrapped by the outer shell 501 from above. can. Insulating layer 502 maintains its shape and provides the basic elliptical cylindrical shape of insulation device 10 . Thus, like outer shell 501, an upper portion of insulating layer 502 has a first perimeter and a lower portion of insulating layer 502 has a second perimeter. A first perimeter of the insulating layer 502 can be equal to a second perimeter of the insulating layer 502 .

Base portion 502b may be included to provide additional insulation along insulation device 10 at base 215 . The base 502b can be formed as an ellipse to close the lower opening 506 formed by the cylindrical shape of the insulating layer 502 .

Additionally, the lower portion of the insulation device 10 may include an additional base support layer 505 that adds insulation and structural integrity to the insulation device 10 . Base support layer 505 can also provide additional protection around the bottom of thermal insulation device 10 . In one example, the base support layer 505 can be formed from EVA foam. The base support layer 505 can include specific designs such as logos or names that can be molded or embossed directly into the material. Base support ridges 400 , which provide structural integrity and support to thermal insulation device 10 , can also be molded or embossed directly into base support layer 505 . In one example, base support layer 505 and base portion 502b can be removed for ease of assembly.

The outer shell 501 can be formed from an upper outer layer portion or first shell portion 501a, an outer layer or second outer shell portion 501b, and a lower portion or third shell portion 501c. Outer shell 501 provides a cover for insulation device 10 . In one example, the insulating layer 502 can be freely suspended within the outer shell 501 . However, it is envisioned that either layer could be secured or formed as a one-piece unitary structure. Outer shell 501 can be configured to support one or more optional handles or straps (eg, 210, 212, 218). In this regard, the outer shell 501 can also include multiple reinforcing regions or patches 220 configured to help structurally support any handles or straps (eg, 210, 212, 218). The handles or straps (eg, 210, 212, 218) and other accessories can be sutured using threads 222, which in one example pass through the outer shell 501 and through the insulating layer. 502 does not extend. Rather, the thread is sutured to patch 220 and patch 220 can be RF welded to outer shell 501 or by any other method disclosed herein.

First outer shell portion 501a may be attached to second shell portion 501b by sutures 510, as shown in FIG. 5A. However, first outer shell portion 501a may be attached to second shell portion 501a using any known method, such as polymer welding, stitching, or other adhesive around the entire perimeter of second shell portion 501b. It can be attached to portion 501b.

Additionally, in one example, a base support layer 505, which can be formed from EVA foam, can be secured to the lower or third shell portion 501c by lamination. Second shell portion 501b can be secured to third shell portion 501c and base support layer 505 by polymer welding (eg, RF welding), stitching, or adhesive.

The insulation device 10 can include two carry handles 210 connected to the front 216 of the insulation device 10 and the back 217 of the insulation device 10 . In one particular example, shoulder straps 218 are attached via plastic or metal clips to rings 214 attached to side handles 212 to facilitate carrying insulation device 10 over the shoulder. can do. The insulation device 10 can also include side handles 212 at each end of the cooler. Side handles 212 provide the user with another option for gripping and carrying the insulation device.

Carry handle 210 may also be formed with a slot for receiving ring 214 near the bottom of the point of attachment of the carry handle to insulation device 10 . Ring 214 can be secured to carry handle 210 and attachment points 213 by sutures, adhesives, or polymer welding to attach insulation device 10 to other structures such as vehicles, boats, camping equipment, or keys, water bottles, add-ons. can be used to help secure or tie to various objects such as straps, bottle openers, tools, and other personal items.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, webbing formed as loops 507 can be sutured to the straps forming handle 210 on the back of insulation device 10 . Loops 224 can be used to attach items (eg, carabiners, dry bags) to insulation device 10 . Side handles 212 may also provide the user with other options for securing insulation device 10 to a structure.

In one example, carry handle 210, side handle 212, shoulder straps 218 and attachment points 213 can be constructed from nylon webbing. Other materials can include polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastic, rubber, and rope. Carry handle 210 and side handle 212 may be attached to the outer shell by sutures, adhesives, or polymer welding.

Shoulder straps 218 may be attached to insulation device 10 at attachment points 213 . Attachment point 213 can be a strap that also forms a slot for receiving ring 214 . A ring 214 can provide attachment for a shoulder strap 218 .

In one example, ring 214 can be an acetal D-ring. Ring 214 can be plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, alloy, polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, and Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastic, rubber, or rope. Ring 214 can include other shapes, sizes, and configurations other than the "D" shape. Examples include circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, or rings with multiple attachment points. Additionally, pockets or other storage spaces can be attached to the exterior of the insulation device 10 in addition to the carry handle 210 and side handle 212 .

In one example, the closure 301 can be substantially waterproof or a barrier to prevent liquid contents from entering or exiting the insulating device. Further, the closure 301 can be impervious to liquids such that liquid penetration of the insulation device 10 is prevented in any direction of the insulation device 10 . Also, maintaining the closure 301 on a flat surface can help provide a watertight seal.

3A-3C show plan views of the thermal insulation device 10 showing the upper outer layer or first outer shell portion 501a and the closure 301. FIG. The upper outer layer 501 a shown in FIG. 3A can be secured to the closure 301 . In one example, the closure 301 can be a waterproof zipper assembly and can be watertight to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure during testing with compressed air. However, in other examples the watertightness of the closure 301 can be 5 psi to 9psi above atmospheric pressure, and in other examples the watertightness of the closure 301 can be 2psi to 14psi above atmospheric pressure. can. A waterproof zipper assembly can include a slider body 303 and a pull tab 302 . FIG. 3B shows an enlarged view of closure 301 including lower stop 304 and tooth or chain 305 . In one particular example, the waterproof zipper assembly can be configured with plastic or other non-metallic teeth 305 to prevent damage when removing food or beverages from interior chamber 504 .

As shown in FIG. 3C, closure 301 is open or zip-released, openings 512 formed in outer shell 501 and inner liner 500 are open, and inner liner 500 and inner chamber 504 are open. are exposed. It is envisioned that closure or seal 301 may include various sealing devices in addition to the waterproof zipper assemblies depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C. For example, Velcro®, snaps, buckles, zippers, excess material bent multiple times to form seals such as roll-down seals, seals, metal or plastic clamps and combinations thereof are used, Inner liner 500 and outer shell 501 can be sealed.

8A and 8B illustrate another exemplary thermal insulation device 1010 having similar features and functions to the examples described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-5B, where like reference numerals denote the same or similar point to the element. However, in this example a loop patch 1015 can be provided on the front of the bag. The loop patch 1015 can be placed on the surface of any of a variety of items such as fishing lures, keys, bottle openers, card holders, tools, and other personal items such as many types of items or corresponding hooks. can be configured to accept groups of Loop patches 1015 may include logos, company names, personalization, or other customizations. The loop patch 1015 can be formed by needle loops and can have a high cycle life of over 10,000 closures. Additionally, the loop patch is washable, UV resistant and can prevent discoloration. A loop patch can be selected based on the desired shear and peel strength depending on the type of material to be secured to the insulation device 1010 .

In the example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, further strips of material 1013 can be provided along the bottom of the bag, which can provide additional strength and reinforcement to the outer shell 1501 and provide insulation. The aesthetics of 1010 can be enhanced.

An exemplary method of forming the insulation device 10 will now be described. A general overview of an exemplary assembly process for thermal insulation device 10 is shown schematically in FIG. However, the various steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order listed. As shown in step 602, first the portions used to form the inner liner 500, outer shell 501, and insulating layer 502 can be formed or cut to size. At step 604 , top cap assembly 300 can be assembled to closure 301 . At step 606 the inner liner 500 may be formed and at step 608 the top cap assembly 300 may be welded to the inner liner 500 . At step 610, outer shell 501 may be formed. At step 612 the insulation layer 502 can be assembled and at step 616 the insulation layer 502 can be placed on the inner liner. Finally, at step 618 the top cap assembly 300 can be secured to the outer shell 501 .

Referring to step 602, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the inner liner top portion or first inner liner portion 500a and upper outer layer 501a forming the top cap assembly 300 are formed or cut to size. can be FIG. 7C shows a second or base portion 502b of insulating layer 502 that is cut or formed to size from stock foam. In this example, base portion 502 b is cut from stock foam 530 by cutting tool 700 . In one example, cutting tool 700 can be formed in the shape of base portion 502b.

Referring now to step 604 and FIG. 7D, upper outer layer 501a and upper inner liner portion 500a can be secured to closure 301 to form top cap assembly 300, wherein upper outer layer 501a and upper inner liner portion 500a are secured together. can be secured to the closure 301 in a flat horizontal plane. 5A-5B, upper outer layer 501a can be attached to closure 301 by polymer welding or adhesive. 5B, the closure 301 can comprise a first flange 301a and a second flange 301b that can form a waterproof zipper tape 306. As shown schematically in FIG. The upper outer layer 501a can be attached directly to the top surface of the first and second flanges 301a, 301b of the closure 301. As shown in FIG. In one example, first flange 301a and second flange 301b can be RF welded to the underside of upper outer layer 501a. In another example, upper inner liner portion 500a can include tabs 515, as shown in FIG. 7E. Tabs 515 can help in the assembly process to keep the outer strip of upper inner liner portion 500a in place during assembly and can be removed after top cap assembly 300 is formed.

In one example, the upper inner liner portion 500a can be attached to the structure of the thermal insulation device 10 as shown schematically in FIG. 5B. In particular, upper inner liner portion 500 a can be attached to the bottom of closure 301 . For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, first and second ends 540a and 540b of upper inner liner portion 500a can be attached to the underside of first and second flanges 301a and 301b. . Upper inner liner portion 500a and upper outer layer 501a can be attached to closure 301 by polymer welding or adhesive. Polymer welding includes both external and internal methods. External or thermal methods can include hot gas welding, hot wedge welding, hot plate welding, infrared welding and laser welding. Internal methods can include mechanical welding and electromagnetic welding. Mechanical methods can include spine welding, stir welding, vibration welding, and ultrasonic welding. Electromagnetic methods can include resistance, implant, electrofusion welding, induction welding, dielectric welding, RF (radio frequency) welding, and microwave welding. Welding can be done on flat or horizontal surfaces to maximize the effect of polymer welding to the material of construction. As a result, a robust watertight seam can be formed that prevents water or fluid from escaping from or into the interior chamber 504 .

In a particular example, the polymer welding technique for connecting upper inner liner portion 500a to the lower portion of closure 301 can include RF welding. RF welding technology provides a waterproof seam that prevents water or other fluids from penetrating the seam at pressures up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure. Thus, the insulation device 10 can be turned inside out or submerged in water and prevented from leaking into or out of the internal chamber 504 formed by the internal liner 500 . In one example, the insulation device 10 can be submerged in water to a depth of about 16 feet before leaking occurs. However, it is envisioned that this depth can range from about 11 feet to 21 feet or 5 feet to 32 feet before any leakage occurs.

Referring now to step 606 and FIG. 7F, the inner layer middle portion 500b can be formed by RF welding. As shown in FIG. 7F, the inner layer middle portion 500b can be formed from a rectangular sheet of material. The inner layer middle portion 500b can also be secured to the inner layer bottom portion 500c in a subsequent step not shown.

Referring to step 608 and FIGS. 7G and 7H, inner layer middle portion 500b and inner layer lower portion 500c can be secured to top cap assembly 300 using an RF welding operation.

Referring to step 610 , the second shell portion 501 b and the third shell portion 501 c that support the base support layer 505 can be RF welded to form the outer shell 501 for the thermal insulation device 10 . In one example, an upper outer layer 501a can be stitched around a second shell portion 501b to form the outer shell 501 of the insulation device, as shown schematically in FIG. 5A. A fabric binding material may be used to cover the stitched seam edges of the second shell portion 501b and the upper outer layer 501a. This helps close or bond the outer shell 501 around the insulating layer 502 .

Referring to step 612 and FIG. 7I, thermal insulation layer 502 may be constructed. In one example, the first portion 502a of the insulating layer 502 can be formed into a rectangular shape and can be fixed to the short sides of the rectangular shape using double-sided tape to form a cylindrical shape. The second or base portion 502b can be oval shaped, which can have a smaller circumference than the cylindrical circumference of the first portion 502a. The second portion 502b can be similarly secured to the first portion 502a using double-sided tape to form the insulating layer 502. FIG. In one example, double-sided tape can be placed around the inner circumference of the cylinder of the first portion 502a or around the circumference of the base portion 502b, and the base portion 502b can be adhered to the first portion 502a. can. Other methods of securing base portion 502b to first portion 502a to form insulating layer 502 are envisioned, such as adhesives or polymer welding.

Referring to step 614 , the assembled insulation layer 502 can be placed within the outer shell 501 . At step 616 , the formed inner liner 500 and top cap assembly 300 can be placed within the insulating layer 502 .

Finally, at step 618, the top cap assembly 300 may be stitched to the outer shell 501 to form a seam 520, as shown schematically in Figure 5A. In this manner, neither inner liner 500 nor outer shell 501 need be bonded to insulating layer 502 . Also, inner liner 500 is only connected to closure 301, which holds the inner liner and outer shell 501 together, which results in a simpler manufacturing process. After sewing the top cap assembly 300 to the outer shell 501 , a fabric bond is added to cover the raw edges adjacent the seam 520 . As such, top seam 520 may be the only major seam on insulation device 10 that is formed by stitching.

In one particular example, the inner liner 500 and outer shell 501 can be constructed from double-laminated TPU nylon fabric. Nylon cloth can be used as the base material for the inner liner 500 and outer shell 501 and can be coated with TPU laminate on both sides of the cloth. The TPU nylon fabric used in one particular example is 0.6 millimeters thick, waterproof, and has an antimicrobial additive that meets all Food and Drug Administration requirements. However, it is envisioned that the fabrics used to construct the insulation device incorporate antimicrobial materials to create a safe, mold-free environment that is a food contact surface. In one particular example, the nylon can be 840d nylon with TPU. Alternative materials used to manufacture inner shell or chamber 504 and outer shell 501 include PVC, TPU coated nylon, coated fabrics, and other weldable and waterproof fabrics.

A closed cell foam may be used to form an insulating layer 502 located between the inner liner 500 and the outer shell 501 . In one example, insulating layer 502 is 1.0 inches thick. In one example, thermal insulation layer 502 can be formed from an NBR/PVC blend or any other suitable blend. The thermal conductivity of the exemplary thermal insulation layer 502 is between 0.16 and 0.32 BTU. in 2 /(hours·sqft·° F.), and the density of the insulating layer 502 can range from 0.9 to 5 lbs/ft 3 . In one example, the thermal conductivity of thermal insulation layer 502 is 0.25 BTU. in/(hr*sqft*°F), and the density of the insulating layer 502 can be 3.5 lbs/ft3.

