Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SPIGOT AND SPIGOT GUARD FOR AN INSULATING CONTAINER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[01] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.
16/200,213, filed on
November 26, 2018, and entitled "Spigot and Spigot Guard for an Insulating
Container," which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S.
Patent
Application No. 15/787,441, filed on October 18, 2017, and entitled, "Spigot
and Spigot
Guard for an Insulating Container," which is a continuation-in-part of and
claims
priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15/296,557, filed October 18, 2016,
and entitled,
"Spigot and Spigot Guard for an Insulating Container," which is a continuation-
in-part
of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/133,393, filed April 20, 2016, and entitled,
"Insulating Container," which are incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[02] Various types of containers are often used to store liquid, as well as
containers or other
items, such as food. In some arrangements, it may be advantageous to maintain
a
temperature of the contents being stored in the container. Accordingly, an
insulating
container may be used. However, conventional insulating containers are often
not very
durable. For instance, they have lids that may be lost or broken, handles that
may
protrude from a base portion of the container, and/or a spigot that protrudes
outward
from the container. In these arrangements, the lid, handle, and/or spigot may
be
susceptible to breakage, which, in some cases, may render the container
virtually
useless.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[03] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that
are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Summary is not
intended
to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it
intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[04] Insulating containers having various features are described herein. In
some examples,
the insulating containers may include a base and a lid. The lid may be
rotatable about
a hinge from a closed position or configuration to an open configuration. In
some
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examples, the insulating container may include at least one latching device.
The
latching device may have a portion arranged on the lid and a portion arranged
on the
base and may be configured to secure the lid in the closed configuration. In
some
arrangements, the latching device may include an additional portion arranged
on
another side of the base and configured to secure the lid in the open
configuration.
[05] In some examples, the rotatable lid may be non-destructively removable
from the base.
Accordingly, the lid may be removed from the base, as desired, and reattached,
as
desired. In some arrangements, the removable lid, when removed, may be secured
to
the base via the additional portion of the latching device.
[06] In some arrangements, the insulating container may include handles that
are integrally
formed with the base. The handles may be formed as undercuts in a sidewall of
the
base and may be flush with an exterior surface of the base. Additionally or
alternatively, the base may include a recess in which a spigot is arranged. A
spigot
guard may extend from one edge of the recess, across the spigot, to an
opposite edge of
the recess, in order to protect the spigot while allowing use of the spigot.
[07] In some examples, the spigot may be disassembled and reassembled to
permit cleaning
of the spigot and various components. For instance, the spigot may include a
spigot
body, a threaded valve rod extending through the spigot body and connecting to
a button
configured to dispense fluid from the insulating container. The spigot may
further
include a spigot nut connected to a threaded portion of the spigot body and
arranged on
an interior of the insulating container to maintain a position of the spigot.
[08] In some arrangements, the spigot guard may include two side spigot
guards, one
arranged on each side of the spigot. The side spigot guards may be integrally
formed
with the base of the insulating container. In some examples, the spigot guard
may also
include a spigot cross guard that may be formed separately from the base and
connected
to the base.
[09] In some arrangements, the insulating container may be mounted or secured
to an
insulating container mount. The insulating container mount provides a base to
secure
the container in, for example, various types of vehicles such as a car, boat,
all-terrain
vehicle, golf cart, aircraft, or other platform. In some examples, the
interior of the
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insulating container may be accessed while the insulating container is secured
to the
insulating container mount.
[10] In some arrangements, the insulating container may include a gasket that
is configured
to seal the opening when a lid is in a closed position. In some examples, the
gasket is
anchored in a recess in the underside of the lid and the recess runs along the
perimeter
of the underside of the lid. In other examples, the gasket also includes a
base or stem
region, a first side, and a second side. In certain examples, the base or stem
region may
include a plurality of prongs that are configured for insertion into the
recess in the
underside of the lid. In still other examples, the first side may be connected
to the base
or stem region, and the first side can be substantially perpendicular to the
stem or base
region (i.e., the first side is horizontal). In another example, the second
side extends
from and away (i.e., distally) from one end of the first side at an angle of
about 30-60
degrees. In still other examples, the first side and the second side may form
a V-shaped
opening or extension that is configured to extend distally or away from the
stem towards
the interior of the insulating container.
[11] In some examples, the gasket for the insulating container can include at
least one
venting hole. In other examples, the gasket includes at least one venting
hole, in which
the venting hole may be configured to extend from an outside edge of the
gasket wall
to an interior gasket wall. In other examples, the venting hole can provide a
conduit to
an interior void of the insulating container. In other examples, the gasket
can be
substantially square or substantially rectangular shaped, and the gasket can
be
constructed of a flexible PVC.
[12] These and various other features will be described more fully herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[13] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in
the
accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar
elements and
in which:
[14] FIGS. lA and 1B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of an
insulating
container according to one or more aspects described herein.
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[15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the insulating container of FIGS. lA and
1B with a lid
portion removed according to one or more aspects described herein.
[16] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a latching device or mechanism with a cut-away
of an engaging
portion according to one or more aspects described herein.
[17] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a latching device or mechanism according
to one or
more aspects described herein.
[18] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate one hinge arrangement in which a lid may be
rotated from a
closed configuration to an open configuration according to one or more aspects
described herein.
[19] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an insulating container having one
example securing
portion for securing a lid in an open configuration according to one or more
aspects
described herein.
[20] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an insulating container having
another example
securing portion for securing a lid in an open configuration according to one
or more
aspects described herein.
[21] FIG. 8 illustrates one example arrangement of an insulating container
having a rotatable
lid according to one or more aspects described herein.
[22] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrates rotation of a lid from a closed configuration to
an open
configuration according to one or more aspects described herein.
[23] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate one example hinged lid arrangement in which a
lid may be
removably connected to a base of an insulating container according to one or
more
aspects described herein.
[24] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrates one example gasket arrangement according to one
or more
aspects described herein.
[25] FIG. 12 illustrates one example gasket arrangement including different
sections of a
gasket having a "V" facing in different directions according to one or more
aspects
described herein.
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[26] FIG. 13 illustrates another gasket arrangement which may be used in one
or more
insulating container configurations according to one or more aspects described
herein.
[27] FIG. 14 illustrates yet another gasket arrangement according to one or
more aspects
described herein.
[28] FIG. 15A illustrates still another exemplary gasket arrangement which may
be used in
one or more insulating container configurations according to one or more
aspects
described herein.
[29] FIG. 15B illustrates an isometric bottom view of the example gasket
arrangement of
FIG. 15A including a bonded end of the gasket according to one or more aspects
described herein.
[30] FIG. 15C illustrates a perspective cross-sectional bottom view of the
example gasket
arrangement of FIG. 15A and according to one or more aspects described herein.
[31] FIG. 15D illustrates another cross-sectional bottom view of the example
gasket shown
in FIG. 15C.
[32] FIG. 15E further illustrates the example gasket arrangement of FIG. 15A
in which the
gasket is anchored in the bottom of a lid of an insulating container having a
extension facing the base of an insulating container.
[33] FIG. 16 illustrates another example insulating container having a hinge
arrangement
that permits a lid to be removed from a base according to one or more aspects
described
herein.
[34] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate one example method of removing a lid from a base
of an
insulating container according to one or more aspects described herein.
[35] FIG. 17 illustrates yet another example of an insulating container having
a removable
lid according to one or more aspects described herein.
[36] FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate one example of a lid being removed from a base
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
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[37] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate one example hinge insert that may be used in
conjunction with
one or more hinge arrangements according to one or more aspects discussed
herein.
[38] FIG. 22 illustrates another example insulating container according to one
or more
aspects described herein.
[39] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate various spigot arrangements according to one
or more aspects
described herein.
[40] FIGS. 25-27 illustrate various handle arrangements that may be used with
one or more
of the insulating containers described herein.
[41] FIG. 28 illustrates one example insulating container having one example
spigot and
spigot guard arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein.
[42] FIG. 29 illustrates one example spigot that may be used with one or more
aspects
described herein.
[43] FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the example spigot of FIG. 29.
[44] FIG. 31 is a front view of an aperture formed in a portion of a spigot
body according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[45] FIG. 32 is a side view of the example spigot of FIG. 29 shown in
isolation.
[46] FIG. 33 is a front view of an insulating container including one example
spigot and
spigot guard assembly described herein.
[47] FIG. 34 is a side view of the insulating container of FIG. 33.
[48] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of an example spigot guard
according to one
or more aspects described herein.
[49] FIG. 36 is a top view of the portion of the spigot guard shown in FIG.
35.
[50] FIG. 37 is a front view of an insulating container including a spigot and
spigot guard
assembly as well as an example insulating container mount described herein.
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[51] FIG. 38 illustrates one example insulating container mount that may be
used in
conjunction with an insulating container according to one or more aspects
discussed
herein.
[52] FIG. 39 shows left and right sides of the insulating container of FIG.
38.
[53] FIG. 40A is a top view of the insulating container mount shown in FIG.
38. FIG. 40B
is a front view of the insulating container mount with the hook points or flat
hooks in
the stowed position. FIG. 40C is a side view of the insulating container mount
with the
flat hooks or hook points stowed in the loop point or slot.
[54] FIG. 41 is a front view of the insulating container mount.
[55] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an example insulating container mount
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[56] FIG. 43 is a right side view of the insulating container mount of FIG.
42.
[57] Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale
of different
components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are
not
limited to that particular scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[58] Aspects of this disclosure relate to an insulating container configured
to store a volume
of liquid, or other contents. In some examples, the insulating container may
include a
locking lid that may be hinged to allow the lid to rotate from a closed
position to an
open position that is approximately 270 from the closed position, and/or be
non-
destructively removable (e.g., able to be removed and replaced) from a base
portion of
the insulating container. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating
container may
include a gasket having a V-shaped portion that aids in venting the insulating
container.
