Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONTAINER WITH MAGNETIC CLOSURE
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
No.16/295,682 filed
March 7, 2019, entitled "CONTAINER WITH MAGNETIC CLOSURE," which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 16/096,206, filed October 24,
2018,
which is a U.S. National Stage application of International Application No.
PCT/U52018/021546, filed March 8, 2018, which claims the benefit of and
priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/468,673, filed March 8, 2017. The
content
of these applications is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for
any and all non-limiting purposes.
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid, semi-rigid and
rigid portable
container devices useful for storing personal belongings in a sealed storage
compartment that has a magnetic closure.
Background
[0003] Containers may be designed to store a user's personal belongings in
order to
provide a degree of protection from incidental impact (e.g. drops), as well as
from
liquids and dirt. Containers may be composed of rigid materials such as metal
or
plastics or flexible materials such as fabric or foams. Containers may be
designed
with an opening/aperture that allows access to the interior contents of the
container.
The opening may also be provided with a closure mechanism.
Summary
[0004] This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relating
to this
invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the
Detailed
Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or
essential
features of the invention.
[0005] Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to container devices having
one or
more of (1) a partial or full waterproof closure (2) a magnetic closure.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description,
will be
better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in
which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of
the
various views in which that reference number appears.
[0007] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an implementation of a container,
according to one
or more aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an implementation of a container,
according to one
or more aspects described herein.
[0009] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically depict another implementation of a
container,
according to more aspects described herein.
[0010] FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a container,
according to one
or more aspects described herein.
[0011] FIG. 5 schematically depicts another view of the container from FIG. 4,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0012] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a top portion of
the
container from FIG. 4, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts one implementation of a container, according to one or
more
aspects described herein.
[0014] FIGS. 8A-8B schematically depict an implementation of a container,
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[0015] FIGS. 9A-9C schematically depict the container from FIGS. 8A-8B in an
open
configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0016] FIG. 10 schematically depicts a view of the back portion of the
container from
FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0017] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a portion of an internal back panel of
the container
from FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0018] FIG. 12 schematically depicts a portion of an internal front panel of
the container
from FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0019] FIG. 13A schematically depicts a cross-sectional end view of one
implementation
of the container from FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described
herein.
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[0020] FIG. 13B schematically depicts a more detailed view of the opening of
the
container from FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0021] FIG. 13C schematically depicts an alternative implementation of the
opening of
the container from FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described
herein.
[0022] FIG. 13D schematically depicts an alternative implementation of the
opening of
the container from FIGS. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described
herein.
[0023] FIG. 14 depicts one implementation of a container, according to one or
more
aspects described herein.
[0024] FIG. 15 depicts another view of the container from FIG. 14, according
to one or
more aspects described herein.
[0025] FIG. 16 depicts another view of the container from FIG. 14, according
to one or
more aspects described herein.
[0026] FIGS. 17A-17B schematically depict isometric views of another
implementation
of a container, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0027] FIGS. 18A-18B schematically depict isometric views of a closure
mechanism,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0028] FIG. 19 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another
implementation
of a closure mechanism 1900, according to one or more aspects described
herein.
[0029] FIG. 20 schematically depicts an implementation of a closure mechanism,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0030] FIGS. 21A and 22B depict the folding magnetic collar of the closure
mechanism,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0031] FIG. 22 depicts a container that has a magnetic closure, according to
one or more
aspects described herein.
[0032] FIG. 23 depicts a container that has a magnetic closure, according to
one or more
aspects described herein.
[0033] FIGS. 24A and 24B schematically depict a magnetic closure mechanism
similar
to that described in relation to FIG. 23, according to one or more aspects
described
herein.
[0034] FIG. 25 schematically depicts another implementation of a container
that has a
magnetic closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein.
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[0035] FIG. 26 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of one
implementation of a
magnetic closure, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0036] FIG. 27 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another
implementation
of a magnetic closure, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0037] FIG. 28 depicts another example container that includes a magnetic
closure
mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0038] FIG. 29 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of
the closure
mechanism of the container of FIG. 28, according to one or more aspects
described
herein.
[0039] FIG. 30 depicts another implementation of a container, according to one
or more
aspects described herein.
[0040] FIG. 31A depicts the container of FIG. 30 in a partially open
configuration,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0041] FIG. 31B depicts the container of FIG. 30 in a partially closed
configuration,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0042] FIG. 32 schematically depicts the container of FIG. 30 with a folding
magnetic
closure mechanism integrated into the perimeter of an opening, according to
one or
more aspects described herein.
[0043] FIG.33 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view through the
container of FIG.
30, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0044] FIG. 34 schematically depicts a close-up view of a portion of the cross-
sectional
view of FIG. 33, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0045] FIG. 35 schematically depicts a portion of the container of FIG. 30,
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[0046] FIG. 36 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view through the
container of
FIG. 30 along the direction of arrows B-B depicted in FIG. 35.
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[0047] FIG. 37 depicts a front elevation view of the container of FIG. 30,
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[0048] FIG. 38 depicts a back elevation view of the container of FIG. 30,
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[0049] FIG. 39 depicts an end view of the container of FIG. 30, according to
one or more
aspects described herein.
[0050] FIGS. 40A-C depict a hook fastener, according to one or more aspects
described
herein.
[0051] FIG. 41 depicts an isometric view of the hook fastener of FIGS. 40A-C,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0052] FIG. 42 depicts one implementation of a magnetic cleat, according to
one or more
aspects described herein.
[0053] FIG. 43 depicts an end view of the magnetic cleat, according to one or
more
aspects described herein.
[0054] FIG. 44 depicts a view of a portion of the magnetic cleat of FIG. 42,
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[0055] FIG. 45 depicts a view of another portion of the magnetic cleat of FIG.
42,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0056] FIG. 46 depicts a front view an exemplary insulating container that can
be
configured to keep contents cool or warm for an extended period of time,
according to
one or more aspects described herein.
[0057] FIG. 47 depicts a back view of the exemplary insulating container of
FIG. 46,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0058] FIG. 48 depicts a side view of the exemplary insulating container of
FIG. 46,
according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0059] FIG. 49 schematically depicts a view of the exemplary insulating
container of
FIG. 46, according to one or more aspects described herein.
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[0060] FIG. 50 schematically depicts a cross-sectional side view of the
insulating device
of FIG. 46, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0061] FIG. 51 schematically depicts an insulating layer of the insulating
device of FIG.
46, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0062] FIG. 52 depicts two magnetic strips, which may be used to form a
magnetic
closure of an opening of the insulating device of FIG. 46, according to one or
more
aspects described herein.
[0063] FIG. 53 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the magnetic
strips of
FIG. 52, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0064] FIG. 54 schematically depicts an alternative implementation of magnetic
strips
come according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0065] FIG. 55 depicts the insulating container of FIG. 46 with a placket flap
portion in a
folder configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein.
[0066] FIGS. 56A-B schematically depict cross-sectional views of an insulating
container in respective unfolded and folded configurations, according to one
or more
aspects described herein.
[0067] Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the
scale of
different components of various examples; however, the disclosed examples are
not
limited to that particular scale. Further, the drawings should not be
interpreted as
requiring a certain scale unless otherwise stated.
Detailed Description
[0068] In the following description of the various examples and components of
this
disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example
structures and
environments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that
structural
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and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described
structures
and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0069] Also, while the terms "frontside," "backside," "front," "back," "top,"
"base,"
"bottom," "side," "forward," and "rearward" and the like may be used in this
specification to describe various example features and elements, these terms
are used
herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations
shown in
the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this
specification should
be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation
of
structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.
[0070] In the description that follows, reference is made to one or more
container
structures. It is contemplated that any of the disclosed structures may be
constructed
from any polymer, composite, and/or metal/alloy material, without from the
scope of
these disclosures. Additionally, it is contemplated that any manufacturing
methodology may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these
disclosures.
For example, one or more welding (e.g. high frequency, ultrasonic welding, or
laser
welding of fabric, or metal/alloy welding), gluing, stitching, molding,
injection
molding, blow molding, stamping, deep-drawing, casting, die-casting, drilling,
deburring, grinding, polishing, sanding, or etching processes, among many
others,
may be utilized to construct of the various containers described throughout
these
disclosures. Additionally, where reference is made to a magnetic element or
structure
throughout these disclosures, it may be assumed that the element or structure
includes
one or more magnets (e.g. permanent magnets), or one or more metals or alloys
(e.g.
ferromagnetic materials, among others), which may be attracted to magnets.
Further,
a magnetic strip, as described herein, may include a continuous magnetic
element, a
series of two or more discrete magnetic elements, or a two- or three-
dimensional array
of magnetic elements. Additionally, these magnetic elements may be constructed
from any magnetic metal or alloy, and may be combined with one or more non-
magnetic materials, such as polymers, ceramics, or non-magnetic metals or
alloys. It
is also contemplated that the various disclosures described in this document
may be
combined in any manner, such that various permutations of combined elements
may
be possible.
[0071] Various magnetic closure mechanisms are described throughout the
following
disclosures. These magnetic closure mechanisms may be configured to be
partially or
fully watertight and/or airtight. It is contemplated that the magnetic closure
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mechanisms may include gaskets and seals in addition to the described magnetic
elements, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
[0072] It is contemplated that any of the containers discussed throughout this
document
may be partially or fully watertight, airtight, and/or sealed to substantially
or fully
prevent dust or other materials from entering into and/or escaping from the
containers.
For example, containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800, 1400, 2002, 2200, 2300,
and/or
2500, which are described in further detail in the proceeding paragraphs, may
include
partially or fully water resistant outer shells/ outer walls and closure
mechanisms.
[0073] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an implementation of a container 100,
according to
one or more aspects described herein. It is contemplated that a container,
such as
container 100, may alternatively be referred to as a pouch, bag, box, or
vessel, among
others, through these disclosures. In one example, container 100 may have a
hard
shell that is resistant to deformation. In one implementation, the container
100 has a
clamshell mechanism with a front shell 102 that is hingedly coupled to a back
shell
104. Where discussed throughout these disclosures, a hinge coupling may
utilize one
or more of a flexure element (e.g. a live hinge), or a piano hinge, among many
others.
It is contemplated that the shells 102 and 104 may be constructed from any
polymer,
composite, and/or metal/alloy material, among others. In one implementation,
the
front shell 102 may be partially or wholly transparent. In one example, the
front shell
102 and/or the back shell 104 may be constructed from a polycarbonate
material.
However, additional or alternative polymeric materials may be utilized,
without
departing from the scope of these disclosures.
[0074] The container 100 may have a gasket 106 that extends around at least a
portion of
an internal perimeter of the back shell 104. The gasket 106 may be positioned
within a
channel 107 of the back shell 104. The gasket 106 may be constructed from
silicone,
neoprene, nitrile, polyvinylchloride, or butyl rubber, among others. In one
example,
the gasket 106 may be configured to partially or wholly seal the opening 108
into an
internal storage compartment within the container 100.
[0075] In one implementation, it is contemplated that the container 100 may
include a
closure mechanism, which may otherwise be referred to as a fastener mechanism
throughout these disclosures, having a clasp 110 that is hingedly coupled to
the front
shell 102, and configured to removably couple to a top portion 112 of the back
shell
104. In certain examples, the clasp 110 in conjunction with the gasket 106 can
create
a waterproof or water resistant seal between the front shell 102 and back
shell 104.
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Moreover, the container 100 can be formed of a waterproof or water resistant
fabric to
form a dry compartment within the container 100. However, additional or
alternative
closure mechanisms may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these
disclosures. For example, the container 100 may utilize two or more clasps
similar to
clasp 110, one or more zippers, rail-type closure mechanisms, hook and loop
fasteners, tabs, interference fitting closure mechanisms, interlocking closure
mechanism, or magnetic closure mechanisms, without departing from the scope
these
disclosures.
[0076] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an implementation of a container 200,
according to
one or more aspects described herein. The container 200 may have a firm shell
that is
at least partially resistant to deformation. In one specific example,
container 200
utilizes a clamshell design and has a front shell 202 that is hingedly coupled
to a back
shell 204. The back shell 204 may have a gasket 206 that is positioned within
a
channel 207 extending around at least a portion of an internal perimeter of
the back
shell 204. As depicted, an opening provides access to an internal storage
compartment
208 of the container 200. This internal storage compartment 208 may be
partially or
wholly sealed (e.g. partially or wholly sealed to air and/or water, among
others), when
the front shell 202 is engaged with the back shell 204 along the gasket 206.
In one
example, the gasket 206 may be similar to the gasket 106 described in relation
FIG. 1.
It is further contemplated that the container 200 may be constructed from a
molded
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate material that has a fabric coating.
[0077] In the depicted example, the container 200 may include a closure
mechanism that
has a clasp 210 that is hingedly coupled to a top surface 212 of the front
shell 202.
Accordingly, the clasp 210 may be configured to engage with a tab structure
(not
depicted) on a top surface 214 of the back shell 204. Like in the above
example, it is
also contemplated that the clasp 110 in conjunction with the gasket 206 can
create a
waterproof or water resistant seal between the front shell 202 and back shell
204.
Moreover, the container 200 can be formed of a waterproof or water resistant
fabric to
form a dry compartment within the container 200. However, additionally or
alternative closure mechanisms may be utilized, such as a magnetic closure
mechanism, or hook and loop fasteners, among others.
[0078] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically depict another implementation of a
container
300, according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 3A
schematically depicts container 300 in an open configuration and FIG. 3B
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schematically depicts container 300 in a closed configuration. In one
implementation,
container 300 is constructed from one or more deformable materials, such that
one or
more surfaces of the outer shell 302 may be folded.
[0079] In one example, an opening 304 extends into an internal storage
compartment of
the container 300. The opening 304 may be partially or wholly sealed by a
first
closure mechanism 306. The first closure mechanism may include a magnetic
closure
extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the opening 304.
Additionally or
alternatively, the first closure mechanism 306 may include a rail-type
fastener, and/or
a zipper fastener, among others. Further, the opening 304 may be partially or
wholly
sealed by folding/rolling an upper portion 308 of the outer shell 302 toward a
second
closure mechanism 310. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the second closure mechanism
310
may be configured to extend over the folded top portion 308 and affix to a
back side
(not depicted) of the outer shell 302. Accordingly, the second closure
mechanism 310
may include one or more hook and loop fasteners, clasp fasteners, ties, or
magnetic
elements, among others.
[0080] FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a container 400,
according to
one or more aspects described herein. In one implementation, the container 400
has a
front shell 402 that is coupled to a back shell 404. The front shell 402 may
be
coupled to the back shell 404 by a hinge mechanism (not depicted in FIG. 4.)
that is
positioned along one or more side surfaces of the container 400 (e.g. bottom
surface
410, left side surface 412, right side surface 414, and/or top surface 416).
The front
shell 402 may be coupled to the back shell 404 by one or more additional or
alternative closure mechanisms that are configured to partially or wholly seal
an
opening that extends into a storage compartment (not depicted in FIG. 4) of
the
container 400. In one example, the container 400 may include a rail-type
closure
mechanism, a zipper closure, and/or a magnetic closure mechanism, among
others. As
such, the one or more additional or alternative closure mechanisms may be
configured
to seal an opening that extends, partially or wholly, around a frame element
406.