The foam base can be made from an NBR/PVC blend or any other suitable blend. In addition to the base portion 502b of the insulation layer 502, the insulation device 10 can also include an outer base support layer 505 constructed from foam, plastic, metal or other material. In one example, the base portion 502b can be separated from the base support layer. In one example, base portion 502b is 1.5 inches thick. Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the EVA foam base support layer 505 can be 0.2 inches thick. The base support layer 505 is laminated to the base outer layer or third shell portion 501c, although in other examples the base support layer 505 is attached to the base by co-molding, polymer welding, adhesives, or any known method. It can be attached to the bottom of portion 502b.

A heat gain test was performed on the exemplary thermal insulation device 10 . The purpose of the heat gain test is to determine how long an insulation device can maintain a temperature of less than 50°F at an ambient temperature of 106°F ± 4 with the amount of ice based on internal capacity.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Turn on oven and set to 106°F ±4. Stabilize oven for at least 1 hour.

2. Power on the chart recorder. The recorder must have three J thermocouples connected to record the following temperatures: (1) test unit, (2) oven, and (3) room ambient.

3. Fill the test unit to half the volume with ice water and allow the test unit to stabilize at room temperature (72°F ± 2) for 5 minutes.

After 4.5 minutes, pour out the contents and immediately connect the J thermocouple end to the inside bottom center of the unit. The ends of the thermocouple wires should be flush with the inside bottom surface and secured with masking tape.

5. Pour the correct amount of ice to keep the thermocouple wires from moving. The amount of ice is based on 4 lbs per cubic foot of internal volume of the unit.

6. Close the lid and place the test unit in the oven.

7. Close the oven and make sure the thermocouple wires are working.

8. Mark the start of the chart recorder.

Apparatus:1. oven. 2. ice. 3. chart recorder. 4. J thermocouple (3). Results:1. Cool Time: Elapsed time from <32°F to 50°F in fractional hours. 2. Heat gain rate (°F/Hr): (50°F to 32°F)/elapsed time = 18°F/elapsed time

In one test of an exemplary thermal insulation device, the heat gain rate was equal to 1.4 degF/hr assuming a capacity of 26.5 quarts, and 3.542 lbs of ice was used in the test.

The ability of the insulation device 10 to withstand internal leaks can also be tested to see how well the insulation device maintains the contents stored in the storage compartment or receptacle 504 . In one exemplary test, the insulation device 10 can be filled with a liquid, such as water, and inverted for a period of time to test for any water leaks. In this example, insulation device 10 is filled with a liquid, such as, for example, three gallons of water, until receptacle 504 is about half full, and closure 301 is fully closed, slider body 303 being a horseshoe-shaped portion. Ensure that 308 is completely sealed. The entire insulation device 10 is then inverted and held inverted for 30 minutes. The insulation device 10 is then checked for any leaks.

The insulation device 10 can be configured to withstand being held upside down for 30 minutes without any water leaking out or out of the receptacle 504 . In an alternative example, the insulation device can be configured to withstand being held upside down for 15 to 120 minutes without any water leaking out or out of receptacle 504 . To perform this test, it may be useful to lubricate the closure to ensure that it seals properly. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, horseshoe portion 308 of closure 301 is provided with lubricant 309 .

The strength and durability of the fabric forming the outer shell 501, inner liner 500 and insulating layer 502 of the insulation device 10 can also be tested. In one example, the test can be devised as a puncture test. Specifically, this test conforms to ASTM D751-06 Sec. It can be designed as a 22-25 driver puncture test. In one example, insulation device 10 can withstand a puncture force of 35 lbs to 100 lbs.

The handle strength and durability of the insulation device 10 can also be tested. One such exemplary test is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the closure 310 can be fully closed and one of the carry handles 210 can be hooked to the overhead crane 600 while the opposite carry handle 210 holds the weight. can be hooked to a platform 650 that can be In one example, platform 650 can be configured to hold a weight of 200 lbs. During testing, the crane 600 is slowly lifted, thereby suspending the insulation device 10 in a position where the bottom surface of the insulation device 10 is perpendicular to the floor. In one example, the insulation device 10 can be configured to hold a weight of 200 lbs for a minimum of 3 minutes without showing any signs of failure. In an alternative example, the insulation device can be configured to hold a weight of 100 lbs to 300 lbs for 1 to 10 minutes without showing signs of failure.

11-15 illustrate another exemplary insulation device 2010. FIG. The exemplary thermal insulation device 2010 may be of similar construction to the examples above, with like reference numerals representing like features having like functions. However, the exemplary insulation device 2010 can also include folding flaps or portions 2307 to help insulate closure 2311 of insulation device 2010 . Specifically, closure 2311 , which can be a zipper according to other examples discussed herein, can be included in folding flaps or portions 2307 and located on the front or wall of insulation device 2010 . It can be positive in that The forward facing closure 2311 can allow additional user access to the insulation device 2010 and the folding flaps or portions 2307 can help provide additional insulation at the closure 2311 . In this example, when the folding flap 2307 is in the extended position and the closure 2311 is open or unsealed, the contents of the insulation device 2010 are closed for good access to the contents of the insulation device 2010. Keep the closure 2311 in the open position. This can help allow the user to more easily access the contents of the insulation device 2010 . Also, as shown in FIG. 11, when the folding flaps 2307 are in the extended position, the insulation device 2010 can approximate a trapezoidal shape to provide an elongated closure at the top of the insulation device 2010 .

When the folding flaps 2307 of the insulation device 2010 are in the extended position, the insulation device 2010 can approximate a pentagon, as shown in side and cross-sectional views, ie, FIGS. 12 and 14A. This general shape can provide an insulation device 2010 that can be easily transported in that several insulation devices can be fitted into shipping containers. Nevertheless, the insulation device 2010 can be provided with an extended closure at the top and can be easily packaged, such as square, rectangular, triangular, conical, curved, and truncated. Other shapes and configurations of are envisioned.

Similar to the examples above, the insulation device 2010 comprises an outer shell 2501 , an inner liner 2500 forming a storage compartment, receptacle, or interior chamber 2504 , and an insulation layer 2502 disposed between the outer shell 2501 and the inner liner 2500 . can contain. Insulation layer 2502 provides insulation to storage compartment 2504 . Closure 2311 can be configured to substantially seal opening 2512 , located at an angled front surface and extending through outer shell 2501 and inner liner 2500 to open storage compartment 2504 . provide access to Closure 2311 may also include similar features and functions according to the examples described above. In one example, the closure 2311 can be a zipper and can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device 2010 is in any orientation. Also similar to the above example, the insulation device 2010 was formed by thread 2222 by stitching a carrying handle 2210, a shoulder strap 2218, e.g. One or more of webbing loops 2224 and attachment points 2213 may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and as described above, the folding flap 2307 can include a forward closure 2311 and is folded and secured to the sidewalls of the insulation device 2010 to further insulate the forward closure 2311. be able to. The folding flap 2307 of the fastening mechanism 2301 can include first and second end hooks or clips 2313a, 2313b. In one example, each of the end clips 2313a, 2313b can include slots 2317a, 2317b for receipt in corresponding loops 2315a, 2315b disposed on the side or sidewall of the insulation device 2010. As shown in FIG. To close the insulation device 2010 , the folding flap 2307 is folded onto the front or wall of the insulation device 2010 along with the forward facing closure 2311 . Folding flap 2307 folds with forward facing closure 2311 to hide or cover. Folding flap 2307 is held in place by first and second end clips 2313a, 2313b to maintain fastening mechanism 2301 in the closed position. Moreover, when the folded portion 2307 is secured to the sidewalls of the insulation device 2010 , the folded portion 2307 extends at least partially in a substantially horizontal direction, which allows the user to hold and carry the insulation device 2010 . orients the carry handle 2318 to a position for grasping. As with other handles and straps, carry handle 2318 can be secured to the outer shell by a reinforcing patch (not shown). A carry handle 2318 is provided on the back of the insulation device 2010 and can face the closure 2311 on the front, which can be used by a user to grasp when opening and closing the insulation device 2010, allowing the user to close the closure. 2311 can be made easier to open and close. Carry handle 2318 may also be used to suspend insulation device 2010 or to carry insulation device 2010, although other uses are envisioned.

14A shows a side cross-sectional view of thermal insulation device 2010. FIG. Insulation device 2010 includes inner liner 2500 , insulation layer 2502 , and outer shell 2501 . As shown in FIG. 14A, similar to the examples above, an insulating layer 2502 can be disposed between the inner liner 2500 and the outer shell 2501 and can be placed in a receptacle for storing contents that are desired to be kept cold or hot. It can be formed as foam insulation to help maintain the internal temperature of the 2504. Also, the thermal insulation layer 2502 can be disposed between the inner liner 2500 and the outer shell 2501, either the inner liner 2500 or the outer shell 2501 so as to float between the inner liner 2500 and the outer shell 2501. can be unattached to the In one example, the inner liner 2500 and outer shell 2501 are connected at the top of the insulation device 2010 such that the insulation layer 2502 is free to float within the pocket formed by the inner liner 2500 and outer shell 2501. can be done.

In this example, the inner layer or inner liner 2500 can be formed from a first inner liner sidewall portion 2500a and a lower inner liner portion 2500b. First inner liner sidewall portion 2500a and lower inner liner portion 2500b can be secured together, such as by welding, to form chamber 2504 . Similar to the examples above, chamber 2504 can be a "dry bag" or container for storing contents. In one example, a tape, such as TPU tape, can be placed across the seam joining the sections of the chamber 2504 after the first inner liner sidewall portion 2500a and the lower inner liner portion 2500b are secured or bonded together. The tape seals the seam formed between the first inner liner sidewall portion 2500a and the lower inner liner portion 2500b to provide an additional barrier to liquids to prevent them from entering or exiting the chamber 2504. As such, the inner liner 2500 can maintain liquid within the chamber 2504 of the insulation device 2010 or prevent liquid contents from entering the chamber 2504 of the insulation device 2010 . However, it is also envisioned that the inner liner 2504 can be formed as a unitary one-piece construction that can be secured within the outer shell.

As shown in both FIGS. 14A and 15, the thermal insulation layer 2502 can be formed from a first or top portion 2502a, a second or base portion 2502b, and a base support layer 2505. As shown in FIG. Additionally, the first portion 2502a can include an upper flap or smaller rectangular shape 2502a1. When the folding flaps 2307 are folded over the top of the insulation device 2010, the top flaps 2502a1 of the insulation layer, along with the rest of the first portion 2502a and the base portion 2502b, provide the maximum amount of insulation to the interior chamber 2504 of the insulation device 2010. substantially all of the interior chamber 2504 with thermal insulation so as to

When the upper portion 2502a is rolled flat, the upper portion 2502a of the insulating layer 2502 generally resembles a "T" shape such that the insulating layer defines a first height _H1 and a second height _H2 . and the first height _H1 is greater than the second height _H2 . In this example _, most of the insulating layer can extend to a second height _H2 that is less than the first height H1. Also, the first portion 2502a can be formed from two interconnected rectangular shapes, the lower portion of the first portion 2502a forming a first larger rectangular shape 2502a2, the first portion 2502a The top section of the forms a small rectangular shaped top flap 2502a1. It is also envisioned that the first large rectangular shape 2502a2 can be formed as a separate piece from the small rectangular shape 2502a1. The first rectangular shape 2502a2 can have a first rectangular width, the second rectangular shape 2502a1 can have a second rectangular perimeter, and the width of the first rectangular shape 2502a2 can be a second around the perimeter of rectangular shape 2502a1. In one example, the smaller rectangular shape 2502a 1 forms the top flap of the insulating layer of the upper portion 2502a that extends into the folded portion 2307 .

First portion 2502a and second portion 2502b can be formed from an insulating foam material as discussed herein. In one example, the second portion 2502b can be formed from a thicker foam material than the first portion 2502a. For example, the thickness of the second portion 2502b can be formed from 20 mm to 50 mm thick, and in one particular example can be formed from a 38 mm thick foam. The portion 2502a can be formed between 15 mm and 30 mm, and in one particular example can be formed from a 25 mm thick foam. In one example, the foam can be NBR/PVC blend foam, PVC-free NBR foam, or other eco-friendly types of foam.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15, base support layer 2505 adds insulation and structural integrity to insulation device 2010 at base 2215 . Base support layer 2505 may also provide additional protection around the bottom of insulation device 2010 . In one example, the base support layer 2505 can be formed from EVA foam. The base support layer 2505 can include specific designs such as logos or names that can be molded or embossed directly into the material. The base support ridges 2400 that provide structural integrity and support to the thermal insulation device 2010 can also be molded or embossed directly into the base support layer 2505 . In one example, base support layer 2505 and base portion 2502b can be separated or unlocked to facilitate assembly in reducing the number of assembly steps. Base portion 2502b can be formed as an oval that closes a lower opening 2506 formed by the open shape of upper portion 2502a.

The lower portion of first portion 2502a is folded into an elliptical cylindrical shape and maintains that shape when placed between inner liner 2500 and outer shell 2501 . Insulating layer 2502 maintains its shape, resulting in the basic elliptical cylindrical shape of insulation device 2010 .

Outer shell 2501 can be formed from upper sidewall portion 2501a, lower sidewall portion 2501b, and base portion 2501c. Each of upper sidewall portion 2501a, lower sidewall portion 2501b, and base portion 2501c can be secured by sutures. Other fastening methods are also envisioned, such as using welding or adhesives.

Additionally, the folded portion 2307 can be at least partially foam-free to make it easier to close the fastening mechanism 2301 . In particular, the folded portion 2307 can include a first section 2307a and a second section 2307b. The first section 2307 a may not include the thermal insulation layer 2502 and the second section may include the thermal insulation layer 2502 .

Referring to FIG. 14B, similar to the examples above, the closure 2311 can be attached to a backing or fabric. For zippers, this can be referred to as zipper tape 2306 . Also, similar to the above example, zipper tape 2306 can be attached between inner liner 2500 and outer shell 2501; It can be secured to sidewall portion 2500a. As shown in FIG. 14B, zipper tape 2306, outer shell upper sidewall portion 2501a, and first inner liner sidewall portion 2500a are configured such that zipper tape 2306 is positioned between outer shell upper sidewall portion 2501a and first inner liner sidewall portion 2500a. can form a stacked arrangement of sandwich structures located between.