Additionally or alternatively, the insulating container may have handles that
are
integrally formed in the base portion of the insulating container. In still
other examples,
the insulating container may include a guard or other device configured to
protect a
spigot or spout arranged on the insulating container, while permitting use of
the spigot.
These and various other features and aspects of the insulating container will
be
described more fully herein.
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[59] In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is
made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by
way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may
be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
structural
and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and
spirit
of the present disclosure.
[60] FIGS. lA and 1B depict perspective views of an insulating container 100.
In one
example, the insulating container 100 may comprise a base portion 102 and a
lid 104
that, in some examples, may be non-destructively, removably coupled thereto.
The
base portion 102 may be an insulated structure forming a void for containing a
liquid,
as will be discussed more fully herein. In some examples, the base portion 102
may be
cuboidal or substantially cuboidal in shape. In other examples, the base
portion 102
may be prismoidal or substantially prismoidal (e.g., a pentagonal prism,
hexagonal
prism, heptagonal prism, or the like) in shape. In still other examples, the
base portion
102 may be substantially cylindrical in shape or may have a substantially
trapezoidal
cross section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the
invention.
[61] The base portion 102 may include a first end 106, having a bottom surface
108. The
bottom surface 108 may be configured to support the insulating container on a
surface,
such as a table, the ground, a vehicle bed, or the like. In some examples, the
bottom
surface may have a shape that is configured to correspond to a mounting
structure in
order to facilitate mounting and/or securing the insulating container 100 to,
for
example, a bed of a truck. For instance, cut-outs 107 shown in FIGS. lA and 1B
may
be configured to align with a mounting structure arranged in the vehicle bed
and may
aid in securing the insulating container 100 to the vehicle bed.
[62] The base portion 102 further includes a second end 110 defining an
opening 112 (shown
in FIG. 2) that may be used for filling the insulating container. The opening
112 may
be covered by lid 104, when the insulating container is in use (e.g., when the
insulating
container is in a closed configuration). The base portion 102 may further
include a
plurality of side portions 114 connected to the bottom surface that define a
void for
receiving liquid in the insulating container 102. The side portions 114 may be
arranged
such that they extend generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface.
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[63] In some arrangements, one or more handles 190 may be arranged in one or
more side
portions 114 (or other region of the base portion 102). The handles may be
integrally
molded with the base portion 102 and may generally be an undercut formed in
the side
portion 114 of the base 102. In some examples, such as shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B,
the undercut forming the handle may include a recess extending along
substantially all
or a majority of the side portion 114. This may provide ease of manufacturing
the base
102 with the integrally molded handles 190. In some examples, the handles 190
may
be flush with an exterior surface of the base 102 in order to reduce the risk
of breakage.
These and various other handle features and arrangements will be discussed
more fully
below.
[64] As discussed above, the insulating container 100 may be configured to
contain, store,
carry, etc., a volume of liquid. In some examples, the insulating container
100 may be
configured to store between five (5) and ten (10) gallons (between 18.93 and
37.85 L)
of a liquid. In some examples, the insulating container may be configured to
store
approximately five (5) gallons (approximately 18.93 L) of a liquid. In other
examples,
the insulating container may be configured to store at least four (4) gallons
(approximately 15.14 L) of liquid, at least approximately three (3) gallons
(approximately 11.36 L) of liquid, at least approximately two (2) gallons
(approximately 7.57 L) of liquid, or at least approximately one (1) gallon
(approximately 3.79 L) of liquid, among others. Additionally or alternatively,
the
insulating container 100 may be configured to store materials in a solid or a
gaseous
state, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the
disclosure
described herein.
[65] In at least some examples, the insulating container 100 (and various
other containers
described herein) may be sized to accommodate the volumes of liquid described
above.
For instance, the insulating container 100 may be between 10 and 24 inches
tall,
between 10 and 24 inches wide, and between 10 and 20 inches deep.
[66] The insulating container 100 may include a lid 104. In some arrangements,
the lid 104
may connect to the base 102 in a closed configuration using a press fit.
Additionally or
alternatively, other securing systems or devices may be used to secure the lid
104 to the
base, as will be discussed more fully herein.
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[67] In some examples, the lid 104 may be hinged such that it is connected to
(either
removably or permanently) the base 102 at a hinge 116 and may be rotated about
the
hinge 116. The hinge may be one of various types of hinges, including a
continuous
piano hinge, double hinge, ball joint hinge, living hinge, and the like. These
and various
other hinge arrangements may be discussed more fully herein. The hinge 116 may
permit the lid 104 to be opened and rotated away from the base portion 102, to
allow
access to the void defined by the base portion 102 (e.g., via opening 112).
That is, the
hinge may facilitate rotation of the lid 104 from a closed configuration of
the insulating
container (e.g., when the lid is in place covering the void formed by the
base) to an open
configuration (e.g., when the lid is not covering the void formed by the
base), and vice
versa.
[68] In the arrangements described herein, base 102 and lid 104 may include an
exterior
surface or outer shell 117 surrounding and enclosing an insulating portion
118, as
shown in FIG. 2. The shell 117 is typically formed from various materials,
such as one
or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In
some
examples, the shell 117 may be formed of a plastic material, such as
polyethylene, that
is molded to form both the base 102 and lid 104 portions. In some examples,
the
insulating portion 118 is formed of an insulating material that exhibits low
thermal
conductivity. For instance, the insulating portion 118 may be formed of (or
filled with)
a polymer foam, such as polyurethane foam. Additional or other insulating
materials
may be used without departing from the invention. In some arrangements, the
base 102
and lid 104 portions are formed using a roto-molded process as would be
understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). However, various other types
of molding
or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, and the
like) may be
used to form the insulating container without departing from the invention.
[69] In some examples, the lid 104 may be configured to remain connected to
the base
portion 102 in both an open configuration and a closed configuration. For
instance, the
lid 104 may be secured or locked in a closed position using latching devices
120. The
latching devices 120 may be various types of latches, including a t-latch
having a latch
portion and a keeper portion, as well as various other types of latches.
[70] For instance, one example latching device 120 that may be used with the
insulating
container 100 is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The latching
device 120
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shown and described is merely one example latch that may be used and various
other
types of latches may be used without departing from the invention.
[71] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example latching device 120 including a cut-
away of an
engaging portion. The latching device 120 includes a latch portion 122 and a
keeper
portion 140. In the arrangements shown, the keeper 140 includes 2 portions
that extend
along either side of a stem 126 of the latch 122. In the example shown in FIG.
3, the
latch 122 is connected to lid 104, while the keeper 140 is connected to the
base 102.
However, in some examples, the latch 122 may be connected to the base 102
while the
keeper 140 is connected to the lid 104. Accordingly, the latch 122 and keeper
140 are
interchangeably positionable on either portion of the insulating container
100.
[72] With reference FIGS. 3 and 4, the latch 122 is configured to be
releasably engageable
with the latch keeper 140 such that when the latch 122 is in an engaged
relationship
with the keeper 140, the opposing lid portion 104 and base portion 102 are
maintained
in the closed, secured, and/or sealed position. In some arrangements, the
latch 122
includes a latch base 130, a stem or body portion 126 extending from the latch
base
130, an engaging portion 128 extending from the body portion 126 and a
grasping
portion 124 extending from the engaging portion 128. In other words, the latch
base
130 of the latch 122 is arranged on one end of the latch 122, while the
grasping portion
124 is arranged on the opposite distal end of the latch 122. The engaging
portion 128
is configured for locking, mating relationship with a recessed pocket or
notched area
142 of the latch keeper 140 as will be discussed in more detail below.
[73] The latching device 120 further includes a latch slot 145. The latch slot
145 may be
integrally formed into the surface of the lid 104. The latch slot 145 is
configured for
receiving the latch 122. For instance, at least a portion of the latch base
130 of the latch
122 is received within the latch slot 145 when the latch 122 is engaged with
the latch
keeper 140.
[74] According to one aspect of the invention, the latch 122 is made of a
flexible, stretchable,
resilient, one-piece molded material that is typically pivotally attached to
the lid portion
104 of the container 100 and received within a recessed, elongated latch slot
145 which
is typically integrally molded to the container 100. The latch 122 may be
molded in a
single-piece construction from rubbery materials as would be understood by
those of
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ordinary skill in the art. The latch 122 may be formed of a material that is
formed or
made from a plastics material or another suitable material which can be formed
or
molded into a shape and thus retain the shape to which it has been formed. The
latch
122 may be made of sufficient size, thickness and materials of construction to
withstand
repeated cycles of stress as the latch is engage/disengaged with the latch
keeper 140
over time. In any case, the material of construction is one that is
stretchable and/or
resilient (e.g. EPDM or Neoprene rubber) such that when the latch 122 is
extended or
otherwise stretched to an elongated position, either to engage or disengage
the latch
keeper 140, it rebounds or otherwise returns to its originally un-stretched
state or
partially stretched state to maintain sufficient tension to maintain the
closed position,
with little or no deformation. In other words, the latch 120 is able to recoil
or spring
back or otherwise return into its original or near-original shape after
bending,
stretching, or being compressed and when in an un-stretched position.
[75] In some arrangements, the latch 122 is configured such that the grasping
portion 124
extends from the body portion 126 at an angle that departs from the plane of
the latch
122. The angle between the grasping portion 124 and the body portion 126 may
aid in
or facilitate grasping the latch 122 by a user. At this angle, the user is
easily able to slip
his or her fingers between the grasping portion 124 and the side of the base
portion 102
of the insulating container 100 for disengaging the latch 122 from the keeper
140.
Further, because the latch 122 is made from a resilient material, even though
the latch
extends from the body of the container, it is not easily dislodged or broken.