[0081] In one example, the container 400 includes pull-tabs 408a and 408b that
are
configured to provide grip surfaces onto which a user may manually grasp the
container 400 in order to hingedly uncouple/ hingedly couple the front shell
402 from/
to the back shell 404 to gain access to/ seal one or more internal storage
compartments of the container 400. It is further contemplated that the
container 400
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may include one or more alternative coupling mechanisms in place of the hinge
mechanism (not depicted in FIG. 4.) positioned along one or more side surfaces
of the
container 400. For example, the front shell 402 may be configured to be
removably
coupled to the back shell 404.
[0082] One or more of the front shell 402 and the back shell 404 may be
deformable, or
may be partially or fully rigid. In one example, one or more of the front
shell 402 in
the back shell 404 may be constructed from a molded EVA (Ethylene Vinyl
Acetate),
and may have a fabric coating. This fabric coating may include any synthetic
or
natural fiber material. It is further contemplated that the container 400 may
utilize
any polymer, composite, and/or metal/alloy without departing from the scope of
these
disclosures.
[0083] FIG. 5 schematically depicts another view of the container 400 that has
a front
surface of the front shell 402 removed in order to provide a view into an
internal
compartment 502 of the container 400. FIG. 5 schematically depicts a hinge
mechanism 504 that extends along a portion of the bottom surface 410, and is
configured to hingedly couple the front shell 402 to the back shell 404.
Additionally,
FIG. 5 schematically depicts an internal view of the frame 406 that extends at
least
partially around a perimeter of the container 400. In one example, the frame
406 is
constructed from an elastomer. As previously described, the frame 406 includes
one
or more additional or alternative closure mechanisms configured to partially
or wholly
seal an opening into the internal storage compartment 502. These additional or
alternative closure mechanisms are described in further detail in relation to
the
proceeding figures.
[0084] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a top portion of
the
container 400, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 6
schematically depicts the front shell 402 having a front frame 602 that
extends around
at least a portion of an internal perimeter of the front shell 402. The
container 400
also includes a back shell 404 and a back frame 604 that extends around an
internal
perimeter of the back shell 404. In one example, the container 400 has a
closure
mechanism that includes a front magnetic strip 606. The front magnetic strip
606
may extend around at least a portion of the front frame 602. Further, the
front
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magnetic strip 606 may be encapsulated within a front channel 610 of the front
frame
602. Similarly, the closure mechanism may include a back magnetic strip 608
that
extends around at least a portion of the back frame 604. The back magnetic
strip 608
may also be encapsulated within a back channel 612 of the back frame 604. It
is
contemplated that the front magnetic strip 606 and the back magnetic strip 608
may
include one or more magnetic elements configured in one or more linear strips,
or
two-dimensional arrays. For example, the front magnetic strip 606 and the back
magnetic strip 608 may include a continuous magnetic element, or several
magnetic
elements spaced apart from one another within the front channel 610 and the
back
channel 612. It is contemplated that the front magnetic strip 606 and the back
magnetic strip 608 may include one or more permanent magnets, and/or or
elements
that include metals/alloys that are attracted to magnets. Accordingly, the
front
magnetic strip 606 may be configured to magnetically couple to the back
magnetic
strip 608.
[0085] Additionally, the closure mechanism of the container 400 may include a
zipper
614. The zipper 614 may extend around at least a portion of the front frame
602 and
the back frame 604. It is contemplated that any zipper mechanism having any
size
(e.g. teeth size, spacing) and/or having any slider body and pull type, may be
utilized,
without departing from the scope of the disclosures. It is further
contemplated that the
zipper 614 may be configured to be partially or wholly water resistant. As
such, the
zipper 614, when closed, may partially or wholly prevent water ingress into
the
storage compartment 502. Additionally or alternatively, the magnetic closure
that
includes the front magnetic strip 606 and the back magnetic strip 608 may seal
the
opening into the internal storage compartment 502 such that it is partially or
wholly
water resistant and/or air tight.
[0086] In one example, the zipper assembly 614 can be watertight up to 7 psi
above
atmospheric pressure during testing with compressed air. However, in other
examples, the water tightness of the closure 614 can be from 5 psi to 9 psi
above
atmospheric pressure and in other examples, the water tightness of the closure
614 can
be from 2 psi to 14 psi above atmospheric pressure. The waterproof zipper
assembly
614 can include a slider body and pull-tab (not depicted). In one particular
example,
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the waterproof zipper assembly 614 can be constructed with plastic or other
non-
metallic teeth to prevent injury when retrieving contents from an internal
storage
compartment of the container 400.
[0087] Further advantageously, the magnetic closure mechanism that includes
the front
magnetic strip 606 and the back magnetic strip 608 may, when the strips 606
and 608
are magnetically coupled to one another, align the front shell 402 with the
back shell
404. This magnetic alignment may allow the zipper 614 to be manually opened or
closed without any snagging/ other partial failure of the zipper mechanism
that may
be experienced due to misalignment of zipper teeth etc.
[0088] FIG. 7 depicts one implementation of a container 700 that may be
similar to
container 400, according to one or more aspects described herein. In
particular, the
container 700 has a front shell 702 that may be similar to the front shell
402, and a
back shell 704 that may be similar to the back shell 404, and configured to be
hingedly coupled to the front shell 702. As depicted, the front shell 702 is
uncoupled
from the back shell 704 such that an internal storage compartment is
accessible
through opening 706. FIG. 7 also depicts a zipper 708 that may be similar to
zipper
614.
[0089] FIGS. 8A-8B schematically depict an implementation of a container 800,
according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 8A
schematically depicts a front elevation view of the container 800 and FIG. 8B
schematically depicts a partial back elevation view of a same implementation
of the
container 800. In one example, the container 800 may have an outer shell 802
that is
formed from a partially or wholly water resistant material. It is contemplated
that the
outer shell 802 of container 800 may include a front portion 804, a back
portion 806,
side portions 808, and base portion 810. The container 800 may also include a
closure mechanism 812 that may be configured to resealably seal an opening
(not
depicted in FIG. 8A or 8B) at a top of the container 800. Additionally, the
container
800 may include an attachment mechanism 814 on the back portion 806, which may
be utilized to removably couple the container 800 to another structure, such
as, for
example, a bag, an insulating container, or an item of apparel (e.g. a belt),
among
others. In one implementation, the attachment mechanism may include one or
more
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straps with hook and loop fasteners configured to allow the straps to be
removably
coupled to an external structure.
[0090] In one example, the container 800 may be configured to be removably
coupled to
another container, such as an insulating device, or insulating container. In
particular,
the container 800 may be configured to be removably coupled to one or more of
the
insulating devices described in U.S. Pat. App. No. 15/261407 filed 9 Sept.
2016, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety for any
and all non-limiting purposes. Similarly, any of the other containers 100,
200, 300,
400, 700, and/or 1400 described throughout this document may also be
configured to
be removably coupled to one or more of the insulating devices described in
U.S. Pat.
App. No. 15/261407.
[0091] It is contemplated that the outer shell 802 of the container 800 may be
constructed from one or more panels that are coupled to one another to form
the
depicted front portion 804, a back portion 806, side portions 808, and base
portion
810. In particular, the one or more panels may be glued, stitched, or welded
(ultrasonic welding, RF welding, laser welding, among others) together, among
others. It is contemplated that the outer shell 802 of the container 800 may
have one
or more substantially rigid structures, one or more deformable structures, or
a
combination thereof. Additionally, the outer shell 802 may utilize one or more
polymers (such as, among others, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride,
polyethylene,
polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), composite
materials,
and/or one or more metals/alloys.
[0092] FIGS. 9A-9C schematically depict the container 800 in an open
configuration,
according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 9A
schematically depicts a front elevation view, FIG. 9B schematically depicts a
side
elevation view, and FIG. 9C schematically depicts a back elevation view of the
container 800. In one implementation, an opening 902 may be positioned at a
top of
the container 800, with the opening extending into one or more storage
compartments
encapsulated by the outer shell 802. The container 800 may include a closure
mechanism that includes a magnetic seal. The magnetic seal is described in
further
detail in the proceeding sections of this document, and schematically depicted
in part
within the cutaway window of FIG. 9A as element 904. As will be described in
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further detail in relation to subsequent figures, the magnetic seal 904 may be
configured to magnetically and resealably seal the opening 902 in the
container 800.
Additionally or alternatively, the closure mechanism of the container 800 may
include
a flap portion 906 that extends from the back portion 806 above an edge of the
opening 902 (edge of opening 902 schematically depicted by dashed line 903).
The
flap portion 906 may include a first fastener element 908 that is configured
to be
removably coupled to a second fastener element 910. The second fastener
element
910 is further coupled to an external surface of the front portion 804 of
container 800.
In certain examples, the second fastener element can be formed with a larger
area and
can be in the form of a larger rectangle such that the flap portion 906 of the
container
800 can be secured to the container at different heights. This may allow for
the
container's size to be adjustable to accommodate for different loads in the
container
800. In one example, the first and second fastener elements 908 and 910 may
include
hook and loop or French cleat fastener elements. In another implementation,
the first
and second fastener elements 908 and 910 may include magnetic fasteners, such
as
magnetic strips. The magnetic fasteners may be used separately or in
conjunction
with French cleats, hook and loop, and other types of fastening elements. The
above
methods may also be used to connect various removable straps to the container.
In
yet another implementation, the first and second fastener elements 908 and 910
may
include, or may be used in conjunction with, one or more of a rail/zipper-type
fastener, one or more buttons, clasps, snaps, ties, interlocking shanks,
stamped hooks,
toggles, or interference-type removable couplings, among others.
[0093] In one implementation, the outer shell of the container 800 may be
configured to
fold along one or more lines (not depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C) to engage the first
and
second fastener elements 908 and 910 with one another. It is contemplated that
the
container 800 may fold along one or more fold lines spaced approximately half
way
between the first and second fastener elements 908 and 910 (e.g. along the
schematically depicted line 905). Additionally or alternatively, at least a
portion of
the outer shell of the container 800 may be configured to be rolled in order
to engage
the first and second fastener elements 908 and 910 with one another.
[0094] FIG. 10 schematically depicts a view of the back portion of the
container 800,
according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG, 10
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schematically depicts the container 800 with the attachment mechanism 814 in
an
open configuration. In one example, the attachment mechanism 814 may include
two
straps (e.g. straps 1002a and 1002b). It is contemplated that the attachment
mechanism 814 may utilize a single strap (similar to one of straps 1002a and
1002b),
or three or more straps (similar to one or more of straps 1002a and 1002b),
without
departing from the scope of these disclosures. It is contemplated that straps
1002a
and 1002b may be substantially similar. Accordingly, the following describes
strap
1002a and it may be assumed that similar features are present on strap 1002b.
[0095] In one implementation, the strap 1002a includes fastener elements
1004a, 1006a
and 1008a. In one example, elements 1004a, 1006a and 1008a may include hook
and
loop fasteners, and such that each of elements 1004a, 1006a and 1008a includes
one
or both of hook and loop elements such that a selected one of the elements
1004a,
1006a and 1008a may be configured to removably couple to itself, or to one or
more
of the other two fastener elements. In one example, the fastener elements
1004a,
1006a and 1008a may be glued, welded, or sewn onto the strap 1002a. For
example,
elements 1010a, 1012a, and 1014a may represent seams along which the fastener
element 1008a is sewn to the strap 1004a. Further, seams 1010a, 1012a, and
1014a
may additionally or alternatively couple the strap 1004a to the back portion
806.
Further, it is contemplated that fastener elements 1004a, 1006a and 1008a may
include fastener structures in addition to, or as an alternative to hook and
loop
elements. In particular, the fastener elements may include one or more
rail/zipper-
type fasteners, one or more buttons, clasps, snaps, buckles, pegs, magnets, or
ties,
among others, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
[0096] In one implementation, the storage compartment of the container 800 may
include one or more sub-compartments. As such, FIG. 11 schematically depicts a
portion of an internal back panel 1100 of the container 800, according to one
or more
aspects described herein. In particular, the storage compartment of the
container 800
may include a storage sub-compartment 1102. In one specific example, the
storage
sub-compartment 1102 may include a padded slip pocket. In one implementation,
the
padded slip pocket 1102 may be coupled to an internal back surface 1104. In
one
example, the back portion 806 of the container 800 may comprise a single layer
of
material such that the internal back surface 1104 is an internal surface of
the back
portion 806. In another implementation, the container 800 includes multiple
layers of
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material such that the internal back surface 1104 is a separate structure to
that of the
back portion 806. It is contemplated that the padded slip pocket 1102 may
include an
opening 1106 formed between a slip pocket front panel 1108 and a slip pocket
back
panel 1110. The slip pocket front panel 1108 may have a top edge seam 1112
which
is coupled to the slip pocket back panel 1110 at points 1114a and 1114b.
Additionally, the slip pocket back panel 1110 may be coupled to the internal
back
surface 1104 along seam 1116, which may extend around a full perimeter of the
pocket 1108. In one implementation, seam 1116 and coupling points 1114a and
1114b may comprise sewn couplings. In other implementations, the seam 1116 and
coupling points 1114a and 1114b may additionally or alternatively, be welded
or
glued, among others.
[0097] In certain examples, the sub-compartment 1102 may be padded such that
one or
more items stored therein is provided an amount of impact absorption to reduce
the
likelihood of damage if the container 800 is dropped of hit by an external
element/structure. Accordingly, one or more of the slip pocket front panel
1108 and
the slip pocket back panel 1110 may include one or more padding elements. In
one
example, one or more of panels 1108 and 1110 may include one or more of a foam
(e.g. polyethylene foam), a honeycomb, and/or an air bladder material
positioned
between two external layers. In another implementation, one or more of panels
1108
and 1110 may include a single layer of a padded material, such as neoprene/
polychloroprene, among others.
[0098] FIG. 12 schematically depicts a portion of an internal front panel 1200
of the
container 800, according to one or more aspects described herein. In a similar
manner
to sub-compartment 1102 of FIG. 11, FIG. 12 schematically depicts sub-
compartment
1202, which may be a padded or unpadded compartment having a zipper closure.
In
particular, the zipper closure 1204 may be configured to provide a partially
or fully
sealable closure for opening 1206 that extends into the sub-compartment 1202.
Similar to sub-compartment 1102, sub-compartment 1202 may include a zip pocket
back panel 1208 and a zip pocket front panel 1210. The zip pocket back panel
1208
may be coupled to the internal front surface 1212 of the container 800. In one
example, the internal front surface 1212 is an internal surface of the front
portion 804.
In other examples, the container 800 may have multiple layers, such that the
internal
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front surface 1212 is spaced apart from the front portion 804 by one or more
intermediate material layers.
[0099] In one example, the zip pocket back panel 1208 may be coupled to the
internal
front surface 1212 along seam 1214, which may extend around a full perimeter
of the
pocket 1202. Further, the seam 1214 may be stitched, welded, or glued, among
others. Additionally, the zip pocket front panel 1210 may be coupled to the
back
panel 1208 and/or internal front surface 1212 along seam 1214. The zipper
closure
1204 may include end stops 1216a and 1216b that are spaced apart across the
opening
1206. One or more of the zip pocket back panel 1208 and zip pocket front panel
1210
may be padded or unpadded, similar to the slip pocket front panel 1108 and a
slip
pocket back panel 1110. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the zip
pocket
back panel 1208 and zip pocket front panel 1210 may include a mesh material or
partially or wholly transparent polymer material.