Thermal insulation device 2010 can be formed using similar techniques in connection with the examples described above. For example, upper sidewall portion 2501a of outer shell 2501 can be formed. Also, the base 2215 can be formed separately from the base portion 2502b of the insulating layer 2502, the base support layer 2505, the lower sidewall portion 2501b, and the base portion 2501c of the outer shell 2501 according to the techniques discussed herein. . Base 2215 can be secured to the lower portion of upper sidewall portion 2501a of outer shell 2501 using techniques discussed herein. An upper portion 2502a of the insulating layer 2502 can be disposed within an upper sidewall portion 2501a of the outer shell 2501 . First inner liner sidewall portion 2500 a and lower inner liner portion 2500 b can then be secured to form inner liner 2500 and chamber 2504 . A tape, such as TPU tape, can be placed across the seam joining the sections of inner liner 2500 and chamber 2504 . The inner liner 2500 can then be placed within the insulating layer 2502 . A closure 2311 can then be attached between the inner liner sidewall portion 2500a and the upper sidewall portion 2501a. At this point in the process, the insulation device 2010 assembly has an open top cylindrical shape. To close the open top, the upper ends of inner liner sidewall portion 2500a and upper sidewall portion 2501a are welded together or using any of the techniques described herein for forming insulation device 2010. can be fixed. A bonding material 2o may be applied to the top of the insulation device 2010 to obscure the seam between the outer shell 2501 and the inner liner 2500. Loop patches (not shown), carry handles 2210, shoulder straps 2218, webbing loops 2224, and rings 2214 may be attached to various techniques described herein after formation of the outer shell or once insulation device 2010 is formed. can be added to the outer shell 2501 by It is envisioned that the inner and outer liners can be formed by welding, gluing, or stitching and combinations thereof.

In another example, a magnetic connection can be implemented to secure the folded portion 2307 to the body of the insulation device 2010. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the insulation device 2010 can include magnetic clips 3313 that can be received by corresponding magnets (not shown) on sidewalls of the insulation device 2010. FIG. However, it is also envisioned that the clips and clip receiving portions on thermal insulation device 2010 may be one or more of permanent magnets, metal strips, or ferromagnetic materials. Further, other methods of securing folding flap 2307 on forward facing closure 2311 are also envisioned. For example, one or more of hook and loops, buckles, snaps, zippers, detents, spring detents, buttons, cams, or threads are used to secure the folding flaps 2307 to the sidewalls of the insulation device 2010. be able to.

17-22 show another exemplary insulation device 4010. FIG. The exemplary thermal insulation device 4010 may be of similar construction to the examples described above, and particularly to the examples described above with reference to FIGS. represents the characteristics of In this example, insulation device 4010 does not include folding flaps and can include a different overall shape than exemplary insulation device 2010 . Additionally, the insulating layer 4502 can have different configurations, along with other variations discussed below. Similar to the examples above, the closure 4311 can be placed on the front or wall of the insulation device 4010 .

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the insulation device 4010 can form a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front and back, with the insulation device diverging upward toward the top of the insulation device 4010. tapered or tapered. A trapezoidal shape can provide certain thermal insulation, user accessibility, and packaging advantages. For example, the trapezoidal shape can provide long-term ice coverage due to the additional foam that can be placed between the outer shell 4501 and the inner liner 4500 due to the trapezoidal shape.

Further, the general shape of the insulation device 4010 can help maintain the insulation device 4010 in the open position when the closure 4311 is in the open position, allowing the user to easily access the contents of the insulation device 4010. make it possible. The trapezoidal shape discussed herein also allows closure 4311 to be formed longer relative to insulation device 4010 . Other shapes are also envisioned that allow for an enlarged opening to the top of the thermal insulation device 4010 . For example, the top of the insulation device 4010 can be formed with an extended curvature either upwards or downwards to allow for a larger closure extending across the top of the insulation device 4010. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, when viewed from the side, the insulation device 4010 can be generally conical, tapered or funnel-shaped such that the sides converge at the top of the insulation device 4010 . Also, the sides can be formed substantially parabolic in shape in certain examples. Thus, the insulation device 4010 converges to an apex along the top of the insulation device 4010 rather than being an oval with the same perimeter as the bottom of the insulation device 4010 .

In certain instances, the trapezoidal shape can also provide an insulation device 4010 that can be easily transported in that some insulation devices 4010 can be fitted into shipping containers. For example, multiple insulation devices 4010 can be placed in different orientations within the shipping container to utilize more space within the shipping container.

In an alternative embodiment, when the closure 4311 is in the open or unsealed position, the contents of the insulation device 4010 are maintained in the open position to provide easier access to the contents of the insulation device 4010. can be done. In this example, the weight of the contents is reduced so that the user can better see the contents of the insulation device 4010 and more easily remove or add contents to the insulation device 4010 . , the bottom half of the closure 4311 can be forced away from the top half of the closure 4311 .

In this example, the outer shell structure, thermal insulation layer, and inner liner structure may be similar to those of the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 11-16B, the details of which are not repeated here. Outer shell 4010 can also include a top portion 4316 configured to receive closure 4311 therein. Top 4316 can be formed from the same material as the rest of outer shell 4501, which in one particular example can be nylon, specifically 840d nylon with TPU.

11-16B, the insulation device 4010 includes a carrying handle 4210, a shoulder strap 4218, a thread 4222, a webbing loop 4224 formed by a ring 4214, and attachment points 4213, which can have similar features and functions. In addition, a rear carry handle 4318 is provided on the back of the insulation device 4010 and can face the closure 4311, which can be used for gripping by the user when opening and closing the insulation device 4010, allowing the user to Closure 4311 can be made easier to open and close. Rear carry handle 4318 can also be used to suspend insulation device 4010 or carry insulation device 4010 to dry interior chamber 4504 . Each of the carry handle 4210, shoulder straps 4218, webbing loops 4224, and attachment points 4213 may be reinforced by one or more of additional structures in the form of webbing or a suitable polymeric material. This reinforcement material can be applied to any of the examples described herein.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 21, a bond 4518 extending over the top of the insulation device 4010 can be included to secure the outer shell 4501 to the inner liner 4500 . Bonding material 4518 is folded over the top of insulation device 4010 and then stitched over outer shell 4501 and inner liner 4500 to provide cover to the joint or seam between inner liner 4500 and outer shell 4501 . can be formed. As shown in FIG. 18, the binder 4518 can be folded in thirds to form a first folded portion 4518a, with the first third on the first side of the insulation device 4010. The second third extends across the top of the insulation device 4010 and the last third is attached to the second side of the insulation device 4010 . A binder 4518 covers the seam between the outer shell 4501 and the inner liner 4500 along the top of the insulation device 4010 . Also shown in FIG. 17, the binder 4518 extends from the top of the insulation device 4010 and includes a second folded portion 4518b where the binder 4518 is folded in half and an attachment point for receiving the ring 4214. 4213 to form a third unfolded portion 4518c extending therefrom. Each side of the insulation device 4010 has a second folded portion 4518b and a third folded portion 4518c such that the insulation device 4010 can include two second folded portions 4518b and two third folded portions 4518c. can include Bonding material 4518 may be deployed near attachment point 4213 and may be formed to extend from attachment point 4213 to the top of insulation device 4010 . In any of these configurations, a portion of binding material 4518, eg, second folded portion 4518b, is not attached to insulation device 4010, forming a strap between folded portion 4518a and attachment point 4213. be able to. In this example, two straps can be formed by the two second deployment portions 4518b and can be grasped by the user to handle the insulation device and to suspend the insulation device 4010 for drying. etc. can be used. Also, attachment points 4213 formed by bonding material 4518 can be loops or slots for receiving rings 4214 .

Figures 22 and 22A show the thermal insulation layer 4502 in further detail, which is similar to the exemplary thermal insulation device 4010 described above, and like reference numerals indicate like configurations having the same or similar functions. represents an element. The insulating layer 4502 can be formed from materials as discussed herein, and in certain examples can be free of PVC and/or such that the foam is fully resilient. It can have non-thermoset properties. Similar to the examples above, the upper portion 4502a of the insulating layer 4502 can be formed from a single sheet of material rolled into the shape defined by the opening between the inner liner 4500 and the outer shell 4501 . As shown in FIG. 22, the insulating layer 4502 can be formed from a first portion or top portion 4502a and a second portion or base portion 4502b, similar to the examples above. Rear top flap 4502a1 may be formed in a smaller rectangular shape. The rear upper flap 4502a1 extends higher than the front side of the first portion 4502a of the heat insulating layer 4502a to correspond to the forward facing closure 4311 . Specifically, the rear top flap 4502a1 can extend to a first height _H3 , the first portion 4502a can extend to a second height _H4 , and the first The height _H3 of can be greater than the second height _H4 . Further, as shown in FIG. 22, most of the insulating layer 4502 can extend to a second height _H4 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22A, the rear half of the insulation layer 4502 can extend to a first height _H3 and the front half of the insulation layer 4502 extends to a second height _H4 . can do. Further, as shown in FIG. 22A, the insulating layer 4502 can taper from a first height _H3 to a second height _H4 . This also provides a tapered or chamfered portion along the sides of the insulation device 4010 in the area of the insulation layer 4502 near the top, providing a smaller profile on each side of the insulation device 4010 .

In one example, the first portion 4502a can define a first area _A1 and the rear top flap 4502a1 can define a second area _A2 that is _less than the first area A1. . When installed between the inner liner 4500 and the outer shell 4501 , the insulation layer 4502 generally follows the conical and trapezoidal shapes of the insulation device 4010 outline. Additionally, the upwardly tapering profile of the outer shell 4501 and inner liner 4500 can help position the insulating layer 4502 so that it covers most of the inner liner 4500 .

In particular, as shown in FIG. 21, insulating layer 4502 occupies most of the space formed between inner liner 4500 and outer shell 4501 . Insulation layer 4502 extends to substantially the top of insulation device 4010 at both the front and rear of insulation device 4010 to insulate most of compartment 4504 . As a result, the insulation layer 4502 substantially surrounds the entire inner chamber 4502 and provides the maximum amount of insulation for the inner chamber 4504 of the insulation device 2010 . In one example, the insulating layer 4502 covers 80% or more of the inner liner 4500 that covers the inner chamber 4504, and in certain examples, the insulating layer 4502 covers 85%, 90%, or 95% of the inner liner 4500 that covers the inner chamber 4504. % or more.

In the example described in connection with FIGS. 11-22, the forward facing closures 2311, 4311 may be formed such that they extend most of the way along the forward facing surface of the insulation device 2010, 4010. can. As noted above, forward facing closures 2311, 4311 can be formed as zipper closures according to the examples described herein. In one example, the closures 2311, 4311 can be substantially waterproof or highly water resistant, and can be watertight and airtight. The forward facing closure 2311, 4311 can be formed as long as possible on the forward facing surface of the thermal insulation device 2010, 4010 to provide extended user accessibility and visibility of the contents stored in the thermal insulation device 2010, 4010. . In one example, the closures 2311, 4311 can define a first length _L1 and the top of the insulation device 4010 can define a second length _L2 .

In one example, _L2 can be 3 cm to 10 cm longer than _L1 , and the length of forward facing closures 2311, 4311 can be 5 cm longer than forward facing closures 2311, 4311 in one particular example. . The first length _L1 of the closure 2311, 4311 can extend to at least 80% of the second length _L2 and 98% of the second length _L2 . In one particular example, the length _L1 of the closure 2311, 4311 can extend over 87% of the second length _L2 .

Further, the length _L1 of the forward facing closure 2311,4311 can be formed longer than the length _L3 of the base of the insulation device 2010,4010. In certain examples, the forward facing closures 2311, 4311 can be formed approximately 1% to 25% longer than the length _L3 of the base of the insulation device 4010. In one particular example, the length _L1 of the forward closure 2311, 4311 can be 10% longer than the length _L3 of the base. For example, the length L ₁ of the forward closure can be formed 3 cm to 12 cm longer than the length L ₃ of the insulation device base, and in one particular example, the length L ₁ of the forward closure 2311, 4311 is: It can be 5 cm longer than the base length _L3 .

In still other embodiments, the insulation device can include closures extending around the entire perimeter or most of the perimeter of the insulation device and forward facing closures 2311, 4311, as described above. In this particular example, once all or most of the top is removed, or via the closure 2311, 4311, the contents of the insulation device can be easily accessed by the user.

In another example, the insulation device is formed modularly such that the top and/or bottom can be removed and multiple structures can be interconnected to form a larger or smaller insulation device. can be done. For example, the insulation device can be formed from different sections by removable fasteners such as snaps, zippers, threads, seals, hook and loops, and the like.

In connection with the examples described herein, a series of vent holes can be provided along the outer shell of the insulation device. The vents allow any gas trapped between the inner liner and the outer shell to escape. Without vents, trapped gas between the inner liner and outer shell can cause the insulation to expand, which in some cases is undesirable. In certain instances, one or more joints or seams connecting various portions of the outer shell provide gas vents. Vents may be provided in areas of the outer shell where the fabric of the outer shell is pierced. For example, small openings can be provided at any of the suture locations where various components are placed on the insulation device. Specifically, vents can be provided in areas where handles, mall loops, straps, reinforcement patches, binders, D-rings, loop patches, etc. are attached to the outer shell of the insulation device. For example, sutures that can be used to secure these components to the outer shell provide openings in the outer shell that form vents between the insulating layer and the outer shell. In one particular example, the insulation device can be vented through the bonding material 4518 .

The exemplary insulation device 4010 was tested to determine ice retention. Accordingly, an ice retention test can be utilized to determine the insulation properties of the exemplary insulation device 4010. FIG. In an exemplary test, the duration of the increase from 0°F to 50°F when the insulation device 4010 was filled with ice was determined according to the following test parameters. In a particular example, the insulation device temperature increases from 10°F to 32°F in 24 to 48 hours, and the insulation device temperature increases from 32°F to 50°F in 36 to 68 hours. , the insulation temperature rises from 0° F. to 50° F. in 70 to 90 hours.

Ice retention was tested using the following test. At least 24 hours prior to testing, the following steps are performed.
• Make sure the test cooler is clean inside and out.
• Mark test coolers with unique identifiers and record identifiers and descriptions in test logs or notes.
• Place the thermocouple (T) approximately in the center of the test cooler (C) using duct tape.
• The tip of the thermocouple should be about 1 inch above the floor of the cooler. (See Figure 23 for an example of suitable thermocouple settings.)
• Condition the test cooler by holding the test cooler inside (65-75°F ambient temperature) with the lid open for a minimum of 24 hours.
• Calculate the amount of ice required for the test (to the nearest 0.1 lbs) using the formula below.
o Ice per cooler = 0.52 lbs x 1/4 cooler capacity o Ice required = ice per cooler x number of coolers Place ice in freezer (-15 to -5°F) for at least 24 hours before use. ) to adjust the ice.

