Portable container assembly

Abstract

A container assembly comprising: a main body made from insulating material having one or more external walls extending upwardly from a base; the external walls enclosing an internal volume to form a chamber with an upper access opening for receipt of items whose temperature is to be maintained; a closure lid sub-assembly comprising a closure lid adapted to cover said access opening in a closed configuration such that the closure lid is seated along an in-use upper region of the external walls in a seated configuration; wherein the one or more external walls of the main body converge from the base towards the in-use upper region.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to an improved container assembly for the transport of food and beverages, with nesting stools secured to the container assembly. BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[003] Food preservation has been a challenge throughout human history, both in static locations and during transportation. Since at least the 1950s with the publication of US Patent #2,663,157, ‘Portable ice chest for storing foods and the like’, bulk insulating materials have been used to construct storage containers to maintain the temperature of food and beverages. Such bulk insulation limits heat transfer between the contents of the container and the surrounding environment, thereby slowing the change in temperature of the contents as that temperature approaches ambient.

[004] A common use case for such containers is to transfer food or beverages from a kitchen to a location without typical kitchen or dining facilities, such as a picnic or outdoor work location.

[005] As such it is desirable for there to be a container assembly that is capable of limiting thermal transfer between the contents and the surrounding environment, is comfortable and easy to transport, is sturdy, and that provides some amenities for human comfort when the contents are utilized in a location away from typical dining facilities. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[006] In an aspect, the invention provides a container assembly comprising: a main body made from insulating material having one or more external walls extending upwardly from a base; the external walls enclosing an internal volume to form a chamber with an upper access opening for receipt of items whose temperature is to be maintained; a closure lid sub-assembly comprising a closure lid adapted to cover said access opening in a closed configuration such that the closure lid is seated along an in-use upper region of the external walls in a seated configuration; wherein the one or more external walls of the main body converge from the base towards the in-use upper region.

[007] In another aspect, the invention provides a container assembly in combination with one or nesting stools comprising: a main body made from body made from insulating material having one or more external walls extending upwardly from a base; the external walls enclosing an internal volume to form a chamber with an upper access opening for receipt of items whose temperature is to be maintained; a closure lid sub-assembly comprising a closure lid adapted to cover said access opening in a closed configuration such that the closure lid is seated along an in-use upper region of the external walls in a seated configuration; wherein the one or more external walls of the main body converge from the base towards the in-use upper region; wherein the main body is frustum-shaped to converge towards the in-use upper region; and wherein each nesting stool comprises: a seat with a top side and underside with side walls extending from the top side wherein the side walls and the underside defines a hollow internal volume to receivably engage the closure lid and upper regions of the main body of the container assembly in a nested configuration.

[008] In an embodiment, the main body further comprises one or more internal walls that are spaced away from the external walls with an insulating layer therebetween wherein the internal walls define the internal volume forming the chamber.

[009] In an embodiment the container assembly further comprises a strap assembly with two tethering members of the strap assembly being releasably attached to respective attachment locations on the main body. Each of the tethering members further comprises a respective buckle and wherein the strap assembly further comprises first and second strap segments extending between the respective buckles such that tensioning any one of the strap segments results in the other strap segment being shortened to apply a downwardly acting force in a direction towards the closure lid.

[0010] In an embodiment, the strap assembly further comprises a bottle opening member formed integrally with any one of the tethering members.

[0011] In an embodiment the upper region of the main body of the container assembly further comprises one or more latching members to prevent the closure lid from becoming uncoupled from the main body. The latching member is fixedly attached to the main body and wherein each of said latching member in a first coupled configuration allows the closure lid to be hingedly connected relative to the main body via the latching member thereby allowing the closure lid to undergo a hinged movement during opening and closing of the closure lid and wherein in a second uncoupled configuration the closure lid can be released from the latching member thereby allowing the closure lid to be uncoupled from the main body.

[0012] In an embodiment the closure lid assembly further comprises an insert panel with one or more recesses, the insert panel being configured to be received into a closure lid cavity located along an underside portion of the closure lid.

[0013] A container assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the main body is frustum shaped to converge towards the in-use upper region, wherein the main body is shaped as a polygon frustum.