[0100] FIG. 13A schematically depicts a cross-sectional end view of one
implementation
of the container 800, according to one or more aspects described herein. As
previously described, an internal compartment 1302 is enclosed by front
portion 804,
back portion 806, and base portion 810 (as well as side portions 808 not
depicted in
FIG. 13A). Further, the internal compartment 1302 may include one or more sub-
compartments 1102 and 1202.
[0101] Further to the description of FIG. 11, FIG. 13A schematically depicts
padding
layers 1304 within the slip pocket front panel 1108 and slip pocket back panel
1110.
In one specific implementation, padding layers 1304 may include 0.5-5 mm of
polyethylene foam. It is contemplated that other types of foams, padding
materials,
and/or other thickness may be utilized, without departing from the scope of
these
disclosures.
[0102] As previously described, one or more of the front portion 804, a back
portion
806, side portions 808, and base portion 810 may include multiple material
panels that
are coupled together. In one specific example, the front portion 804 may
include a
lower front portion 1306 that is coupled to an upper front portion 1308.
Similarly, the
back portion 806 may include a lower back portion 1310 that is coupled to an
upper
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back portion 1312. Alternatively, the lower front portion 1306 and the upper
front
portion 1308 may be formed as a single element, and/or the lower back portion
1310
and the upper back portion 1312 may be formed as a single element. In one
example,
the upper front portion 1308 may include a front edge 1314 of the opening 1316
into
the compartment 1302. Similarly, the upper back portion 1312 may include a
back
edge 1318 of the opening 1316.
[0103] FIG. 13B schematically depicts a more detailed view of the opening 1316
of
container 800, according to one or more aspects described herein. In
particular, FIG.
13B schematically depicts a cross-sectional end view of a first magnetic strip
1320
having a first magnetic strip top side 1329 and a first magnetic strip bottom
side 1331,
and coupled to an internal surface 1212 of the front portion 804 at a front
edge 1314
of the opening 1316. Similarly, a second magnetic strip 1322 having a second
magnetic strip top side 1333 and a second magnetic strip bottom side 1335, and
may
be coupled to an internal surface 1104 of the back portion 806 at a back edge
1318 of
the opening 1316.
[0104] In one implementation, the first magnetic strip 1320 may be rigidly
coupled to
the internal surface 1212 along at least an upper seam 1324 and a lower seam
1326.
Further, the second magnetic strip 1322 may be hingedly coupled to the
internal
surface 1104. The hinged coupling of the magnetic strip 1322 may be at seam
1328 at
the back edge 1318 of the opening 1316. As such, the second magnetic strip
1322
may have a loose end 1330 that is uncoupled from the surface 1104 and may
rotate
about the seam 1328. Further, the second magnetic strip bottom side 1335 may
be
unattached to the outer shell 802. In other examples, either or both of the
first
magnetic strip bottom side 1331 and the second magnetic strip bottom side 1335
may
be unattached to the outer shell 802.
[0105] In another implementation, as schematically depicted in FIG. 13C, the
first
magnetic strip 1320 may be hingedly coupled to the internal surface 1212 along
the
upper seam 1324, and the second magnetic strip 1322 may be rigidly coupled to
the
internal surface 1104 by the upper seam 1328 and another lower seam 1340,
without
departing from the scope of these disclosures. As such, the first magnetic
strip 1320
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may have a loose end 1342 that is uncoupled from the surface 1212 and may
rotate
about the seam 1324.
[0106] In yet another implementation, as schematically depicted in FIG. 13D,
both the
first magnetic strip 1320 and the second magnetic strip 1322 may be hingedly
coupled
to the respective internal surfaces 1212 and 1104 at the respective front
edges 1314
and 1318. As such, the first magnetic strip 1320 may have a loose end 1342
that is
uncoupled from the surface 1212 and the second magnetic strip 1322 may have a
loose end 1330 that is uncoupled from the surface 1104.
[0107] Advantageously, the hinged coupling of one or more of the first and/or
second
magnetic strips 1320 and 1322 may allow the magnetic coupling to remain
engaged
and seal the compartment 1302 up to a comparatively higher internal/ external
pressure being applied to the sidewalls of the internal compartment 1302 than
if both
of the magnetic strips 1320 and 1322 were rigidly coupled to the respective
internal
surfaces 1212 and 1104.
[0108] The containers described throughout these disclosures may be configured
to
remain sealed in response to a pressure differential between an internal
storage
compartment of a given container and an external environment surrounding the
container. In one implementation, container 800 may be configured to remain
sealed
up to a first pressure level using the magnetic closure formed by magnetic
strips 1320
and 1322 being magnetically coupled to one another. Further, container 800 may
be
configured to remain sealed up to a second pressure level, higher than the
first
pressure level, when both the magnetic closure, formed by magnetic strips 1320
and
1322, is engaged and a secondary closure is engaged by removably coupling the
fastener element 908 to the fastener element 910. In one example, the use of
the
secondary closure, formed by fastener elements 908 and 910, in combination
with the
magnetic closure formed by magnetic strips 1320 and 1322, may increase by a
factor
of 5 or more the pressure to which the seal of the internal storage
compartment of
container 800 can withstand when compared to the use of the magnetic closure
formed by magnetic strips 1320 and 1322 alone. In other examples, the pressure
tolerance resulting from engaging fastener elements 908 and 910 in combination
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the magnetic closure formed by magnetic strips 1320 and 1322 may increase by a
factor of 5-10. In one implementation, the magnetic closure formed by magnetic
strips 1320 and 1322 may be configured to withstand a pressure of 0.5-0.9 psi
or
more, and the combination of magnetic closure formed by magnetic strips 1320
and
1322, and the secondary closure formed by fastener elements 908 and 910, may
be
configured to withstand a pressure of 2.5-4.5 psi or more. Further, it is
contemplated
that alternative pressure ranges may be withstood by container 800, or any
other
container described throughout this disclosure.
[0109] FIG. 14 depicts one implementation of a container 1400, similar to
container 800,
according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, container
1400 may
include a front portion 1402 that may be similar to front portion 802, and a
back
portion 1404 that may be similar to back portion 806. The container 1400 may
also
include a flap portion 1406 that may be similar to the flap portion 906. As
such, the
flap portion 1406 may have a first fastener element 1408 coupled thereto. The
first
fastener element 1408 may be similar to first fastener element 908, and may be
configured to couple to a second fastener element 1410 that is coupled to an
external
surface of the front portion 1402. As such, the second fastener element 1410
may be
similar to the second fastener element 910. In one specific example, the first
and
second fastener elements 1408 and 1410 may include hook and loop fastener
elements. However, additional or alternative fastener elements may be utilized
with
these elements, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. For
example,
both the first and second fastener elements 1408 and 1410 may include magnetic
fasteners, such as magnetic strips, among others.
[0110] Additionally, FIG. 14 depicts a magnetic strip 1412. This magnetic
strip 1412
may be similar to magnetic strip 1322, and may be configured to magnetically
seal an
opening 1414 of the container 1400. In particular, the magnetic strip 1412 may
be
coupled to an internal surface of the back portion 1404 at a back edge 1405 of
the
opening 1414. In one example, the magnetic strip 1412 may be configured to
magnetically attach to a second magnetic strip (not depicted) that is coupled
to an
internal surface of the front portion 1402 at a front edge 1416 of the opening
1414.
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[0111] In one implementation, the magnetic strip 1412 may include a row of
magnetic
elements (e.g. elements 1418a, 1418b etc.). In one implementation, these
magnetic
elements 1418a, 1418b may be permanent magnets. In another example, the
magnetic
elements 1418a, 1418b may be magnetically attracted to permanent magnets. It
is
further contemplated that the magnetic strip 1412 may, additionally or
alternatively,
include an array of magnetic elements similar to elements 1418a and 1418b that
has
two or more rows. Further, it is contemplated that the magnetic strip 1412 may
include one or more continuous magnetic bands, rather than a series of
multiple
magnetic elements (e.g. elements 1418a and 1418b). These magnetic bands may
include one or more magnetic wires or foils, without departing from the scope
of
these disclosures. Further, additional or alternative implementations of
magnetic
closures may be utilized with the container 1400, without departing from the
scope of
these disclosures. In one example, the magnetic seal formed by the magnetic
strips
1320, 1322 and/or 1412 may form a partially or wholly water resistant seal of
the
openings 902 and/or 1414.
[0112] FIG. 15 depicts another view of the container 1400 from FIG. 14,
according to
one or more aspects described herein. In one example, FIG. 15 illustrates that
the
magnetic strip 1412 may be hingedly coupled to an internal surface of the back
portion 1404 at aback edge 1405 of the opening 1414.
[0113] FIG. 16 depicts another view of the container 1400 from FIG. 14,
according to
one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 16 depicts a test of
the
magnetic fastener of the container 1400, e.g. the fastener that includes the
magnetic
strip 1412 that is configured to magnetically couple to a second magnetic
strip in
order to seal the opening 1414. As depicted, the container 1400 demonstrates
the
ability of the magnetic fastener to maintain an airtight seal as a 5 kg mass
is
positioned on a back portion 1604 of the container 1600 (in this test setup,
the
container 1600 only contains air).
[0114] FIGS. 17A-17B schematically depict isometric views of another
implementation
of a container 1700, according to one or more aspects described herein. In
particular,
FIG. 17A schematically depicts the container 1700 in an open configuration and
FIG.
17B schematically depicts the container in a closed configuration. In one
example,
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container 1700 may be similar to container 800, and have an outer shell 1702
with a
front portion 1704, a back portion 1706, side portions 1708, and a base
portion 1710.
Additionally, container 1700 has a first fastener element 1712 that is
configured to be
removably coupled to a second fastener element 1714. In order to removably
couple
the first fastener element 1712 to the second fastener element 1714, a flap
portion
1716 of the back portion 1706 may be folded or rolled, to bring the first
fastener
element 1712 proximate the second fastener element 1714. It is further
contemplated
that the container 1700 may have a magnetic closure 1713, similar to that of
magnetic
closure described in relation to FIG. 13B. As such, in one example, when the
container 1700 is in the open configuration of FIG. 17A, the magnetic closure
may be
capable of sealing the container 1700 up to 0.25 psi pressure. In other
examples,
when the container 1700 is in the open configuration of FIG. 17A, the magnetic
closure may be capable of sealing the container 1700 for pressures of up to
0.3 psi,
0.4 psi, 0.5 psi, 0.6 psi, 0.7 psi, or 1.0 psi. Further, when in the closed
configuration
of FIG. 17B, the combination of the magnetic closure 1713 and the first and
second
fastener element 1712 and 1714 may be capable of sealing the container 1700 up
to a
pressure of 2.75 psi. In other examples, the combination of the magnetic
closure 1713
and the first and second fastener element 1712 and 1714 may be capable of
sealing
the container 1700 up to a pressure of 3.0 psi, 3.5 psi, 4.0 psi, 4.5 psi, or
.50 psi.
[0115] FIGS. 18A-18B schematically depict isometric views of a closure
mechanism,
according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 18A
schematically depicts an isometric view of a top portion of a closure
mechanism 1800.
The closure mechanism 1800 may be similar to the closure mechanism of
container
400, and include a back frame 1802, similar to back frame 604, that is
configured to
be magnetically and removably coupled to a front frame 1804, similar to front
frame
602. When coupled, as depicted in FIGS. 18A-18C, a zipper trough, or zipper
channel 1806 is formed. In one example, the zipper trough 1806 may be
configured
to provide clearance for a slider body to move along a zipper tape (e.g.
zipper 614).
FIG. 18 B schematically depicts an isometric view of a bottom portion of the
closure
mechanism 1800. In one example, each of the back frame 1802 and the front
frame
1804 may include a plurality of magnetic elements, of which elements 1808a-
1808c
are examples of a plurality of similar elements. In one implementation, the
magnetic
elements, e.g. elements 1808a-1808c, may be coupled to the front frame 1804
and the
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back frame 1802 using one or more molding, overmolding, gluing, or
interference
fitting processes. In one example, the magnetic elements within each of the
back
frame 1802 and the front frame 1804 may abut one another when the front frame
1804
is magnetically coupled to the back frame 1802. In another example, the
magnetic
elements within each of the back frame 1802 and/or the front frame 1804 may
exert a
magnetic force to without directly contacting one another. In one example, the
magnetic elements, e.g. elements 1808a-1808c, may be permanent magnets, or may
be ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Additionally or alternatively, the
closure
mechanism 1800 may include magnetic strips, rather than discrete magnetic
elements
(e.g. elements 1808a-1808c), without departing from the scope of these
disclosures.
[0116] FIG. 19 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another
implementation
of a closure mechanism 1900, according to one or more aspects described
herein. In
one example, the closure mechanism 1900 may be similar to the closure
mechanism
of container 400, and include a back shell 1902 and a front shell 1904 which
form an
outer shell of a container, similar to container 400. Additionally, the
closure
mechanism 1900 may include a zipper 1906 that is configured to provide a first
closure of an opening 1908 between the back shell 1902 and the front shell
1904. In
one example, the zipper 1906 may be stretchably coupled to the back shell 1902
and
the front shell 1904 such that when the zipper 1906 is closed a tensile force
urges a
front frame 1912 toward a back frame 1910. In turn, this tensile force urges a
front
magnet strip 1914 toward a back magnetic strip 1916. In one example, when the
front
frame 1912 is magnetically and removably coupled to the back frame 1910, a
zipper
trough 1918 is formed. In another example, the closure mechanism 1900 may
include
gasket elements 1920 and 1922 configured to provide additional sealing of the
opening 1908 when the front magnet strip 1914 is magnetically coupled to the
back
magnetic strip 1916.
[0117] FIG. 20 schematically depicts an implementation of a closure mechanism
2000,
according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the closure
mechanism 2000 is configured to resealably seal a container. Outer shell 2002
is one
example of a type of container with which the closure mechanism 2000 may be
utilized. It is contemplated, however, that the closure mechanism 2000 may be
utilized with any container type, and outer shell 2002 represents one
exemplary
implementation. The outer shell 2002 may be formed of a water resistant
material, or
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a partially or fully permeable material. While not depicted in the schematic
representation of FIG. 20, the outer shell 2002 may generally have a front
portion, a
back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The outer shell 2002 may also
include
an opening 2004. The closure mechanism 2000 may be configured to resealably
seal
the opening 2004. In one example, the closure mechanism 2000 is configured to
fold
between an open configuration and a closed configuration to resealably seal
the
opening 2004. The closure mechanism 2000 may include magnetic elements
configured to provide a sealing force. Further, the seal provided by the
closure
mechanism 2000 may be substantially watertight and/or airtight when in a
closed
configuration.
[0118] As depicted in FIG. 20, the closure mechanism 2000 is positioned in a
partially
folded configuration through which the closure mechanism 2000 is moved as it
is
transitioned between a fully open configuration and a closed configuration. In
one
example, the closure mechanism 2000 includes a folding magnetic collar 2100
that is
coupled to the opening of the outer shell 2002. This folding magnetic collar
2100 is
described in further detail in relation to FIGS. 21A and 21B.
[0119] FIGS. 21A and 22B depict the folding magnetic collar 2100 of the
closure
mechanism 2000, according to one or more aspects described herein. In
particular,
FIG. 21A depicts the folding magnetic collar 2100 in a fully open
configuration, and
FIG. 21B depicts the folding magnetic collar 2100 in a fully closed
configuration.