On the day of the exam, the following steps will be performed:
Collect the test equipment Allow the thermal chamber to reach a temperature of 100°F Weighing - place the scale near the freezer to test ice Data logger - ensure the data logger is charging the battery

The test procedure is as follows:
• Take the test cooler to the freezer containing the test ice.
• Place the test cooler on the scale and tare the scale.
• Break the test ice with a hammer.
• Quickly fill the test cooler with the required amount of ice using the scale as a reference.
• Make sure the ice is evenly distributed throughout the test cooler.
• Make sure the connector end of the thermocouple is outside the test cooler and close and secure the cooler lid.
• Repeat the steps for the remaining test coolers.
• Place the coolers in the test area so that they all have a uniform amount of direct sunlight and airflow (one cooler does not block the other coolers).
• Connect all thermocouples to the data logger.
• Check all thermocouple readings to verify that all connections are complete and channels are properly registered. (Note: the starting temperature in each test cooler must be less than 10°F).
• Turn on the data logger and set it to record with temperatures recorded at intervals of less than 10 minutes.
• Start recording and record the time in the test log.
• Continue testing until the internal temperature of each test cooler is 50°F or higher.
• Stop recording.
• Remove the thermocouple from the data logger.
• Receive data from data loggers.
• Remove the test cooler from the test area.
• Empty the test cooler and allow it to dry.
• Remove the thermocouple from the test cooler.

The heat gain rate of the thermal insulation device 2010, 4010 can be about 0.5 to 1.5 degF/hr, and in one particular example, the heat gain rate can be about 1.0 degF/hr.

Similar to the example above, the function of the insulation devices 2010 and 4010 is also configured to withstand internal leaks, and how well the insulation devices 2010, 4010 retain the contents stored in the storage compartments or receptacles 2504, 4504. Tested to see if it holds up well. In one exemplary test, the insulation device 2010, 4010 can be filled with a liquid such as water and inverted for a period of time to test for any water leaks. In this example, the insulation device 2010, 4010 is filled with liquid, eg, 3 gallons of water, until the receptacle 4504 is about half full, and the closure 2301, 4301 is completely closed. The entire insulation device 2010, 4010 is then inverted and held inverted for 30 minutes. The insulation device 2010, 4010 is then checked for any leaks.

The insulation device 2010,4010 can be configured to withstand being held upside down for 30 minutes without any water leaking out or out of the receptacle 2504,4504. In an alternative example, the insulation device 2010, 4010 can be configured to withstand being held inverted for 15 to 120 minutes without any water leaking out of or out of the receptacle 2504, 4504.

24-32 show another exemplary thermal insulation device 3010. FIG. The exemplary thermal insulation device 3010 may be of similar construction to the examples above, with like reference numerals representing like features having like functions. In this example, as can be seen from FIGS. 24-26 and 32, closure 3311 and opening 3512 pass through first sidewall 3507A, second sidewall 3705B, and third sidewall 3507C of insulation device 3010 to and partially through fourth sidewall 3507D. Further, opening 3512 is configured to provide access to interior chamber 3504, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 32. FIG. Similar to the examples above, the closure 3311 can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening 3512 when the insulation device 3010 is in any orientation.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 29A, the exemplary insulation device 3010 generally includes a body assembly that together form three major components of the insulation device 3010: an inner liner 3500, an insulation layer 3502, and an outer shell 3501. 3350 and lid assembly 3300 . The inner liner 3500, in one example, can be formed from a dual-laminate TPU nylon fabric, and the insulating layer 3502, in one example, is formed from an NBR/PVC foam blend or any other suitable blend or foam. and the outer shell 3501 can be formed from a TPU nylon fabric in one example. It is also envisioned that the inner liner and outer shell 3501 can be formed from one or more of PVC, TPU coated nylon, coated fabrics, and other weldable and/or waterproof fabrics. be.

As shown in FIGS. 24-26, closure 3311 extends between body assembly 3350 and lid assembly 3300 to substantially seal body assembly 3350 and lid assembly 3300 from water. Further, as shown in FIG. 29A, lid assembly 3300 can be connected to body assembly 3350 by outer shell 3501 forming living hinge 3503 . In one example, living hinge 3503 is formed as part of outer shell 3501 and/or inner liner 3500, particularly from the flexible nature of the material of outer shell 3501 and/or inner liner 3500, to accommodate a larger opening of thermal insulation device 3010. can provide. The living hinge 3503 can also be reinforced by an inner piece of cloth 3503A, which can be formed from an inner liner material or other waterproof material. In this manner, the contents of chamber 3504 and insulation device 3010 can be accessed by opening closure 3311 and folding back or opening lid assembly 3300 .

In this example, the insulation device 3010 can be in the shape of a cuboid or prism. For example, outer shell 3501, insulating layer 3502, and inner liner 3500 define a cuboidal first sidewall 3507A, second sidewall 3507B, third sidewall 3507C, and fourth sidewall 3507D. Lid assembly 3300 also forms a top wall 3300a and base 3215 forms a bottom wall 3215a for enclosing the cuboid. However, the contents of the insulation device 3010 are accessed through an opening 3512 formed in the top of the insulation device and similarly through each of the first sidewall 3507A, second sidewall 3507B and third sidewall 3507C. can extend and extend partially through the fourth sidewall 3507D. Other shapes for thermal insulation device 3010 are also envisioned, such as, for example, cylindrical, spherical, conical, pyramidal, frustoconical, truncated spherical, and truncated pyramidal. The height of the insulation device 3010, in one example, can range from 15 cm to 50 cm, and in one particular example, can be 29 cm. The length of the insulation device 3010 can range from 15 cm to 50 cm, and in one particular example can be 32 cm. Also, the width of the insulation device may in one example range from 15 cm to 50 cm, and in one particular example may be 25.5 cm. The storage capacity of the insulation device 3010 can be 10 to 15 quarts, and in one particular example can be 12.7 quarts. However, it is envisioned that the insulation device 3010 can include any height, length, width and volume dimensions without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

Similar to the examples above, the insulation device 3010 includes one or more handles 3210, 3212, rings 3214, and webbing for attaching various items such as, for example, straps (shoulders), carabiners, dry bags, keys, storage cases, and the like. A loop 3224 may be included. Ring 3214 can be a D-ring and a shoulder strap (not shown) can be connected to the D-ring to facilitate carrying the insulation device. Ring 3214 can also be attached to insulation device 3010 at attachment point 3213 which can form a loop or strap 3315a that also forms a slot for receiving ring 3214 . Insulation devices may also include side, front and/or rear carry handles, pockets, tie-downs, and D-rings anywhere on the outer surface of the outer shell. The pocket can be sized to hold keys, phone, wallet, etc., and can be made waterproof. The pocket can also include waterproof zippers to prevent the contents from getting wet.

Similarly, similar to the examples above, the outer shell 3501 is also configured to help structurally support any handles, straps, and webbing loops (e.g., 3210, 3212, 3213, 3214, and 3224). It can include multiple reinforcing regions or patches 0 that are reinforced.

Handles or straps (eg, 3210, 3212, 3213, 3214, and 3224) and other attachments can be sutured to the patch using thread 3222. In certain examples, these threads 3222 do not extend through outer shell 3501 and into insulating layer 3502 . Optional handles or straps can be sutured to patch 3320 and patch 3320 can be RF welded to outer shell 3501 . Also, in other examples, patch 3320 can be sutured or glued to outer shell 3501 . Apertures from the suturing operation can provide ventilation to the interior defined by the outer shell 3501 and inner liner 3500 of the insulating device 3010 . Additionally, other techniques are envisioned for securing handles or straps to the insulation device 3010 .

The internal components of insulation device 3010, body assembly 3350, and lid assembly 3300 can be seen in cross-section in FIG. 29A. Additionally, FIG. 29B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of lid assembly 3300 .

Lid assembly 3300 includes upper inner liner portion 3500A, upper insulation layer portion 3502A, and upper outer shell portion 3501A. The upper insulation layer portion 3502 A can be formed from a single layer of foam that corresponds to the overall shape of the lid assembly 3300 . The foam, in one example, can be the same foam used in the body assembly 3350, as discussed herein, and is between the upper inner liner portion 3500A and the upper outer shell portion 3501A. It can be an insulating foam that can float without being attached. As shown in FIG. 29B, the upper inner liner portion 3500A can be formed from a sheet of material 3500A1 and a strip of material 3500A2 attached to a binder 3518. As shown in FIG. In other embodiments, sheet of material 3500A1 may be directly connected to binder 3518, thus eliminating the need for strip of material 3500A2. The strip of material 3500A2 can be overlapped and welded to the sheet of material 3500A1. A seam tape 3509 can be placed across the connection between the sheet of material 3500A1 and the strip of material 3500A2. It is also envisioned that the upper inner liner portion 3500A can be formed as a unitary structure by injection molding, for example.

The upper inner liner portion 3500A may be connected to the upper outer shell portion 3501A by joining the upper inner liner strip material 3500A2 to the upper outer shell strip material 3501A3 at RF weld joints 3522. However, it is envisioned that other types of fastening methods can be used, such as other forms of welding, stitching, adhesives, rivets, and the like. Additionally, as will be discussed in further detail, a joining material 3518 in the form of a strip or band can be sewn across the ends of the upper inner liner strip 3500A2 of material and the upper outer shell strip of material 3501A3. It is also envisioned that the bonding material 3518 can be bonded across the ends of the upper inner liner strip of material 3500A2 and the upper outer shell strip of material 3501A3 by a plurality of rivets or by using one or more adhesives. be done.

As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the upper outer shell portion 3501A of the lid assembly 3300 is made of two separate layers 3501A1, 3501A2 and a material extending perpendicular to the two separate layers 3501A1, 3501A2. An upper outer shell strip 3501A3 may be included. An upper outer shell strip of material 3501A3 can be integrally attached to the first outer shell section 3501B1, as described in more detail below. For example, the upper outer shell strip of material 3501A3 and the first outer shell section 3501B1 can be formed or cut from the same material. However, it is also envisioned that the outer shell strip of material 3501A3 and the first outer shell section 3501B1 are of separate construction or formed of different materials. In one example, top layer 3501A1 can be formed from a TPU coated nylon laminate and bottom layer 3501A2 can be formed from compression molded EVA material. Upper outer shell portion 3501A may also be formed from a single piece of material in an injection molding process, for example.

A bonding material 3518 can secure the lid assembly 3300 together and secure the lid assembly 3300 to the body assembly 3350, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B. The binding material 3518 can be formed from strips, bands, or ribbons, and can be made from nylon, in particular examples. It is envisioned that coupling material 3518 may be formed from additional or alternative polymers without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Specifically, the first outer shell section 3501B1 is formed by stitching the bonding material 3518 around the lid assembly 3300 to combine the material of the upper inner liner 3500A, the separate layers 3501A1, 3501A2, and the upper outer shell portion 3501A. It can be secured with upper outer shell strip 3501A3. Thus, sutures extend through bonding material 3518, lower outer shell portion 3501B, upper inner liner portion 3500A, upper layer 3501A1, lower layer 3501A2 and strip of material 3500A2 to form seam 3517.

The weld joint 3522 can also secure the lid assembly 3300 together and secure the lid assembly 3300 to the body assembly 3350 . As noted above, weld joint 3522, which can be an RF weld joint, also joins upper inner liner portion 3500A and upper outer shell strip 3501A3 of material by joining upper inner liner strip 3500A2 of material to upper outer shell strip of material 3501A3. The lid assembly 3300 is secured together by connecting the shell portions 3501A. However, it is also envisioned that the seam 3522 could be formed by stitching or adhesive. Similarly, a living hinge 3503 is formed between lid assembly 3300 and body assembly 3350 when lid assembly 307a and body assembly 3350 are secured together.

Lid assembly 3300 and body assembly 3350 are also connected by a closure, which in one example can be a zipper, as discussed below. Specifically, the zipper tape 3306 can be attached by stitching, welding, adhesives, or the like between the upper outer shell strip 3501A3 of material and the first outer shell section 3501B1 of the lower outer shell portion 3501B. In this manner, top 3306a and bottom 3306b of zipper tape 3306 secure lid assembly 3300 and body assembly 3350 together.

Referring again to FIG. 29A, body assembly 3350 includes lower inner liner portion 3500B, lower insulation layer portion 3502B, and lower outer shell portion 3501B. A lower inner liner portion 3500B can be formed from an upper strip 3500B1, a middle portion 3500B2, and a lower portion 3500B3. Top strip 3500B 1 , middle portion 3500B 2 , and bottom portion 3500B 3 can be welded or stitched together at seam 3508 . The seams 3508 can be covered by a seam tape 3509 which can be made of a waterproof or water resistant material such as PU (polyurethane). However, seam tape 3509 can be formed from a breathable material that is impermeable to water but allows gas to escape from within interior chamber 3504 .

Alternatively, the lower inner liner portion 3500B can be formed from a single unitary piece, such as by injection molding. FIG. 31 shows an exemplary inner liner portion 7500B formed by an injection molding process. In this example, the lower inner liner portion 7500B can be formed from one or more of urethane, PVC, TPU, or other weldable materials. The lower inner liner portion 7500B can be welded in place onto the outer shell after the lower insulation layer is placed within the outer shell.

Referring again to Figures 29A and 30, the lower insulating layer portion 3502B can include a first sheet of insulating material 3502B1 and a second sheet of insulating material 3502B2. Similar to the example above, the first sheet of insulating material 3502B1 and the second sheet of insulating material 3502B2 are a free floating layer of insulating material that is not attached to either the lower inner liner portion 3500B or the lower outer shell portion 3501B. can do. However, it is also envisioned that the first sheet of insulating material 3502B1 and the second sheet of insulating material 3502B2 can be attached to either the lower inner liner portion 3500B or the lower outer shell portion 3501B. Further, it is envisioned that the lower insulation layer portion 3502B is formed from a single unitary piece.

Lower outer shell portion 3501B can be formed from several sections. In this example, the lower outer shell portion 3501B can include a first outer shell section 3501B1, a lower outer wall section 3501B2, a first base layer 3501B3, and a second base layer 3501B4. Similar to the lid assembly, the first base layer 3501B3 can be formed from a TPU coated nylon laminate and the second base layer 3501B4 can be formed from compression molded EVA material. Each of the lower outer wall section 3501B2, first base layer 3501B3, and second base layer 3501B4 can be joined together by stitching, welding, or adhesive. Also similar to the above example, the base support ridges 3400 are formed in the first base layer 3501B3 and the second base layer 3501B4 to provide a structural support for the thermal insulation device 3010 when the thermal insulation device 3010 is placed on a surface. Able to provide completeness and support. In alternative examples, the lower outer shell portion 3501B can be formed as a single component, and in certain examples can be formed by an injection molding process.

