Insulated container with drawer

Abstract

Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for an insulated container (10) having a drawer (12). Generally, an insulated container (10), such as a portable cooler, includes a drawer (12). An insulated container (10) includes a main chamber (14) and a drawer chamber (16) separate from the main chamber (14) and configured to movably receive a drawer (12) therein. The main chamber (14) is configured to hold a coolant that is configured to cool any articles in the main chamber (14) and also any articles in the drawer (12). The thermally insulating container (12) may be manufactured using injection molding.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to PCT patent application No. PCT / CN2023 / 119079, filed on September 15, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to insulated containers with drawers. Background Technology

[0004] Portable insulated containers, such as coolers, allow items like beverages and food to remain cold when outdoors, in a vehicle, or otherwise located outside a refrigerator or freezer. Portable coolers typically have an insulated interior containing a coolant (such as ice or reusable coolant packs) to help cool the items inside. When the coolant thaws or melts, the coolant itself and / or condensation from it can cause the items inside the cooler to become wet. Wet items can have one or more undesirable effects, such as making items unnecessarily damp, making items difficult to handle and / or messy to handle (unless cleaned with a towel or other material), damaging the paper packaging of the items, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Typically, systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for insulated containers with drawers.

[0006] In one aspect, an insulated container is provided, which in one embodiment includes an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell and the lower shell are separated by a horizontal partition wall formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of about 0.3 W / m K or less. The horizontal partition wall is integrally formed with the upper shell. The horizontal partition wall has a plurality of ribs along its bottom surface, a thickness between about 7 mm and about 11 mm, and a maximum deformation factor of 5 or less when the horizontal partition wall is subjected to a force between about 1 kPa and about 2 kPa. The deformation factor is determined by dividing the maximum deformation of the horizontal partition wall by its thickness.

[0007] The insulated container can vary in any quantity and manner. For example, the horizontal partition wall can have a total surface area between about 0.1 square meters and about 0.2 square meters, such as about 0.15 square meters. The horizontal partition wall can be formed of polypropylene.

[0008] In another example, the insulated container may include a vertical partition wall positioned within the lower shell and configured to support a central portion of a horizontal partition wall. In a first configuration, the vertical partition wall may support between approximately 0.25 and approximately 0.75 of the width of the horizontal partition wall. In the first configuration, the deformation factor may be 1 or less. In a second configuration, the vertical partition wall may support the entire width of the horizontal partition wall. In the second configuration, the deformation factor may be 1 or less.

[0009] In another aspect, an insulated container is provided, which in one embodiment includes an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell and the lower shell are separated by a horizontal partition wall formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of about 0.3 W / m K or less. The horizontal partition wall is integrally formed with the upper shell. The horizontal partition wall has a plurality of hexagonal ribs arranged in a honeycomb pattern along the bottom surface of the partition wall, a total surface area between about 0.1 m² and about 0.2 m², and a maximum plastic strain value of 190% or less when the horizontal partition wall is subjected to a dynamic force between about 1 kPa and about 2 kPa.

[0010] Insulated containers can vary in any number of ways. For example, the maximum plastic strain can be less than the elongation at break. The elongation at break can be approximately 200% of the strain. Horizontal partition walls can be formed of polypropylene.

[0011] In another example, the insulated container may include a vertical partition wall positioned within the lower housing and configured to support a central portion of a horizontal partition wall. In a first configuration, the vertical partition wall may support a width of the horizontal partition wall between approximately 0.25 and approximately 0.75. In a second configuration, the vertical partition wall may support the entire width of the horizontal partition wall.

[0012] In yet another example, the upper and lower housings can be separated from each other. The upper housing may have a plurality of first walls defining a main chamber configured to receive coolant therein. The lower housing may have a plurality of second walls defining drawer chambers configured to receive drawers therein.

[0013] On the other hand, an insulated container is provided. In one embodiment, the insulated container includes a shell having a substantially rigid polypropylene horizontal divider. The horizontal divider includes a top non-perforated surface and a bottom surface. The top non-perforated surface may be substantially smooth. The bottom surface has a plurality of ribs defining an orifice therebetween. These ribs are configured in a honeycomb pattern to suppress vertical deformation of the horizontal divider. In some aspects, the horizontal divider has a first vertical distance measured between the top and bottom surfaces within the orifice and a second vertical distance measured between the top and bottom surfaces at the ribs.

[0014] The insulation container can vary in any number of ways. For example, in some aspects, the second distance varies along the length of the horizontal separator, while the first distance remains constant along the length of the horizontal separator. In some aspects, the second distance can be between about 7 mm and about 11 mm. In some aspects, the first distance is between about 2.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0015] In another example, each of the plurality of ribs has a cross-sectional shape selected from a group of pentagons, hexagons, and octagons. In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of ribs may be truncated. In another example, a top surface defines the bottom of the upper shell of the insulated container, and a bottom surface defines the top of the lower shell of the insulated container. In some aspects, the horizontal partition has a width and a length, with the length being greater than the width. In some aspects, the top surface may be horizontally skewed to guide fluid flow to a discharge section within the insulated container.

[0016] On the other hand, an insulated container is provided, which in one embodiment includes a shell having a horizontal polypropylene partition wall having an orifice-free upper layer and a porous lower layer. The porous lower layer has at least two orifices, each having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. In some aspects, the thickness of the orifice-free upper layer may be constant, the thickness of the porous lower layer may vary along its length, and the thickness of the porous lower layer may be greater than the thickness of the orifice-free upper layer.

[0017] In one example, the orifice-filled lower layer may be parallel to the bottom wall of the housing. In another example, the orificeless upper layer may be inclined relative to the bottom wall of the housing and may be configured to guide liquid toward the discharge portion of the housing.