[0014] In an aspect, there is provided a container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools wherein each nesting stool comprises: a seat with a top side and underside with side walls extending from the top side wherein the side walls and the underside defines a hollow internal volume to receivably engage the closure lid and upper regions of the main body of the container assembly in a nested configuration.

[0015] In an embodiment the nesting stool further comprises a plurality of divergent legs extending from side walls of the seat, the divergent legs being shaped such that inner walls of the legs generally align with the external walls of the main body of the container assembly, wherein angle of inclination for the inner walls of the divergent legs is substantially similar to angle of inclination of the external walls of the main body of the container assembly.

[0016] In an embodiment the top side of the nesting stool comprises a recessed cavity for receiving an insert panel therein, wherein the insert panel is preferably adapted for use as a cutting board. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 depicts a container assembly in top perspective view. Figure 2a depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 with the closure lid subassembly removed and viewed primarily from the top. Figure 2b depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 with the closure lid subassembly removed and viewed primarily from the top, in an alternative embodiment. Figure 3 depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 in a side perspective view with the closure lid sub-assembly separated and an insert panel separated. Figure 4 depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 in a different side perspective view. Figure 5 depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 in a below perspective view with the closure lid sub-assembly and two insert panels separated. Figure 6 depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 in a different side perspective view with the insert panel (cutting board) removed. Figure 7 depicts a nesting stool in below perspective view. Figure 8 depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 and nesting stools of Figure 7 in a nested formation from a front perspective view. Figure 9 depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 and nesting stools of Figure 7 in a nested formation from a top perspective view. Figure 10a depicts an alternate embodiment of an insert for the container assembly of Figure 1, as seen from one side. Figure 10b depicts the insert of Figure 10b as seen from the other side. Figure 11 depicts the container assembly of Figure 1 on top of the nesting stool of Figure 7 in an alternate nesting configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Figures 1 to 11 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a container assembly 1000. The container assembly 1000 consists of a main body 100, a closure lid subassembly 200, a strap assembly 300, and may include one or more nesting stools 400. The main body 100 is made from insulating material and is formed by one or more external walls 110 extending upwardly from a base 120. In a preferred embodiment, the upper region 115 of the main body 100 is narrower than the base 100, thereby giving the main body 100 an overall frustum shape. In a preferred embodiment, the main body 100 is a polygon frustum in shape.

[0019] The external walls 110 enclose an internal volume to form a chamber 130. The main body 100 further comprises one or more internal walls 140 that are spaced away from the external walls 110 with an insulating layer therebetween. The internal walls 140 and the upper base surface 122 define the internal volume forming the chamber 130, as seen most clearly in Figure 2. The insulating material may limit any known forms of heat transportation, be it conduction, convection or radiation. Therefore, temperature consistency is achieved over long periods because of the insulating material of which the main body 100 is constructed. This general container category is commonly known as a cooler because of the common use case of maintaining the low temperature of pre-cooled beverages. However, it is well known that containers made from insulating material can also maintain the high temperatures of previously heated material and are not limited to containing beverages.

[0020] In an embodiment, the internal walls 140 have two or more recessed divider slots 141. Divider slots 141 come in pairs such that each divider slot 141 can receive an opposite edge of a dividing insert, such that the chamber 130 is subdivided into smaller volumes. A dividing insert may be constructed to consist of multiple panes, the edges of which are received into divider slots 141, such that the chamber 130 may be subdivided into more than two smaller volumes. In an embodiment seen in Figure 2b the upper base surface 122 may further contain one or more upper base cavities 123. An upper base cavity 123 is a recessed portion of the upper base surface 122, with a diameter preferably sufficient to contain the diameter of a beverage container, for example a bottle of champagne, and a depth sufficient to provide some stability to said beverage container while also allowing an adequate amount of insulating material to be in between the deepest portion of the upper base cavity 123 and the lower base surface 121.