Similar to the examples above, the closure 3311 can be a zipper and can be substantially waterproof. In addition, the zipper can include pull tabs or handles 3302, which can be formed from hard plastic in this example. It is also envisioned that pull tab 3302 may be formed from metals or alloys, flexible polymers, fabric, string, or rope, among others. Forming the pull tab 3302 from cloth, string, or rope can prevent wear of the connection between the pull tab 3302 and the zipper. Specifically, when the zipper is closed around outer shell 3501, pull tab 3302 can be rotated or twisted by the user. The fabric, string, or rope can withstand twisting motion by the user. Other pull tabs are also envisioned. For example, the pull tab can have a bearing connection that allows the pull tap to be rotated 360 degrees in all directions.

A series of vents can be provided along the outer shell 3501 of the insulation device 3010 . The vents allow any gas trapped between the inner liner 3500 and the outer shell 3501 to escape. Without the vents, gas trapped between the inner liner 3500 and the outer shell 3501 would cause the insulation device 3010 to expand, which in some cases is undesirable. In certain instances, the joint or seam connecting the inner liner and outer shell provides a vent for gas.

A vent can be provided in the lid assembly 3300 . Specifically, in lid assembly 3300, seam 3517 can provide a series of small openings in lid assembly 3300 through which binder material 3518 is stitched. These openings act as vents for gas to escape from the interior volume of lid assembly 3300 .

Additionally, vent holes can be provided in the body assembly 3350 . In the body assembly, vent holes can be provided in the area of lower outer shell portion 3501B where the fabric of lower outer shell portion 3501B is pierced. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, a small opening can be provided in the box and cruciform suture 3521 where the rear carry handle 3210 is attached to the insulation device 3010. FIG. Vents can also be provided in the areas or locations where the handles 3212 , 3210 , mall loops 3224 and D-rings 3214 are attached to the outer shell 3501 of the insulation device 3010 . For example, the sutures securing the handles, webbing or mall loops 3224, and D-rings 3214 to the outer shell provide openings in the outer shell 3501 and form vents to the storage compartment or inner chamber 3504 of the insulating device 3010. FIG. 33 shows an exemplary schematic view of sutures 3519 extending through outer shell 3501, handle 3212, and reinforcement region or patch 3320. FIG.

To form the thermal insulation device 3010 , a body assembly 3350 can be formed and then a lid assembly 3300 can be formed by joining the lid assembly 3300 to the body assembly 3350 . To form the body assembly 3350 of the thermal insulation device 3010, the lower outer shell portion 3501B and the lower inner liner portion 3500B can be independently formed. Once the lower outer shell portion 3501B is formed, a thermal insulation layer 3502 can then be placed within the lower outer shell portion 3501B. The lower inner liner portion 3500B can be attached to the lower outer shell portion 3501B to secure the insulating layer 3502 within the lower outer shell portion 3501B and the lower inner liner portion 3500B. However, the insulating layer 3502 is free to float between the lower outer shell portion 3501B and the lower inner liner portion 3500B. Lid assembly 3300 can be secured together and lid assembly 3300 is attached to body assembly 3350 by welding upper inner liner portion 3500A to upper outer shell portion 3501A and lower outer shell portion 3501B at weld joint 3522. can be fixed. Finally, lid assembly 3300 is further attached to lower outer shell portion 3501B by stitching the top of lower outer shell portion 3501B with upper layer 3501A1, lower layer 3501A2, upper inner liner portion 3500A, strip of material 3501A3, and bonding material 3518. can be attached.

Specifically, lower outer shell portion 3501B is formed by attaching together each of first outer shell portion 3501B1, lower outer wall portion 3501B2, first base layer 3501B3, and second base layer 3501B4. can be done. Each of the first sheet of insulating material 3502B1 and the second sheet of insulating material 3502B2 can then be placed within the lower outer shell portion 3501B. The lower inner liner portion 3500B can then be formed by welding together each of the upper strip 3500B1, middle portion 3500B2, and lower portion 3500B3, and then adding seam tape 3509 over each weld. Alternatively, as described above, the lower inner liner portion 3500B can be formed by injection molding a material. Once the lower inner liner portion 3500B is formed, the inner liner portion 3500B can be positioned within the lower insulation layer portion 3502B such that the inner liner portion 3500B extends along the entire inner circumference of the body assembly 3350 of the insulation device 3010. can be welded at seam 3511 to lower outer shell portion 3501B. Seam 3511 can be formed by either welding or stitching in this example.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary welding technique that can be used to weld the lower inner liner portion 3500B to the lower outer shell portion 3501B. Once the lower inner liner portion 3500B is positioned within the lower insulation layer portion 3502B, the lower inner liner portion 3500B uses a three-piece tool that can include an upper U-shaped portion 3514A, a plate portion 3516, and a lower U-shaped portion 3514B. and can be joined on its sides to the lower outer shell portion 3501B. The curvature of the upper U-shaped portion 3514A, the plate portion 3516, and the lower U-shaped portion 3514B can correspond to the shape of the periphery of the body assembly 3350 of the insulation device 3010.

To form seam 3511 as a weld, lower inner liner portion 3500B is placed in contact with lower outer shell portion 3501B and plate portion 3516 is placed within lower inner liner portion 3500B and upper U-shaped portion 3514A. and the lower U-shaped portion 3514B can be placed in contact with the lower outer shell portion 3501B. Upper U-shaped portion 3514A and lower U-shaped portion 3514B are connected to two leads such that current can flow through upper U-shaped portion 3514A, lower outer shell portion 3501B and lower inner liner portion 3500B. can be done. Current may then be applied first to the upper U-shaped portion 3514A to form a weld along the upper U-shaped portion 3514A including curved and straight portions. After the upper section is welded, the polarity of the leads can be reversed and then the lower section can be welded along the lower U-shaped portion 3514B.

After the bottom is welded by the lower U-shaped portion, the remaining two sides can be welded by using a plate portion 3516 and a pair of straight side bars or other clamping mechanism or vice versa. As with the curved portion of body assembly 3350, electrical current can be applied to a pair of straight sidebars by leads. Again, the sides are welded by applying current in a first direction to weld the first side and then switching the polarity of the leads and applying current in the opposite direction to weld the second side. It can be welded separately. In one example, each section can be welded for about 10 seconds. Once the welding is completed around the entire perimeter of body assembly 3350, body assembly 3350 can be assembled to lid assembly 3300.

In one example, the closure 3311 can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is dropped from a distance of 6 feet. In this test, the insulation can be dropped from 6 feet onto the concrete surface on each side of the insulation 3010, which in this case is six, after being completely filled with water.

The exemplary insulation device 3010 was tested to determine ice retention. Accordingly, an ice retention test can be utilized to determine the insulation properties of the exemplary insulation device 3010. FIG. In an exemplary test, the duration of the increase from 0°F to 50°F when the insulation device 3010 was filled with ice was determined according to the following test parameters. In a particular example, the temperature of the insulation increases from 0° F. to 10° F. in 0.5 hours to 1.5 hours, and the temperature of the insulation increases from 10° F. to 50° F. in 22 hours to 28 hours. F, and the insulation temperature rises from 0°F to 50°F in 24 to 30 hours.

Ice retention was tested using the following test. At least 24 hours prior to testing, the following steps are performed.

Make sure the test cooler is clean inside and out.

Mark the test cooler with a unique identifier and record identifier and description in the test log or notes.

Place the thermocouple (T) approximately in the center of the test cooler (C) using duct tape.

The tip of the thermocouple should be about 1 inch above the floor of the cooler. (See Figure 11 for an example of suitable thermocouple settings.)

Condition the test cooler by keeping the test cooler inside (ambient temperature 65-75° F.) with the lid open for a minimum of 24 hours.

Use the following formula to calculate the amount of ice required for the test (to near 0.1 lbs).

Ice per cooler = 0.52 lbs x 1/4 cooler capacity

Ice required = ice per cooler x number of coolers

Condition the ice by placing it in the freezer (-15 to -5°F) for a minimum of 24 hours before use.

On the day of the exam, the following steps will be performed:

collect test equipment

Allow the thermal chamber to reach a temperature of 100°F

Weighing - place the scale near the freezer to test the ice

Data Logger - Make sure the data logger is charging the battery

The test procedure is as follows:

Take the test cooler to the freezer containing the test ice.

Place the test cooler on the scale and tare the scale.

Break the test ice with a hammer.

Using the scale as a reference, quickly fill the test cooler with the required amount of ice.

Make sure the ice is evenly distributed throughout the test cooler.

Make sure the connector end of the thermocouple is outside the test cooler and close and secure the cooler lid.

Repeat the steps for the remaining test coolers.

Place the coolers in the test area so that they all have a uniform amount of direct sunlight and airflow (one cooler does not block the other coolers).

Connect all thermocouples to the data logger.

Check all thermocouple readings to ensure all connections are complete and channels are properly registered. (Note: the starting temperature in each test cooler must be less than 10°F).

Turn on the data logger and set it to record with temperatures recorded at intervals of less than 10 minutes.

Start recording and record the time in the test log.

Continue testing until the internal temperature of each test cooler is at least 50°F.

Stop recording.

Remove the thermocouple from the data logger.

Receive data from data loggers.

Remove the test cooler from the test area.

Empty and dry the test cooler.

Remove the thermocouple from the test cooler.

Two samples were tested according to the above procedure. The results are reflected below.

35A-36B show various views of another exemplary insulation device 5010. FIG. An exemplary thermal insulation device 5010 is similar to the examples described above in connection with FIGS. 24-30. Similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements of similar function in all of the various figures, and thus these elements will not be described in detail. However, in this example, the exemplary insulation device 5010 can be formed from a smaller size, can include an upper handle 5216, and can include optional reinforcing sheets or panels. Nevertheless, it is envisioned that the examples of insulation devices described herein may include similar upper handles and reinforcing sheets or panels.

36A and 36B show partial views of an exemplary lid assembly 5300. FIG. FIG. 35A shows a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary lid assembly 5300. FIG. An exemplary lid assembly 5300 is similar to the examples above, but can further include reinforcing sheets or panels 5217 within the lid assembly 5300 . FIG. 36B shows a partial plan view of an exemplary lid assembly to illustrate reinforcing sheet 5217. FIG. Reinforcement sheet or panel 5217 is configured to help prevent bending of handle 5216 and lid assembly 5300 . Reinforcing sheet or panel 5217 may be a sheet of relatively rigid material compared to outer liner 5501 , insulating layer 5502 and inner layer 5500 . In one particular example, reinforcing sheet or panel 5217 can be formed from a suitable polymer or plastic such as polyethylene. However, any stiffener material that is flexible can be used, other examples can include thermoformed PE, TPU injection molded custom components.

In certain examples, reinforcing sheets or panels 5217 can be flat, corrugated, or have a honeycomb configuration. However, panel 5217 may include other patterns to help prevent bending of handle 5216 . In a particular example, the reinforcing sheet or panel can be 1 to 3 mm thick. The stiffening sheet can include a cover that in certain instances can be configured to prevent water from penetrating the cover. In other examples, additional fabric can be included to reinforce the handle.

A reinforcing region or patch 5320 can be included in lid assembly 5300 to support handle 5216 . In certain examples, patch 5320 can be welded to lid assembly 5300 . However, patch 5320 may also be omitted entirely. Handle 5216 may be sutured to lid assembly 5300 and reinforcing panel 5217 via thread 5219 . A handle 5216 may also extend through the lid assembly and be oriented to connect to the reinforcing panel 5217 . Further, instead of using screws, the handle 5216 can be connected to the reinforcing sheet or panel 5217 by one or more welds, bolts or other screw-like connections, bayonet, ball and socket, and the like. Another connection method is to provide one or more slots in either layer 5501A1 or 5501A2 and provide one or more corresponding protrusions in the reinforcing sheet or panel 5217 that can be placed in the one or more slots. , allowing for a more sophisticated connection of the sheet or panel 5217 to the lid assembly 5300 of the insulation device 5010. Also, a wire frame or steel wire can be placed in and extend through the handle 5216 . A wire frame or steel wire can be threaded through the sheet or panel 5217 to secure the handle to the lid assembly 5300 . It is also envisioned that all or part of the lid assembly and/or handle could be injection molded to provide a more rigid structure to prevent bending of the handle.

The connection between the handle 5216 and the reinforcing panel 5217 also prevents separation problems between the separate layers 5501A1, 5501A2, which can be TPU coated nylon laminates, respectively, and the compression molded EVA material. Helpful. In this example, the connection between the handle and the reinforcing panel could allow water to enter the lid. At the same time, however, the connection allows any liquid therein to escape by evaporation through the opening formed by the connection. However, it is also envisioned that the connection between the handle and the reinforcing panel can be waterproof or water resistant to limit the amount of moisture entering the lid assembly.

Also, the handle 5216 can be formed from 1000D nylon or other suitable polymer and can include 50mm of webbing. Additionally, the handle 5216 can include padding on the gripping portion of the handle. In one example, the pad may be a suitable foam such as 5mm polyethylene sponge foam. It is envisioned that the seal between lid assembly 5300 and body assembly 5350 can be configured to withstand impact loads from the handle when insulation device 5010 is sealed and filled with contents. Nevertheless, side bridges linking the lid assembly 5300 to the body assembly 5350 are also envisioned for transporting heavy items in the insulation device 5010.

FIG. 37 illustrates a front isometric view of a thermal insulation device 6010 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Additionally, FIG. 38 shows a rear isometric view of the same insulation device 6010 . As shown in FIG. 38, insulation device 6010 includes a rear support panel 6602 and shoulder straps 6604A and 6604B that allow insulation device 6010 to be carried as a backpack. The thermal insulation device 6010 may be of similar construction to the examples previously described in these disclosures, with like reference numerals representing like features having like functions. In one example, features denoted by the same last three digits and optionally by the same letter or alphanumeric suffix can be considered to include similar features and materials of construction and/or methodology. The structures of the thermal insulation device 6010 are joined together by any method and/or fastener element such as those previously described throughout these disclosures including adhesives, stitching, laser welding, and/or rivets, among others. It is assumed that

FIG. 39 illustrates a front view of a thermal insulation device 6010 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. It is envisioned that thermal insulation device 6010 may have any dimensions in terms of height, width and depth without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Further, it is envisioned that the various components or subcomponents of thermal insulation device 6010 may have any dimensions without departing from the scope of these disclosures. FIG. 39 schematically shows width 6802 and height 6804 of insulation device 6010 . FIG. 40 schematically illustrates depth 6806 of insulation device 6010 . In one particular example, width 6802 may measure approximately 28 cm. In other examples, the width 6802 can range from approximately 24 to 32 cm. Further, height 6804 may measure approximately 48 cm. In other examples, height 6804 can range from approximately 44 to 52 cm. Further, depth 6806 may measure approximately 22 cm. In another example, depth 6806 can range from approximately 16 to 28 cm. However, it is envisioned that the insulation device 6010 may have any dimensions. In one example, the insulation device 6010 can have a substantially cuboid shape. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the insulation device 6010 may be a cuboid with one or more rounded or filleted edges. However, it is envisioned that the thermal insulation device 6010 can have different geometric shapes, such as a substantially cylindrical shape, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

As shown in FIG. 39, insulation device 6010 includes a plurality of fabric loops 6224 similar to loops 224 described above. Specifically, two rows of six loops 6224 are each shown in FIG. 39 as being coupled to the first side wall 6507A. However, it is envisioned that any number of loops 6224 may be used in a single column or more than two columns without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

FIG. 40A illustrates a first or right side view of a thermal insulation device 6010 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, insulation device 6010 includes mounting panel 6606 . The mounting panel 6606 can include a surface configured to removably couple to hook and loop fasteners on an external element (the external element, not shown, includes a hook and loop attachment element, among others). one or more storage brackets, straps, pockets, or pouches). It is envisioned that the mounting panel 6606 can include one or both of the hook and loop elements of the hook and loop fastener construction. Additionally or alternatively, mounting panel 6606 includes one or more metallic and/or magnetic elements configured to be removably coupled to one or more external magnetic elements (not shown). and/or encapsulated.