[0018] In some aspects, the thickness of the non-perforated upper layer can be between about 2.5 mm and 3 mm. In some aspects, the thickness of the perforated lower layer ranges from about 4 mm to about 8 mm. In another example, the non-perforated upper layer defines the bottom of the upper shell of the insulated container, and the perforated lower layer defines the top of the lower shell of the insulated container. In yet another example, the horizontal partition wall has a width and a length, with the length being greater than the width. In some aspects, at least two perforations can inhibit deformation of the horizontal partition wall. Attached Figure Description

[0019] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the heat-insulating container;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the insulated container;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another 3D view of the insulated container;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional sectional view of an insulated container;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Rear cross-sectional view of the insulated container;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the insulated container;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the insulated container;

[0027] Figure 7A yes Figure 1 A partial side sectional view of the insulated container;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the insulated container;

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Top side sectional view of the insulated container;

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the insulated container;

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the insulated container;

[0032] Figure 12A yes Figure 1 Another top side sectional view of the insulated container;

[0033] Figure 12B yes Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional side sectional view of the insulated container;

[0034] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the insulated container;

[0035] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 Another top side sectional view of the insulated container;

[0036] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the insulated container;

[0037] Figure 16This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat-insulating container;

[0038] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Another perspective view of the insulated container;

[0039] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 Another 3D view of the insulated container;

[0040] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of an insulated container, with the lid open and the drawers open;

[0041] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat-insulating container;

[0042] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A three-dimensional view of an insulated container, with the lid open and the drawers open;

[0043] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a drawer locking mechanism for an insulated container, wherein the drawer locking mechanism is in a locked position;

[0044] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a drawer lock, wherein the drawer lock is in the unlocked position;

[0045] Figure 24 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the lid locking mechanism of an insulated container, wherein the lid locking mechanism is in a locked configuration;

[0046] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the cover locking mechanism, wherein the cover locking mechanism is in the unlocked position;

[0047] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat-insulating container;

[0048] Figure 27A This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the upper shell of an insulated container;

[0049] Figure 27B yes Figure 27A A bottom view of the first variant of the upper shell;

[0050] Figure 27C yes Figure 27A A bottom view of the second variant of the upper shell;

[0051] Figure 28A yes Figure 27A A bottom view of the support structure of the upper shell;

[0052] Figure 28B yes Figure 27A A bottom view of another supporting structure of the upper shell;

[0053] Figure 28C yes Figure 27A A bottom view of another supporting structure of the upper shell;

[0054] Figure 29A yes Figure 27B Illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0055] Figure 29B yes Figure 27B Another illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0056] Figure 29C yes Figure 27B Another illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0057] Figure 30A yes Figure 27C Illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0058] Figure 30B yes Figure 27C Another illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0059] Figure 30C is Figure 27C Another illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0060] Figure 31A yes Figure 27B Further illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0061] Figure 31B yes Figure 27C Another illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell;

[0062] Figure 31C yes Figure 27C Another illustrative drawing of the illustrative variant of the upper shell;

[0063] Figure 32A yes Figure 27B An illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0064] Figure 32B yes Figure 27B Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0065] Figure 32C yes Figure 27B Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0066] Figure 33A yes Figure 27C An illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0067] Figure 33B yes Figure 27C Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0068] Figure 33C yes Figure 27C Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0069] Figure 34A This is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the upper shell of the insulated container;

[0070] Figure 34B yes Figure 34A A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the upper shell;

[0071] Figure 34C yes Figure 34A Another perspective view of the bottom of the upper shell;

[0072] Figure 35A yes Figure 34A Illustrative drawing of the stress in the upper shell;

[0073] Figure 35B yes Figure 34A Another illustrative drawing of the stress in the upper shell;

[0074] Figure 36A It comes from Figure 34A An illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell under the first dynamic load;

[0075] Figure 36B yes Figure 36A Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0076] Figure 36C yes Figure 36A Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0077] Figure 37A It comes from Figure 34A An illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell under the second dynamic load;

[0078] Figure 37B yes Figure 37A Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0079] Figure 37C yes Figure 37A Another illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell;

[0080] Figure 38A This is a perspective view of a cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of the upper and lower shells of the insulated container;

[0081] Figure 38B yes Figure 38A A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the upper and lower shells;

[0082] Figure 39 It comes from Figure 38A An illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell under the first dynamic load;

[0083] Figure 40 A is from Figure 38A An illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell under the first dynamic load;

[0084] Figure 40 B is Figure 40 Enlarged view of the illustrative plot of strain A;

[0085] Figure 40 C is Figure 40 Another enlarged view of the illustrative plot of strain A;

[0086] Figure 41 It comes from Figure 38A An illustrative drawing of the deformation of the upper shell under the second dynamic load;

[0087] Figure 42 A is from Figure 38A An illustrative drawing of the strain of the upper shell under the second dynamic load; and

[0088] Figure 42 B is Figure 42 Enlarged view of the illustrative drawing of strain A. Detailed Implementation

[0089] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses, systems, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0090] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in different embodiments generally have similar features; therefore, in a particular embodiment, the features of components with similar names are not necessarily fully described. Additionally, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, apparatus, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometry.

[0091] Various systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for insulated containers with drawers. Typically, insulated containers, such as portable coolers, include drawers. The insulated container includes a main chamber and a drawer chamber, which is separate from the main chamber and configured to movably receive the drawer therein. The main chamber is configured to retain a coolant configured to cool any items in the main chamber and any items in the drawer. Thus, items(s) in the drawer(s) can be separated from the coolant and will not become wet due to moisture in the main chamber, for example, due to the melting or thawing of the coolant. Additionally, the separation of the main chamber and the drawer chamber allows one of them to be opened, for example, to access the items(s) contained therein, without breaking the seal of the unopened drawer(s) in the main chamber or the unopened main chamber. Therefore, temperature drop within the unopened drawer(s) in the main chamber or the unopened drawer(s) in the main chamber can be prevented to help maintain effective cooling of the items(s) contained therein.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, injection molding is used to manufacture the insulated container. Using injection molding to manufacture the insulated container allows for more refined detail and tolerance control than other manufacturing methods, such as rotational molding. Using injection molding to manufacture the insulated container allows the individual components of the insulated container to be formed individually. Forming components individually improves the overall structural integrity of each individual component, and therefore improves the overall structural integrity of the fully assembled insulated container. Forming components individually can improve cooling performance because individual components do not have seams, joints, or other connection areas that would exist if the individual component were instead formed from two or more parts joined together. Forming components individually can help prevent leaks because individual components do not have seams, joints, or other connection areas where leaks are most likely to occur.