[0021] The chamber 130 opens to an upper access opening 135, for receipt of items whose temperature is to be maintained. An open container cannot insulate and thereby maintain temperature effectively due to the heat exchange with the surrounding environment. As such the container assembly 1000 also comprises a closure lid sub-assembly 200. This closure lid sub-assembly 200 comprises a closure lid 210, adapted to cover the access opening 135 when the closure lid 200 is in a closed configuration. The closed configuration is achieved such that the closure lid 210 is seated along an in-use upper region 115 of the external walls 110 in a seated configuration as shown in Figure 1. One or more external walls 110 of the main body 100 converge from the base 120 towards the in-use upper region 115.

[0022] In an embodiment the base 120 may be a frustum in shape, such that the frustum of the base 120 is inverted with respect to the frustum shape of the main body 100. The base wall portion 125 extends upwards and outwards with respect to the lower base surface 121 until it meets the lower edge of the exterior walls 110 of the main body 100. The height of the base 120 frustrum is substantially smaller than the height of the main body 100 frustum. In an embodiment, one or more of the base wall portions 125 may further comprise a base groove portion 126. The base groove portion 126 is an indentation in the base wall portion 125 such that the base wall portion 126 is not a frustrum in the base groove portion 126 but is substantially vertical instead. The base groove portion 126 may beneficially provide an element of strength or rigidity or may act as a gripping point for the manipulation of the container assembly 1000.

[0023] The container assembly 1000 further includes a strap assembly 300 with two tethering members 310 of the strap assembly 300 being releasably attached to respective attachment locations 315 on the main body 100. The tethering members 310 further comprise a respective buckle 320, such that the buckle is received into the receptive attachment location 315. Connection and disconnection of the buckle 320 may operate via a mechanical or otherwise button, latch etc. as is known in the art. The strap assembly 300 further comprises a first strap segment 330a and a second strap segment 330b extending between the respective buckles 320, as seen in Figure 1. Tensioning one of the strap segments 330, typically the outer strap segment 330a, results in the other strap segment 330b being shortened. This will apply a downwardly acting force in a direction towards the closure lid 210. In some embodiments continually applying tension to strap segment 330a or in other embodiments via a buckle locking or restraining mechanism as is known in the art, the strap assembly thereby ensures that the closure lid 210 cannot open inadvertently, such as during transportation.

[0024] In one embodiment, the strap assembly 300 further comprises a bottle opening member 340 formed integrally with any one of the tethering members 310, as seen in Figure 3.

[0025] As well as via the strap assembly 300, the closure lid sub-assembly 200 can be securely attached to the main body 100 by a latching member 150. A Latching member 150 is fixedly attached to the upper region 115 of the main body 100. When in a fully coupled configuration, the closure lid 210 cannot become uncoupled from the main body 100. This is achieved whereby the shape of the latching member 150 is such that it can interlock with a latch receiving portion 250 of the edge of the closure lid 210. In the preferred embodiment, the material of which the latching member 150 is formed is rigid enough to securely hold the closure lid 210 to the main body 100 but is elastic enough to be unlatched without requiring other tools or mechanisms, as is known in the art. In other embodiments, the latching member 150 may feature a spring, lever or other mechanism as is known in the art for the purpose.

[0026] A partially coupled configuration allows the closure lid 210 to be hingedly connected relative to the main body 100 via the latching member 150, thereby allowing the closure lid 210 to undergo a hinged movement during opening and closing of the closure lid 210. This is best seen in Figure 4.

[0027] In an uncoupled configuration, the closure lid 210 can be released from the latching member 150, thereby allowing the closure lid 210 to be uncoupled from the main body 100 entirely.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the underside portion 215 of the closure lid subassembly 200 features a closure lid cavity 230, as seen in Figure 3. The closure lid cavity 230 is formed to receive and securely restrain an insert panel 220a. In a preferred embodiment receiving and securely restraining the insert panel 220a within the closure lid cavity 230 is due to the flexible and rigid material of which both the closure lid cavity 230 and insert panel 220a are manufactured. In other embodiments the insert panel 220a may be secured within the closure lid cavity 230 by some other mechanism as is known in the art.