[76] The grasping portion 124 is typically formed into a shape that is easily
grasped by a
user, and as shown in the figures, the grasping portion 124 is formed into a t-
shape to
facilitate grasping by a user. Without intending to be limited thereby, other
shapes
contemplated for the grasping portion 124 include y-shaped and tab-shaped (not
shown), or a small flap of material extending from the engaging portion and
capable of
being grasped for manipulation of the latch.
[77] Turning to another feature of the latching mechanism 120, the latch
keeper 140 is
integrally molded within the base portion 102. The latch keeper 140 includes
an
elongated keeper slot 141 and a recessed pocket 142 formed in the keeper slot
141. The
recessed pocket 142 is typically configured for receiving the engaging portion
128 of
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the latch 122, and the keeper slot 141 is typically configured for receiving
the body
portion 126 of the latch 122.
[78] In some examples, the body portion 126 of the latch 122 is formed into a
cross-sectional
inverted triangular shape 143 and the elongated keeper slot 141 of the latch
keeper 140
is also formed/molded into a complimentary triangularly shape receiving
portion to
match the body portion 126 of the latch 122. In an embodiment, when the latch
122 is
seated/received within the elongated keeper slot 141, the latch 122 forms a
friction fit
with the elongated keeper slot 141. Similarly, the body portion 126 and
elongated
keeper slot 141 could be formed into complimentary three dimensional
pyramidal,
square or rectangular shapes (not shown).
[79] In some examples, engaging portion 128 of the latch 122 may be formed
into a ball-
shape and the recessed pocket 142 of the latch keeper 140 is configured as a
complimentary shaped socket 142 to receive the ball-shaped engaging portion
128.
Thus, when the engaging portion 128 is seated within the recessed pocket 142,
the parts
are mechanically coupled and there is an increased contact area between the
surfaces
of parts, which further ensures maintenance of the closed and/or sealed
position. It is
also contemplated that the engaging portion is capable of taking any shape
that is easily
received by a reciprocatingly shaped recessed pocket formed in the latch
keeper. For
instance, the engaging portion could be formed into any geometric shape, such
as a
triangle, square, and the like. Thus, the recessed pocket of the latch keeper
140 would
have a corresponding configuration capable of receiving the shaped engaging
portion.
In other words, the engaging portion of the latch and the recessed pocket of
the latch
keeper are shaped so as to be matingly coupled together. Thus, the recessed
pocket has
a shape configured to receive the engaging portion while providing a surface-
to-surface
contact area sufficient to maintain the closure.
[80] More specifically, in some arrangements, the latch includes is an
integrated ball and
socket latching system for an insulating container 100. The latch keeper 140
is designed
to be part of the mold of the insulating container 100 and an exact fit for
the ball-shaped
engaging portion 128 is molded on a stretchable rubber latch 122 having a t-
shaped end.
This combination provides a strong and very secure lid latching system.
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[81] FIG. 3 illustrates the latching device 120 in a closed position, while
FIG. 4 illustrates
the latching device 120 in an open position. When in a closed position, the
latching
device 120 is positioned such that the lid 104 abuts the base 102 of the
insulating
container 100, thus closing, securing, and/or sealing the container. To
disengage the
latching device 120, the grasping portion 124 is pulled/stretched generally
downward,
toward the base 102 of the container 100. In other words, the body portion 126
of the
latch 122 stretches so that the engaging portion 128 disengages from the latch
keeper
140. Once the engaging portion clears the latch keeper 140, the latch 122 is
swung
upward, away from the container, and in an arc.
[82] Similarly, to close the container 100, the latch 122 is moved in a
downward arc, toward
the container 100. When the movement of the latch 122 reaches the latch keeper
140,
the latch 122 is once again extended/stretched downward, toward the base 102
and the
body portion 126 of the latch 122 is seated/positioned within the keeper slot
141,
preferably in a friction fit as described above. Further, when in the seated
position, the
body portion 126 of the latch 122 may be mostly recessed within the latch slot
145 and
the keeper slot 141, and, in some examples, does not extend or protrude beyond
the
surface thereof. When the stretching force is removed from the latch 122, the
latch is
free to attempt to return to its former state, thus allowing the engaging
portion 128 of
the latch 122 to become seated and received within the recessed pocket 142 of
the latch
keeper 140, thus closing the latching mechanism. As will be understood by one
of
ordinary skill in the art, the latch 122 is made of materials and sized such
that when in
the closed/seated position, enough force remains to maintain the closed
position of the
container. In other words, in the closed position, a certain amount of tension
is
maintained on the latch 122 as it is not completely returned to its
unstretched
position/state. In the closed position, the engaging portion 128 of the latch
122 is
received within the recessed pocket 142 of the keeper slot 140. In some
example
arrangements, the engaging portion 128 is sized and shaped so as to provide
maximum
contact with the recessed pocket 142, thus ensuring an easily maintainable
closure.
[83] With further reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, to open the lid 104 (e.g.,
to allow access
to an interior void formed by the base 102), the hinged lid 104 may be rotated
away
from the base portion 102 and may rest along a rear side 114 of the base
portion 102
(e.g., the lid may rotate 270 from a closed configuration (e.g., the position
shown in
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FIGS. lA and 1B) to an open configuration). In some arrangements the fully
open
position or configuration may include at least a portion of a top, exterior
surface of the
lid 104 being in contact with a rear (or other) side portion 114 of the base
portion 102
of the insulating container 100.
[84] For example, FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate one example rotation of the lid 104
with respect
to the base portion 102 from a closed position or configuration (FIG. 5A) to a
fully open
position or configuration (FIG. 5D). For instance, as shown in FIG. 5A, the
lid 104 is
in a substantially closed position. That is, the lid 104 is substantially
perpendicular to
the base 102 and is covering the opening (not shown in FIG. 5A). In order to
open the
lid 104, and thereby access the void defined by the base 102 of the insulating
container
100, the lid 104 may be lifted upward, in the direction of the arrow shown in
FIG. 5A.
[85] The lid 104 may then rotate about hinge 116, as shown in FIG. 5B. That
is, the lid 104
is now shown at an angle relative to the former perpendicular position (shown
in FIG.
5A) which indicates that the lid 104 is being opened. The lid 104 may continue
to rotate
about hinge 116, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, until the lid 104 is in the
fully open
position shown in FIG. 5D. When in the fully open position, at least a portion
of a top,
exterior surface 118 of the lid 104, may be in contact with a rear side 114 of
the
insulating container 100. In some examples, the fully open position or
configuration
may be 270 from the closed position.
[86] In some examples, when in a fully open position, the lid 104 may be held
in place in
the fully open position by one or more locking or latching mechanisms or
devices.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate some example latching systems that may be used to
hold the
lid 104 in the fully open position. The insulating containers 200 and 300,
shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, may be substantially similar to insulating
container 100 (or
various other insulating container described herein) and may include some or
all of the
features described with respect to insulating container 100, or any other
insulating
container described herein.
[87] FIG. 6 illustrates one arrangement in which the insulating container 200
includes
latching devices similar to those discussed with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.
That is, the
latching devices include keepers on the front of the container (e.g., similar
to container
100 shown in FIG. lA including latching devices to secure the lid 104 in the
closed
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position). In addition, a second set of keepers 240 may be arranged on a rear
or back
side 214 (e.g., the side receiving the lid 204 when open) of the base 202, as
shown in
FIG. 6. Accordingly, when the lid 204 is in the fully closed position, the
engaging
portion of a latch (not shown) will be received in and engaged with keepers
formed on
the front of the insulating container (as shown in FIGS. lA and 1B) and when
the lid
204 is in a fully open position, the engaging portion of the latch (not shown)
may be
received in the keepers 240 formed on the rear side 214 of the base 202 to
maintain the
position of the lid 204 (e.g., to secure the lid 204 to the rear side 214 of
the base 202).
[88] Similar to the arrangements discussed above, the keepers 240 may be
molded into the
base 202. A similar process to that described above may be used to
engage/disengage
the latch with the keepers 240 (e.g., when engaged with the keepers, grasping
portion
is pulled downward and rotated up, away from container, when disengaged,
grasping
portion is rotated downward, toward container and is stretched downward to
engage the
keeper).
[89] FIG. 7 illustrates another example arrangement in which an insulating
container 300
having a lid 304 may be secured in both an open configuration and a closed
configuration. Similar to other arrangements discussed herein, the insulating
container
300 includes a lid 304 and a base 302. The lid 304 and base 302 may have one
of
various types of securing arrangements to secure the lid 304 to the base 302
when the
lid 304 is in the closed configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the
insulating
container 300 may include an open configuration latching system including a
plurality
of magnets 350a, 350b. A first magnet 350a may be arranged on a top, exterior
surface
303 of the lid 304. A second magnet 350b may be arranged on a rear side 314 of
the
base 302 in a position corresponding to the position of the first magnet 350a
when the
lid 304 is in a fully open position. Accordingly, when the lid 304 is in the
fully open
position (e.g., rotated approximately 270 from the closed position), the
first magnet
350a and second magnet 350b may be in proximity to each other and may engage
via a
magnetic force (i.e., may be magnetically attracted to each other to secure
the lid 304
in the open configuration). The magnetic force may be strong enough to secure
the lid
304 in the fully open position relative to the base 302. However, a force
applied to the
lid 304 (e.g., outward and/or upward, away from the base 302) may be
sufficient to
overcome the magnetic force and the lid 304 may be rotated to the closed
position, as
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desired. Although the arrangement of FIG. 7 includes a first magnet 350a
arranged on
the lid 304, in some arrangements, substantially all of the exterior surface
303 of the lid
304 may be magnetic. Accordingly, in such arrangements, the placement or
position
of magnet 350b may vary because a greater portion of the surface may be
available to
engage with magnet 350b. In some examples, magnets 350a, 350b may also be used
to
display a logo or name of a company or manufacturer of the insulating
container (e.g.,
a magnetic plate may be used that may display the logo or name).