[0093] Figures 1 to 15 An embodiment of an insulated container 10 including a drawer 12 is shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 10 is a portable cooler. The insulated container 10 is configured to hold a coolant (such as ice or one or more reusable coolant packets) therein, which is configured to cool one or more items, such as food, beverages, and medicines, also held in the insulated container 10.

[0094] As discussed further below, the insulated container 10 includes a main chamber 14 configured to hold coolant therein (see example...). Figure 8 ), and includes a drawer compartment 16 configured to movably receive drawer 12 therein (see, for example) Figure 13 Drawer compartment 16 is isolated from main compartment 14, such that drawer 12 received in drawer compartment 16 is also isolated from main compartment 14. Therefore, when the coolant thaws or melts, the coolant itself and / or condensate from the coolant cannot wet (or dampen) the items(s) in drawer(s) 12. Similarly, beverages or other items accidentally spilled or leaked in main compartment 14 cannot wet or otherwise damage any items in drawer 12, and vice versa.

[0095] Drawer compartment 16 and the drawer 12 therein, thus housed therein, are located vertically below the main compartment 14, for example, closer to the bottom of the insulated container 10 than the main compartment 14. Because gravity tends to draw the coolant in the main compartment 14 vertically downward, it drives the coolant to settle as close as possible to the drawer compartment 16 and thus as close as possible to the drawer 12 therein.

[0096] Opening either the main chamber 14 or the drawer chamber 16 causes the temperature inside the open chamber to rise due to the external ambient temperature, and may therefore reduce the effectiveness of the coolant in cooling the items(s) contained in the open chamber. The isolation of the drawer chamber 16 and the main chamber 14 allows one of them to be opened, for example, to access the items(s) contained therein, without breaking the seal of the unopened drawer chamber 16 or the main chamber 14. Therefore, a decrease in temperature within the unopened drawer chamber 16 or the main chamber 14 can be prevented, thus contributing to maintaining effective cooling of the items(s) contained therein. Furthermore, if drawer chamber 16 is the open one of the main chamber 14 and the drawer chamber 16, the coolant in the main chamber 14 will not be exposed to the external ambient air, thus preventing accelerated melting or thawing of the coolant due to exposure to the external ambient temperature. In other words, opening drawer 12 to access one or more items therein will not cause the coolant in the main chamber 14 to melt or thaw as it would with opening the main chamber 14, and thus prolong the effective cooling provided by the coolant.

[0097] Attached to or replacing the main chamber 14, the user may choose to place coolant in drawer 12. However, it is not necessary to place coolant in drawer 12 to cool any items in drawer 12, because the insulated container 10 is configured to allow coolant in the main chamber 14 to cool (one or more) items in drawer 12, as discussed further below.

[0098] The insulated container 10 includes an outer shell 18 and a cover 20 movably coupled to the outer shell 18. The cover 20, for example, has its bottom outer surface defining the top wall of the main chamber 14 (see example...). Figures 4 to 7 The cover 20 is configured to move between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the main chamber 14 is sealed closed, and in the open configuration, the main chamber 14 is not sealed closed and the user can access and removably store any items(s) and coolant(s) contained within the main chamber 14. In other words, when the cover 20 is in the open configuration, the top of the main chamber 14 is open, and the main chamber 14 is exposed to ambient air. Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 15 The cover 20 is shown in the closed configuration.

[0099] Cover 20 is hinged and non-removably connected to housing 18 via hinge 22, such as Figure 3 As shown, the hinge 22 includes two hinges, but other numbers of hinges (e.g., one, three, etc.) can be used. The hinge 22 is configured to prevent the cover 20 from being completely removed from the housing 18. This can help prevent the cover 20 from being lost, can help protect the open main chamber 14 from direct sunlight or other direct heat, and / or can help remind the user to replace the cover 20 when access to the main chamber 14 is no longer needed. In other embodiments, the cover 20 can be non-removably attached to the housing 18 using other attachment mechanisms, such as flexible tethers. In still other embodiments, the cover 20 can be removably attached to the housing 18 to allow the cover 20 to be completely removed from the housing 18.

[0100] The insulated container 10 includes a lid locking member 21 configured to lock the lid 20 in a closed configuration. The lid locking member 21 is configured to move between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, for example, manually by a user. In the locked configuration, the lid 20 is locked in the closed configuration, and in the unlocked configuration, the lid 20 is allowed to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration, for example, manually by a user. Therefore, accidental opening of the lid 20 can be prevented, which can help prevent any contents of the main chamber 14 from spilling out (e.g., if the insulated container 10 is accidentally dropped during transport), and can also help prevent accidental opening of the main chamber 14 and consequent temperature rise. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The cover locking element 21 in a locking configuration is shown.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover locking member 21 includes a movable latch, but may have other configurations. In this illustrated embodiment, the bottom of the cover locking member 21 is pivotally attached to the housing 18. The cover locking member 21 is configured to move between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration by pivoting relative to the housing 18 and the cover 20. The top of the cover locking member 21 is configured to releasably engage the cover 20. In the locking configuration, the top of the cover locking member 21 engages the cover 20. In the unlocking configuration, the top of the cover locking member 21 does not engage the cover 20.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 20 includes a pair of keyholes 20h corresponding to a pair of keyholes formed in the housing 18 (the keyholes of the housing are obscured in the figure). When the cover 20 is closed, the keyholes 20h of the cover are configured to align with the keyholes of the housing. The aligned cover keyholes 20h and housing keyholes are configured to receive padlocks or other locking mechanisms (e.g., zippers, cords, etc.) to provide an alternative lock for the cover 20 in the closed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, both the cover 20 and the housing 18 include two keyholes, but may include other numbers (e.g., one, three, etc.) of keyholes.

