SOFT-SIDED INSULATED CONTAINER WITH INFLATABLE WALL STRUCTURE

• US 20140248003A1
• Filed: 03/01/2013
• Published: 09/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: California Innovations Incorporated
• Original Assignee: California Innovations Incorporated
• Inventors: Mogil, Melvin S., Stevens, Rick, Mather, Ryan
• Granted Patent: US 9,408,445 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 383/3
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/20 Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/103 Arrangement of zip-fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/26 Special adaptations of handles A45C13/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 3/001 Flexible materials therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 3/04 Shopping bags; Shopping nets
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 7/0081 inflatable and deflatable
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/389 formed of foam material

Abstract

A soft-sided insulated container assembly is made of a flexible wall structure that is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. In one variation of the deployed position it resembles a tote-bag; in another variation of folding the deployed position corresponds to a generally box-like shape. The container includes a self-inflating wall structure that has an inner layer or skin, an outer layer or skin, and a resilient, open-cell insulating layer trapped between the two skins. A valve governs the ability to take in or to expel air. The outer layer may be thicker and more robust that the inner layer, the better to resist abrasion or punctures. The inner layer may be reflective. There may be a removable internal liner. That liner may be transparent.

Claims

1. A soft-sided insulated container having an inflatable wall structure.

2. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein said container is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position.

3. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein said container has an outlet by which to permit said inflatable wall structure to be deflated.

4. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein, when said wall structure is deflated said container is movable to a rolled-up position.

5. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein said inflatable wall structure, when inflated, forms a peripheral wall having an insulated chamber defined therewithin.

6. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein said inflatable wall structure is self-inflating.

7. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein said inflatable wall structure includes an open cell foam captured therewithin.

8. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein said inflatable wall structure is movable to either of (a) a tote-shaped container;

and (b) a cubic container.

9. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 further comprising a washable liner.

10. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 9 wherein said liner is at least one of (a) removable;

and (b) transparent.

11. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein:

said inflatable wall structure, when inflated, forms a peripheral wall defining an insulated chamber in which to place objects;

said inflatable will structure has an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a layer of insulation trapped between said outer membrane and said inner membrane.

12. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 11 wherein said layer of insulation includes a resilient open-celled foam.

13. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 11 wherein said inflatable wall structure includes a valve operable to permit at least one of (a) inflation thereof;

and (b) deflation thereof.

14. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 11 wherein at least one of:

(a) said outer membrane is thicker than said inner membrane and defines a scuff resistant outer surface of said container; and

(b) said inner membrane has a reflective surface.

15. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 11 wherein:

said container is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position;

said inflatable wall structure is self-inflating;

said inflatable wall structure includes an open cell foam captured therewithin;

said container has an outlet by which to permit said inflatable wall structure to be deflated, and, when said wall structure is deflated, said container is movable to a rolled-up position; and

said inflatable wall structure, when inflated, forms a peripheral wall having an insulated chamber defined therewithin.

16. The soft-sided insulated container of claim 1 wherein, when inflated and empty, said container floats.

17. A soft-sided insulated container with an inflatable wall member, substantially as shown and described herein.