The fully closed configuration of FIG. 21B may seal an opening of a container,
such
as opening 2004 of outer shell 2002.
[0120] The folding magnetic collar 2100 may include a front collar member 2102
that
linearly extends between a first end 2104 and a second end 2106. These first
and
second ends 2104 and 2106 may be coupled to respective first and second ends
of a
front of an opening, such as opening 2004. The front collar member 2102 may
also
include a projection 2108 that extends toward a back collar member 2116. The
projection 2108 may have a first magnetic surface 2114 that faces the back
collar
member 2116. Additionally, the front collar member 2102 may include a second
magnetic surface 2110 spaced apart from a third magnetic surface 2112 by the
projection 2108.
[0121] The back collar member 2116 of the folding magnetic collar 2100 may
extend
between a first end 2118 and a second end 2120. These first and second ends
2118
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and 2120 may be coupled to respective first and second ends of a back of an
opening,
such as opening 2004. The back collar member 2116 may also include a
projection
2122 that extends toward the front collar member 2102. The projection 2122 may
have a first magnetic surface 2124 that faces front collar member 2102.
Additionally,
the back collar member may include a second magnetic surface 2126 spaced apart
from a third magnetic surface 2128 by the projection 2122.
[0122] The folding magnetic collar 2100 may include a first side collar member
2130
that extends along a first side of an opening, such as opening 2004. The first
side
collar member 2130 may be hingedly coupled to the first end 2104 of the front
collar
member 2102 and hingedly coupled to the first end 2118 of the back collar
member
2116. The first side collar member 2130 additionally includes a center hinge
2132
that separates a first magnetic element 2134 from a second magnetic element
2136.
[0123] The folding magnetic collar 2100 includes a second side collar member
2140 that
extends along a second side of an opening, such as opening 2004. The second
side
collar member 2140 may be hingedly coupled to the second end 2106 of the front
collar member 2102 and hingedly coupled to the second end 2120 of the back
collar
member 2116. The second side collar member 2140 additionally includes a center
hinge 2142 that separates a first magnetic element 2144 from a second magnetic
element 2146.
[0124] As described, the folding magnetic collar 2100 includes a hinge between
the front
collar member 2102 and the first side collar member 2130 at first end 2104.
Additionally, the front collar member 2102 is hinged to the second side collar
member
2140 at second end 2106. Similarly, the back collar member 2116 is hinged to
the
first side collar member 2130 at first end 2118 and to the second side collar
member
2140 at second end 2120. Further, the first side collar member 2130 includes
center
hinge 2132, and the second side collar member 2140 includes center hinge 2142.
It is
contemplated that any of these hinge elements may include a live hinge
structure that
includes a flexure constructed from one or more polymers, metals, or alloys.
Additionally or alternatively, any of these hinge elements may include any
mechanical hinge mechanism that includes separate hinge elements that are
rotatatably coupled to one another.
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[0125] As depicted in FIG. 21A, when the folding magnetic collar 2100 is in a
fully open
configuration, the front collar member 2102, the back collar member 2116, the
first
side collar member 2130, and the second side collar member 2140 are positioned
in a
substantially rectilinear configuration. When folded, the center hinge 2132 of
the first
side collar member 2130 hinges the first and second magnetic elements 2134 and
2136 of the first side collar member 2130 into contact with one another.
Additionally,
the hinged coupling of the first side collar member 2130 to the first end 2104
of the
front collar member 2102 and to the first end 2118 of the back collar member
2116
hinges the first and second magnetic elements 2134 and 2136 of the first side
collar
member 2130 into contact with the second magnetic surface 2110 of the front
collar
member 2102 and the second magnetic surface 2126 of the back collar member
2116.
[0126] When folded, the center hinge 2142 of the second side collar member
2140
hinges the first and second magnetic elements 2144 and 2146 of the second side
collar
member 2140 into contact with one another. Additionally, the hinged coupling
of the
second side collar member 2140 to the second end 2106 of the front collar
member
2102 and to the second end 2120 of the back collar member 2116 hinges the
first and
second magnetic elements 2144 and 2146 of the second side collar member 2140
into
contact with the second magnetic surface 2112 of the front collar member 2102
and
the second magnetic surface 2128 of the back collar member 2116.
[0127] When folded, the center hinge 2132 of the first side collar member 2134
and the
center hinge 2142 of the second side collar member 2140 hinge the first
magnetic
surface 2110 and the second magnetic surface 2112 of the front collar member
2102
into contact with the respective first magnetic surface 2126 and second
magnetic
surface 2128 of the back collar member 2116. This closed configuration is
depicted
in FIG. 21B.
[0128] FIG. 22 depicts a container 2200 that has a magnetic closure 2202,
according to
one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the container 2200 may
be
similar to any of the containers described throughout this disclosure. In
another
example, container 2200 may be similar to one or more of the insulating
containers
described in U.S. Application No. 15/790,926, filed 23 Oct. 2017, titled
"Insulating
Container," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference
for any
and all nonlimiting purposes.
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[0129] The container 2200 may include an outer shell 2204 that is constructed
from a
water resistant material. The outer shell 2204 may include a front portion
2206, a
back portion 2208, side portions 2210 and 2212, and a base portion 2214. In
one
example, an opening 2216 may be positioned at a top portion 2218 of the
container
2200. However, it is contemplated that the magnetic closure mechanism 2202 may
be
utilized to resealably seal alternative opening implementations of containers
similar to
container 2200.
[0130] The magnetic closure mechanism 2202 may include a first magnetic strip
2220
that is coupled to a first side of the opening 2216. The first magnetic strip
2220 may
include a linear series of magnetic elements 2222. In another implementation,
the
magnetic strip 2202 may include a single continuous magnetic element, or a two-
dimensional array of magnetic elements, without departing from the scope of
these
disclosures. A second magnetic strip 2224 may be coupled to a second side of
the
opening 2216. The first magnetic strip 2220 may be magnetically attracted to
the
second magnetic strip 2224 to resealably seal the opening 2216 using a
magnetic
force attraction between strips 2220 and 2224. As such, the second magnetic
strip
2224 may include one or more magnetic elements, similar to the first magnetic
strip
2220. In one example, the first magnetic strip 2220 may be manually separated
from
the second magnetic strip 2224 in order to transition the opening 2216 from a
sealed
configuration to an open configuration, as depicted in FIG. 22. In one
example, each
of the first magnetic strip 2220 and the second magnetic strip 2224 can be
injection
molded with rare earth magnets. The container 2200 may include a tab 2226 to
allow
a user to manually separate the first magnetic strip 2220 from the second
magnetic
strip 2224. The of the first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip can
help to
create a strong seal that will not break when the container 2200 is dropped
from
reasonable heights. Additionally, the geometry of this sealing method creates
insulated space to improve thermal performance and eliminate the 'thermal-
bridge'
effect
[0131] FIG. 23 depicts a container 2300 that has a magnetic closure mechanism
2301,
according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the
container
2300 may be similar to any of the containers described throughout this
disclosure,
such as container 2200 from FIG. 22. The container 2300 may include an outer
shell
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2302. The outer shell 2302 may have an opening 2304 that extends into a
storage
compartment. A magnetic closure mechanism 2301 may be configured to resealably
seal the opening 2304. The magnetic closure mechanism 2301 may include a first
magnetic strip 2306 that extends along a longitudinal axis that is coupled to
a first
side of the opening 2304. In one example, the first magnetic strip 2306
includes a
linear series of discrete magnet elements, of which magnets 2308 and 2310 or
two
examples spaced along the longitudinal axis of the first magnetic strip 2306.
A rail
2312 may extend along a longitudinal axis and may be coupled to a second side
of the
opening 2304. A second magnetic strip 2314 may extend along a longitudinal
axis
and may be slidably coupled to the rail 2312. The second magnetic strip 2314
may
have a series of magnets similar to the first magnetic strip 2306.
[0132] In one example, the second magnetic strip 2314 is slidably coupled to
the rail
2312 such that the second magnetic strip 2314 is slidable relative to the rail
2312 with
the longitudinal axis of the second magnetic strip 2314 parallel to the
longitudinal
axis of the rail 2312. In one example, the series of magnets on the first
magnetic strip
2306 may have outer surfaces facing the second magnetic strip 2314, and with
alternating magnetic polarities. Similarly, the series of magnets of the
second
magnetic strip 2314 may have outer surfaces facing the first magnetic strip
2306, and
with alternating magnetic polarities. In a first configuration, the magnets of
the first
magnetic strip 2306 may be aligned with magnets of the second magnetic strip
2314
that have opposite magnetic polarities, and the first magnetic strip 2306 may
be
magnetically attracted to the second magnetic strip 2314. In a second
configuration,
the magnets of the first magnetic strip 2306 may be aligned with magnets of
the
second magnetic strip 2314 that have the same magnetic polarities, and the
first
magnetic strip 2306 may be magnetically repelled from the second magnetic
strip
2314. The second magnetic strip 2314 may be transitioned from the first
configuration to the second configuration by sliding the second magnetic strip
2314
relative to the rail 2312. Accordingly, when in the first configuration, the
magnetic
closure 2301 is in a closed configuration, and the opening 2304 is sealed.
When in
the second configuration, the magnetic closure 2301 is in an open
configuration, and
the opening 2304 is unsealed. As such, the slidable motion of the second
magnetic
strip 2314 relative to the rail 2312 may allow a user to manually disengage
magnets
from one another using a reduced manual force than may otherwise be needed to
pull
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the first magnetic strip 2306 away from the second magnetic strip 2314. In one
example, arrow 2350 schematically depicts a direction of motion to slide the
second
magnetic strip 2314 into a closed configuration, and arrow 2352 schematically
depicts
a direction of motion to slide the second magnetic strip 2314 into an open
configuration.
[0133] The magnetic closure mechanism 2306 may additionally include a tab
element
2320 that may be used to manually slide or twist the second magnetic strip
2314
relative to the first magnetic strip 2306 along the rail 2312. This tab
element 2320
may include a fabric loop or a polymeric grip element. However, additional or
alternative implementations may be used, without departing from the scope of
these
disclosures.
[0134] FIGS. 24A and 24B schematically depict a magnetic closure mechanism
similar
to that described in relation to FIG. 23, according to one or more aspects
described
herein. In particular, FIG. 24A schematically depicts a magnetic closure
mechanism
2400 that has a first magnetic strip 2304 and a second magnetic strip 2306.
The
second magnetic strip 2306 is configured to be slidable relative to the first
magnetic
strip 2304. Further, each of the first magnetic strip 2304 and the second
magnetic
strip 2306 includes a series of magnets with outer surfaces having alternating
magnetic polarity. When in the first configuration of FIG. 24A, the first
magnetic
strip 2304 is aligned with the second magnetic strip 2306 such that the outer
surfaces
of the magnets face the outer surfaces of magnets of opposite magnetic
polarity. This
first configuration results is a magnetic attractive force between the first
magnetic
strip 2304 and the second magnetic strip 2306.
[0135] FIG. 24B schematically depicts the first magnetic strip 2304 and the
second
magnetic strip 2306 in a second configuration. As depicted in FIG. 24B, the
second
magnetic strip 2306 has been moved relative to the first magnetic strip 2304
such that
the outer surfaces of the magnets of the first and second magnetic strips
facing one
another have the same magnetic polarities. This second configuration results
in the
first magnetic strip 2304 being magnetically repelled from the second magnetic
strip
2306. Accordingly, the second configuration depicted in FIG. 24B depicts the
magnetic closure mechanism 2400 in an open configuration. When the first
magnetic
strip 2304 is repelled from the second magnetic strip 2306, the container may
be
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maintained in the open position. This may allow the user to be able see the
contents
inside the container and easily access the contents inside the container.
[0136] FIG. 25 schematically depicts another implementation of a container
2500 that
has a magnetic closure mechanism 2502, according to one or more aspects
described
herein. The container 2500 may be similar to the containers described
throughout
these disclosures. In one example, the container 2500 is an insulating
container.
Additionally or alternatively, the container 2500 may have a substantially
water-
resistant or water-proof outer shell 2504. While not depicted in FIG. 25, the
outer
shell 2504 may include any of the geometries and/or features of the containers
described throughout these disclosures, and include a front portion, back
portion, side
portions, and a base portion, among others. In one implementation, FIG. 25
schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a container
2500 that
has an internal storage compartment 2506. The storage compartment 2506 may be
formed by an inner liner 2508. Additionally, the container 2500 may include
one or
more layers of insulation 2510 positioned between the outer shell 2504 and the
inner
liner 2508.
[0137] The container may include an opening 2512 extending into the storage
compartment 2506. As depicted in FIG. 25, the opening 2512 is resealably
sealed by
the magnetic closure mechanism 2502.
Accordingly, the magnetic closure
mechanism 2502 may include a first magnetic strip 2514 that is coupled to an
internal
surface of the container 2500 on a first side of the opening 2512. In one
example, the
first magnetic strip 2514 is substantially rigidly coupled to the internal
surface of the
container 2500. Additionally, the magnetic closure mechanism 2502 includes a
second magnetic strip 2516 that has a magnetic strip top side 2518, and a
magnetic
strip bottom side 2520. The second magnetic strip top side 2518 may be coupled
to a
second side of the opening 2512, and the second magnetic strip bottom side
2520 may
be unattached to the container 2500 such that the second magnetic strip 2516
can flex
and pivot relative to the first magnetic strip 2514. Accordingly, the second
magnetic
strip top side 2518 may be coupled to the container 2500 by a flexure element,
which
may include a fabric element, or a flexible polymeric element, among others.
[0138] The magnetic closure mechanism 2502 may additionally include a third
magnetic
strip 2522. The third magnetic strip 2522 may include a third magnetic strip
top side
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2524 and a third magnetic strip bottom side 2526. The third magnetic strip top
side
2524 may be coupled to the second side of the opening 2512, and the third
magnetic
strip bottom side 2526 may be unattached to the container 2500 such that the
third
magnetic strip 2522 can flex and pivot relative to the first magnetic strip
2514.
Accordingly, the third magnetic strip top side 2524 may be coupled to the
container
2500 by a flexure element, which may include a fabric element, or a flexible
polymeric element, among others.
[0139] In the closed configuration depicted in FIG. 25, the second magnetic
strip 2516
may be configured to be magnetically coupled to the first magnetic strip 2514
inside
the storage compartment 2506. Additionally, when in the closed configuration
depicted in FIG. 25, the third magnetic strip 2522 may be configured to be
magnetically coupled to the first magnetic strip 2514 on an external surface
on the
outer shell 2504 of the container 2500.
[0140] FIG. 26 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of one
implementation of a
magnetic closure 2600, according to one or more aspects described herein. It
is
contemplated that the magnetic closure 2600 may be used with any of the
closures
and/or containers described throughout this disclosure. The magnetic closure
2600
may include two magnetic strips 2602a and 2602b, which may be configured to be
magnetically coupled to one another to seal an opening of a container. Each of
the
magnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may include a single continuous magnetic
element,
a series of discrete magnetic elements, or an array of magnetic elements.
Further, a
magnetic element may include a permanent magnet, or a metallic material that
is
magnetically attracted to a magnet.
[0141] Each of the magnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may include one or more
magnetic
elements 2604 encapsulated with a shell material 2606. The shell material 2606
may
include one or more polymers, alloys, ceramics, or fiber reinforced materials,
among
others. Additionally, the magnetic coupling surfaces 2608a and 2608b of the
respective magnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may have planar geometries. In
another
implementation, the magnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may each be formed from a
contiguous magnetic material such that the planar surfaces 2608a and 2608b are
themselves magnetic.