[0103] The outer casing 18 defines an opposite side handle 24 for the insulated container 10. The opposite side handle 24 is configured to be held in a manner that facilitates the portability of the insulated container 10. The insulated container 10 may include other numbers of side handles 24 and / or have handles(s) at other locations to facilitate portability of the insulated container 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposite side handle 24 is integrally formed with the outer casing 18. In other embodiments, the opposite side handle 24 may be a separate component attached to the outer casing 18.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the opposite side handles 24 includes one or more holes 26 formed therein, such as Figure 15As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each of the handles 24 includes four openings 26, but may include other numbers of openings (e.g., one, two, etc.). In other embodiments, the openings 26 are omitted. The openings 26 are configured to receive strips, ropes, or other components therein, which are configured to facilitate movement of the insulation container 10 by a user, for example, by carrying, pulling, etc. The strips, ropes, or other components may be received in the openings 26 either non-removably or removably. In some embodiments, the insulation container 10 may include at least one wheel, such as two wheels at its left or right side at the bottom of the insulation container 10, four wheels at its four corners at the bottom of the insulation container 10, etc., the wheels being configured to allow rolling movement of the insulation container 10. The strips, ropes, or other components in the openings 26 may assist the user in achieving such rolling movement. In the illustrated embodiment, all openings 26 are releasably coupled to the cover 28 of the handles 24 (see [link to illustration]). Figure 1 (Closed.) In some embodiments, the cover 28 is omitted.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 10 includes a front handle 30. The front handle 30 is configured to facilitate portability of the insulated container 10, for example, by means of carrying or pulling. In this illustrated embodiment, the front handle 30 is pivotally attached to the outer shell 18, which allows the front handle 30 to be positioned flush against and non-protruding against the outer shell 18 when not in use, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown. The insulated container 10 may include other numbers of front handles 30 and / or have handles(one or more) at other locations to facilitate the portability of the insulated container 10. The front handles 30 are components separate from the housing 18, but in some embodiments, the front handles 30 are integrally formed with the housing 18, similar to Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 15 The opposite side handle 24 is shown.

[0106] The outer casing 18 has a front wall 18a, a rear wall 18b, a left side wall 18c, a right side wall 18d, and a bottom wall 18e, as shown below. Figures 1 to 4As shown. Front wall 18a, rear wall 18b, left side wall 18c, right side wall 18d, and bottom wall 18e define the interior cavity of housing 18. Housing 18, and therefore the interior cavity, has an open top configured to be selectively covered by cover 20. Each of the front wall 18a, rear wall 18b, left side wall 18c, and right side wall 18d of housing 18 extends vertically. The bottom wall 18e of housing 18 extends horizontally. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the front wall 18a, rear wall 18b, left side wall 18c, right side wall 18d, and bottom wall 18e has a thickness in the range of about 2.5 to about 3.5 mm. In some variations, the thickness of any of the walls described herein may be greater than 3.5 mm. For example, the thickness of any of the walls may be between about 2.5 mm and about 11 mm.

[0107] The insulated container 10 includes an upper shell 32 and a lower shell 34, both configured to be disposed within an outer shell 18 such that the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 34 are housed within the outer shell 18. The upper shell 32 has a main chamber 14 therein. The lower shell 34 has a drawer chamber 16 therein. The upper shell 32 and the lower shell 34 are separate shells, which facilitates the independence of the main chamber 14 and the drawer chamber 16 discussed herein. The separate nature of the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 34 also allows them to be molded separately, as discussed further below.

[0108] The upper housing 32 has a front wall 32a, a rear wall 32b, a left side wall 32c, a right side wall 32d, and a bottom wall 32e. The front wall 32a, rear wall 32b, left side wall 32c, right side wall 32d, and bottom wall 32e define a main chamber 14. The upper housing 32, and therefore the main chamber 14, has an open top configured to be selectively covered by a cover 20. Each of the front wall 32a, rear wall 32b, left side wall 32c, and right side wall 32d of the upper housing 32 extends vertically and is substantially planar. Those skilled in the art will understand that, due to any number of reasons, such as manufacturing tolerances or the sensitivity of measuring equipment, the elements may not be precisely planar but are considered substantially planar. The bottom wall 32e of the upper housing 32 extends horizontally and is substantially planar. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of each of the front wall 32a, rear wall 32b, left side wall 32c, and right side wall 32d is in the range of about 2.5 to about 3.5 mm. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for any number of reasons, such as manufacturing tolerances or the sensitivity of the measuring equipment, the value may not be exactly at that value, but is still considered to be approximately that value.

[0109] The thickness of the bottom wall is 32e (in Figure 12BThe thickness of the bottom wall 32e (illustrated as 32t) may be equal to or greater than the thickness of any other sidewall of the upper housing 32. For example, the thickness of the bottom wall 32e may be between about 2.5 mm and about 11 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, between about 2.5 mm and about 8.5 mm, between about 7 mm and about 11 mm, or between about 7 mm and about 8 mm. In an exemplary variant, the thickness of the bottom wall 32e may be between about 7 mm and about 11 mm. The thickness of the bottom wall 32e includes the height of one or more ribs extending beside one or more apertures 32p, as referenced below. Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B Further detailed description. The thickness of the bottom wall 32e can vary. For example, a first portion of the bottom wall 32e can have a first thickness, and a second portion of the bottom wall 32e can have a second thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, the first thickness is approximately 10.3 mm, and the second thickness is approximately 7.7 mm. The second portion having the second thickness can be adjacent to the discharge portion 44, which will be referred to below. Figure 4 Further description. The varying thickness of the bottom wall 32e favors its skewed (e.g., inclined) upper surface, causing any liquid in contact with the bottom wall 32e to flow toward the discharge portion 44. The bottom surface of the bottom wall 32 (including the outer surface of the orifice 32p and the surface of any channels defined theretherein) is parallel to the bottom wall of the insulated container.