[90] The arrangements of FIGS. 6 and 7 are merely some example securing
arrangements.
Various other types of arrangements may be used to secure a lid in an open
configuration without departing from the invention. For instance, a protrusion
(e.g.,
male portion) may be arranged on an exterior surface of the lid and may be
received in
a corresponding recess (e.g., female portion) formed on the rear side of the
base. When
in an open configuration, the protrusion may be received in the recess and the
lid may
be secured via a snap fit. To return the lid to the closed configuration, the
lid may be
pulled away from the base to overcome the snap fit. In some examples, the
protrusion
may be formed on the base while the corresponding recess may be formed in the
lid.
[91] The arrangements described herein in which a lid of the insulating
container may be
secured in both an open configuration and a closed configuration may allow the
insulating container to be used in a variety of manners without concern for
the lid falling
off, being lost, etc. For instance, the insulating container may be secured in
the bed of
a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. When driving, the lid may be secured in
either the
open configuration or the closed configuration to ensure that the lid is not
lost due to
wind, driving conditions, etc.
[92] FIG. 8 illustrates another example arrangement of an insulating container
400 having a
rotatable lid. As shown in FIG. 8, the insulating container 400 may include a
double
hinge arrangement. That is, each hinge 406a, 406b may have two pivot points to
enable
opening and closing of the lid 404 with respect to the base 402. For instance
the lid
404 may pivot with respect to point 408 (shown on hinge 406b but also on hinge
406a),
as well as point 410 (shown on hinge 406b but also on hinge 406a). FIGS. 9A-9C
illustrate rotation of the lid 404 from the closed configuration to the open
configuration.
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[93] For instance, FIG. 9A shows the lid 404 in a closed configuration with
respect to the
base 402. FIG. 9B illustrates the lid 904 as partially open with respect to
the base 402.
The lid 404 is being rotated in direction of arrow 405 from the closed
configuration to
an open configuration. FIG. 9C illustrates the lid 404 in a fully open
position with
respect to the base 402. The lid 404 has been further rotated in the direction
of arrow
407 to open the lid 404. In some examples, the lid 404 may rotate from a
closed
configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 9A) through an arc of between 90 and 270
to the
open position. In some arrangements the hinge 406a, 406b may be configured to
aid in
maintaining the lid 404 in the open position with respect to the base 402.
[94] Although various arrangements discussed herein include a lid that is
rotatable from a
closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured in either
configuration, in some examples, the lid may be non-destructively removable
from the
insulating container. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate one example hinged lid
arrangement
in which the lid may be removably connected to the base of the insulating
container.
[95] FIG. 10A illustrates a portion of an insulating container 500. The
insulating container
500 may be substantially similar to various other insulating containers (e.g.,
100, 200,
300, 400, etc.) described herein and may include one or more features
described with
respect to one or more other insulating containers. The removable lid 504 is
shown
substantially perpendicular to the base 502 in the closed configuration of
FIG. 10A.
Accordingly, to open the lid 504 (and subsequently remove it from the base
502), the
lid 504 may be rotated in the direction of arrow 505 in FIG. 10B.
[96] In some arrangements, the lid 504 may be rotated around hinge 516 until
first securing
portion 570 (e.g., an end point of securing portion 570) is clear of second
securing
portion 572 (e.g., end point of second securing portion 572). At that point,
the lid 504
may be lifted upward, in the direction of arrow 507, to completely detach or
remove the
lid 504 from the base 502. To replace the lid 504, the lid 504 may be lowered
toward
base 502 until first securing portion 570 is aligned with and/or in contact
with second
securing portion 572. Once the first and second securing portions are aligned
and/or in
contact, the lid 504 may be rotated downward, as indicated by arrow 505,
toward the
base 502.
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[97] In some arrangements, lid 504 that is non-destructively removable from
the base 502
of the insulating container may include one or more latching or securing
arrangements,
as discussed above. For instance, although the lid 504 may be removable from
the base
502, a user may desire to secure the lid 504 to the base 502 in an open
configuration.
Accordingly, lid 504 may include latches or a magnet (as discussed above with
respect
to lids 504, 504 in FIGS. 6, 7, respectively) to secure the lid 504 to a panel
of the base
502 (similar to the arrangements discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6 and
7).
[98] Optionally, in some examples, one or both of first securing portion 570
and second
securing portion 572 may include a protrusion or stop 575. The protrusion may
be
configured to prevent the lid 504 from rotating beyond the stopping point and
inadvertently become detached from the base 502. Accordingly, in arrangements
having a stop, the lid 504 may be rotated to a point at which the stop 575 is
engaged
and, if a user desires to remove the lid 504, the user may apply an additional
force to
overcome the stop and subsequently remove the lid 504 from the base 502.
[99] In addition, in some arrangements, the insulating container may include a
gasket or
other sealing device. The gasket may be arranged in either the lid or the base
and may
aid in sealing the lid and base when the lid is in a closed configuration. In
some
examples, the gasket may be seated in a recess formed in at least one of the
base and
the lid and extending around a perimeter of the at least one of the base or
the lid. The
gasket may aid in maintaining the temperature of the liquid contained within
the
insulating container. One example gasket arrangement is shown in FIGS. 10A and
10B,
although this and various other gasket arrangements may be used with any of
the
insulating containers described herein.
[100] As shown, the gasket 560 is arranged in a recess or channel 564 in the
base 502.
Alternatively, the gasket 560 may be arranged in a recess or channel formed in
the lid
504. When the lid 504 is in a closed configuration, a protrusion 562 having a
shape
corresponding to recess 564 may contact the gasket 560 and compress the gasket
560
and aid in sealing the lid and base in the closed configuration. In some
arrangements,
the gasket may include strategically placed cut-outs that may reduce or
eliminate a need
for a vent (e.g., a vent to prevent lid lock), as will be discussed more fully
below.
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[101] In some examples, the gasket may be a traditional gasket having a
substantially circular
cross section. In other examples, the gasket may have a particular cross
section
configured to aid in venting the insulating container. One example arrangement
is
shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The gasket 600a, 600b shown includes a base region
602 that may be received in a recess 604 in either a lid 606 or base 608 of an
insulating
container. The gasket 600 may include a V-shaped or substantially V-shaped
portion
or extension 610 connected to the base or stem region 602 and extending
outward from
the recess 604 and into a space in which the lid 606 and base 608 meet with
the
insulating container is in a closed configuration.
[102] In some examples, the V-shaped portion 610 may extend generally
horizontally from
the base region 602. That is, the V-shaped portion 610 may include a first
side of the
"V" 612, that may be in contact with the base or stem region 602 in a
substantially
horizontal configuration. A second side of the "V" 614 may extend from one end
of
the first side 612 at an angle to side 612, thereby forming a V-shaped
arrangement from
the two sides 612, 614.
[103] This V-shaped arrangement may aid in permitting venting of the interior
of the
insulating container with the insulating container is in a closed
configuration. In some
examples, the V-shaped arrangement may aid in preventing leakage from the
insulating
container (e.g., of water or other fluids) while permitting at least some air
to escape
from the interior of the insulating container. In other examples, the gasket
600 may
include at least one venting hole or a plurality of venting holes.
[104] As shown in FIG. 11A, the V-shaped portion 610a may be arranged with the
open area
of the "V" (e.g., an end of side 612 not connected to side 614) facing away
from an
interior 616 of the insulating container. In another example, as shown in FIG.
11B, the
open area of the "V" 610b may face toward the interior 616 of the insulating
container.
In still other example, a gasket may be formed in two or more sections. The
two or
more sections may include portions having the "V" facing in different
directions.
[105] For instance, FIG. 12 illustrates one example gasket arrangement in
which different
sections of gasket having a "V" facing in different directions may be used.
FIG. 12
illustrates three gasket sections, 700a, 700b, 700c. It should be noted that,
although
shown as three sections, sections 700a and 700c may instead be a single gasket
piece
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with section 700a representing one end of the gasket and 700c representing
another end
of the gasket.
[106] In some examples, sections 700a and 700c may include a gasket
arrangement in which
the "V" portion faces the interior of the insulating container (as shown in
FIG. 11B),
while section 700b may include a gasket arrangement in which the "V" portion
faces
away from an interior of the insulating container (as shown in FIG. 11A).
Alternatively,
sections 700a and 700c may include a V portion facing away from the interior,
while
section 700b includes a V portion extending toward the interior.
[107] Although three sections are shown in FIG. 12, more sections may also be
used in such
an arrangement. The additional sections may be arranged in various patterns of
gasket
arrangements to enhance venting of the interior of the insulating container
without
departing from the invention.
[108] FIG. 13 illustrates another gasket arrangement which may be used in one
or more
insulating container configurations. The gasket shown includes a first section
800a and
a second section 800b. As discussed above, sections 800a and 800b may be
separate
and distinct sections of gasket material or may be two ends of a single piece
of gasket
material. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 13, ends 801a, 801b of each section
800a,
800b may abut each other (e.g., when the gasket is installed in either a lid
or base of an
insulating container). To aid in maintaining the position of the gasket ends
801a, 801b,
tape or other adhesive material 802 may be applied to the gasket. In some
examples,
the adhesive 802 may extend from section 800a to section 800b and may span
abutting
ends 801a, 801b.
[109] FIG. 14 illustrates another example gasket arrangement. Similar to the
arrangement of
FIG. 13, the gasket may include a first section 900a and a second section 900b
which
may be two distinct sections or may be opposite ends of a single section of
gasket
material. Unlike the arrangement of FIG. 13 in which the ends of each section
are
abutting, end 901a of section 900a and end 901b of section 900b are not
abutting.