[0029] The aforementioned insert panel 220a comprises at least one and preferably six recesses 225, as seen in Figure 4. In a preferred embodiment the recesses 225 are round in cross section. In an embodiment most clearly seen in Figure 10a, insert panel 220a comprises at least one and preferably six frustum recesses 226. A frustum recess 226 is wider at the opening of the frustum recess 226 when compared to the deepest extent thereof. The frustum shape may extend from the opening to the base or may only extend a portion of the way into the depth of the frustum recess 226. In a preferred embodiment a recess 225 or frustum recess 226 has a radius and depth such that a beverage container, for example a bottle of champagne, can stand within the chamber 130 of the container assembly 1000 with the base end of the bottle resting on the upper base surface 122 of the chamber 130, or received within an upper base cavity 123, and the upper end of the beverage container received within a recess 225 or frustum recess 226, such that during movement of the container assembly 1000 the beverage container undergoes minimal movement. The shape of the frustum recess 226 has the beneficial function of guiding the top of the beverage container to be within the frustum recess 226 even if the beverage container is slightly misaligned when received into the frustum recess 226. In an embodiment, the side of the insert panel 220a opposite the side featuring the recesses 225 or frustum recesses 226 may contain one or more drink holder grooves 227, as seen in Figure 10b. Preferably, an drink holder groove 227 is circular in form, and of sufficient depth to provide stability to a drinking vessel placed within the drink holder groove 227.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment the insert panel 220a may be a freezer pack, whereby when removed the insert panel 220a may have its temperature reduced to freezing temperatures. Hence when the freezer pack insert panel 220a is returned to the closure lid cavity 230 and the closure lid 210 is securely attached to the main body 100 it will act as an additional sink of heat energy within the chamber 130, thereby slowing the rate at which the contents of the chamber 130 reach an ambient temperature.

[0031] In an embodiment, the top portion 218 of the closure lid 210 may contain a recessed cavity 219. The recessed cavity 219 is formed to receive and securely restrain an insert panel 220b. Receiving and securely restraining the insert panel 220b within the recessed cavity 219 is due to the flexible and rigid material of which both the recessed cavity 219 and insert panel 220b are manufactured. Insert panel 220b is preferably adapted for use as a cutting board 221.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, container assembly 1000 is provided in combination with one or more nesting stools 400, as seen in Figures 7-9. The nesting stools 400 sit securely over the top of the container assembly 1000, as seen particularly in Figure 8. Further, any nesting stool 400 as described below can sit securely over any other stool 400.

[0033] Each nesting stool 400 comprises a seat 410 with a top side 411 and underside 412 with side walls 420 extending from the top side 411. The side walls 420 and the underside 412 define a hollow internal volume 430. The hollow internal volume 430 can receivably engage the closure lid 210 and upper regions 115 of the main body 100 of the container assembly 1000 in a nested configuration. The divergent legs 440 of the nesting stool 400 extend from the side walls 420 of the seat 410. The inner walls 445 of the divergent legs 440 are shaped to generally align with the external walls 110 of the main body 100 of the container assembly 1000, because the angle of inclination for the inner walls 445 of the divergent legs 440 is substantially similar to angle of inclination of the external walls 110 of the main body 100 of the container assembly 1000. In an embodiment, the top side 411 of the nesting stool 400 comprises a recessed cavity 415 for receiving an insert panel 220 therein, wherein the insert panel 220 is preferably adapted for use as a cutting board 221.

[0034] In an embodiment, the top side 411 of a nesting stool 400 may further comprise a recessed slot 418. The recessed slot 418 is shaped and sized to act as a gripping point for manipulating a nesting stool 400. In an embodiment the recessed slot 418 is substantially elongate with rounded ends, but in other embodiments the ends may be squared, tapered, or shaped otherwise to provide a firm and comfortable gripping point.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment each divergent leg 440 ends in a foot portion 450. Each foot portion 450 may contain one or more foot slots 455. The foot slots 455 beneficially provide a channel for drainage, as well as providing an anchor point, such that nesting stools 400 may be secured to one another, other objects, or the ground, with a user-supplied securing implement such as rope, string, a tent peg, etc. The typically ground-facing surface 452 of each foot portion 450 may further be covered by a friction boot 453. In a preferred embodiment, friction boot 453 is made of rubber, but other embodiments may be made of plastic or other suitable substances as would be known in the art.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment a nesting stool 400 may further comprise a wall indent portion 460 as part of one or more side walls 420, as seen in Figure 8. A wall indent portion 460 may be included as part of one or more side walls 420 to add strength or rigidity to the side wall 420, and hence the nesting stool 400. It may also act as a recess for the attachment of decoration or decorated items, as could be used to display branding, such as vinyl decals etc. In a preferred embodiment the shape of the wall indent portion 460 is a rounded rectangle. In a preferred embodiment the depth of the wall indent portion 460 is less than the thickness of the side wall 420.