[0110] The base wall 32e may have a length and a width. The length may be between approximately 100 mm and approximately 1000 mm, between approximately 300 mm and approximately 800 mm, or between approximately 500 mm and approximately 600 mm. In an exemplary variant, the length is approximately 549 mm. The width may be between approximately 100 mm and approximately 1000 mm, between approximately 100 mm and approximately 500 mm, or between approximately 200 mm and approximately 300 mm. In an exemplary variant, the width is approximately 278 mm. The surface area may be calculated based on the length and width of the base wall 32e. For example, the surface area of ​​the base wall 32e may be between approximately 0.05 square meters and approximately 1 square meter, between approximately 0.1 square meters and approximately 0.5 square meters, or between approximately 0.1 square meters and approximately 0.2 square meters. In an exemplary variant, the surface area of ​​the base wall 32e may be approximately 0.151 square meters. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for any number of reasons, such as manufacturing tolerances or the sensitivity of the measuring equipment, the value may not be exactly at that value, but is still considered to be approximately that value.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing 32 (e.g., front wall 32a, rear wall 32b, left side wall 32c, right side wall 32d, and bottom wall 32e) is formed of polypropylene. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing 32 is rigid, which, when formed of polypropylene, can help provide structural integrity for the insulated container 10.

[0112] The main chamber 14, defined by the upper housing 32, is a single cavity. The insulated container 10 includes a first partition wall 36 disposed within the main chamber 14, which divides the single cavity of the main chamber 14 into a first compartment 14a and a second compartment 14b. Dividing the main chamber 14 into multiple compartments can improve the user experience by allowing easier positioning of one or more items within the main chamber 14. The first partition wall 36 extends vertically and is substantially planar. The first partition wall 36 is laterally centered within the main chamber 14 so as to substantially divide the main chamber 14 into two halves, such that each of the first compartment 14a and the second compartment 14b has substantially the same dimensions.

[0113] The first partition wall 36 may be removably disposed within the upper housing 32, or it may be non-removably disposed within the upper housing 32. In the embodiment illustrated, the first partition wall 36 is a component separate from the upper housing 32, which facilitates the molding of the upper housing 32, as discussed further below. In some embodiments, the first partition wall 36 is integrally formed with the upper housing 32.

[0114] The lower housing 34 has a rear wall 34b, a left side wall 34c, a right side wall 34d, and a bottom wall 34e. The rear wall 34b, left side wall 34c, right side wall 34d, and bottom wall 34e define a drawer compartment 16. Each of the rear wall 34b, left side wall 34c, and right side wall 34d of the lower housing 34 extends vertically and is substantially planar. The bottom wall 34e of the upper housing 34 extends horizontally and is substantially planar. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the rear wall 34b, left side wall 34c, right side wall 34d, and bottom wall 34e has a thickness ranging from about 2.5 to about 3.5 mm.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower housing 34 (e.g., rear wall 34b, left side wall 34c, right side wall 34d, and bottom wall 34e) is formed of polypropylene. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower housing 34 is rigid, which, when formed of polypropylene, can help provide structural integrity for the insulated container 10.

[0116] The lower housing 34 has an open top. When the lower housing 34 is attached to the upper housing 32, the bottom wall 32e of the upper housing 32 defines the top of the drawer compartment 16, as... Figures 4 to 7As shown. The bottom wall 32e is without openings, preventing liquids or other materials from entering the drawer compartment 16 (or drawer 12 therein) from the main compartment 14 through the bottom wall 32e. The bottom wall 32e is configured to allow coolant in the main compartment 14 to cool one or more items contained in the drawer compartment 16, such as drawer 12 received in the drawer compartment 16. The bottom wall 32e is formed of polypropylene and has a thickness ranging from about 2.5 to about 11 mm, which makes the bottom wall 32e thick enough to provide durability and thin enough to provide effective cooling from the main compartment 14 to the drawer compartment 16, for example, to allow the typical coolant in the main compartment 14 to cool the drawer compartment 16 (and therefore the drawer 12 therein) to below about 40°F.

[0117] As illustrated in the embodiment, the bottom wall 32e can be constructed sufficiently robust to prevent it from deflecting downwards into the drawer compartment 16 even under the weight of the coolant and items in the main compartment 14. In some embodiments, such as the one shown, the bottom wall 32e can be constructed sufficiently robust, in combination with the load-bearing strength of the second partition wall 38, to prevent it from deflecting downwards into the drawer compartment 16 even under the weight of the coolant and items in the main compartment 14. Forming from a rigid material (such as when formed of polypropylene) is configured to help provide strength to the bottom wall 32e. Additionally, when the bottom wall 32e is formed of polypropylene instead of metal, the electrical conductivity of polypropylene is configured to help prevent the bottom wall 32e from rapidly heating due to warm or hot air in the drawer compartment 16 and / or drawer 12 and conducting heat energy from the drawer compartment 16 to the main compartment 14 when the drawer 12 is opened. The bottom wall 32e, formed of polypropylene, also prevents rapid heating of the bottom wall 32e due to warm or hot air in the main chamber 14 when the lid 20 is opened, and thus helps prevent heat transfer from the main chamber 14 to the drawer chamber 16. However, due to the coolant located in the main chamber 14 and the tendency of gravity to settle the coolant onto or toward the bottom wall 32e, the bottom wall 32e is less prone to rapid heating when the lid 20 is open than when the drawer 12 is open. Therefore, the insulated container can be made of a material with thermal properties suitable for the heat transfer described herein. For example, the bottom wall 32e can have a thermal conductivity between about 0.1 W / m K and about 0.5 W / m K, between about 0.2 W / m K and about 0.3 W / m K, or about 0.3 W / m K or less. In an exemplary variant, the bottom wall 32e can have a thermal conductivity of about 0.2 W / m K.