Instead, the ends 901a, 901b, are separate from each other to define a gap 904
between
each end 901a, 901b, of each section 900a, 900b. Similar to FIG. 13, an
adhesive
portion 902 may be used to aid in maintaining a position and/or arrangement of
the
gasket. The adhesive portion 902 may extend from section 900a to section 900b
and
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may span end 901a, 901b, as well as gap 904. This arrangement may aid in
providing
venting means for the interior of the insulating container.
[110] FIGS. 15A-15E illustrate another exemplary gasket arrangement configured
to seal the
lid 1606 to prevent the spillage of liquids, and wherein the insulating
container is also
configured to be paired with and mounted to an insulating container mount
1810.
Similar to the above examples, the insulating container 1800 may comprise a
spigot
1880, a gasket 1560, and a lid 1606 that may be, non-destructively, removably
coupled
thereto in accordance with the disclosure herein.
[111] FIG. 15A illustrates another example gasket. Gasket 1560 includes bonded
ends 1902
and at least one venting hole 1904. In some arrangements, the venting holes
1904
reduce or eliminate the need for a vent to prevent lid lock from changes in
pressure
inside and outside the insulating container. The venting holes 1904 are
configured to
allow air or fluid to exit or enter an interior void of the insulating
container 1800 to
equalize the internal pressure of the insulating container with the atmosphere
or external
pressure. In other examples, the gasket 1560 may include a plurality of
venting holes
1904. In other arrangements, the gasket 1560 may include three venting holes.
In still
other arrangements, the gasket 1560 may include a front venting hole 1906. The
front
venting hole 1906 may be arranged on the side of the insulating container from
which
the lid 1804 is opened. In other configurations, the front venting hole 1906
may actually
be configured on the back side of the insulating container 1800 where the lid
1804 is
coupled to the insulating container 1800. The venting holes 1902 may be
configured
on the sides of the insulating container 1800 when the gasket 1560 is mounted
to the
insulating container. Gasket 1560 may have a substantially square shape or a
substantially rectangular shape. Gasket 1560 may have a corresponding shape
that
conforms to the opening of the insulating container, for example opening 112.
[112] As shown in FIGS. 15B-15E, the gasket 1560 has a unique profile or cross
section
configured to aid in venting the insulating container. Gasket 1560 may include
a base
or stem region 1602 that may be received or anchored in recess 1604 in either
a lid 1606
or base 1608 of an insulating container. In some configurations, the recess
1604 runs
along the entire perimeter of the underside of the lid 1606 or the perimeter
of the top of
the base 1608. The gasket 1560 may include a V-shaped or substantially V-
shaped
portion or extension 1610 connected to the base or stem 1602 and extending
outward
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from the recess 1604 and into a space in which the lid 1606 and base 1608 meet
with
the insulating container in a closed configuration. The V-shaped arrangement
with at
least one or a plurality of venting holes 1904 may aid in permitting venting
of the
interior of the insulating container with the insulating container is in a
closed
configuration. In other examples, the V-shaped arrangement may aid in
preventing
leakage from the insulating container (e.g., of water or other fluids) while
permitting at
least some air to escape from the interior 1616 of the insulating container.
As shown
in FIG. 15E, venting hole 1904 provides a channel 1622 through the base or
stem region
1602 to allow air to escape from the interior 1616 or allow air to enter the
interior 1616
of the insulating container to equalize the pressure preventing lid lock. In
some
arrangements, venting holes 1904 extend from an outside edge of the gasket
wall to an
interior gasket wall forming the channel 1622. In other configurations, the
venting hole
1904 and the channel 1622 are configured to vent fluid (e.g., air, water, or
other fluids)
from or to the interior 1616 or an interior void of the insulating container
that is formed
by the sidewall structure and a bottom portion of the insulating container
when the lid
is in a closed position. In yet other examples, the venting hole 1904 and the
channel
1622 are configured to provide a conduit to the interior 1616 of the
insulating container.
[113] In some examples, the V-shaped portion or extension 1610 may include a
first side of
the "V" 1612, that may be in contact with the base or stem region 1602 in a
substantially
horizontal configuration. The base or stem region 1602 is substantially
perpendicular
to the first side 1612. A second side of the "V" 1614 may extend distally or
away from
one end of the first side 1612 at an angle 1618, thereby forming a V-shaped
arrangement
from the two sides 1612 and 1614. The V-shaped portion or extension 1610 may
extend
generally away or opposite (i.e., distally) from the base or stem portion
1602. In some
examples, the angle 1618 may be from about 30-60 degrees when the container is
in an
open configuration. In other examples, the angle 1618 may be about 45 degrees
when
the container is in an open configuration. In other arrangements base or stem
region
1602 may include a plurality of prongs 1620. In some examples, prongs 1620 are
configured to be inserted into the groove or recess 1604 runs along the entire
perimeter
of the underside of the lid 1606 or the perimeter of the top of the base 1608
to assist
with the anchoring of the gasket 1560 in the insulating container. In
addition, gasket
1560 may include at least one bonded end 1902 or a plurality of bonded ends
1902.
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[114] As shown in FIG. 15E, the gasket 1560 is arranged in a recess or channel
564 in the
base 502. Alternatively, the gasket 560 may be arranged in a recess or channel
formed
in the lid 504. When the lid 504 is in a closed configuration, a protrusion
562 having a
shape corresponding to recess 564 may contact the gasket 560 and compress the
gasket
560 and aid in sealing the lid and base in the closed configuration. In some
arrangements, the gasket may include strategically placed cut-outs that may
reduce or
eliminate a need for a vent (e.g., a vent to prevent lid lock), as will be
discussed more
fully below.
[115] This alternative V-shaped arrangement that incorporates at least one
venting hole may
aid in permitting venting of the interior of the insulating container with the
insulating
container is in a closed configuration. In some examples, the V-shaped
arrangement
may aid in preventing leakage from the insulating container (e.g., of water or
other
fluids) while permitting at least some air to escape from the interior of the
insulating
container via at least one vent hole or a plurality of vent holes. In other
examples, the
gasket is formed from a plastic, a rubber, a silicone, a flexible PVC, or
other similar
material.
[116] In still other arrangements, the V-shaped portion or extension 1610 may
be arranged
with the open area of the "V" facing away from an interior 1616 of the
insulating
container. In another example, as shown in FIG. 15E, the open area of the "V"
may
face toward the interior 1616 of the insulating container. In still other
example, a gasket
may be formed in two or more sections. The two or more sections may include
portions
having the "V" facing in different directions.
[117] The gasket arrangements shown in FIGS. 11-15 may be used as shown in
each figure
or may be used in combination with each other without departing from the
invention.
[118] Additionally or alternatively, various other venting arrangements may be
used without
departing from the invention. For instance, a portion of the base may include
a material
that is breathable for air but does not permit water or other liquids to
penetrate. This
mesh material may allow venting without permitting spillage of the liquid
contained
within the insulating container.
[119] FIG. 16 illustrates another example insulating container 1000 having a
hinge
arrangement that permits the lid 1004 to be removed from the base 1002. The
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arrangement shown in FIG. 16 is merely one example of a quick release
arrangement
that may be used with one or more aspects of the insulating containers
described herein.
[120] As shown in FIG. 16, the insulating container 1000 includes two hinged
portions 1006.
The hinged portions 1006 are more clearly shown in FIGS. 16A-16C. However, the
hinged portions may include an attaching member 1008 that connects to a rod or
axel
1010. The rod or axel may extend across at least a portion of atop, rear of
the insulating
container 1000. In some examples, the rod or axel 1010 may extend across the
entire
span of the top, rear portion of the insulating container.
[121] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate one example method of removing the lid 1004
from the base
1002 of the insulating container 1000. For instance, FIG. 16A illustrates the
lid 1004
in a generally closed configuration with respect to the base 1002. As the lid
1004 is
pushed upward, away from the base 1002, as shown in FIG. 16B, the attaching
member
1008 may rotate around rod or axel 1010. The lid 1004 may continue to be
rotated until
it is pulled toward a rear of the insulating container and removed from the
base, as
shown in FIG. 16C.
[122] FIG. 17 illustrates yet another example of an insulating container 1100
having a
removable lid. As shown in FIG. 17, the insulating container includes a lid
1104
configured to rotate about a rod or axel 1110. Upon reaching a certain point
in the
rotation, the lid 1104 may be removed from the base 1102, as shown in FIGS.
18A-
18C.
[123] For instance, FIG. 18A illustrates the lid 1104 in a closed
configuration relative to the
base 1102. In FIG. 18B, the lid 1104 has been moved upward, in the direction
of arrow
1105, and thereby rotates about axel 1110. Upon reaching a predetermined point
in the
rotation, the lid 1104 may be pulled toward a front of the insulating
container 1100 (in
the direction of arrow 1107) and thereby removed from the base 1102, as shown
in FIG.
18C.
[124] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate one example hinge insert 1250 that may be used in
conjunction
with one or more hinge arrangement discussed herein.
[125] FIG. 22 illustrates another insulating container 1300 having various
advantageous
features. The insulating container 1300 may be similar to other insulating
containers
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described herein (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, etc.) and may include one or more
of the
other features described with respect to the insulating containers described
herein. For
instance, the insulating container 1300 includes a lid 1304 and a base 1302.
The lid
1304 may be secured to the base 1302 using latching arrangements 1320, similar
to the
arrangements discussed above. Further, the lid 1304 may be rotatable and/or
removable
relative to the base, as discussed herein.
[126] The insulating container 1300 may include a spigot 1380. The spigot 1380
may
protrude from the base 1302 and may be configured to dispense liquid stored in
the
insulating container. The spigot 1380 may include a valve such that, the
liquid may be
contained within the insulating container 1300 until a user desires to
dispense a portion
of the liquid (e.g., the valve defaults to an off position). The valve may
then be opened
to permit liquid to flow through the spigot 1380. When the desired amount of
liquid is
dispensed, the valve may be closed to prevent further liquid from dispensing.