FIG. 40B shows an alternative implementation of the right side of the insulation device 6010. FIG. Accordingly, the insulation device 6010 can include a series of attachment loops 6224 in place of the attachment panel 6606. FIG. Additionally, the insulation device 6010 can include waist straps 6810, which are described in further detail in connection with FIG. It is envisioned that the waist strap 6810 can be used in conjunction with any implementation of insulation devices described throughout these disclosures, including the implementation of FIG. 40A.

FIG. 41 illustrates a second or left side view of a thermal insulation device 6010 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 41, insulation device 6010 includes a plurality of fabric loops 6224 similar to loops 224 described above. Although four loops 6224 are shown in FIG. 41, it is envisioned that any number of loops 6224 may be used without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Further, it is envisioned that the second side of the insulation device 6010 shown in FIG. 41 may include a mounting panel similar to mounting panel 6606. Additionally or alternatively, it is envisioned that the first side of the insulation device 6010 shown in FIG. 40 can include attachment loops similar to the loops 6224 shown in FIG.

FIG. 42 illustrates a rear elevation view of a thermal insulation device 6010 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the rear support panel 6602 is coupled to the illustrated reinforcement patch 6320 and fourth sidewall 6507D of the insulation device 6010 . Shoulder straps 6604A and 6604B can include padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B that can be constructed using similar materials and processes as straps 218 . In one example, the padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can include multiple layers of material including a foam core surrounded by a wear resistant outer polymeric shell. Thus, the foam core can be ethylene vinyl acetate, low density polyethylene, nitrile rubber, polychloroprene foam, polyimide foam, polypropylene foam, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, silicone foam, and microcellular foam. , or combinations thereof. Additionally, the padded top strap portions 6702A and 6702B can include outer webbing that is sewn onto the padded top strap portions 6702A and 6702B to form a plurality of loops 6716 . A portion of the loop 6716 is labeled on each of the padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B of FIG.

It is envisioned that padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can include any number of loops 6716 that can have any physical dimensions. These loops may be similar to loops 224 and may be constructed from nylon webbing. Additionally or alternatively, loop 6716 may be constructed from other materials such as polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastic, rubber, or rope. In one implementation, loops 6716 are configured to be used to attach items (eg, carabiners, dry bags, among others) to insulation device 6010 . Additionally or alternatively, loops 6716 are configured to limit the extent to which padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can be expanded. Accordingly, the padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can be constructed of a material configured to deform and expand to provide shock absorption when the insulation device 6010 is worn on the user's back. . When the insulation device 6010 is not loaded or worn by a user, the padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can be in a retracted position and the loops 6716 loop outward from the padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B. can have a predetermined amount of slack that When worn by a user, the weight of the insulation device 6010 can intermittently or continuously expand the padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B, and the loops 6716 extend the padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B. It can be repositioned taut and close to the outer surface. Accordingly, loops 6716 can be configured to limit the extent to which padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can expand, thereby preventing excessive strain on padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B. It can also provide shock absorption while preventing expansion and damage.

In one example, padded top strap portions 6702A and 6702B can be coupled to the top of rear support panel 6602 at proximal ends 6704A and 6704B. It is envisioned that padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can be coupled to rear support panel 6602 at proximal ends 6704A and 6704B by sutures, adhesives, or one or more fastener elements, among others. Shoulder straps 6604A and 6604B can further include lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B. Lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B can be coupled to the lower back of support panel 6602 at proximal ends 6708A and 6708B. Lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B can be constructed from materials similar to loops 6716 and webbing 212 . Thus, in one example, the lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B can be formed from nylon webbing.

Distal ends 6710A and 6710B of padded upper strap portions 6702A and 6702B can be adjustably coupled to distal ends 6712A and 6712B of lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B by adjustment buckles 6714A and 6714B. In one example, adjustment buckles 6714A and 6714B can be constructed from one or more of polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, or fiber reinforced materials, among others. In addition, the distal ends 6712A and 6712B of the lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B are positioned so that the possibility of the adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B accidentally slipping off the adjustment buckles 6714A and 6714B is reduced. can be grasped and pulled through the adjustment buckles 6714A and 6714B and can include suture loops that provide finger loops to increase the thickness of the lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B.

Insulation device 6010 can further include lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B. The lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B can be sewn to the sides of the rear support panel 6602 and can be constructed from similar materials as the lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B. It is envisioned that the lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B can be constructed from a nylon webbing material. However, it is envisioned that additional or alternative materials could be used without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, lower attachment loops 6718 A and 6718 B can be used as anchor points for attaching waist straps (not shown) to insulation device 6010 .

In one implementation, the insulation device 6010 can include a loop handle 6720 otherwise referred to as a carrying handle 6720. A loop handle 6720 can be sewn to the insulation device 6010 at the top of the rear support panel 6602 and, like the lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B, can be constructed from nylon webbing. However, it is envisioned that loop handle 6720 may be constructed from additional or alternative polymeric, metal, alloy or ceramic materials without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, the loop handle 6720 can further include padded material encapsulated within the nylon webbing. This padded material can include one or more layers of foam or nylon webbing. In other implementations, the loop handle 6720 may be sewn to the rear or fourth sidewall 6507D of the insulation device 6010 above the rear support panel 6602.

FIG. 43 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of thermal insulation device 6010 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, insulation device 6010 can include elements similar to insulation device 5010, as shown schematically in FIG. 35F. Additionally, the insulation device 6010 includes a rear support panel 6602 . In one example, the rear support panel 6602 includes an outer layer 6608 and an inner layer 6610 coupled together by one or more fasteners including stitching and/or by a binder 6518 similar to binder 518, as previously described. . In one example, rear support panel 6602 can be coupled to outer shell section 6501 . Additionally, the outer shell section 6501 can have more than one layer 6501B1 on the rear or fourth side wall 6507D, with the rear support panel 6602 coupled to the insulation device 6010. In one implementation, the inner layer 6610 of the rear support panel 6602 can comprise compression molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In other examples, the inner layer 6610 may additionally or alternatively be made of low density polyethylene, nitrile rubber, polychloroprene foam, polyimide foam, polypropylene foam, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, among others. Other polymeric foam materials can be included, such as silicone foams, and microcellular foams, or combinations thereof. In one implementation, the outer layer 6608 can include nylon material and poly synthetic leather. However, it is envisioned that outer layer 6608 may include additional or alternative materials. In one implementation, the material and thickness of the rear support panel 6602 deforms or adds stiffness when the rear support panel 6602 is placed close to the user's back when the insulation device 6010 is worn as a backpack. or to provide additional rigidity to hold the insulating device 6010 in an upright position (not shown) when not worn as a backpack. Any material thickness and material type may be used in constructing the rear support panel 6602, including polymers, metals, alloys, fiber reinforced materials, or combinations thereof, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing. It is envisioned that

Insulation device 6010 includes an interior chamber 6504, similar to interior chambers 504, 2504, 3504, and 4504, configured to store one or more items and reduce heat transfer rates therefrom or to them. . It is envisioned that the volume of this internal chamber 6504 can have any value without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

It is envisioned that the insulating layers 6502A, 6502B, 6502B2 can include any of the insulating materials previously described throughout these disclosures. Additionally or alternatively, the insulation layer shown in FIG. 43 can include one or more vacuum insulation panels. These vacuum insulation panels are further described in PCT/US2016/063658 filed Nov. 23, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In other examples, the insulation device 6010 can include additional reinforcing structures. In one example, these additional reinforcing structures are internal, external or partial constructed from one or more plates, tubes and/or beams, and from metal, alloy, ceramic, or fiber reinforced materials, or combinations thereof. It can contain one or more of the internal frames. In other implementations, the interior chamber 6504 of the insulation device 6010 can include one or more storage compartments, pockets, dividers, or other structures without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

44 shows another isometric view of the insulation device 6010. FIG. As shown, waist straps 6810 are removably attached to lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B. In one example, waist strap 6810 includes first strap portion 6812 removably coupled to second strap portion 6814 by buckle 6816 . It is envisioned that first and second strap portions 6812 and 6814, like lower adjustment straps 6706A and 6706B, can be constructed from nylon webbing. However, additional or alternative polymeric, metallic, alloy or ceramic materials, or combinations thereof, may be used in the first and second strap portions 6812 and 6814 without departing from the scope of these disclosures. can be done. It is further envisioned that buckle 6816 may include any removable coupling implementation without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

The waist strap 6810 can be removably attached to lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B by two split ring fasteners 6818A and 6818B. In one example, the split ring fasteners 6818A and 6818B can be constructed from aluminum and can include elongated loop elements with gaps configured to allow the lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B to be inserted. can. In other implementations, split ring fasteners 6818A and 6818B may be constructed from other metals, alloys, polymers, fiber reinforced materials, or ceramics, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 44 further illustrates an alternative implementation of shoulder straps 6820A and 6820B. Shoulder straps 6820A and 6820B can be similar to shoulder straps 6702A and 6702B, with one or more layers of padding and/or outer webbing material provided for structural load-bearing properties and abrasion resistance. can include Additionally, the shoulder straps 6702A and 6702B can include a series of multiple loops (some of the loops are labeled as loops 6716 in FIG. 44). It is envisioned that shoulder straps 6820A and 6820B may include any number of loops 6716 without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, a series of loops 6716 extend from adjustment buckles 6714A and 6714B to reinforcement patches 6822A and 6822B that extend across the width of shoulder straps 6820A and 6820B.

FIG. 45 shows an isometric view of another implementation of thermal insulation device 8010 . In one example, insulation device 8010 can be similar to insulation device 6010 and can include shoulder straps 8702A and 8702B. As shown, the insulation device 8010 can have a substantially cuboid shape with an angled lid assembly 8300 and closure 8311 . The thermal insulation device 8010 may be of similar construction to the examples previously described in these disclosures, with like reference numerals representing like features having like functions. In one example, features denoted by the same last three digits and optionally by the same letter or alphanumeric suffix can be considered to include similar features and materials of construction and/or methodology. The structures of the thermal insulation device 8010 are joined together by any method and/or fastener element such as those previously described throughout these disclosures including adhesives, stitching, laser welding, and/or rivets, among others. It is assumed that

In one example, lower adjustment straps (eg, 8706A) of shoulder straps 8702A and 8702B can be removably coupled to second sidewall 8507B and third sidewall 8507C. A lower adjustment strap (eg, 8706A) has a clasp 8830 configured to be removably coupled to a D-loop 8832 attached to a sidewall (eg, third sidewall 8507C) of the insulation device 8010 by a webbing loop 8834. can include The illustrated clasp 8830 and D-loop 8832 may additionally or alternatively be any removable attachment mechanism such as a buckle (similar to one or more of buckles 6714A and 6816), or a hook and loop fastener. It is envisioned that the Additionally or alternatively, clasp 8830 may be configured to removably couple directly to webbing loop 8834 without the use of D-loop 8832 . In one example, clasp 8830 and D-loop 8832 can be constructed from polymers, metals, alloys, fiber reinforced materials, or ceramics, among others.

FIG. 46 schematically illustrates one implementation of split ring fastener 6818, as described in connection with FIG. In one example, one or more split ring fasteners 6818 can be used to attach the waist strap 6810 to the lower attachment loops 6718A and 6718B. As shown, the split ring fastener can include an elongated loop element 9850 having a gap 9852 . Gap 9852 is formed by temporarily deforming a portion of the lower attachment loop, inserting the deformed portion into gap 9852, and expanding that portion once within hole 9854 of split ring fastener 6818 to remove split ring fastener 6818. It can be used to removably couple to the bottom attachment loop 6718 (not shown in FIG. 46). In one example, the split ring fastener 6818 can be constructed from aluminum. In other implementations, split ring fastener 6818 may be constructed from other metals, alloys, polymers, fiber reinforced materials, or ceramics, or combinations thereof.

In one example, insulation devices described throughout this disclosure, such as devices 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, 5010, 6010, and 8010, can include one or more zipper assemblies, similar to closure 6311. These alternative implementations of zipper assemblies can include curvilinear shapes. For example, rather than being bonded to a plane, zippers may be implemented so that they can be bonded to complex shapes having multiple regions of curvature. Additionally or alternatively, closures used with any of the insulation devices described throughout these disclosures include water reactive resistors configured to be disposed along the length of the zipper track. can include a zipper with Accordingly, the plurality of water-responsive resistors can be configured to swell when exposed to water and provide resistance to the slider body of the zipper mechanism when used to open and close the zipper closure. In one example, the water reactive resistor may extend continuously along the entire length of the zipper track. The resistance provided by the water reactive resistor prevents the closure from opening when exposed to water, thus preventing accidental spillage of fluids, ice, and/or materials placed within the insulation device. can be prevented.

In other examples, multiple polymer resistors may be provided along the length of a zipper track, such as closure track 6311 . The plastic resistor can be configured to resist movement of the slider body along the zipper track (with or without the presence of water). Thus, multiple polymer resistors can slow the movement of the slider body along the zipper track. In doing so, the polymer resistor can function similarly to a water-reactive resistor and can prevent accidental spillage of fluids, ice, and/or materials stored within the insulation device. .

It is further envisioned that the frame can be incorporated into any insulation device described throughout this disclosure. The frame may be used to provide a symmetrical and/or balanced distribution of mass and center of gravity of the portable insulation device. Accordingly, the frame may be formed from one or more of polymers, fiber reinforced composites, or metals or alloys such as aluminum or titanium.