[0118] The structural stiffness of the bottom wall 32e, or any other wall described herein, can be quantified using physical testing and / or computational analysis. For example, finite element analysis can be used to calculate deformation amplitude, von Mises stress, plastic strain, and one or more of any other structural characteristics. In an exemplary variant, the bottom wall 32e, which may be integrally formed with one or more of the front wall 32a, rear wall 32b, left side wall 32c, and right side wall 32d, may be formed of polypropylene. Polypropylene typically has a stiffness of approximately 900 kg / m³. 3 The density, elastic modulus of about 1000 MPa, Poisson's ratio of about 0.4, yield strength of about 22 MPa, and elongation at break of about 200%. Structural tests can be performed based on various usage examples. The performance of the insulated vessel described herein, including the bottom wall 32e or any other bottom wall as described herein, can be evaluated under static and / or dynamic load conditions. For example, static forces (such as forces generated due to multiple tanks, fluids, or any other object positioned within the main chamber 14) can be applied to the top surface of the bottom wall 32e. This force can be between about 0.01 kPa and about 5 kPa, between about 0.5 kPa and about 3 kPa, or between about 1 kPa and about 2 kPa. The bottom wall 32e can be constructed to be elastically and / or inelastically deformable without failure (e.g., cracking, fracturing, forming a hole through it). The amount of deformation can be characterized using Equation 1:

[0119] Equation 1

[0120] In Equation 1, the maximum deformation D is based on the bottom wall 32e. max,wall And the thickness t of the bottom wall 32e wall The deformation factor (DF) is calculated. A relatively high DF value indicates a larger deflection per unit thickness, while a relatively low DF value indicates a smaller deflection per unit thickness. The insulation container described herein is constructed to have an optimal DF value (e.g., below about 5) while maintaining a relatively low mass, allowing the user to easily manipulate the insulation container; and to have optimal thermal conductivity to facilitate cooling of one or more objects contained therein without transferring heat to the external environment.

[0121] As illustrated in the embodiment, the bottom wall 32e may include multiple layers. The layers in this illustrated embodiment include a first layer L1, which may be referred to as the top surface, and a second layer L2, which may be referred to as the bottom surface, the second layer being vertically arranged below the first layer L1, as shown below. Figures 5 to 7As shown. The first layer L1 (which may also be referred to as the base plate) defines the top of the bottom wall 32e and faces the main compartment 14. The second layer L2 defines the bottom of the bottom wall 32e and faces the drawer compartment 16 (and therefore also the drawer 12 received in the drawer compartment 16). The first layer L1 of the bottom wall 32e is a non-perforated member. The second layer L2 of the bottom wall 32e is a perforated member in which a plurality of orifices 32p are formed, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown. Because the bottom wall 32e is perforated by including the perforated first layer L1, liquids and other substances in the main chamber 14 cannot enter the drawer chamber 16 (or the drawer 12 received in the drawer chamber 16) through the bottom wall 32e. The perforated first layer L1, located vertically above the perforated second layer L2, helps prevent any liquids or other substances in the main chamber 14 from accumulating in or through the orifice 32p. In other words, the perforated first layer L1 acts as a barrier to the perforated second layer L2. The layers L1 and L2 of the bottom wall 32e can be manufactured as a single piece, so that the layers L1 and L2 cannot be separated.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the apertures 32p has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. Depending on the size and shape of the hexagonal shape and the size and shape of the bottom wall 32e, some apertures 32p along the edge of the second layer L2 may have a truncated hexagonal shape. Therefore, the bottom wall 32e includes a plurality of hexagonal ribs that define a hexagonal rib structure of a honeycomb pattern, such as... Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown. Therefore, each of the orifices 32p defines a channel (e.g., groove, recess, cavity) therein and / or between adjacent orifices 32p. Thus, the outer surface of each orifice 32p extends beyond the outer surface of the corresponding channel. The hexagonal rib structure can increase the durability of the bottom layer 32e and reduce the downward vertical deflection of the bottom wall 32e under the load of coolant and(one or more) articles in the main chamber 14 without having to increase the total thickness of the bottom wall 32e to more than about 11 mm, thereby reducing the total weight and total cost of the insulation container 10. Although the orifices 32p are all hexagonal in shape in the illustrated embodiment, other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, etc., can be used. The hexagonal shape can have various sizes. In some variations, each orifice can have a length between about 5 mm and about 20 mm, such as about 14 mm. Each orifice can have a width between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, such as about 1 mm. Each orifice can have a height between approximately 2 mm and approximately 10 mm.