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[0142] FIG. 27 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another
implementation
of a magnetic closure 2700, according to one or more aspects described herein.
It is
contemplated that the magnetic closure 2700 may be used with any of the
closures
and/or containers described throughout this disclosure. The magnetic closure
2700
may include two magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b, which may be configured to be
magnetically coupled to one another to seal an opening of a container. Each of
the
magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b may include a single continuous magnetic
element,
a series of discrete magnetic elements, or an array of magnetic elements.
[0143] Each of the magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b may include one or more
magnetic
elements 2704 encapsulated by a shell material 2706. The shell material 2706
may
include one or more polymers, alloys, ceramics, or fiber reinforced materials,
among
others. Additionally, the magnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b of the
respective magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b may have non-planar geometries. In
certain examples, the magnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b may have
interlocking or complementary geometries. Further, the magnetic coupling
surfaces
2708a and 2708b may have undulating, rippled, saw tooth, wavy, or zig-zag
surface
geometries. Additionally, the surface geometries of the magnetic coupling
surfaces
2708a and 2708b may be irregular, or regular surface features (such as
undulations,
ripples, saw teeth, waves, or zig-zags etc. Advantageously, the non-planar
surface
geometry of magnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b may reduce or prevent
sliding of the magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b relative to one another. This
may, in
turn, increase the strength and/or efficacy of a magnetic seal formed by the
magnetic
attraction between magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b. In another implementation,
the
magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b may each be formed from a contiguous magnetic
material such that the non-planar surfaces 2708a and 2708b are themselves
magnetic.
In one example, the magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b can be formed by injection
or
extrusion molding. The interlocking geometry of the magnetic strips 2702a and
2702b can be constructed in a way to prevent seal failure.
[0144] FIG. 28 depicts another example container that includes a magnetic
closure
mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein. Container 2800
may
be implemented as an insulating container that has a storage compartment 2802
that is
resealably sealed by a hinged lid 2806. The container 2800 may be similar to
one or
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more of the containers described in U.S. Application No. 15/261,407, filed 9
Sept
2016, titled "Insulating Device and Method for Forming Insulating Device," the
entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-
limiting
purposes. The lid closure 2804 may resealably seal the storage compartment
2802
using a combination of an inner magnetic closure mechanism and an outer zipper
mechanism. In one example, this combined closure may be similar to the closure
of
FIG. 6, which includes external zipper assembly 614 in combination with
internal
magnetic strips 606 and 608. The magnetic strips 606 and 608, in one example,
can
be injection molded TPU with embedded rare earth magnets. The magnets help
provide the alignment and sealing force for the closure. The geometry of the
magnetic
strips 606 and 608 can creates a strong seal that remains intact when dropped
from
reasonable heights. And, the geometry of this seal creates insulated space to
improve
thermal performance and eliminate the 'thermal-bridge' effect. An additional
pull-tab
on the front allows an opening point for the lid 2806. In addition, the pull-
tab 2808
and the container 2800 can be provided with one or more mating features to
prevent
the lid from inadvertently opening.
[0145] FIG. 29 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of
the closure
mechanism of the container 2800, according to one or more aspects described
herein.
In one example, the closure mechanism includes a zipper assembly 604 and
internal
magnetic strips 606 and 608. The magnetic strips 606 and 608 may be
magnetically
coupled to one another with or without the zipper assembly 604 being in a
closed
configuration. As such, the magnetic strips 606 and 608 may be used to
resealably
seal the lid 2804 to the storage compartment 2802, with this seal being
further
reinforced by the zipper assembly 604 when positioned in a closed
configuration.
[0146] FIG. 30 depicts another implementation of a container 3000, according
to one or
more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 30 depicts the container
3000 in a
closed configuration, whereas FIG. 31 depicts the same container 3000 in an
open
configuration (partially open configuration). In the depicted example, the
container
3000 includes an outer shell 3002. This outer shell 3002 may be partially or
fully
watertight, airtight, and/or sealed to substantially or fully prevent dust or
other
materials from entering into and/or escaping from the container 3000. For
example,
the outer shell 3002 may be constructed from one or more layers of material to
result
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in a partially or fully water resistant barrier. In this regard, the outer
shell 3002 may
be formed of any materials or construction methodologies described throughout
this
disclosure, and/or constructed using any materials or techniques described in
U.S.
Application No. 15/261704, filed Sept. 9, 2016, the entire contents of which
are
incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes.
Further, the
outer shell 3002 may be implemented as a substantially deformable structure
that is
constructed from flexible materials.
[0147] The outer shell 3002 may be implemented with a substantially cuboidal
lower
geometry, and include a front portion 3004, a back portion 3006, a first side
portion
3008, and a second side portion 3010. The outer shell 3002 may additionally
include
a base portion 3012. This base portion 3012 may be formed of a same material
or
materials as the portions 3004, 3006, 3008, and/or 3010, or may include
additional or
alternative materials to provide added durability and/or abrasion resistance
to the base
portion of the container 3000. Additionally, the outer shell 3002 includes a
flap 3014
that extends from the back portion 3006. As depicted in FIG. 30, the flap 3014
is
configured to be fastened to the front portion 3004 by a fastener 3016. This
fastener
3016 may be implemented as a hook that is rotatably coupled to a strap 3018
that
extends from a lower edge 3020 of the flap 3014. Additionally or
alternatively, the
fastener 3016 may include one or more of a magnetic cleat, a side release
buckle, one
or more snap closures, hook and loop fasteners, or one or more magnetic
fasteners,
among others. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the fastener 3016 may be
rotatably coupled to the webbing loop 3022 or another area of the front
portion 3004
of the outer shell 3002, and configured to be removably coupled to the strap
3018.
The fastener 3016 may also be configured to be removably coupled to a hole
that
provides an anchoring point and extends through a portion of the outer shell
3002.
This hole may have any geometry, and may be formed by any manufacturing
process,
such as laser cutting, punching, stamping, or formed by one or more material
portions
that are coupled to one another to form the hole. Additionally, outer shell
3002 may
use more than one hole or channel as part of a closure mechanism for removably
coupling the flap 3014 to the front portion 3004. Furthermore, these one or
more
holes or channels may be reinforced with rigid reinforcing elements (grommets,
plugs, tubes, among others). The fastener 3060 may be configured to be
removably
fastened to a webbing loop 3022. Further, the webbing loop 3022 may form one
of a
series of webbing loops 3024 that is coupled to the front portion 3004 of the
outer
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shell 3002. In one example, the series of webbing loops 3024 may be coupled to
at
least a portion of the front portion 3004, the base portion 3012, and/or the
back
portion 3006 of the outer shell 3002.
[0148] The container 3000 additionally includes a carry handle 3026 that is
coupled to
the back portion 3006 of the outer shell 3002. Alternatively, the carry handle
3026
may be coupled to the flap 3014. This carry handle 3026 may be formed from a
flexible webbing material and may include internal padding encapsulated
between
two or more layers of an outer webbing material. However, additional or
alternative
handle implementations may be utilized with the container 3000, without
departing
from the scope of these disclosures.
[0149] It is contemplated that the container 3000 may include one or more
additional or
alternative handles, rings, and webbing loops for attaching various items,
e.g. straps
(shoulder), carabineers, dry bags, keys, storage cases, etc. The rings may be
D-rings,
and a shoulder strap (not shown) may be connected to the D-rings for easy
carrying of
the container 3000. The insulating device may also include side, front and/or
rear
carry handles, pockets, tie downs, and D-rings anywhere on the external
surface of the
outer shell 3002. The pockets can be sized for receiving keys, phones,
wallets, etc.
and may be waterproof. The pockets may also include a waterproof zipper to
prevent
the contents therein from getting wet.
[0150] Further, the outer shell 3002 can also include multiple reinforcement
areas
and/or patches that are configured to assist in structurally supporting
handles (e.g.,
handle 3026), straps, and webbing loops (e.g., webbing 3022). It is
contemplated that
the various elements of the containers described throughout this disclosure,
including
container 3000, may be joined together using one or more joining techniques
that
includes stitching, gluing, riveting, or welding (e.g., RF fabric welding),
among
others.
[0151] FIG. 31A depicts another view of the container 3000 of FIG. 30. In
particular,
FIG. 31A depicts the container 3000 in a partially opened configuration such
that the
fastener 3016 has been uncoupled from the webbing 3024, to reveal an opening
3030
into an internal storage compartment within the container 3000. The container
3000
includes a closure mechanism similar to the closure mechanism 2100. As
depicted,
the closure mechanism integrated into the container 3000 is in a partially
open
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configuration such that the hinges 3032 and 3034 are partially extended. When
the
fully extended, the perimeter of opening 3030 may be substantially rectilinear
in
geometry. In alternative implementations, the container 3000 and opening 3030
may
have other geometries. For example, the opening 3030 may be implemented with a
circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal,
and/or
octagonal opening geometry. It is further contemplated that the opening 3030
may be
implemented with any polygonal geometry. The opening 3030 may additionally or
alternatively be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry
of
opening 3030 (or geometries of other elements of the container 3000) may be
deformable from one shape into one or more different shapes. Accordingly, the
container 3000 includes both the fastener 3016 and a folding magnetic closure
mechanism similar to that closure mechanism 2100. The folding magnetic closure
mechanism is integrated into the perimeter 3038 of the opening 3030, and as
described in further detail in relation to FIG. 32.
[0152] FIG. 31B depicts the container 3000 in another configuration such that
the
magnetic closure mechanism formed around the opening 3030 is in a closed
configuration, and the flap 3014 remains in open configuration with the
fastener 3016
uncoupled from the front portion 3004 of the outer shell 3002.
[0153] FIG. 32 schematically depicts the container 3000 with a folding
magnetic closure
mechanism integrated into the perimeter 3038 of the opening 3030. Accordingly,
FIG. 32 schematically depicts internal elements that are not visible on the
external
surfaces or internal surfaces of the container 3000.
[0154] The folding magnetic closure mechanism within container 3000 may be
referred
to as a folding magnetic collar 3040, and may be substantially similar to the
folding
magnetic collar 2100. The folding magnetic collar 3040 may include a front
collar
member 3042 that extends, linearly, curvilinearly, or otherwise, along a top
edge of
the front portion 3004 of the outer shell 3002. The front collar member 3042
may
extend between a first end 3044 and a second end 3046. The front collar member
3042 may be formed from a flexible polymeric material into which a magnetic
element 3048 is embedded. This magnetic element 3048 may include a single
magnet, or a series of separate magnet elements. Magnetic element 3048 may be
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magnetized as a permanent magnet, or may be magnetically attracted to a
separate
magnet. The magnetic element 3048 may face the back of the opening 3030.
[0155] The back collar member 3050 of the folding magnetic collar 3040 may
extend
between a first end 3052 and a second end 3054. Similar to the front collar
member
3042, the back collar member 3050 may be formed from a flexible polymeric
material
into which a magnetic element 3056 is embedded. This magnetic element 3056 may
be similar to the magnetic element 3048. The magnetic element 3056 may face
the
front of the opening 3030.
[0156] The folding magnetic collar 3040 may include a first side collar member
3060
that extends along a first side of the opening 3030. The first side collar
member 3060
may be hingedly coupled to the first end 3044 of the front collar member 3040
and
hingedly coupled to the first end 3052 of the back collar member 3050. The
first side
collar member 3060 additionally includes a center hinge 3034 that separates a
first
magnetic element 3062 from a second magnetic element 3064. Similarly, the
magnetic elements 3062 and 3064 may be similar to the magnetic elements 3048
and
3056.
[0157] The folding magnetic collar 3040 also includes a second side collar
member 3070
that extends along a second side of the opening 3030. The second side collar
member
3070 may be hingedly coupled to the second end 3046 of the front collar member
3042 and hingedly coupled to the second end 3054 of the back collar member
3050.
The second side collar member 3070 additionally includes a center hinge 3032
that
separates a first magnetic element 3072 from a second magnetic element 3074.
The
magnetic elements 3072 and 3074 may be similar to the magnetic elements 3048,
3056, 3062, and 3064. Further, the magnetic elements 3048, 3056, 3062, 3064,
3072
and 3074 may be embedded in a flexible substrate. Further, the flexible
substrate may
form part of the collar members 3042, 3050, 3060, and 3070.
[0158] In one implementation, the hinges at ends 3044, 3046, 3052, and 3054,
in
addition to the hinges 3032 and 3034 may include a live hinge structure that
includes
a flexure constructed from one or more polymers, metals, or alloys.
Additionally or
alternatively, any of these hinge elements may include any mechanical hinge
mechanism that includes separate hinge elements that are rotatatably coupled
to one
another.
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[0159] The folding magnetic collar 3040, when in a fully open configuration,
positions
the front collar member 3042, the back collar member 3050, the first side
collar
member 3060, and the second side collar member 3070 in a substantially
rectilinear or
curvilinear configuration. When folded, the center hinge 3034 of the first
side collar
member 3060 hinges the first and second magnetic elements 3062 and 3064 of the
first side collar member 3060 are brought into contact with one another.
[0160] When folded, the center hinge 3032 of the second side collar member
3070
hinges the first and second magnetic elements 3072 and 3074 of the second side
collar
member 3070 into contact with one another. Additionally, when the magnetic
collar
3040 is folded, the magnetic element 3048 is brought into contact with, and
magnetically coupled to, the magnetic element 3056.
[0161] In one implementation, when folded into a closed configuration, the
magnetic
collar 3040 may substantially seal the opening 3030 such that it is
substantially water
an airtight. In another implementation, the magnetic collar 3040 may be
configured
to close the opening 3030 but not form a watertight or airtight seal.
[0162] In one example, the flap 3014 may include a reinforcing polymeric plate
3080.
In one implementation, this polymeric plate 3080 may include one or more
magnetic
elements, such that when the flap 3014 is folded over the opening 3030 and the
fastener 3016 is removably coupled to the webbing 3024, the reinforcing plate
3080
as also magnetically coupled to the magnetic collar 3040 (e.g., to the
magnetic
element 3048).
[0163] FIG. 33 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view through the
container 3000,
according to one or more aspects described herein. As depicted, the container
3000 is
in an open configuration. As depicted, the container 3000 includes an inner
liner
3100. This inner liner 3100 may be formed from one or more layers of a
flexible
synthetic or natural material or combinations thereof, and may or may not be
water
resistant. A foam layer 3102 may be encapsulated between the outer shell 3004
and
the inner liner 3100. This foam layer may extend around all sidewalls of the
container
3000, or portion thereof. Further, the foam layer 3102 may have any foam layer
thickness, and may use any foam material type, or combinations thereof. In one
implementation, the foam layer 3102 may serve to provide protection to the one
or
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more contents stored within the container 3000. Additionally or alternatively,
the
foam layer 3102 may include an insulating material configured to provide
thermal
insulation to reduce heat transfer between an internal storage compartment of
the
container 3000 and the external environment.