The insulation devices described throughout these disclosures can be further configured to include one or more storage baffles. It is envisioned that storage baffles may be constructed using one or more of foams, vacuum insulation panels, metals, alloys, polymers, fiber reinforced materials, and ceramics, or combinations thereof. The baffles can be individually sealable and waterproof containers, or can divide and/or separate areas within the internal compartments of the various insulation devices described herein. In one example, baffles within an insulated storage compartment can be configured to store items of a particular size.

In one example, multiple storage baffles can be used within the insulation system. For example, two baffles are used such that one baffle is a sealable and waterproof baffle and the other baffle is a separate divided area from the sealed waterproof baffle in the insulated storage compartment. be able to. In one example, the baffle may be removable. Any of the insulating devices described for reading these disclosures may be filled with such fluids as dry ice, conventional ice made from water, one or more ice packs, and/or water. It can be configured to receive and store ice, such as a configured removable bladder. Lower baffles within the insulated storage compartments of various insulation devices can be specifically designed to receive and store ice and/or removable bladders. The lower baffle may be lined and/or manufactured with an electrically conductive material and configured to provide cooling to one or more upper baffles within the insulated storage compartment. In some cases, the upper baffle may also be lined and/or manufactured with an electrically conductive material and thus configured to further distribute the cooling provided by the lower baffle. Additionally or alternatively, each of the baffles within the insulated storage compartments of the insulation device may be configured to receive and store ice, ice packs, and/or removable bladders.

If the insulation device is configured to store ice made from potable water, baffles within the insulation storage compartment may be configured to separate the water from the ice as the ice melts. Water may be configured to flow to a bottom reservoir inside a portable thermal insulation device (such as devices 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, 5010, 6010, and 8010). The reservoir can include hoses or tubes attached thereto, which can be routed through the interior of the portable insulation device to the top of the portable insulation device. From there, hoses or tubes can extend out from the interior of the insulation device and can include one-way nozzles at the ends. The one-way nozzle can be a drinking nozzle and can be configured to release water from an internal reservoir when activated by a user of the insulation device. The reservoir can further include an air pump or bladder that can be manually or electrically pumped to increase pressure within the reservoir. When pressurized, the reservoir can help push water through the hose or tube and out of the one-way nozzle during actuation. It is further envisioned that the water can be filtered before it is dispensed through the drinking nozzle.

In certain implementations, a peripheral cooling vessel may be positioned adjacent to the insulated storage compartment of the insulation devices described throughout this disclosure and may be configured to provide cooling to the insulated storage compartment. In such embodiments, the peripheral cooling vessel may be configured to receive and store conventional ice made from water, dry ice, one or more ice packs, and/or removable bladders. . Peripheral cooling vessels may be lined and/or manufactured with electrically conductive material to enable cooling distribution to the insulated storage compartment. The peripheral cooling container may also be a sealable, waterproof container.

The peripheral cooling vessel may be attached to the front, bottom, sides, and/or rear of the insulated storage compartment and may be configured to be removably attached to the insulated storage compartment. In some examples, the peripheral cooling vessel may be rigidly attached to the insulated storage compartment. In a removably attachable configuration, the peripheral cooling vessel may be removable from the portable insulation device.

In some embodiments, the baffles in the insulated and non-insulated storage compartments are directed upward from the rearmost and/or rearmost of the particular storage compartment and to the foremost and/or most forward of the particular storage compartment. It can be angled so as to extend outward toward it. Such an orientation of the baffles, as described above, is the most important aspect of the portable thermal insulation device 100 near the rearmost and/or rearmost portion of the device, which can be configured to contact the rear and shoulders of the carrier during transport. A center of gravity can be established. Thus, angled baffles can provide a symmetrical weight distribution and center of gravity for the portable thermal insulation device 100 .

An exemplary insulation device can include an outer shell, an inner liner, a free-floating insulation layer between the outer shell and the inner liner, and a waterproof closure. The upper portion of the shell has a first perimeter and the lower portion of the shell has a second perimeter. The first perimeter can be equal to the second perimeter. The closure can be a zipper assembly that includes a plurality of zipper teeth, and the zipper teeth can be formed from plastic or metal. The outer shell can be made from a double laminate TPU nylon fabric. The inner liner can be made from a double laminated TPU nylon fabric. The insulating layer can be formed from closed cell foam. The insulation layer can be made from NBR and PVC blends, and at least a portion of the insulation layer can be constituted by an EVA foam layer. The outer shell may further include at least one of straps or handles. The outer shell may further include at least one ring for securing the insulation device.

Exemplary insulation devices can include an outer shell, an inner liner, a closure adapted to seal at least one of the outer shell or the inner liner, and an insulation layer between the outer shell and the inner liner. The closure can have first and second flanges, an outer liner can be secured to the top surfaces of the first and second flanges, and an inner liner can be attached to the first and second flanges. It can be fixed to the underside of the second flange. The outer liner and inner liner can be connected to the closure by polymer welding. The outer shell can have a first perimeter and a second perimeter, the first perimeter and the second perimeter both having an elliptical shape. The closure can be adapted to be a barrier to fluids. The closure can be a zipper device that is watertight to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure.

An exemplary method of assembling an insulation device includes forming an inner liner having an inner container, forming an outer shell, forming an insulating layer between the inner liner and the outer shell, and forming an insulating layer on the inner container. securing a closure configured to provide a barrier to internal and external fluid penetration, the closure being secured to the planar surface and secured to the outer shell and the inner shell. The outer shell and inner shell can only be connected to the closure and not to the insulating layer between the outer shell and the inner liner.

When the closure, outer shell, and inner liner are in a horizontal plane, waterproof polymer welds can be formed between the closure and the inner shell and between the closure and the outer shell. The outer shell and inner layer can be formed from TPU nylon material. The closure can have a first flange and a second flange. An outer liner can be secured to the top surfaces of the first and second flanges, and an inner liner can be secured to the bottom surfaces of the first and second flanges.

The method can also include forming the insulating layer from the rectangular shape and rolling the rectangular shape into a cylindrical shape. An upper portion of the insulating layer has a first perimeter and a lower portion of the insulating layer has a second perimeter. The first perimeter can be equal to the second perimeter.

Another exemplary insulation device is an outer shell, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, a free-floating foam layer between the outer and inner liners to provide thermal insulation, and an outer An opening extending through the layer and the inner layer may be included and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening. The closure can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening.

The thermal insulation device can also include a top wall and a base, the top wall defining a top wall perimeter, a top wall length and a top wall width, and the base defining a base perimeter, a base length and a base width. The top wall perimeter can be equal to the base perimeter, and the ratio of top wall length to top wall width can be greater than the ratio of base length to base width. In one example, the heat gain rate of the insulation device can be about 1.0-1.5 degF/hr.

Another exemplary method of forming the thermal insulation device includes forming a first portion of the inner liner and a first portion of the outer shell, and forming the first portion of the inner liner and the first portion of the outer shell. securing to the sealable closure to form a cap assembly; forming a second portion of the inner liner; and securing the second portion of the inner liner to the first portion of the inner liner to form the inner liner. forming a second portion of the outer shell; rolling the rectangular foam portion to form a first cylindrical foam portion; securing the foam base portion to the first cylindrical portion; inserting the foam assembly into the second portion of the outer shell; inserting the inner liner into the foam assembly; and inserting the first portion of the outer shell into the outer shell. and suturing to the second portion. A first portion of the inner liner and a first portion of the outer shell can be welded to the closure. The closure can include at least one flange, and the flange can be secured to the lower surface of the outer shell first portion and the upper surface of the inner liner first portion. The foam can be suspended between the second portion of the outer shell and the second portion of the inner liner.

An exemplary portable thermal insulation device may include an outer liner, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and a foam layer between the outer and inner liners. The foam layer can be adapted to provide thermal insulation. An exemplary portable thermal insulation device can also include an opening extending through one of the outer layer and the inner layer and closure means for substantially sealing the opening. The closure can be substantially waterproof.

In one example, a portable cooler can include an opening at the top of the cooler that is opened and closed by a zipper arrangement that allows access to the chamber within the cooler. The opening prevents any fluid leakage from the cooler if the cooler is tipped over or in any configuration other than upright. The zipper assembly also prevents fluid penetration into the cooler chamber if the cooler is exposed to sediment, other fluids, or submerged in water.

An exemplary method of assembling a zipper device and opening configured to be impermeable to water or other liquids and fluids includes attaching a waterproof zipper by material welding to both the outer shell and inner liner. be able to. This method can provide a chamber that is impermeable to water and other liquids when the opening zipper device is sealed.

In one example, the insulation device comprises an outer shell, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, a floating foam layer formed between the outer liner and the inner liner, the foam layer providing thermal insulation, An opening extending through the outer layer and the inner layer and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulating device is in any orientation. and a closure that is substantially waterproof. In one example, the top portion of the outer shell can have a first perimeter in the first configuration. The outer shell can include a lower portion, and the lower portion of the outer shell can have a second perimeter in a second configuration different than the first configuration, the first perimeter being the second perimeter. can be made equal. Both the first configuration and the second configuration can be elliptical. In one example, the thermal insulation device can include a top wall and a base, the top wall can define a top wall perimeter, a top wall length and a top wall width, and the base can define a base perimeter, a base length and a base width. can be defined. The top wall perimeter can be equal to the base perimeter, and the ratio of top wall length to top wall width can be greater than the ratio of base length to base width. The cold storage time of the insulation device can be about 11 to 20 hours. However, in one example, the cold storage time can be 11 to 15 hours. In another example, the cold storage time can be about 12.24 hours. The heat gain rate of the thermal insulation device can be about 1 to 1.5 degF/hr, and in one particular example, the heat gain rate can be about 1.4 degF/hr. The storage compartment can be configured to maintain liquid therein while inverting for more than 15 minutes. In one particular example, the storage compartment can be configured to maintain liquid therein for longer than 30 minutes when inverted, with half the volume of the storage compartment being filled with liquid.

In one example, the insulating layer is free floating between the outer shell and the inner liner. The insulation layer can be formed from closed cell foam, and the insulation layer can be made from NBR and PVC blends. In one example, at least a portion of the insulating layer can be constructed from an EVA foam layer. The closure may be a zipper assembly including a plurality of zipper teeth, and the zipper teeth may be formed from plastic.

In one example, the outer shell and inner liner can be made from a double laminated TPU nylon fabric. The outer shell may further include at least one of straps or handles. The outer shell can include at least one ring for securing the insulation device. The insulation layer can be configured to maintain the internal temperature of the insulation device below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 65 to 85 hours. The closure can be formed with first and second flanges, and the outer liner can be secured to the top surfaces of the first and second flanges. An inner liner can be secured to the lower surfaces of the first and second flanges. The outer liner and inner liner can be connected to the closure by polymer welding. In one example, the closure can be watertight from 2 to 14 psi above atmospheric pressure. A loop patch can also be provided on the insulation device.

In another example, the insulation device extends through the outer shell, the inner liner forming the storage compartment, a foam layer suspended between the outer and inner liners to provide insulation, and the outer and inner layers. and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening. The closure may be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is inverted for more than 15 minutes. The heat gain factor of the insulation device can be about 1.0 to 1.5 degF/hr. The insulation device can include at least one handle. The at least one handle can be configured to support a weight of 100 lbs to 300 lbs for 1 to 10 minutes without showing signs of failure. In one example, the insulation device can be configured to withstand a puncture force of 35 lbs to 100 lbs.

An exemplary method of forming the thermal insulation device includes forming a first portion of the inner liner and a first portion of the outer shell, and sealing the first portion of the inner liner and the first portion of the outer shell. forming a second portion of the inner liner and securing the second portion of the inner liner to the first portion of the inner liner to form the inner liner; forming a second portion of the outer shell; rolling the rectangular foam portion to form a first cylindrical foam portion; securing the foam base portion to the first cylindrical foam portion; inserting the foam assembly into the second portion of the outer shell; inserting the inner liner into the foam assembly; and inserting the first portion of the outer shell into the outer shell. and securing to the second portion. The method also includes securing a closure configured to provide a barrier to fluid penetration into or out of the inner container; forming a waterproof polymer weld between the closure and the outer shell.

In one example, the first portion of the inner liner and the first portion of the outer shell can be secured to the closure. The closure can include at least one flange, and the flange can be secured to the lower surface of the outer shell first portion and the upper surface of the inner liner first portion. The foam is free-floating between the second portion of the outer shell and the second portion of the inner liner. The outer shell and inner shell are connected only to the closure and not to the insulating layer between the outer shell and inner liner. The outer shell can be formed from a TPU nylon material and the inner liner can be formed from a TPU nylon material. The closure can include a first flange and a second flange. An outer liner can be secured to the top surfaces of the first and second flanges, and an inner liner can be secured to the bottom surfaces of the first and second flanges. The top of the insulating layer can have a first perimeter. A lower portion of the insulating layer can have a second perimeter. The first perimeter can be equal to the second perimeter.

In one example, the insulation device is an outer shell defining sidewalls, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner to provide thermal insulation to the storage compartment. a layer, an opening extending through the outer shell and the inner liner, and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is in any orientation. and a closure that is substantially waterproof so as to prevent The insulation device can include a vertically extending forward facing surface, and the closure can be disposed on the forward facing surface. A cross-section of the insulation device may approach a pentagon in the extended position, and a cross-section of the insulation device may approach a trapezoid in the extended position. The insulation device can also include a base, and the insulation layer can insulate the base. The base can also include additional insulating layers.

The insulation device can also include a folded portion configured to cover the closure. The folded portion includes a first section and a second section, the first section lacking the insulating layer and the second section including the insulating layer. The folded portion may be at least partially free of foam. The folded portion can be configured to be secured to the sidewall. The folded portion can include at least one hook and the side wall can include at least one loop. The hooks can be configured to engage the loops to secure the folded portion to the sidewall. The folded portion can be secured to the sidewall and the folded portion can extend at least partially in a substantially horizontal direction. The folded portion can define a first width and the closure extends over at least 95% of the first width. The folding portion can also include a handle configured to be grasped by a user when the folding portion is secured to the sidewall.

The insulating layer can include foam material. The thermal insulation layer can include a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion can be formed thicker than the first portion. The thermal insulation layer can be at least partially T-shaped. The insulating layer can be at least partially formed from a first rectangle and a second rectangle, and the first rectangle can have a larger area than the second rectangle. The first rectangle can have a first rectangle width and the second rectangle can have a second rectangle perimeter. The width of the first rectangle can approach the perimeter of the second rectangle. The second rectangle can extend to the folded portion. The thermal insulation layer can have a first height and a second height, and the first height can be greater than the second height. A majority of the insulating layer can extend to the second height.