[0123] This article describes (and in) Figure 12BThe thickness of the bottom wall 32e (illustrated as 32t) includes an orifice depth 32L2t (which may be referred to as rib height). The thickness 32t can range from about 7 mm to about 11 mm. For example, the total thickness can range from 7.7 mm to 10.3 mm. In an exemplary embodiment of the bottom wall 32e with varying thickness, the orifice depth 32L2t also varies. The orifice height 32L2t can range from about 4 mm to about 8 mm. For example, a first portion of the bottom wall 32e having a first thickness includes a first orifice depth, and a second portion of the bottom wall 32e having a second thickness includes a second orifice depth. The first orifice depth is about 7.3 mm, and the second orifice depth is about 4.7 mm. An orifice 32p positioned between the first and second portions can have a gradually decreasing height, such that the orifice 32p decreases from the first height to the second height at a constant rate. In an exemplary embodiment of the bottom wall 32e with varying thickness, the thickness 32L1t of layer L1 remains constant. Specifically, the thickness 32L1t of layer L1 (e.g., the distance between the substantially smooth top surface of layer L1 and the surface of the channel defined by orifice 32p) can range from about 2.5 mm to about 3 mm. For example, the thickness 32L1t of layer L1 can be 2.9 mm. Thus, the first thickness including the first orifice depth is about 10.3 mm, and the second thickness including the second orifice depth is about 7.7 mm. Therefore, the first thickness and the second thickness, and any thickness in between, are greater than the distance between the top surface of layer L1 and the surface of the channel. Advantageously, a thickness amplitude greater than the distance is beneficial to increasing the structural stiffness of the bottom wall 32e while minimizing mass. In particular, the thickness-to-distance ratio described herein is beneficial to a greater deformation resistance per unit mass compared to solid materials (such as solid materials extending along the distance between the top surface of layer L1 and the surface of the channel). In other words, variations with a thickness equal to or less than the distance defined herein will have relatively greater deformation and / or relatively greater mass than embodiments described herein. Additionally, the variation in the thickness of the bottom wall 32e can be attributed to variations in the orifice depth. Therefore, the orifice depth described herein can affect the DF value, for example by providing structural stiffness to the bottom wall 32e without significantly increasing its mass, which could otherwise make it difficult for the user to manipulate the insulated container and / or adversely affect the heat transfer characteristics between the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 34.

[0124] Under a modeling force of 224 N applied from within the main chamber (defined by an upper shell formed of polypropylene) to the bottom wall, bottom wall deflection tests have shown that the degree of vertical downward deflection of the bottom wall is less when the bottom wall includes a hexagonal rib structure as a second layer L2 similar to bottom wall 32e, compared to when the bottom wall does not include the hexagonal rib structure. Reference Figures 27A to 42 B provides other examples of deflection tests.

[0125] The lower housing 34, and therefore the drawer compartment 16, has an open front portion in which the drawer 12 is configured to be received. In some embodiments, the drawer 12 is removably received in the drawer compartment 16, allowing the drawer 12 to be removed from the drawer compartment 16, which facilitates cleaning of the drawer 12. In some embodiments, the drawer is non-removably received in the drawer compartment 16, which helps prevent the drawer 12 from being lost and / or damaged.

[0126] The drawer chamber 16, defined by the lower housing 34, is a single cavity configured to receive the drawer 12 therein. The drawer 12 is configured to move between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the drawer chamber 16 is sealed closed, and in the open configuration, the drawer chamber 16 is not sealed closed and the user can access any (one or more) items removably housed in the drawer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer 12 includes a first compartment 12a and a second compartment 12b that are separate from each other. A drawer 12 with multiple compartments can improve the user experience and / or help reduce displacement of items (one or more) located in the drawer 12 during transport of the insulated container 10 by allowing easier positioning of items in the drawer 12. In other embodiments, the drawer 12 may have a single compartment or may have more than two compartments.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, drawer 12 is formed of polypropylene. In an exemplary embodiment, drawer 12 is rigid, which, when formed of polypropylene, can help provide structural integrity for drawer 12 and insulated container 10 (where drawer 12 is attached).

[0128] The rear wall 34b of the lower housing 34 is not a planar member extending vertically in a single plane like each of the left side wall 34c, right side wall 34d, and bottom wall 34e of the lower housing 34. Instead, the rear wall 34b of the lower housing 34 has a U-shaped vertical extension formed therein, which defines a vertically extending second partition wall 38, as... Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown. The second partition wall 38 is horizontally centered. The second partition wall 38 is located below the first partition wall 36 and, as in the illustrated embodiment, can be vertically aligned with the first partition wall 36. The second partition wall 38, vertically aligned with the first partition wall 36, can contribute to the durability and strength of the insulated container 10, for example, by providing load-bearing support for the bottom wall 32e. In some variations, the second partition wall 38 can extend across a portion of the width of the bottom wall 32e. For example, the second partition wall 38 can extend up to about 0.25 of the bottom wall width, up to about 0.5 of the bottom wall width, up to about 0.75 of the bottom wall width, the entire bottom wall width, or a bottom wall width between about 0.25 and about 0.75. In an exemplary variation, the second partition wall 38 extends across and thus directly supports about 0.5 of the bottom wall width. In another exemplary variation, the second partition wall 38 extends across and thus directly supports the entire bottom wall width.

[0129] The first partition wall 36 extends the full distance from the rear wall 32b to the front wall 32a of the upper housing 32. Conversely, in the illustrated embodiment, the second partition wall 38 extends a partial distance from rear to front, such as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the distance is approximately half the distance from back to front.

[0130] The aforementioned bottom wall deflection test shows that the second partition wall, extending a full distance from back to front, the so-called "full partition," provides very little additional benefit in terms of deflection. Therefore, compared to the absence of a second partition wall, the second partition wall 38, extending approximately half a distance from back to front, the so-called "half partition," can provide reduced deflection while allowing less material to be used in forming the lower housing 34, and thus allowing for a lower cost for the lower housing 34.

[0131] Given the presence of the second partition wall 38, the rear wall 12b of drawer 12 is not a planar member extending vertically in a single plane like each of the left side wall 12c, right side wall 12d, and bottom wall 12e of the drawer. Instead, the rear wall 12b of drawer 12 has a U-shaped vertical extension formed therein, which has a shape and size corresponding to the second partition wall 38, such as... Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown. When drawer 12 is fully slid into drawer compartment 16, the rearward-facing surface of drawer 12 defined by rear wall 12b is configured to abut against the forward-facing surface of vertical, substantially flat second partition wall 38. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The contact between these surfaces is shown.

[0132] As described above, the upper housing 32 and the lower housing 34 are configured to be non-removably attached to each other and housed within the outer casing 18. With the upper housing 32 and the lower housing 34 within the outer casing 18, a first space 40 is defined between the outer casing 18 and the upper housing 32, for example, between the inner surface of the outer casing 18 and the outer surface of the upper housing 32, and a second space 42 is defined between the outer casing 18 and the lower housing 34, for example, between the inner space of the outer casing 18 and the outer surface of the lower housing 34. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the first space 40 and the second space 42 are continuous with each other because the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 34 are attached to each other.