[0164] FIG. 34 schematically depicts a close-up view of a portion of the cross-
sectional
view of FIG. 33. In particular, FIG. 34 depicts one implementation of the
construction used to form the container 3000. Specifically, a binding material
3106
may be used to couple the inner layer 3100, foam layer 3102, reinforcing plate
3080,
and outer shell 3004 to one another and to the lower edge 3020 of the flap
3014. In
one example, a handle stiffener 3130 may be used to provide structural support
when
the container 3000 is held by the handle 3056. Accordingly, the handle
stiffener 3130
may be formed as a polymeric plate or structural member that is encapsulated
between the outer shell 3002 and the inner liner 3100.
[0165] In one implementation, the foam layer 3102 is stitched to the outer
shell 3002.
However, additional or alternative construction methodologies may be utilized
with
the container 3000. For example, the foam layer 3102 may be stitched to the
inner
liner 3100, or may be free floating between the inner liner 3100 and the outer
shell
3002.
[0166] FIG. 35 schematically depicts a portion of the container 3000. In
particular, FIG.
35 depicts the strap 3018 and fastener 3016, which are further described in
relation to
the cross-sectional view of FIG. 36. Accordingly, FIG. 36 schematically
depicts a
cross-sectional view through the container 3000 along the direction of arrows
B-B
from FIG. 35. As depicted, the strap 3018 may be coupled to the flap 3014 by
the
binding material 3106. Further, the straps 3018 may be formed from a single
length
of material that is doubled back upon itself in stitched at the binding
material 3106.
Those elements 3150 schematically depict the positions of seams that stitched
to form
the strap 3018.
[0167] FIG. 37 depicts a front elevation view of the container 3000, according
to one or
more aspects described herein. FIG. 38 schematically depicts a back elevation
view
of the container 3000, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG.
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depicts an end view of the container 3000, according to one or more aspects
described
herein.
[0168] FIGS. 40A-40C depict side, front and back views of a hook fastener
4000,
according to one or more aspects described herein. The hook fastener 4000 may
be
used in place of the fastener 3016, as previously described. Accordingly, the
hook
fastener 4000 may be configured to be rotatably coupled to the strap 3018, and
configured to be removably coupled to the webbing loop 3022. Advantageously,
the
hook fastener 4000 includes multiple elements that reduce the likelihood of
the
fastener 4000 from being inadvertently decoupled from, in one example, the
webbing
loop 3022. It is contemplated that the hook fastener 4000 may additionally be
utilized
in various alternative fastening scenarios.
[0169] The hook fastener 4000 may be constructed from any material, or
combination of
materials. In one specific example, the hook fastener 4000 may be formed from
aluminum, steel, titanium, a polymer (it is contemplated that any polymer, or
combination of polymers may be used), or a ceramic, among others. The hook
fastener 4000 includes two apertures 4002a and 4002b that extend through the
hook
fastener 4000 from a front face 4004 through to a back face 4006. These two
apertures 4002a and 4002b have elongated geometries and rounded ends. In one
example, a strap of webbing material, such as strap 3018, is passed through
both of
the apertures 4002a and 4002b to form a non-removable coupling (the strap is
3018 is
not intended to be removed from the hook fastener 4000). This non-removable
coupling that allows the hook fastener 4000 to pivot relative to the strap
3018.
Advantageously, the use of the combination of two apertures 4002a and 4002b
may
reduce the propensity for the strap 3018 to rotate within the channels of the
two
apertures about the z-axis, schematically depicted as axis 4008c. Instead, the
hook
fastener 4000 is limited to rotation relative to the strap 3018 about the x-
axis,
schematically depicted as axis 4008a.
[0170] Additionally, the hook fastener 4000 includes a third aperture 4010
into which
the webbing loop 3022 is configured to be received and held. An opening 4012
extends from a side of the hook fastener 4000 into the third aperture 4010. A
ramped
barb 4014 extending from the opening 4012 into the channel of the aperture
4010.
Further ,the lower wall 4016 of the aperture 4010 is stepped down from the end
of the
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ramped barb 4014 by a step 4018. An upper wall 4020 of the aperture 4020 is
approximately equal to or lower than a top point 4022 of the ramped barb 4014.
An
upper ramped surface 4024 is approximately parallel to the ramped geometry of
the
ramped barb 4014 and aids in guiding the webbing loop 3022 into an out from
the
channel of the aperture 4010.
[0171] The hook fastener 4000 has a curved geometry, as depicted in FIG. 40A.
It is
contemplated that the radius or radii of curvature associated with the
depicted
geometry of the hook fastener 4000 may have any values, without departing from
the
scope of these disclosures. The hook fastener 4000 has a first thickness 4026
and a
second thickness 4028, less than the first thickness 4026. It is contemplated
that the
first thickness 4026 and the second thickness 4028 may be average thicknesses
that
may vary across the geometry of the hook fastener 4000. Further, the first
thickness
4026 and the second thickness 4028 may have any values, without departing from
the
scope of these disclosures. In one example, the hook fastener 4000 includes a
recessed channel 4030 that extends between a first end 4032 and a second end
4034.
This recessed channel 4030 is configured to prevent the webbing loop 3022 from
being inadvertently removed from the aperture 4010. In one example, the
recessed
channel 4030, and the end wall 4032 that extends in the z-direction 4008c
above the
surface of the recessed channel 4030, prevent a strap, or webbing portion
(e.g.,
webbing loop 3022) from inadvertently sliding out of the opening 4012. In this
regard, the relative height that the ramped barb 4014 extends above the
recessed
channel 4030 is depicted in a three-dimensional view of the hook fastener 4000
in
FIG. 41.
[0172] FIG. 42 depicts one implementation of a magnetic cleat 4200, according
to one or
more aspects described herein. In one limitation, the magnetic cleat 4200 may
be
used as an alternative to the hook fastener 4000 or hook fastener 3016. In one
example, the magnetic cleat 4200 includes a first portion 4202 that is
configured to be
magnetically coupled to a second portion 4204. Further, the first portion 4202
may be
configured to be coupled to, in one example, the strap 3018, and the second
portion
4204 may be configured to be coupled to an area of the front portion 3004 of
the outer
shell 3002. In an alternative example, the first portion 4202 of the magnetic
cleat
4200 may be coupled to the flap 3014. Similarly, the second portion 4204 may
be
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coupled to the series of webbing loops 3024, among others. It is contemplated
that
the first portion 4202 and the second portion 4204 may be coupled to the
described
areas of the container 3000, or other structures, using any fixation method
and or
technology. For example, the first portion 4202 and the second portion 4204
may be,
among others, glued, stitched, riveted, sewn, or clamped into or onto various
structures of the container 3000, or another structure, without departing from
the
scope of these disclosures.
[0173] FIG. 43 depicts an end view of the magnetic cleat 4200, according to
one or more
aspects described herein. In one example, the magnetic cleat 4200 has
geometries
configured to prevent the first portion 4202 from being inadvertently
magnetically
decoupled from the second portion 4204. For example, the magnetic cleat 4200
includes a hook structure 4302 that is configured to prevent the first portion
4202
from being sheared away from the second portion 4204 along x-axis 4308a. The
wedge-shaped geometry of the magnetic cleat 4200 facilitates, in one example,
the
intentional and manual decoupling of the first portion 4202 from the second
portion
4204. In particular, a user may pivot the first portion 4202 away from the
second
portion 4204 by pulling the first end 4306 of the first portion 4202 away from
the
second portion 4204 substantially along the y-axis 4308b and/or by pushing the
second end 4310 of the first portion 4202 toward the second portion 4204
substantially along the y-axis 4308b (along the negative y-axis 4308b).
[0174] FIG. 44 depicts a view of the second portion 4204 of the magnetic cleat
4200,
when removed from the first portion 4202. In one example, the second portion
4204
includes a magnetic surface 4402 that is configured to be magnetically coupled
to a
corresponding surface on the first portion 4202. Additionally, the magnetic
surface
4402 includes geometric features configured to align and aid in retention of
the first
portion 4202 relative to the second portion 4204, when magnetically coupled to
one
another. In one example, the second portion 4204 includes an elongated
protrusion
4404 that extends across a portion of the magnetic surface 4402. Additionally,
the
second portion 4204 includes a depression 4406 that extends into the structure
of the
second portion 4204 below the surface 4402.
[0175] FIG. 45 depicts a view of the first portion 4202 of the magnetic cleat
4200. In one
example, the first portion 4202 includes a magnetic surface 4502 that is
configured to
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be magnetically coupled to the corresponding magnetic surface 4402 on the
second
portion 4204. Additionally, the magnetic surface 4502 includes geometric
features
configured to align and aid in retention of the first portion 4202 relative to
the second
portion 4204, when magnetically coupled to one another. In one example, the
first
portion 4202 includes an elongated depression 4504 that extends across a
portion of
the magnetic surface 4502 and is configured to receive the elongated
protrusion 4404.
Additionally, the second portion 4204 includes a protrusion 4506 that extends
out
from the structure of the surface 4502 it is configured to be received into
the
depression 4406 of the second portion 4204.
[0176] FIG. 46 depicts a front view an exemplary insulating container 4610
that can be
configured to keep contents cool or warm for an extended period of time. The
insulating container 4610 may include elements similar to those described in
U.S.
Patent 10143282, filed 6 March 2017, the entire contents of which are
incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.
FIG. 47
depicts a back view of the insulating container 4610, and FIG. 48 depicts a
side view
of the insulating container 4610. The insulating container 4610 generally
includes an
outer shell 4612 that defines a front portion 4630, a back portion 4702, a
side portion
4802, and a base 4622. In one example, the front portion 4630, the rear
portion 4702,
and the site portion 4802 may collectively be referred to as the sidewall of
the
container 4610. The container 4610 additionally includes an opening 4614 at a
top
portion of a placket flap 4640. Accordingly, the placket flap 4640 is
configured to
extend between a top of the outer shell 4630, and the opening 4614. The
opening
4614 is configured to provide a resealable point of entry into a storage
compartment
of the container 4610. The storage compartment is shown in further detail as
compartment 5012 in FIG. 50. The opening 4614 may be sealed by any of the
closure
mechanisms described throughout this document. In one example, the opening
4614
includes the elements described in relation to FIG. 13D. Accordingly, the
opening
4614 includes a front side 4810 and a back side 4812. The seam 1324, as
described in
relation to FIG. 13D, may be coupled to the front side 4810 of the opening
4614, and
the seam 1328, as described in relation to FIG. 13D, may be coupled to the
back side
4812 of the opening 4614. As such, the opening 4614 may be resealably sealed
by the
first magnetic strip 1320 and the second magnetic strip 1322, whereby the
first and
second magnetic strips 1320 and 1322 have top edges that are coupled to the
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respective front and back sides 4810 and 4812 of the opening 4614. The first
and
second magnetic strips 1320 and 1322 have bottom edges that are not attached
to an
internal surface of the container 4610, and described as loose ends 1342 and
1330.
The opening 4614 may additionally include a pulltab 4670, which is configured
to be
manually script to pull the front and back sides 4810 and 4812 away from one
another
to unseal the opening 4614.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 46, various handles, straps, and webs (e.g., 4616,
4618, 4620)
can also be included on the insulating container 4610 for carrying, holding,
or
securing the insulating device 4610. In this regard, the outer shell 4612 can
also
include multiple reinforcement areas or patches, e.g., 4640a-4640c that are
configured
to assist in structurally supporting the optional handles or straps (e.g.,
4616, 4618,
4620). The handles or straps (e.g., 4616, 4618, 4620, 4730) and other
attachments
may be stitched, glued, welded or riveted, or attached using any other
attachment
methodology, or combination of methodologies, to the main structure of the
insulating
container 4610.
[0178] FIG. 46 further depicts a base 4622 and a base support ridge 4624. The
base
support ridge 4624 can provide structural integrity and support to the
insulating
device 4610 (otherwise referred to as an insulating container 4610) when the
insulating device 4610 is placed onto a surface. In one example, the
insulating
container 4610 may additionally include a pull tab 4740, which may be
configured to
be manually gripped to pry apart the magnetic strips of the magnetic closure
of the
opening 4614.
[0179] FIG. 50 schematically depicts a cross-sectional side view of the
insulating device
4610. In one example, the inner liner 5010 forms a chamber, receptacle, or
storage
compartment 5012 for receiving and storing contents therein. The insulating
device
4610 includes an inner liner 5010, an insulating layer 5014, and an outer
shell 4612.
As shown in FIG. 50, the insulating layer 5014 can be located between the
inner liner
5010 and the outer shell 4612, and can be formed as a foam insulator to assist
in
maintaining the internal temperature of the storage compartment 5012 for
storing
contents desired to be kept cool or warm. Also, the insulating layer 5014 can
be
located in between the inner liner 5010 and the outer shell 4612, and can be
unattached to either the inner liner 5010 or the outer shell 4612 such that it
floats
between the inner liner 5010 and the outer shell 4612. In one example, the
inner liner
5010 and the outer shell 4612 can be connected at a top portion 5030 of the
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device 4610 such that the insulating layer 5014 can float freely within a
pocket
formed by the inner liner 5010 and the outer shell 4612.
[0180] In this example, the inner layer or inner liner 5010 can be formed of a
first inner
liner sidewall portion 5010a and a bottom inner liner portion 5010b. The first
inner
liner sidewall portion 5010a and the bottom inner liner portion 5010b can be
secured
together by, for example, welding, to form the compartment 5012. In one
example,
the compartment 5012 can be a "dry bag," or vessel for storing contents. In
one
example, a tape, such as a TPU tape, can be placed over the seams joining the
sections
of the storage compartment 5012, after the first inner liner sidewall portion
5010a and
the bottom inner liner portion 5010b are secured or joined together. The tape
seals the
seams formed between the first inner liner sidewall portion 5010a and the
bottom
inner liner portion 5010b to provide an additional barrier to liquid to
prevent liquid
from either entering or exiting the compartment 5012. The inner liner 5010
can, thus,
either maintain liquid in the compartment 5012 of the insulating device 4610
or
prevent liquid contents from entering into the compartment 5012 of the
insulating
device 4610. It is also contemplated, however, that the inner liner 5010 can
be
formed as an integral one-piece structure that may be secured within the outer
shell
4612.
[0181] FIG. 51 schematically depicts the insulating layer 5014. The insulating
layer
5014 can be formed of a first portion or an upper portion 5102, a second
portion or
base portion 5104. It is contemplated that the insulating layer 5014 may be
formed
from any insulating material. The insulating material may include, among
others, an
EVA foam and/or any other foam material having any density and/or insulation
values/properties.
[0182] The insulating the container 4610 may include two carry handles 4620
that are
connected to the front side 4630 of the insulating container 4610 and the back
side
4702 of the insulating container 4610. In one example, a shoulder strap can be
attached to attachment rings 4650a-b. The insulating container 4610
additionally
include side handles 4616 to facilitate carrying of insulating the container
4610.
Additionally, webbing formed as loops 4618 can be sewn onto or otherwise
attached
to the straps of the handles 4620. The loops 4618 can be used to attach items
(e.g.,
carabineers, dry bags) to the insulating the container 4610. In one example,
the carry
handles 4620, side handles 4616, and attachment points 4618 can be constructed
of
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nylon webbing. Other materials may include, among others, polypropylene,
neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastics,
rubber, or rope.
[0183] In one example, the rings 4650a-d may be Acetal D-rings. The attachment
rings
4650a-d may be constructed from one or more polymers, metals, ceramics,
glasses,
alloys, or combinations thereof. In certain specific examples, the attachment
rings
4650a-d may be constructed from polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema,
and
Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastics, rubber, or rope. The attachment
rings 4650a-d
may include other shapes, sizes, and configurations other than the depicted
"D" shape.