A method of forming an insulation device comprises forming an inner liner defining a storage compartment, forming an outer shell defining sidewalls, and providing thermal insulation to the storage compartment between the outer shell and the inner liner. Disposing an insulating layer, disposing openings in the inner liner and the outer shell, and disposing a closure between the inner liner and the outer shell may be included. The closure can be adapted to substantially seal the opening, and the closure can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulating device is in any orientation. can be done. The method can also include forming a folded portion configured to cover the closure and providing the folded portion with a first section and a second section. The first section may not include an insulating layer and the second section may include an insulating layer. The folded portion may be at least partially free of foam. The folded portion can be configured to secure to the sidewall. The method also includes forming the insulating layer at least partially in a T shape, forming the insulating layer over at least a portion of the first rectangle and the second rectangle, and forming the insulating layer over at least a portion of the first rectangle and the second rectangle, and forming a first rectangle of . The method can also include extending the second rectangle into the folded portion, providing an insulating layer over the base, and providing an additional insulating layer along the base.

In another example, the insulation device can include an outer shell defining sidewalls, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The insulation layer can provide insulation to the storage compartment. The insulation device can include an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening. The insulation device can include a bonding material, and the bonding material can be disposed across the joint between the inner liner and the outer shell. The bonding material can be stitched to the insulation device, and the stitching can form openings in the outer shell to vent air trapped between the insulation layer and the outer shell. The binding material can form at least one strap for holding the insulation device. The binding material can include a first folded portion and a second folded portion attached to the outer shell, and the second folded portion can form a strap.

The insulation device can approach a trapezoidal shape from a front view and a conical shape from a side view. In one example, the insulation increases from 0° F. to 50° F. for a duration of 70 hours or more when filled with 0.52 lbs of ice per quart of insulation capacity.

The closure may be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is in any orientation. In one example, the insulation device can be configured to withstand being inverted for 15 minutes without any water leaking out of or out of the storage compartment. The closure can be configured to remain in the open position when the closure is unsealed. The fastener can be a zipper. In one example, the closure extends at least 80% of the length of the insulation device as measured along the closure. The length of the closure can be longer than the length of the lower portion of the insulation device, and the length of the closure is at least 5% longer than the length of the lower portion of the insulation device. The insulation device can include a vertically extending forward facing surface, and the closure can be disposed on the forward facing surface. A handle may be disposed on the rearward facing surface opposite the forward facing surface.

In an exemplary insulation device, the insulation layer can include a foam material. The thermal insulation layer can include a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion can be formed thicker than the first portion. The insulating layer can be at least partially formed from a first rectangle and a second rectangle, and the first rectangle can have a larger area than the second rectangle. The thermal insulation layer can have a first height and a second height, and the first height can be greater than the second height. In one example, most of the insulating layer can extend to the second height. Additionally or alternatively, the front portion of the insulating layer may extend to the second height and the rear portion of the insulating layer extends to the first height. The insulation device can include a base and the insulation layer can insulate the base. Also, the base can include additional or separate insulating layers. In one example, the insulation layer can cover 80% or more of the inner liner covering the storage compartment, or the insulation layer can cover 90% or more of the inner liner covering the storage compartment.

In another example, a method of forming an insulation device includes: forming an inner liner defining a storage compartment; forming an outer shell to define sidewalls; between the outer shell and the inner liner; disposing an insulating layer to provide thermal insulation in the compartment; disposing an opening in the inner liner and the outer shell; and a closure between the inner liner and the outer shell adapted to substantially seal the opening. and the closure is substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is in any orientation. The method can also include forming an insulating layer over at least a portion of the first rectangle and the second rectangle, and forming the first rectangle having a larger area than the second rectangle. . The method can also include providing an insulating layer on the base and providing additional insulating layers along the base.

An exemplary insulation device is an outer shell defining a first sidewall, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner to provide insulation to the storage compartment. a thermal insulation layer to provide. The outer shell and inner liner can define an opening, and the opening can be configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The closure can be adapted to substantially seal the opening, and the closure can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulating device is in any orientation. can be done. The outer shell can include a second sidewall and a third sidewall, and the opening can extend through the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the third sidewall. The thermal insulation device may be rectangular parallelepiped in shape. The inner liner and outer shell may form a joint, and the joint may include vents for gas trapped between the inner liner and outer shell. The outer shell can include one or more handles, and the vent can be formed adjacent the location of the one or more handles. The closure may be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is dropped from a distance of six feet.

The insulation device can also include a lid assembly and a body assembly. The lid assembly and body assembly may together form an inner liner, an insulating layer, and an outer shell. The lid assembly can include at least a portion of the insulating layer. The lid assembly can include a handle, an inner liner, an insulating layer, and a stiffening layer that is stiffer than the outer shell.

The outer shell can define a bottom wall that extends in a first plane, and the inner liner can be secured to the outer shell in a second plane that extends perpendicular to the first plane. The liner may be formed from a first piece and a second piece, the first piece joined to the second piece by welding to define a seam, the seam being covered by the seam tape. can be done. In one alternative, the inner liner can be formed by injection molding. The closure can be a zipper and can be substantially waterproof. A zipper may include a pull, which may be formed from fabric, string, or rope. In a particular example, the temperature of the insulation increases from 0° F. to 10° F. in 0.5 hours to 1.5 hours, and the temperature of the insulation increases from 10° F. to 50° F. in 22 hours to 28 hours. F, and the insulation temperature rises from 0°F to 50°F in 24 to 30 hours.

An exemplary method includes forming a lower outer shell, disposing a lower insulation layer in the lower outer shell, and forming a body assembly by securing a lower inner liner portion to the lower outer shell; forming a lid assembly of an inner liner portion and an upper insulating layer therebetween; securing a closure between the lid assembly and the body assembly; securing a bonding material to the body assembly and the lid assembly; joining the assembly to the body assembly. An insulating layer may be suspended between the lower outer shell and the lower inner liner portion. The binding material can be formed from nylon, and the binding material can be sutured to the body assembly and lid assembly. The lid assembly can also be welded to the body assembly. Additionally, the lid assembly can be formed with a handle and a reinforcing layer that is stiffer than the inner liner, insulating layer, and outer shell. The lower inner liner portion in certain examples can be formed by injection molding.

The lower inner liner portion can be secured to the lower outer shell by welding. The weld is made by clamping the lower outer shell to the lower inner liner portion with the upper U-shaped portion, the plate portion and the lower U-shaped portion and applying an electric current to the upper U-shaped portion, the plate portion and the lower U-shaped portion. can be formed. Current may be applied in a first direction through the upper U-shaped portion, the plate portion and the lower U-shaped portion to weld the first side, and current may be applied in a second direction to weld the second side. Two sides can be welded.

An exemplary insulation device is an outer shell defining a first sidewall, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner to provide insulation to the storage compartment. a thermal insulation layer to provide. An exemplary insulation device can also include a rear panel support structure externally coupled to the outer shell. The outer shell and inner liner can define an opening, and the opening can be configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The closure can be adapted to substantially seal the opening, and the closure can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulating device is in any orientation. can be done. The outer shell may include second and third sidewalls defining sides of the insulation device and a fourth sidewall defining a rear portion of the insulation device. A rear panel support structure may be externally coupled to the fourth sidewall. The opening can extend through at least a portion of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall. The insulation device may also include shoulder straps attached to the rear panel support structure. The thermal insulation device may be rectangular parallelepiped in shape. The inner liner and outer shell may form a joint, and the joint may include vents for gas trapped between the inner liner and outer shell. The outer shell can include one or more handles, and the vent can be formed adjacent the location of the one or more handles. The closure may be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is dropped from a distance of six feet.

The insulation device can also include a lid assembly and a body assembly. The lid assembly and body assembly may together form an inner liner, an insulating layer, and an outer shell. The lid assembly can include at least a portion of the insulating layer. The lid assembly can include a handle, an inner liner, an insulating layer, and a stiffening layer that is stiffer than the outer shell.

The outer shell can define a bottom wall that extends in a first plane, and the inner liner can be secured to the outer shell in a second plane that extends perpendicular to the first plane. The liner may be formed from a first piece and a second piece, the first piece joined to the second piece by welding to define a seam, the seam being covered by the seam tape. can be done. In one alternative, the inner liner can be formed by injection molding. The closure can be a zipper and can be substantially waterproof. A zipper may include a pull, which may be formed from fabric, string, or rope. In a particular example, the temperature of the insulation increases from 0° F. to 10° F. in 0.5 hours to 1.5 hours, and the temperature of the insulation increases from 10° F. to 50° F. in 22 hours to 28 hours. F, and the insulation temperature rises from 0°F to 50°F in 24 to 30 hours.

An exemplary method includes forming a lower outer shell, disposing a lower insulation layer in the lower outer shell, and forming a body assembly by securing a lower inner liner portion to the lower outer shell; forming a lid assembly of inner liner portions and an upper insulating layer therebetween. The method also includes forming a rear panel support structure, joining the rear panel support structure to the rear of the body assembly, securing a closure between the lid assembly and the body assembly, and applying a bonding material to the body assembly and the body assembly. joining the lid assembly to the body assembly by securing to the lid assembly. The method may also include forming shoulder straps and joining the shoulder straps to the rear panel support structure. An insulating layer may be suspended between the lower outer shell and the lower inner liner portion. The binding material can be formed from nylon, and the binding material can be sutured to the body assembly and lid assembly. The lid assembly can also be welded to the body assembly. Additionally, the lid assembly can be formed with a handle and a reinforcing layer that is stiffer than the inner liner, insulating layer, and outer shell. The lower inner liner portion in certain examples can be formed by injection molding.

The lower inner liner portion can be secured to the lower outer shell by welding. The weld is made by clamping the lower outer shell to the lower inner liner portion with the upper U-shaped portion, the plate portion and the lower U-shaped portion and applying an electric current to the upper U-shaped portion, the plate portion and the lower U-shaped portion. can be formed. Current may be applied in a first direction through the upper U-shaped portion, the plate portion and the lower U-shaped portion to weld the first side, and current may be applied in a second direction to weld the second side. Two sides can be welded.

An exemplary insulator backpack can include an outer shell having a cuboid shape and defining a first sidewall that defines a front portion of the insulator backpack. The second sidewall and the third sidewall can define the sides of the thermal insulation device backpack, and the fourth sidewall can define the rear of the thermal insulation device backpack. The insulation device backpack further includes an outer shell defining a first sidewall, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner to provide thermal insulation to the storage compartment. and an insulating layer that provides a An exemplary insulator backpack can also include a rear panel support structure externally attached to the outer shell. An exemplary insulator backpack may further include shoulder straps coupled to the rear panel support structure. The outer shell and inner liner can define an opening, and the opening can be configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The closure can be adapted to substantially seal the opening, and the closure can be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulating device is in any orientation. can be done. A rear panel support structure may be externally coupled to the fourth sidewall. The opening can extend through at least a portion of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall. The inner liner and outer shell may form a joint, and the joint may include vents for gas trapped between the inner liner and outer shell. The outer shell can include one or more handles, and the vent can be formed adjacent the location of the one or more handles. The closure may be substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting the opening when the insulation device is dropped from a distance of six feet.

This disclosure is accompanied by drawings that disclose the above and refer to various examples. The purpose served by this disclosure, however, is not to limit the scope of the invention, but to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

An insulation device backpack,
An outer shell having a cuboid shape, further comprising:
a first sidewall defining a front portion of the insulation device backpack;
an outer shell comprising second and third sidewalls defining sides of the insulator backpack and a fourth sidewall defining a rear of the insulator backpack;
an inner liner forming a storage compartment;
an insulation layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulation layer providing insulation to the storage compartment;
a rear panel support structure externally bonded to the reinforcement patch, the fourth sidewall of the outer shell , and a tie extending around an edge of the rear panel support structure, the tie a rear panel support structure comprising an outer layer and an inner layer bonded together by
shoulder straps coupled to upper and lower edges of the tie extending around the rear panel support structure;
A waist strap removably coupled to said fourth sidewall by two split ring fasteners, each of said two split ring fasteners receiving a lower attachment loop coupled to said fourth sidewall. a waist strap comprising an elongated loop element with a configured gap;
an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment;
A closure adapted to substantially seal the opening, the closure being substantially waterproof to prevent liquids from exiting the opening when the insulation backpack is in any orientation. and
The insulation device backpack, wherein the opening extends through at least a portion of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall. 2. The insulation device backpack of claim 1, wherein the inner layer of the rear panel support structure comprises compression molded ethylene vinyl acetate. 2. The isolator backpack of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vents are not visible from the exterior of the insulator backpack. 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein said closure is substantially waterproof to prevent liquid from exiting said opening when said insulation device is completely filled with water and dropped from a distance of six feet. Insulated backpack. the outer shell defines a bottom wall extending in a first plane and the inner liner is secured to the outer shell in a second plane extending perpendicular to the first plane; The insulation device backpack of claim 1. the inner liner is formed from a first piece and a second piece, the first piece joined to the second piece by welding to define a seam, the seam covered by a seam tape; The insulation device backpack of claim 1. 2. The insulation device backpack of claim 1, wherein the inner liner is formed by injection molding. 2. The insulator backpack of claim 1, wherein the closure is a zipper and is substantially waterproof, the zipper including a pull, the pull being formed from fabric, string or rope. 2. The insulator backpack of Claim 1, further comprising a lid assembly and a body assembly. 10. The insulation device backpack of Claim 9, wherein the lid assembly includes at least a portion of the insulation layer. 10. The insulation device backpack of claim 9, wherein the lid assembly includes a handle and a reinforcement layer that is stiffer than the inner liner, the insulation layer, and the outer shell. 2. The insulation device backpack of claim 1, wherein the insulation layer floats between the inner liner and the outer shell. 2. The insulation device backpack of claim 1, wherein the insulation layer is attached to the inner liner or the outer shell. forming a lower outer shell having a first sidewall defining a front portion of the body assembly, second and third sidewalls defining sides of the body assembly, and a fourth sidewall defining a rear portion of the body assembly; forming the body assembly by placing a lower insulation layer on the lower outer shell and securing a lower inner liner portion to the lower outer shell;
forming a lid assembly of an upper outer shell, an upper inner liner portion, and an upper insulating layer therebetween;
forming a rear panel support structure and joining said rear panel support structure to a reinforcing patch, a fourth sidewall of said body assembly and a bond extending around an edge of said rear panel support structure; , the back panel support structure comprises an outer layer and an inner layer bonded together by the bonding material ;
forming shoulder straps and joining said shoulder straps to upper and lower edges of said ties extending around said rear panel support structure;
joining the lid assembly to the body assembly by securing a closure between the lid assembly and the body assembly and securing a bonding material to the body assembly and the lid assembly. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the insulating layer floats between the lower outer shell and the lower inner liner portion.

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