In some
examples, the spigot 1380 may include an indicator, such as a color indicator,
audible
indicator, etc. to indicate when the spigot is on. Various types of spigot
arrangements
may be used with the insulating container without departing from the
invention.
[127] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 22, the spigot 1380 may be contained
within a recess
1382 formed in the base 1302. The spigot 1380 may be mostly contained within
the
recess 1382 in order to protect the spigot 1380 from damage. For instance,
sufficient
impact with the spigot 1380 may cause it to crack or be sheared off.
Accordingly, by
positioning the spigot 1380 within the recess 1382, much of the spigot 1380
may be
protected by the portion of the base 1302 surrounding it. In some examples,
100% of
the spigot 1380 (the entire spigot) may be contained within the recess 1382
such that
no portion of the spigot 1380 extends beyond an exterior surface of the base
1302. In
other examples, at least 90% of the spigot 1380 may be contained within the
recess (at
most 10% of the spigot 580 may protrude beyond exterior wall 1314 of the base
1302),
at least 75% of the spigot 1380 may be contained within the recess (with 25%
protruding outward from exterior wall 1314), at least 50% may be contained
within the
recess (with 50% protruding outward from exterior wall 1314), at least 30% may
be
contained within the recess (with 70% protruding outward from exterior wall
1314),
and the like.
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[128] Additionally or alternatively, the insulating container 500 may include
one or more
guards 1384 that may be used to protect spigot 1380. For instance, the guard
1384 may
extend outward from an edge of the recess 1382, over the spigot, to an
opposite edge of
the recess 1382. Accordingly, any object or force directed at the spigot 1380
would be
intercepted by the guard 1382. The guard 1384 may be molded into the base 1302
or
may be formed separately from the base 1302 and connected to the base 1302.
The
guard 1384 may be connected to the base 1302 using fasteners, a snap fit,
adhesives, or
the like. In some examples, the guard 1384 may be formed of various plastics,
metals
such as aluminum, steel, etc., composites, and the like.
[129] In arrangements including a plurality of guards 1384 (such as FIG. 22),
the guards may
be arranged such that portions of each guard extend parallel or substantially
parallel to
other guards 1384. In some examples, the guard may include one or more
portions
1385 extending perpendicularly between parallel guards 1384. This may provide
additional protection of the spigot 1380 from small objects such as rocks,
stones, or the
like.
[130] The guard 1384 may be arranged around the spigot 1380 such that it does
not interfere
with operation of the spigot 1380. For instance, a user may be able to easily
access the
valve portion of the spigot 1380 to dispense liquid or cease dispensing
liquid. Further,
in arrangements in which the user may be filling a container such as a cup,
water bottle,
or the like, from the spigot 1380, the guard 1384 may be arranged above the
spout
portion of the spigot 1380 so as not to interfere with placement of the
container.
[131] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate another spigot guard arrangement 1394. The
spigot 1380
shown may be any suitable type of spigot 580 and, as shown in FIG. 24, may
protrude
through a sidewall 1330 of the insulating container. In some examples, one or
more
portions of the spigot 1380 may be formed of stainless steel, aluminum,
composite,
synthetic materials such as NYLON, and the like.
[132] The spigot arrangements shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 are shown in isolation.
However,
the spigot shown 1380 may be used in various types of insulating containers,
including
those described herein.
[133] With further reference to FIG. 23, the spigot guard 1394 protrudes
outward from the
sidewall 1330 of the insulating container. The spigot guard 1394 includes two
side
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portions 1396 that extend from the sidewall 1330 and a center portion 1398
joining one
end of each of the two side portions 1396. In some examples, as shown in FIG.
23, the
spigot guard 1394 may have curved portions where the side portion 1396 meets
an end
of the center portion 1398. In other arrangements, the connection may be made
at an
angle, such as a right angle.
[134] The center portion 1398 extends over a top of the spigot 1380 in order
to protect the
spigot 1380 from damage. For instance, an article falling near the insulating
container
or thrown at the insulating container may break a spigot in a conventional
arrangement.
However, the spigot guard 1394 may protect the spigot from object that may
cause
damage to the spigot.
[135] In some examples, the spigot guard 1394 may be integrally molded in a
sidewall 1330
of the insulating container (e.g., one piece with the sidewall or base). In
another
example, the spigot guard 1394 may be formed as a separate piece and joined to
the
sidewall 1330 via fasteners, adhesives, and the like.
[136] In some examples, as discussed above, an insulating container may have
one or more
handles formed in the base portion. FIGS. 25-27 illustrate various additional
handle
arrangements that may be used with one or more of the insulating containers
described
herein. For instance, FIG. 25 illustrates an insulating container 1400 having
a handle
arrangement 1492 formed in base 1402. The handle arrangement includes an
undercut
1492 molded into the base portion 1402. Because the undercut handle 1492 is
integrally
molded with the base 1402, the handle is not likely (or less likely) to be
broken (e.g., if
the insulating container is dropped, struck, or the like). For instance, the
undercut
handle 1492 is formed flush with an exterior surface of the base 1402.
Accordingly, no
portion of the handle 1492 protrudes outward from the base 1402. Handles that
protrude outward from the base may be more likely to be broken, etc. Although
undercut handle 1492 is shown on one side of base 1402, a second undercut
handle may
be formed on an opposite side of the base 1402 to permit even carrying of the
insulating
container.
[137] In some examples, the insulating container 1400 may include a second
handle
arrangement 1495 in addition to the undercut handle 1492. For instance, the
insulating
container may include secondary handle 1495 that may be a piece formed
separately
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from the base 1402 and connected thereto. In some examples, the handle 1495
may be
connected to the base 1402 at each of two stem portions 1496 (only one stem
portion is
visible in FIG. 25, however a second stem portion may extend from opposite end
of
cross bar 1497). The two stem portions may be connected by a cross bar 1497
which
may form the hand engaging portion. The handle 1495 may pivot with respect to
the
base 1402 such that, when not in use, the handle may be received in recess
1498 formed
in side wall of base 1402. When in use, the handle 1495 may be rotated outward
from
the recess 1498 such that a user may grip the cross bar 1497 to carry the
insulating
container.
[138] In some arrangements, handle 1495 may be formed of various suitable
materials, such
as one or more plastics. For instance, the handle 1495 may have a core formed
of
polyvinyl chloride and an outer portion formed of ethylene vinyl acetate.
Although the
handle 1495 is shown in FIG. 25 as having a solid structure, in some
arrangements, the
handle 1495 may have less structure and, instead may be formed of rope (such
as
polyester rope) that may be durable.
[139] Although the arrangement of FIG. 25 includes both handle 1492 and handle
1495, in
some examples, the insulating container 1400 may include only handle 1492 or
only
handle 1495.
[140] FIG. 26 illustrates another handle arrangement according to one or more
aspects
described herein. The insulating container 1500 may be substantially similar
to the
various other insulating containers described herein and may include one or
more
features discussed with respect to other insulating containers described
herein.
[141] Insulating container 1500 may include an undercut handle 1590 formed in
the base
1502. Similar to handle 1492, handle 1590 may be flush with the exterior
surface of
the base 1502 to avoid breakage of the handle. In some arrangements,
insulating
container 1500 may include a secondary handle arrangement 1595. Secondary
handle
1595 may be similar to handle 1495 discussed with respect to FIG. 25.
[142] FIG. 27 illustrates yet another insulating container 1600 arrangement.
The insulating
container 1600 may be similar to various other insulating containers described
herein
and may include one or more features described with respect to those
insulating
containers.
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[143] Similar to insulating containers 1400 and 1500 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26,
respectively,
insulating container 1600 includes an undercut handle 1690, as well as a
secondary
handle arrangement 1695. In some examples, the insulating container 1600 may
include only the undercut handle 1690.
[144] FIG. 28 illustrates one example insulating container 1700 having one
example spigot
1780 and spigot guard 1784 arrangement according to one or more aspects
described
herein. The example spigot 1780 and/or spigot guard 1784 arrangements
described
herein may be used alone or in combination with various different insulating
containers
and are not limited to use only with the insulating container shown in the
figures or
described herein.
[145] Similar to one or more other arrangements described herein, the
insulating container
1700 may include a base portion 1702 having a plurality of sides 1714 forming
a
sidewall structure and a bottom portion (not shown in FIG. 28). The sidewall
structure
and bottom portion forming the base 1702 may define an interior void of the
insulating
container (similar to various other interior void arrangements discussed
herein). The
insulating container 1700 may, in at least some examples include a lid 1704.
Similar
to one or more other arrangements described herein, the insulating container
1700 may
include a spigot 1780 extending through a side 1714 of the base portion 1702
and
between an interior void of the insulating container 1700 and an exterior of
the
insulating container 1700. The spigot 1780 may be configured to permit and/or
control
a flow of fluid stored in the interior void in the insulating container from
the interior
void to an exterior of the insulating container 1700 (e.g., to dispense
fluid). The spigot
1780 will be discussed more fully with respect to FIGS. 29-32.
[146] As shown in FIG. 32, the spigot 1780 may generally include three
regions. A first
region 1780a may extend outward from an exterior of a side 1714 of the
insulating
container 1700. A second region 1780b may extend through a side 1714 of the
insulating container 1700 (e.g., may be within the sidewall of the insulating
container
and, thus, not generally visible when the spigot 1780 is installed). A third
region 1780c
may extend from an interior of a side 1714 of the insulating container inward,
toward
the interior void of the insulating container.