Examples include round, square, rectangular, triangular, or rings with
multiple
attachment points.
[0184] In one example, the closure used to seal the opening 4614 and as
described, in
one example, in relation to FIG. 13D, can be substantially waterproof or water
resistant and prevent or reduce liquid ingress into and/or egress from the
insulating
container 4610. Further, the placket flap portion 4640 may be folded to
further seal
the opening 4614.
[0185] The placket flap portion 4640 may have a front side 4645 and a back
side 4643.
Further, in one implementation, the placket flap portion 4640 may be
configured to
fold such that a top placket portion 4641a folds over onto a bottom placket
portion
464 lb. When folded, the top placket portion 4641a may be removably coupled to
the
bottom placket portion 464 lb by a secondary closure mechanism. In one
example,
both of the top placket portion 4641a and the bottom placket portion 4641b may
include magnetic elements (e.g., permanent magnets and magnetic materials)
that are
embedded within the container 4610 along the length 4690 of the placket flap
portion
4640. In one example, a single magnetic strip may be embedded in one or more
of
the top placket portion 4641a and the bottom placket portion 4641b and extend
along
at least a portion of the length of 4690. Additionally or alternatively, a
series of one
or more discrete magnetic elements may be embedded in one or more of the top
placket portion 4641a and the bottom placket portion 4641b and extend along at
least
a portion of the length 4690. In other implementations, hook and loop
fasteners, or
other fastener types, may be used in combination with or as an alternative to
magnetic
fasteners to removably couple the top placket portion 4641a and the bottom
placket
portion 464 lb to one another.
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[0186] FIG. 49 schematically depicts the insulating container 4610. In
particular, FIG.
49 schematically depicts an internal reinforcement board 4902 that may be
positioned
within the placket flap portion 4640. In one example, the reinforcement board
4902
may extend along at least a portion of the length 4690. It is contemplated
that the
board 4902 may have any height 4904 and length 4906. Further, it is
contemplated
that the board 4902 may be positioned at any distance 4908 from the top edge
of the
opening 4614. In one example, the board 4902 may be constructed from an ABS
material with a thickness in the range of 1 to 10 mm. However, additional or
alternative materials and/or thicknesses may be used to form the board 4902,
without
departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, the board 4902
may
be configured to define a line along which the placket flap portion 4640
configured to
fold. Accordingly, this fold line may be proximate a lower edge 4920 of the
board
4902.
[0187] In another implementation, the placket flap portion 4640 may be
configured to
fold about the lower edge 4920 of the board 4902. Further, the top placket
portion
4641a may be held in a folded configuration by buckles and straps that extend
over
the top of the container 4610 between the back portion 4702 and the front
portion
4630. Strap 4750 and buckle 4752, which may be coupled the carry handle 4620,
may be utilized to hold the top placket portion 4641a in a folded
configuration when
removably coupled to a corresponding buckle coupled to the carry handle 4620
on the
front portion 4630 of the container 4610.
[0188] FIG. 52 depicts two magnetic strips 5202 and 5203, which may be used to
form
the magnetic closure of the opening 4614. In particular, the magnetic strips
5202 and
5204 may be used as alternatives to the magnetic strips 1320 and 1322
described in
relation to the closure mechanism of FIG. 13D. As previously described, the
closure
mechanism of FIG. 13D may be used to resealably seal the opening 4614. In one
implementation, both of the magnetic strips 4202 and 4204 include a series of
discrete
permanent magnets that are retained within magnet wells, of which wells 5204a-
c are
exemplary of a larger series of wells. In one example, the magnets that are
rigidly
affixed into the wells 5204 may be oriented such that adjacent magnets have
opposite
polarity facing outward. For example, for the magnets positioned within the
exemplary wells 5204a-c, the magnet within well 5204a may face its north pole
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toward strip 5203, the magnet within well 5204b may face its south pole toward
strip
5203, and the magnetic within well 5204c may face its north pole toward strip
5203
etc. it is contemplated that the magnetic strips 5202 and 5203 may be coupled
to the
front side 4810 and backside 4812 using any fixation methodology, technique
and/or
technology. It is further contemplated that the magnets affixed within the
wells
5204a-c may be constructed from any material, without departing from the scope
of
these disclosures. As depicted, pull tab 4740 may extend from one of the
magnetic
strips 5202 or 5203. In an alternative implementation, each of the magnetic
strips
5202 and 5203 may include a pull tab, similar to pull tab 4740. In yet another
implementation, the pull tab 4740 may not be coupled to one of the magnetic
strips
5202 or 5203. In such an implementation, the pull tab 4740 may instead be
coupled
to one or both sides of the opening 4614. For example, one or more pull tabs
4740
may be coupled to one or both of the front side 4810 and the backside 4812,
and may
not form part of the magnetic strip 5202 or the magnetic strip 5203. In yet
another
example, the insulating container 4610 may be implemented without one or more
pull
tabs 4740.
[0189] FIG. 53 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the magnetic
strips 5202
and 5203. In one example, the magnetic strips 5202 and 5203 may be constructed
from a TPU. However, it is contemplated that combination of polymers, metals,
or
alloys, among others, may be used to construct the magnetic strips 5202 and
5203.
FIG. 53 depicts two exemplary magnet wells 5204e and 5204d, which are opposite
one another and configured to retain to magnet elements. In one example,
buffer
layers 5302a and 5302b separate the magnets positioned within wells 5204d and
5204e, when magnetically coupled to one another. It is contemplated that these
buffer
layers 5302a and 5302b may the implemented with any thickness values.
[0190] In another implementation, the magnetic strips 5202 and 5203 may be
implemented without the buffer layers 5302a and 5302b, such that the magnets
held
within wells 5204d and 5204f are positioned proximate one another when
magnetically coupled to one another. In yet another example, the buffer layers
5302a
and 5302b may be formed from an alternative material type to the rest of the
structure
of the magnetic strips 5202 and 5203, without departing from the scope of
these
disclosures.
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[0191] FIG. 54 schematically depicts an alternative implementation of the
magnetic
strips 5202 and 5203. Accordingly, in addition to the alternating polarity of
the
magnets retained within each of the magnetic strips 5202 and 5203, the
magnetic
strips 5202 and 5203 may be aligned with one another using a fin 5402. This
fin 5402
may have any geometry that facilitates proper alignment of the magnetic strips
5202
and 5203 with one another.
[0192] FIG. 55 depicts the insulating container 4610 with the placket flap
portion 4640
in a folded configuration. In one example, the placket flap portion 4640 is
held in the
depicted folder configuration by buckles 4752a and 4752b, and straps 4750.
[0193] FIGS. 56A-B schematically depict cross-sectional views of an insulating
container 5600 in respective unfolded and folded configurations. The
insulating
container 5600 is similar to the insulating container 4610, and includes an
opening
5602 that is resealably sealed by a magnetic closure 5604 similar to the
magnetic
closure described in relation to the insulating container 4610. Further, this
magnetic
closure 5604 may be similar to the magnetic closure described in relation to
FIG.
13D. The reinforcement board 5606 may be similar to the reinforcement board
4902.
Accordingly, the reinforcement board 5606 creates a fold line about which the
placket
flap portion 5608 is configured to fold. As such, the placket flap portion
5608 may be
similar to the placket flap portion 4640. FIG. 56B schematically depicts the
insulating container 5600 in a folder configuration, and indicates where the
reinforcement board 5606 creates a secondary seal at position 5620 that may
further
enhance the watertight and/or airtight performance of the primary seal created
by the
magnetic closure 5604 at position 5622.
[0194] The primary seal of the insulating container 4610 created by the
magnetic closure
of the opening 4614 and the secondary seal created by the folding of the
placket flap
portion 4640 may combine to make the insulating container 4610 substantially
water
and/or airtight. In certain specific examples, the insulating container 4610
may be
configured to retain water (ice and melted ice) without or with reduced
leakage of
water from the internal compartment 5012 through the opening 4614 and out to
the
external environment. In certain specific examples, the insulating container
4610 may
be configured to be positioned on its side (e.g., front side 4630 or back side
4702)
and/or positioned in a downward facing orientation (with opening 4614 facing
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downward) and the container may be configured to prevent or substantially
reduce the
egress of water held within the internal compartment 5012 when held in one of
these
positions for prolonged periods of time. In certain specific examples, the
insulating
container 4610 may be configured allow less than 5%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%,
0.05%,
or 0.01% of the water (or water and ice combination) held within the internal
compartment 5012 to leak out though the opening 4614 when the insulating
container
is held for at least 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5, minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes,
20
minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour with the
opening
4614 facing downward at an incline of: 90 degrees (i.e., upside down), 60
degrees, 45
degrees, 30 degrees, or 0 degrees (i.e., the container held on its side 4630
or 4702).
[0195] In one implementation, a container may include an outer shell formed
from a
water resistant material, which has a front portion, a back portion, side
portions, and a
base portion. The outer shell may also have an opening at a top of the
container that
extends into a storage compartment, and a closure mechanism. The closure
mechanism may also include a first magnetic strip that is coupled to an
internal
surface of the front portion at a front edge of the opening. Additionally, the
closure
mechanism may include a second magnetic strip that is coupled to an internal
surface
of the back portion at a back edge of the opening. Further, the closure
mechanism
may include a flap portion that extends from the back portion above the back
edge of
the opening, with a first fastener element coupled to the flap portion. A
second
fastener element may be coupled to an external surface of the front portion.
As such,
the first magnetic strip may be magnetically attracted to the second magnetic
strip to
resealably seal the opening, and the outer shell may be configured to fold to
removably couple the first fastener element to the second fastener element.
[0196] In one example, the first magnetic strip on the second magnetic strip
may be
hingedly coupled at the respective front and back edges of the opening.
[0197] In another example, at least one of the first magnetic strip and the
second
magnetic strip may be hingedly coupled at the respective front and back edges
of the
opening.
[0198] In yet another example the first fastener element may be removably
coupled to
the second fastener element by hook and loop fasteners.
[0199] Further, the first fastener element and the second fastener element may
include
magnets.
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[0200] The container may additionally include an internal slip pocket coupled
to an
internal back surface of the back portion.
[0201] The container may additionally include an internal zip pocket coupled
to an
internal front surface of the front portion.
[0202] The container may additionally have straps coupled to the back portion
of the
outer shell, which may be utilized to removably couple the container to an
external
structure. In one example, the external structure may be an insulating
container.
[0203] In another example, the container may be constructed from two or more
sub-
panels that are welded together. E.g. by RF welding.
[0204] In another implementation, a container may include a front shell, a
front frame
extending around an internal perimeter of the front shell, a back shell, a
back frame
extending around an internal perimeter of the back shell, and hingedly coupled
to the
front frame at a bottom surface. The container may also include a closure
mechanism
configured to resealably seal the back shell to the front shell. The closure
mechanism
may additionally include a front magnetic strip extending around at least a
first
portion of the front frame, and a back magnetic strip extending around at
least a first
portion of the back frame. Additionally, the closure mechanism may include a
zipper
that extends around at least a second portion of the front frame and a second
portion
of the back frame.
[0205] In one example, the front frame and the back frame may be constructed
from one
or more elastomers.
[0206] In another example, the front and back magnetic strips may be
encapsulated
within channels within the respective front and back frames.
[0207] In yet another example, the closure mechanism may also include a zipper
trough
formed when the front magnetic strip is magnetically coupled to the back
magnetic
strip.
[0208] The zipper may also include a zipper tape that is stretchable he
coupled to at least
the second portion of the front frame and the second portion of the back
frame.
[0209] Further, when the zipper is closed, the stretchable coupling of the
zipper tape to
the at least the second portion of the front frame and the second portion of
the back
frame may exert a compressive force that urges the front magnetic strip and
the back
magnetic strip toward one another.
[0210] In another example, at least one of the front shell the back shell have
two or more
sub-panels that are welded together.
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[0211] The container may also include a pull-tab that is configured to provide
a grip
surface to manually uncouple the front magnetic strip from the back magnetic
strip.
[0212] Additionally, the front magnetic strip in the back magnetic strip may
each have a
plurality of magnetic elements.
[0213] In one implementation, a container may include an outer shell formed
from a
water-resistant material, and having a front portion, a back portion, side
portions, and
a base portion. The outer shell may further include an opening at a top of the
container that extends into a storage compartment. The opening may have a
substantially rectilinear geometry when fully open, with a front, a back, a
first side,
and a second side. The container may also include a closure mechanism that has
a
folding magnetic collar that may be folded between an open configuration and a
closed configuration to seal the opening.
[0214] The folding magnetic collar may have a front collar member that
extends, linearly
or otherwise, between a first end and a second end of the front of the
opening. The
front collar member they also have a projection that extends toward the back
of the
opening, and a first magnetic surface that faces the back of the opening. The
front
collar member may also have a second magnetic surface that is spaced apart
from a
third magnetic surface by the projection. The folding magnetic collar may
additionally include a back collar member that extends, linearly or otherwise,
between
a first end and a second end of the back of the opening. The back collar
member may
have a projection that extends toward the front of the opening, and a first
magnetic
surface that faces the front of the opening. The back collar member I also
have a
second magnetic surface spaced apart from a third magnetic surface by the
projection.
[0215] Additionally, the folding magnetic collar may have a first side collar
member that
extends along the first side of the opening, and hinged to the first end of
the front
collar member and to the first end of the back collar member. The first side
collar
member may also include a center hinge that separates a first magnetic element
from a
second magnetic element. A second side collar member may extend along the
second
side of the opening. The second side of the opening may be hinged to the
second end
of the front collar member and to the second end of the back collar member.
The
second side collar member may also include a center hinge that separates a
first
magnetic element from a second magnetic element.
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[0216] When the opening is fully open, the front collar member, the back
collar member,
the first side collar member, and the second side collar member may be
positioned in
a substantially rectilinear configuration. When folded, the center hinge of
the first
side collar member may hinge the first and second magnetic elements of the
first side
collar member into contact with one another. Additionally, the hinged
attachment of
the first side collar member to the first end of the front collar member and
to the first
end of the back collar member may hinge the first and second magnetic elements
of
the first side collar member into contact with the second magnetic surface of
the front
collar member and the second magnetic surface of the back collar member.
[0217] When folded, the center hinge of the second side collar member May
hinge the
first and second magnetic elements of the second side collar member into
contact with
one another, and the hinged attachment of the second side collar member to the
second end of the front collar member and to the second end of the back collar
member may hinge the first and second magnetic elements of the second side
collar
member into contact with the third magnetic surface of the front collar member
and
the third magnetic surface of the back collar member.
[0218] When folded, the center hinge of the first side collar member and the
center hinge
of the second side collar member may hinge the first magnetic surface and the
second
magnetic surface of the front collar member into contact with the respective
first
magnetic surface and second magnetic surface the of the back collar member.
[0219] In one example, the storage compartment of the container is an
insulating
container.
[0220] In another example, the storage compartment of the container includes
an inner
liner.
[0221] The container may include an insulating layer between the outer shell
and an
inner liner, with the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage
compartment.
[0222] The insulating layer may float between the inner liner and the outer
shell of the
container.
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[0223] The insulating layer may be attached to at least one of the inner liner
and the
outer shell.
[0224] The outer shell of the container may be made up of two or more sub-
panels that
are welded together.
[0225] The closure mechanism of the container may be substantially waterproof
an
airtight when positioned in a closed configuration.