[0037] In an embodiment, the base 120 of the container assembly contains a base underside cavity 124 as best seen in Figure 5. This base underside cavity 124 is shaped such that when the container assembly 1000 is placed on top of a nesting stool 400, the seat 410 of the nesting stool 400 is securely received within the base underside cavity 124. This enables the container assembly 1000 to be placed securely on a nesting stool 400 at a height convenient for a user. The elevated position of the main body 100 atop the nesting stool 400 may also beneficially isolate the contents stored within the main body 100 from the attention of e.g. crawling insects.

[0038] The provision of one or more of the nesting stools 400 in combination with the container assembly 1000 provides a compact and portable configuration which allows users to easily carry the combination across worksites or during picnics in a convenient manner. Unlike currently known products which require cooling containers and stools to be carried separately, the present configuration provides an improvement and allows a number of nested stools and the cooling container to be transported in a highly compact and efficient manner.

[0039] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0040] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0041] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools comprising:a main body made from insulating material having one or more external walls extending upwardly from a base; the external walls enclosing an internal volume to form a chamber with an upper access opening for receipt of items whose temperature is to be maintained;a closure lid sub-assembly comprising a closure lid adapted to cover said access opening in a closed configuration such that the closure lid is seated along an in-use upper region of the external walls in a seated configuration;wherein the one or more external walls of the main body converge from the base towards the in-use upper region;wherein the main body is frustum-shaped to converge towards the in-use upper region; andwherein each nesting stool comprises: a seat with a top side and underside with side walls extending from the top side wherein the side walls and the underside defines a hollow internal volume to receivably engage the closure lid and upper regions of the main body of the container assembly in a nested configuration.

2. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with claim 1 wherein the main body further comprises one or more internal walls that are spaced away from the external walls with an insulating layer2024328364   20 Jun 2026therebetween wherein the internal walls define the internal volume forming the chamber.

3. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a strap assembly with two tethering members of the strap assembly being releasably attached to respective attachment locations on the main body.

4. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with claim 3 wherein each of the tethering members further comprises a respective buckle and wherein the strap assembly further comprises first and second strap segments extending between the respective buckles such that tensioning any one of the strap segments results in the other strap segment being shortened to apply a downwardly acting force in a direction towards the closure lid.

5. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with any one of claims 3 or 4 wherein the strap assembly further comprises a bottle opening member formed integrally with any one of the tethering members.

6. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper region further2024328364   20 Jun 2026comprises one or more latching members to prevent the closure lid from becoming uncoupled from the main body.

7. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with claim 6 wherein the latching member is fixedly attached to the main body and wherein each of said latching member in a first coupled configuration allows the closure lid to be hingedly connected relative to the main body via the latching member thereby allowing the closure lid to undergo a hinged movement during opening and closing of the closure lid and wherein in a second uncoupled configuration the closure lid can be released from the latching member thereby allowing the closure lid to be uncoupled from the main body.

8. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the closure lid assembly further comprises an insert panel with one or more recesses, the insert panel being configured to be received into a closure lid cavity located along an underside portion of the closure lid.

9. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the main body is shaped as a polygon frustum.2024328364   20 Jun 202610. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with any of the preceding claims; wherein the stool further comprises a plurality of divergent legs extending from side walls of the seat, the divergent legs being shaped such that inner walls of the legs generally align with the external walls of the main body of the container assembly.

11. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with claim 10 wherein angle of inclination for the inner walls of the divergent legs is substantially similar to angle of inclination of the external walls of the main body of the container assembly.

12. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top side of the stool comprises a recessed cavity for receiving an insert panel therein, wherein the insert panel is preferably adapted for use as a cutting board.

13. A container assembly in combination with one or more nesting stools in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the underside of the base of the container assembly comprises a recessed cavity for receiving the top side of a nesting stool therein.

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