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[147] As shown in FIGS. 29-32, the spigot 1780 may be configured to be
disassembled and
removed from the insulating container (e.g., for cleaning, etc.) and
reassembled within
the insulating container 1700. For instance, the spigot 1780 may include a
spigot body
1785 having a spout 1782 extending therefrom (e.g., downward, at an angle) for
dispensing fluid. The spigot body 1785 may be configured to house portions of
the
spigot assembly, such as a spring 1786, portions of a spigot valve rod 1787,
and the
like, when the spigot 1780 is assembled in the insulating container 1700.
[148] In some examples, the spigot valve rod 1787 (when assembled) may extend
through the
spigot body 1785 when assembled, through the spring 1786, and may thread
(e.g., via
end threaded region 1788 shown in FIG. 30) into a dispensing button 1781. The
button
1781 may include a finger engaging portion 1781a which a user may depress in
order
to dispense fluid. The button 1781 may further include an interior portion 178
lb which
may be configured to be received in an aperture 1790 formed in an end of the
spigot
body 1785.
[149] In some examples, the aperture 1790 may include one or more flat
portions (e.g., flat
portion 1791 shown in FIG. 31) which may prevent the button 1781 from rotating
during use. For instance, when assembled, interior portion 178 lb of the
button 1781
may be received in aperture 1790 and may contact an interior of the aperture,
including
flat portion 1791. Accordingly, any attempted rotation of the button, either
during use
or assembly, may be reduced or prevented by the flat portion 1791 contacting
the
interior portion 1781b of the button 1781. Although one flat portion 1791 is
shown,
additional flat portions may be used or other shapes which may prevent turning
of the
button 1781 may be used without departing from the invention.
[150] Assembly of the spigot 1780 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 30.
As mentioned
above, the spigot assembly 1780 may be configured to be disassembled and
reassembled to permit cleaning of one or more parts of the spigot assembly
1780.
Assembly of the spigot 1780 may involve extending the spigot valve rod 1787
through
a wall 1714 of the insulating container 1700 and through the spigot body 1785
and
spring 1786 and into the button 1781. The threaded end 1788 of the threaded
valve rod
may screw into or otherwise connect to the button 1781 when assembled. For
instance,
threaded portion 1788 of spigot valve rod 1787 may be received by a mating
threaded
portion on an interior of the button 1781.
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[151] The spigot nut 1784 may be connected to the spigot assembly 1780 from an
interior of
the insulating container 1700 to connect the spigot 1780. For instance, the
spigot nut
1784 may be threaded onto threaded portion 1783 of the spigot body 1785 to fix
the
spigot assembly 1780 in place within the insulating container 1700. An
assembled
spigot assembly (shown in isolation without the insulating container) is shown
in FIGS
29 and 32.
[152] The spigot assembly 1780 and portions thereof may be formed of various
suitable
materials. For instance, one or more components of the spigot assembly may be
formed
of stainless steel, plastic, composite, or other suitable materials.
[153] With further reference to FIG. 28, the insulating container 1700 may
include a spigot
guard 1794. The spigot guard 1794 shown may be used in combination with the
spigot
assembly 1780 shown, with another spigot assembly, or the like. The spigot
guard 1791
may be arranged on a same side 1714 of the insulating container as the spigot
1780 and
may be configured to protect the spigot 1780 in case the insulating container
1700 is
receives an impact force (e.g., is dropped, is struck, or the like). The
spigot guard 1794
will be discussed more fully herein with respect to FIGS. 33-36.
[154] For instance, the spigot guard 1794 may be arranged on a side 1714 of
the insulating
container 1700 in a location proximate the spigot 1780. In some arrangements,
the
spigot guard 1794 may include spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b and a spigot
cross guard
1796.
[155] For instance, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 33 and 34, spigot guard
1794 may include
two spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b arranged on either side of a spigot region
(e.g., a
region from which the spigot 1780 protrudes from the insulating container
1700). In
some examples, the spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b may be integrally formed
the base
portion (e.g., sidewall structure, wall, etc.) of the insulating container
1700. For
instance, the spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b may be molded into the side 1714
of the
insulating container 1700 when the insulating container is formed.
Accordingly, in
some examples, the spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b may be formed as a single
piece
with the base of the insulating container 1700. This may aid in efficiently
manufacturing the insulating container. In addition, the spigot side guards
1795a, 1795
may be formed as solid portions of material or may be formed as hollow guards
to
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permit additional insulating to be provided in a void created by the hollow
side guards
1795a, 1795b. The spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b may be double-walled,
similar to
the double-walled arrangements used in the base 1702 and/or lid 1704.
[156] As shown in the figures, the spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b may
protrude outward
from the side 1714 of the insulating container 1700. For instance, at least a
portion of
the spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b may protrude outward, from an exterior
surface of
the side 1714 of the insulating container 1700 in order to protect the spigot
1780 from,
for example, a shear force. In some arrangements, the spigot side guards
1795a, 1795b
may protrude outward between 50 and 60 millimeters from the exterior surface
of the
side 1714.
[157] In some examples, the spigot side guards 1795a, 1795b may taper from one
end of the
side spigot guard 1795a, 1795b to an opposite end of the side spigot guard
1795a,
1795b. For instance, as shown in at least FIG. 34, the spigot side guard 1795b
may
extend a greater distance outward from the side 1714 of the insulating
container 1700
at an end proximate a bottom of the insulating container 1700 than at an end
distal the
bottom of the insulating container 1700. This streamlined arrangement may
accommodate the spigot cross guard 1796.
[158] For instance, as mentioned above, the spigot guard 1794 may include a
spigot cross
guard 1796. As shown in the figures, the spigot cross guard 1796 may extend
horizontally across a spigot region and between the first spigot side guard
1795a and
the second spigot side guard 1795b. The spigot cross guard 1796 may protect
the spigot
from, for example, objects falling downward onto the spigot 1780.
[159] In some examples, the spigot cross guard 1796 may be formed as a
component separate
from the remainder of the insulating container 1700 or base 1702 of the
insulating
container 1700. The spigot cross guard 1796 may then be connected to the base
1702
via one or more fasteners, such as screws, adhesives, or the like. For
instance, screws
or other fasteners may extend through apertures 1797 in the spigot cross guard
1796 to
connect the spigot cross guard 1796 to the base 1702 of the insulating
container 1700.
[160] The spigot cross guard 1796 may be formed of one or more suitable
materials, such as
various metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and the like. In some
examples,
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the spigot cross guard 1796 may be formed of one or more plastics or composite
materials.
[161] In some examples, portions of the spigot cross guard 1796 may extend
outward from
the exterior surface of the side 1714 of the insulating container 1700. For
instance, the
spigot cross guard 1796 may have a tapered arrangement such that a first end
and a
second end are substantially flush with and/or in contact with the exterior
surface of the
side 1714, while a central portion extending between the first end and the
second end
may protrude outward, away from the exterior surface of the side 1714, thereby
forming
a gap between the spigot cross guard 1796 and the exterior surface of the side
1714 of
the insulating container. In some examples, the exterior surface of the side
1714 may
correspond to a recessed area in which the spigot 1780 is arranged.
Accordingly, in
these example arrangements, the gap may be formed between the spigot cross
guard
1796 and the recessed exterior surface of the side 1714 of the insulating
container.
[162] In some examples, this gap may be sufficiently sized to be used as a
handle for lifting
the insulating container 1700. For instance, the distance A between an
exterior surface
of the central region of the spigot cross guard 1796 and an interior facing
surface of the
first end and the second end of the spigot cross guard 1796 may be between
0.75 and
2.0 inches. Further, a length B of the central portion of the spigot cross
guard 1796
may be between 2 inches and 6 inches, in some example arrangements.
[163] The spigot and spigot guard arrangements may be used in combination with
one or
more other aspects of various insulating containers including, for example,
the
insulating containers described herein. As discussed herein, the spigot
arrangement
allows for ease of assembly/disassembly in order to facilitate cleaning of the
spigot.
Further, the spigot guard arrangements may aid in preventing or reducing
damage to
the spigot in the event the insulating container is struck, dropped, falls,
etc. For
instance, the shape and position of the spigot side guards may aid in reducing
or
preventing damage to the spigot in the event the insulating container is
subjected to, for
example, a side force or front face force. The spigot cross guard may aid in
preventing
or reducing damage to the spigot in the event the insulating container is
subjected to,
for example, a downward force along a front face or a front face force. The
spigot
guard arrangements described herein may aid in preventing or reducing damage
to the
spigot from additional forces or force directions.
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[164] As shown in Figs. 37-43, other aspects of this disclosure relate to an
insulating container
configured to be paired with and mounted to an insulating container mount
1810.
Similar to the above examples, the insulating container 1800 may comprise a
spigot
1880 and a lid 1804 that, may be non-destructively, removably coupled thereto
in
accordance with the disclosure herein. The base portion 1814 may be an
insulated
structure forming a void for containing a liquid or other contents that are
desired to be
hot or cold. Also like in the above examples, the insulating container is
configured to
include a spigot guard 1881 and a notch 1811 in the front of the mount 1810 to
accommodate the spigot 1880. In another example, the insulating container may
be
configured to dispense fluid while secured to the insulating container mount
1810. In
another example, the insulating container 1800 is mounted to the insulating
container
mount 1810 and secured in place by one or more hook points or flat hooks 1840.
The
container mount 1810 provides a flat surface that may be placed on the ground
or
mounted to, for example, a vehicle or boat. The insulating container 1800 is
can be
placed into or "mated" to the container mount 1810.
[165] The container mount 1810 is configured in such a manner that the bottom
surface 108
of the insulating container 1800 fits into the mount 1810 that is specifically
formed in
a shape that matches the profile of the bottom surface 108 of the insulating
container
1800. The arrangement allows the container 1800 and the mount 1810 to mate
together
in a secure fashion to stabilize and secure the insulating container 1800. The
mount
1810 provides a stable platform and the insulating container 1800 may be
further
secured to the mount by straps 1850 that prevent movement of the insulating
container
1800. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating container mount 1810
itself may be
secured to a base or surface such as the deck of a boat or the floor of a
vehicle without
the insulating container 1800. Such a configuration permits an individual to
easily
remove the insulating container 1800 from, for example, a vehicle after
transport or
refilling. The configuration then permits an individual to quickly place the
insulating
container 1800 back into the mount 1810, where it can again be secured for
transport.