[0226] In another implementation, a container may include an outer shell
formed from a
water-resistant material, and which has a front portion, a back portion, side
portions,
and a base portion. The outer shell may also have an opening at a top of the
container
extending into a storage compartment. The a container may also include a
closure
mechanism that has a first magnetic strip that extends along a longitudinal
axis and
attached to a first side of the opening, and the first magnetic strip may have
a first
magnet and a second magnet spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The
closure
mechanism may also include a second magnetic strip that extends along a
longitudinal
axis. The second magnetic strip may have a first magnet and a second magnet
spaced
apart along the longitudinal axis. The closure mechanism may also include a
rail that
extends along a longitudinal axis and is coupled to a second side of the
opening. The
second magnetic strip may be slidably attached to the rail such that the
second
magnetic strip is slidable relative to the rail with the longitudinal axis of
the second
magnetic strip parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail. The first and
second
magnets of the first magnetic strip may have respective first and second outer
surfaces
with opposite magnetic polarities. The first and second magnets of the second
magnetic strip may have respective first and second outer surfaces with
opposite
magnetic polarities, such that the first and second outer surfaces of the
first magnetic
strip face the first and second outer surfaces of the second magnetic strip.
When in a
first configuration, the first and second magnets of the first magnetic strip
may be
magnetically attracted to the first and second magnets of the second magnetic
strip.
When the second magnetic strip is positioned in a second configuration
relative to the
first magnetic strip, the first and second magnets of the first magnetic strip
may be
aligned with magnets of a same polarity on the first magnetic strip to
magnetically
repel the second magnetic strip from the first magnetic strip.
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[0227] In another example, the second magnetic strip may be movable relative
to the
first magnetic strip by a motion other than sliding, such as rotation,
pivoting, folding,
among others.
[0228] In one implementation, a container may include an outer shell formed
from a
water-resistant material, and which has a front portion, a back portion, side
portions,
and a base portion. The outer shell may also have an opening at a top of the
container
extending into a storage compartment. The container may also include a closure
mechanism that has a first magnetic strip that is attached to an internal
surface of the
container on a first side of the opening. A second magnetic strip may have a
second
magnetic strip top side and a second magnetic strip bottom side, such that the
second
magnetic strip top side is attached to a second side of the opening, and the
second
magnetic strip bottom side is unattached to the outer shell. The closure
mechanism
may also include a third magnetic strip that has a third magnetic strip top
side and a
third magnetic strip bottom side, such that the third magnetic strip top side
is coupled
to the second side of the opening, and the third magnetic strip bottom side is
unattached to the outer shell. The second magnetic strip may be configured to
be
magnetically attached to the first magnetic strip inside the compartment, and
the third
magnetic strip may be configured to be magnetically attached to the first
magnetic
strip on an external surface of the container.
[0229] In one implementation, a container may include an outer shell formed
from a
water-resistant material, and which has a front portion, a back portion, side
portions,
and a base portion. The outer shell may also have an opening at a top of the
container
extending into a storage compartment. The container may also include a closure
mechanism that has a first magnetic strip that extends along a first
longitudinal axis
and is attached to a first side of the opening. The first magnetic strip may
have a first
outer surface with an undulating surface geometry. The closure mechanism may
also
include a second magnetic strip that extends along the first longitudinal
axis, and the
second magnetic strip may have a second outer surface with an undulating
surface
geometry complementary to, and configured to be magnetically attached to, the
first
outer surface of the first magnetic strip.
[0230] In one example, the first outer surface or the second outer surface may
be
magnetized.
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[0231] In another example, the first outer surface of the second outer surface
may
include a non-magnetic outer shell material that are at least partially
encapsulates a
magnetic material.
[0232] In one implementation, a container may include an outer shell formed
from a
water-resistant material, and which has a front portion, a back portion, side
portions,
and a base portion. The outer shell may also have an opening at a top of the
container
extending into a storage compartment. The container may also include a closure
mechanism that has a first magnetic strip attached to an internal surface of
the front
portion at a front edge of the opening. The closure mechanism may also include
a
second magnetic strip that is attached to an internal surface of the back
portion at a
back edge of the opening. Additionally, a third magnetic strip may be attached
to a
flap portion that extends from the back portion above the back edge of the
opening.
Further, magnetic panel may be attached to an external surface of the front
portion.
The first magnetic strip may be magnetically attracted to the second magnetic
strip
and the third magnetic strip may be magnetically attracted to the magnetic
panel to
resealably seal the opening. The outer shell may be configured to fold to
removably
couple the third magnetic element to the magnetic panel.
[0233] In one implementation, a container may include an outer shell defining
a first
sidewall, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, an insulating layer
positioned
in between the outer shell and the inner liner, and an opening that allows
access to the
storage compartment. The container may also include a closure that seals the
opening. The closure may be substantially waterproof when the container is in
any
orientation. The closure may include a lid assembly that has a handle and a
reinforcement layer that is more rigid than the inner liner, the insulating
layer, and the
outer shell. The closure may also include an outer closure mechanism that
extends
around at least a portion of the lid assembly and an upper edge of the
opening. The
closure may also include an inner closure mechanism that has an upper magnetic
strip
extending along at least a portion of the lid assembly, and a lower magnetic
strip that
extends along at least a portion of the upper edge of the opening.
[0234] The outer shell of the container may also include a second sidewall and
a third
sidewall, and the opening may extend through the first sidewall, the second
sidewall,
and the third sidewall.
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[0235] The container may be shaped in the form of a cuboid.
[0236] The inner liner and the outer shell of the container may form a joint
that includes
a vent for gases.
[0237] The outer shell of the container may include one or more handles, and a
vent may
be formed adjacent to a location of the one or more handles.
[0238] The closure of the container may be substantially waterproof and resist
liquid
from exiting the opening when the insulating device is filled completely with
water
and is dropped from a distance of six feet.
[0239] The outer shell of the container may define a bottom wall extending in
a first
plane, and such that the inner liner is secured to the outer shell in a second
plane that
is perpendicular to the first plane.
[0240] The inner liner may be formed from a first piece and a second piece,
and the first
piece may be joined to the second piece by a weld that defines a seam. The
seam may
be covered with a seam tape.
[0241] The inner liner of the container may be formed by injection molding.
[0242] The outer closure mechanism may be a zipper that includes a zipper
pull. The
zipper may be substantially waterproof.
[0243] The container may also include a body assembly.
[0244] The lid assembly and the body assembly may form the inner liner, the
insulating
layer, and the outer shell of the container.
[0245] The lid assembly may include at least a portion of the insulating layer
of the
container.
[0246] The insulating layer may float between the inner liner and the outer
shell.
[0247] The insulating layer may be attached to the inner liner or the outer
shell.
[0248] In one example, a container may include an outer shell that is formed
from a
water-resistant material and includes a front portion, a back portion, side
portions, and
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a base portion. The outer shell may additionally include a series of webbing
loops
that are attached to an outer surface of the front portion. The outer shell
may
additionally include an opening at a top of the container that extends into a
storage
compartment. The opening may have a substantially rectilinear geometry when
fully
open. In alternative implementations, the opening may have other geometries,
or a
combination of geometries. For example, the opening may be implemented with a
circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal,
and/or
octagonal opening geometry. It is further contemplated that the opening may be
implemented with any polygonal geometry. The opening may additionally or
alternatively be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry
of
opening (or geometries of other elements of the container) may be deformable
from
one shape into one or more different shapes. The opening may thereby have a
front, a
back, a first side, and a second side. The outer shell may additionally have a
closure
mechanism that is configured to close the opening into the storage
compartment.
Accordingly, the closure mechanism may include a flap that extends from the
back
portion of the outer shell above the opening. The closure mechanism may also
include a hook fastener element that is attached to and may rotate relative to
the flap.
The hook fastener element may be configured to be removably attached to a
webbing
loop from a series of webbing loops that are attached to the front portion of
the outer
shell. The closure mechanism may additionally include a folding magnetic
collar that
is designed to be folded between an open configuration and a closed
configuration.
The folding magnetic collar may seal the opening. The folding magnetic collar
may
additionally include a front collar member that extends between a first end
and a
second end of the front of the opening. The front collar member may have a
magnetic
surface that faces the back of the opening. The folding magnetic collar may
also
include a back collar member that extends between the first end and a second
end of
the back of the opening, with the back collar member having a magnetic surface
that
faces the front of the opening. The folding magnetic collar may also include a
first
side collar member that extends along the first side of the opening and is
hingedly
attached to the first end of the front collar member and to the first end of
the back
collar member. The first side collar member may also include a center hinge
that
separates a first magnetic element from a second magnetic element. The folding
magnetic collar may also include a second side collar member that extends
along the
second side of the opening and is hingedly attached to the second end of the
front
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collar member and to the second end of the back collar member. The second side
collar member may also include a center hinge that separates a first magnetic
element
from a second magnetic element. When the opening is fully open, the front
collar
member, the back collar member, and the first and second side collar members
may
be positioned in a substantially rectilinear configuration. In
alternative
implementations, the opening, when fully open, may have other geometries, or a
combination of geometries. For example, the opening may be implemented with a
circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal,
and/or
octagonal opening geometry. It is further contemplated that the opening may be
implemented with any polygonal geometry. The opening may additionally or
alternatively be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry
of
opening (or geometries of other elements of the container) may be deformable
from
one shape into one or more different shapes. When folded, the center hinge of
the
first side collar member hinges and the first and second magnetic elements of
the first
side collar member may be brought into contact with one another. Similarly,
when
folded, the center hinge of the second side collar member hinges and the first
and
second magnetic elements of the second side collar member may be brought into
contact with one another. When the center hinge of the first side collar and
the center
hinge of the second side collar are folded, the magnetic surface of the front
collar
member is brought into contact with and magnetically coupled to the magnetic
surface
of the back collar member.
[0249] In one example, a container may include an outer shell that is formed
from a
water-resistant material and includes a front portion, a back portion, side
portions, and
a base portion. The outer shell may additionally include an opening at a top
of the
container that extends into a storage compartment. The opening may have a
substantially rectilinear geometry when fully open. In alternative
implementations,
the opening, when fully open, may have other geometries, or a combination of
geometries. For example, the opening may be implemented with a circular,
elliptical,
oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and/or octagonal opening
geometry. It is further contemplated that the opening may be implemented with
any
polygonal geometry. The opening may additionally or alternatively be described
as
having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry of opening (or geometries of
other
elements of the container) may be deformable from one shape into one or more
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different shapes. The opening may thereby have a front, a back, a first side,
and a
second side. The outer shell may additionally have a closure mechanism that is
configured to close the opening into the storage compartment. Accordingly, the
closure mechanism may include a folding magnetic collar that is designed to be
folded between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The folding
magnetic collar may seal the opening. The folding magnetic collar may
additionally
include a front collar member that extends between a first end and a second
end of the
front of the opening. The front collar member may have a magnetic surface that
faces
the back of the opening. The folding magnetic collar may also include a back
collar
member that extends between the first end and a second end of the back of the
opening, with the back collar member having a magnetic surface that faces the
front
of the opening. The folding magnetic collar may also include a first side
collar
member that extends along the first side of the opening and is hingedly
attached to the
first end of the front collar member and to the first end of the back collar
member.
The first side collar member may also include a center hinge that separates a
first
magnetic surface from a second magnetic surface. The folding magnetic collar
may
also include a second side collar member that extends along the second side of
the
opening and is hingedly attached to the second end of the front collar member
and to
the second end of the back collar member. The second side collar member may
also
include a center hinge that separates a first magnetic surface from a second
magnetic
surface. When the opening is fully open, the front collar member, the back
collar
member, and the first and second side collar members may be positioned in a
substantially rectilinear configuration. In alternative implementations, the
opening,
when fully open, may have other geometries, or a combination of geometries.
For
example, the opening may be implemented with a circular, elliptical, oval,
triangular,
pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and/or octagonal opening geometry. It is
further
contemplated that the opening may be implemented with any polygonal geometry.
The opening may additionally or alternatively be described as having a
curvilinear
geometry, and the geometry of opening (or geometries of other elements of the
container) may be deformable from one shape into one or more different shapes.
When folded, the center hinge of the first side collar member hinges and the
first and
second magnetic surfaces of the first side collar member may be brought into
contact
with one another. Similarly, when folded, the center hinge of the second side
collar
member hinges and the first and second magnetic surfaces of the second side
collar
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member may be brought into contact with one another. When the center hinge of
the
first side collar and the center hinge of the second side collar are folded,
the magnetic
surface of the front collar member may be brought into contact with and
magnetically
coupled to the magnetic surface of the back collar member.
[0250] In one example, an insulating container may include an outer shell that
defines a
side wall and a base. The outer shell may have a front portion, back portion,
side
portions, and a base portion. The insulating container may additionally
include an
inner liner that forms a storage compartment, with the inner liner having a
front
portion and a rear portion. An insulating layer may be positioned in between
the outer
shell and the inner liner, with the insulating layer providing insulation for
the storage
compartment. An opening at a top of the container may extend into the storage
compartment, with the opening having a front side, and a back side. The
insulating
container may also have a placket flap portion that extends between a top of
the outer
shell and the opening. The placket flap portion may further have an internal
reinforcement bore that extends along at least a portion of the placket flap
portion is
configured to define the line along which the placket flap is folded. The
insulating
container may also include a closure mechanism. This closure mechanism may
include a first magnetic strip that has a first magnetic strip top edge and a
first
magnetic strip bottom edge, with the first magnetic strip top edge attached to
a front
side of the opening and the first magnetic strip bottom edge extending into
the storage
compartment and unattached to the inner liner. The closure mechanism may
additionally include a second magnetic strip that has a second magnetic strip
top edge
and a second magnetic strip bottom edge, such that the second magnetic strip
top edge
is coupled to the back side of the opening and the second magnetic strip
bottom edge
extends into the storage compartment and is unattached to the inner liner. The
first
magnetic strip is configured to be magnetically coupled to the second magnetic
strip
to resealably seal the opening. The placket flap portion, when folded, may be
configured to provide a secondary seal of the opening.
[0251] In another example, the placket flap portion is formed from a same
material as
the outer shell.
[0252] The placket flap portion may be retained in a folder position by
buckles that are
coupled to the front portion and the back portion of the outer shell.
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[0253] The placket flap portion may be retained in a folder position by
magnets
embedded in the sidewalls of the placket flap portion.
[0254] The placket flap portion may be retained in a folder position by a
magnetic cleat
that is attached to an area of the placket flap portion and to an area on the
outer shell.
[0255] The placket flap portion may be retained in a folder position by hook
and loop
fasteners.
[0256] The first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip may be hingedly
coupled
to the respective front and back sides of the opening.
[0257] The outer shell may include two or more sub-panels that are welded
together.
[0258] The insulating container may additionally include a pull tab that is
attached to at
least one of the first and second magnetic strips.
[0259] The insulating container, when the opening is sealed by the magnetic
strip and
the folded placket flap, is configured to allow less than 0.1% of a liquid
stored within
the storage compartment to leak out when the insulating containers held in an
upside
down orientation for 15 minutes.
[0260] The insulating container, when the opening is sealed by the magnetic
strip and
the folded placket flap, is configured to allow less than 0.01% of a liquid
stored
within the storage compartment to leak out when the insulating containers held
in an
upside down orientation for 15 minutes.
[0261] 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 disclosure. 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.
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