In other examples, the straps 1850 may secure the insulating container 1800 to
the
mount 1810 in such a manner as to allow the hinged locking lid 1804 to rotate
from a
closed position to an open position that is approximately 270 from the closed
position
to allow for refilling or for access to the contents stored therein while
mounted, and/or
be non-destructively removable (e.g., able to be removed and replaced) from a
base
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portion 1814 of the insulating container 1800. Additionally or alternatively,
the mount
1810 is configured in such a manner that when the insulating container 1800 is
mated
and secured to the mount 1810, an individual may use the spigot or spout 1880
arranged
on the insulating container 1800 to dispense liquids or other fluids. These
and various
other features and aspects of the insulating container mount will be described
more fully
herein.
[166] FIG. 40A depicts the top side of the anchor points 1890, ratchet buckle
1830, and hook
point or flat hook 1840. In another example, the mount includes a plurality of
anchor
points 1890 that are configured to receive the insulating container. In this
case four
anchor points 1890 are provided; however, it is contemplated that more or less
may be
included. In some examples, the anchor points are configured to include an
anchor
point receptacle 1891. In other configurations, the anchor point and/or the
anchor point
receptacle may be configured to secure the mount to a platform via a bolt,
screw, pin,
weld, or other fastening means. In still other examples, the bottom side of
the anchor
point may include a nonskid type of material to prevent the mount from sliding
or
moving across a platform or the ground. In other examples, the nonskid
material may
include nonskid paint, tape, or pads, non-slip tape or pads, rubber (e.g. EPDM
or
Neoprene rubber), or other composite or synthetic material. In other examples,
the
anchor point may include a material that decreases the friction of a platform
or the
ground and provides for the easy movement of the mount. In such a
configuration, the
mount may be engaged with the insulating container or without the insulating
container.
[167] FIG. 37 is a front view and Fig. 39 shows right and left side views of
the insulating
container 1800 mounted in the insulating container mount 1810. Also Fig. 40A
depicts
a top view of the mount 1810, FIG. 40B depicts a front view of the mount with
the hook
points or flat hooks 1840 stowed in the slot or loop point 1861 when the
insulating
container is not tensioned to the mount. FIG. 40C is a side view of the stowed
tie down
strap 1850. FIG. 41 depicts a front view, FIG. 42 depicts a top right
perspective view,
and FIG. 43 depicts a right view of the insulating container mount 1810
without the
insulating container 1800. In certain examples, the insulating container mount
1810
accommodates the base portion 1814, and the mount 1810 may be cuboidal or
substantially cuboidal in shape. In other examples, the mount 1810 may be
prismoidal
or substantially prismoidal (e.g., a pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism,
heptagonal
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prism, or the like) in shape. In still other examples, the mount 1810 may be
substantially cylindrical in shape or may have a substantially trapezoidal
cross section.
Various other shapes may be used without departing from the invention. In yet
other
examples, the mount is in the required shape configured to accept the
insulating
container. The mount 1810 may include a notch 1811 in the front of the mount
1810
to accommodate the spigot 1880.
[168] In certain examples, the side portions of the insulating container may
include one or
more hook point fastener receivers in the form of slots 1820. The hook point
or flat
hook fasteners 1840 located on tie down straps 1850 are configured to be
secured to the
hook point fastener receivers or slots 1820 thereby securing the insulating
container
1800 to the insulating container mount 1810. The hook point or flat hook
fasteners
1840 may alternatively be a metal S hook, rubber coated S hook, grabber hook,
etc.
The hook point or flat hook fastener 1840 may also include a hook point loop
1841 for
securing the straps or tie-downs 1850 to the hook point loops 1841. In yet
other
examples, the straps or tie-downs 1850 may include one or more cam buckles or
D-
rings 1830 for adjusting the length of the straps 1850 and for providing
tension on the
straps 1850 to maintain the insulating container 1800 in the container mount
1810. In
some examples, the cam buckle or ratchet buckle 1830 may be a ratchet buckle,
0-ring,
footman loop, spring pin, slide, loop, strap adjuster, metal clasp buckle,
snap hook,
hook, side release buckle, tongue buckle, military buckle, airline-type seat-
belt buckle,
or carabiner. The hook point loop 1841, hook point or flat hook fastener 1840,
and the
cam or ratchet buckle 1830 may be formed of stainless steel, aluminum,
composite,
synthetic materials such as plastic, NYLON, and the like. The strap or tie-
down 1850
may be formed of synthetic materials such as NYLON, polyester, ribbon, seat-
belt
webbing, tubular webbing, BioThane and the like. In other examples, the flat
hooks,
tie down straps, and ratchet buckles may be replaced by other devices such as
quarter-
turn fasteners, ball and socket connections, bungie cords, cables, chains,
etc.
[169] In some examples, the insulating container mount 1810 is configured to
allow access
to the interior void or chamber of the insulating container when the
insulating container
is secured to the mount. For example, if the mount 1810 is secured to a
platform in a
vehicle, an individual can still access the interior void of the insulating
container to
remove an object or to place an object into the container. In another example,
the
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insulating container is secured to the mount 1810 in such a manner that the
spigot 1880
may be accessed to dispense a fluid. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 39
and 40,
the insulating container mount 1810 includes one or more lock points 1870 that
may be
used to secure the mount 1810 to any suitable platform or other object. The
lock points
1870 are configured to receive a lock, cable, chain, removable fastener or
other means
to secure the mount from theft or other loss. The lock points 1870 can be in
the form
of an elongated slot, such that, for example, a lock, cable, chain, removable
fastener or
other means can be inserted in lock points 1870 in order to secure the
container mount
1810.
[170] In another example, the mount 1810 includes a hook point fastener
receiver or slot 1860.
As shown in FIGs. 40A-C, the hook point fastener receiver or slot 1860 is
configured
to allow the strap 1850 to wrap over the top of the insulating container mount
1810
when the container is not in use. The ratchet or cam buckle 1830 may be
positioned at
the bottom of the mount rather than the side and the hook point or flat hook
fastener
1840 is configured to include a hook point loop 1841 which is secured to the
hook point
fastener receiver 1860. FIG. 43 is a right side view of the insulating
container mount.
In some examples, the insulating container mount is configured to include a
loop point
or slot 1861 in the form of an elongated slot that may be configured to
receive at least
one strap 1850, and the strap 1850 may be configured to secure the insulating
container
to the mount. In another example, the tie down strap 1850 is configured to
wrap below
and around the mounting plate and below the loop point or slot 1861, as shown
in FIGs.
39, 42, and 43, when the insulating container is secured to the mount. In
another
example, the base 1810 includes one or more hook point fastener receivers 1860
and
one or more lock points 1870.
[171] Also depicted in FIG. 42, the container mount 1810 can include an
integrally mounted
base plate 1892 in the central portion of the container mount 1810. The base
plate 1892
may be located on the top of the base mount 1894 and may project upwardly from
the
base mount. The base plate 1892 may be recessed or raised. In one example, the
base
plate 1892 can be integrally molded with the container mount 1810 or be
fastened to
the container mount 1810 by mechanical fastener, adhesives and other permanent
or
removable fastening methods. In another example, the base plate 1892 projects
upwards and is configured to mate with a recess (not shown) located in the
bottom of
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the insulating container. In another example, the base plate 1892 may include
a logo
or trademark embossed, molded, or stamped into the base plate 1892 and/or the
top of
the mount base. In another example, the insulating container mount may include
side
walls 1893. In another example, the mount may include a plurality of anchor
points
1890 that are configured to receive the insulating container. In some
examples, the
anchor points are configured to include anchor point receptacles 1891 as shown
in FIG.
42. As shown in FIG. 42, the anchor point receptacles 1891 can include a
series of
concentric cylindrical openings that are configured to match the shape of the
bottom
surface 108 of the insulating container 1800, such that when the container is
mounted
to the container mount 1810, the shape of the anchor point receptacles 1891
and/or the
recessed or the raised base plate 1892 facilitates the mounting and/or
securing the
insulating container.
[172] As previously discussed, FIGS. 15A-15E illustrate an alternative gasket
arrangement
configured to seal the insulating container 1800 to prevent the spillage of
liquids, and
wherein the insulating container is also configured to be paired with and
mounted to an
insulating container mount 1810. Similar to the above examples, the insulating
container 1800 may comprise a spigot 1880, a gasket 1560, and a lid 1804 that
may be,
non-destructively, removably coupled thereto in accordance with the disclosure
herein.
[173] The insulating containers described herein include various features that
ensure easy and
efficient manufacture of the insulating containers, while providing durability
and wear
resistance. The insulating containers and the various integrally molded
features, such
as handles, a spigot recess, spigot guard, etc., may be advantageous in
improving
durability and wear resistance. Further, the various lid arrangements
described herein
may aid in securing the lid to the base in both the open configuration and
closed
configuration, and may aid in avoiding breakage and/or loss of a lid.
[174] The insulating container mount described herein may be used to secure
the insulating
container described herein to a stable base or other platform. The insulating
container
mount may be configured to be permanently or temporarily prepositioned in a
specific
location, such as a vehicle or boat, and allows an individual to place the
insulating
container into the mount. The insulating container may be permanently or
temporarily
secured to the mount, until such time that the individual may need to remove
the
insulating container.
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[175] The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying
drawings with
reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure,
however, is
to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the
disclosure, not
to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will
recognize that
numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described
above
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