[0133] The first space 40 is configured to be filled with an insulating material that insulates the main chamber 14, and the second space 42 is configured to be filled with an insulating material that insulates the drawer chamber 16 and thus also insulates the drawer 12 received therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating material is the same throughout the insulated container 10 and is, for example, polyurethane foam or other insulating materials.

[0134] The first space 40 extends around the four vertically extending sides (front wall 32a, rear wall 32b, left side wall 32c, and right side wall 32d) of the upper shell 32. The cover 20 has a hollow interior 20h, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, it is constructed to be filled with insulating material. Therefore, the main chamber 14 is constructed to be insulated around its perimeter by the insulating material in the first space 40, and to be insulated along its top by the insulating material in the hollow interior 20h of the cover.

[0135] The second space 42 surrounds the three vertically extending sides (rear wall 34b, left side wall 34c, and right side wall 32d) of the lower housing 34 and extends below the bottom wall 34e of the lower housing 34. The drawer 12 has a hollow front space 12h, such as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 13 As shown, it is constructed to be filled with insulating material. Thus, the drawer compartment 16 and therefore the drawer 12 received in the drawer compartment 16 are constructed to be insulated along its rear, left and right sides by the insulating material in the second space 42, and along its front by the insulating material in the hollow interior 12h of the drawer.

[0136] The insulated container 10 includes a discharge section 44 configured to facilitate the discharge of liquid (e.g., water from melted ice, spilled beverages, etc.) from the main chamber 14. Figure 4As shown, the discharge section 44 is in fluid communication with the main chamber 14. The discharge section 44 is configured to be selectively opened and closed by a user, for example, by removing the plug 46 that seals the discharge section 44. When the discharge section 44 is closed, liquid in the main chamber cannot leave the main chamber 14 through the discharge section 44; when the discharge section 44 is open, liquid can leave the main chamber 14 through the discharge section 44 and thus leave the insulation container 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge section 44 is formed on the left side of the insulation container 10, for example, extending through the left side wall 18c of the outer casing 18, but it may be located elsewhere. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulation container 10 includes only one discharge section 44, but may include multiple discharge sections. In some embodiments, the discharge section 44 is omitted.

[0137] The insulated container 10 includes a drawer lock 48 configured to lock drawer 12 in a closed position. The drawer lock 48 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, for example, manually by a user. In the locked position, drawer 12 is locked in the closed position; in the unlocked position, drawer 12 is allowed to move from the closed position to the open position, for example, manually by a user. Therefore, accidental opening of drawer 12 can be prevented, which can help prevent any contents of drawer 12 from spilling (e.g., if the insulated container 10 is accidentally dropped during transport), and can also help prevent drawer 12 from being accidentally opened and thus its temperature from rising. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 The drawer lock 48 is shown in the unlocked configuration.

[0138] As illustrated in the embodiment, drawer 12 may include a handle 12n configured for user hand-holding to facilitate opening and closing of drawer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, handle 12n includes a ring pivotally connected to housing 18 at its top. Under the influence of gravity, handle 12n is driven into a first recess 50 formed in the front outer surface of drawer 12. The placement of handle 12n in the first recess 50 helps to keep handle 12n out of the way when not in use. Handle 12n may have constructions other than a ring, such as a recess formed in the front outer surface of drawer 12 and defining a hand or finger holder therein, a knob, etc.

[0139] The drawer lock 48 is configured to move vertically between the unlocking and locking modes. In the unlocking mode, the drawer lock 48 is vertically above the drawer lock in the locking mode. In the locking mode, the drawer lock 48 is at least partially disposed in a second recess 52 formed in the front outer surface of the drawer 12. In the unlocking mode, the drawer lock 48 is not disposed in the second recess 52.

[0140] Figures 16 to 19 Another embodiment of an insulated container 100 including a drawer 102 is shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 100 is typically designed with... Figures 1 to 15 The insulated container 10 is constructed and used in a similar manner, for example including a drawer 102 with two compartments, a drawer handle 102n, a main chamber 104, a drawer chamber (covered in the figure), an outer shell 108, a cover 120, a lock hole 120h for the cover 120, a lock hole 108h for the outer shell 108, a cover lock 121, a opposite side handle 124, a front handle 130, an upper shell 132, a lower shell (covered in the figure), a vertically extending partition wall of the lower shell (covered in the figure), insulation material (covered in the figure), a discharge section 144, and a vertically movable drawer lock 148.

[0141] Figures 16 to 18 Each of the lid 120 and drawer 102, both of which are closed, is shown. Figure 19 Each of the lid 120 and drawer 102, both of which are open, is shown. Figures 16 to 18 Both show the cover locking element 121 in a locked configuration, while Figure 19 The cover locking element 121 in the unlocked configuration is shown. Figures 16 to 18 Both show the drawer locking element 148 in a locking configuration, while Figure 19 A drawer lock 148 in its unlocked configuration is shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the drawer lock 148 includes an indicator 148i configured to indicate whether the drawer lock 148 is locked. The indicator 148i can have various configurations, such as color, text, symbols, light, etc. In this illustrated embodiment, the indicator 148i includes an area of ​​the outer casing 108 that is a first color, configured to be visible when the drawer lock 148 is in the locked configuration and to be invisible when the drawer lock 148 is in the unlocked configuration. The first color is a color different from the color of the outer casing 108, at least in the area immediately adjacent to the first color. Therefore, the indicator 148i... Figures 16 to 18 As can be seen, and in Figure 19 It is not visible in the middle.

[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer handle 102n includes a recess formed in the front outer surface of the drawer 102 and defines a hand or finger holder therein.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 100 does not include a vertically extending partition wall in the main chamber 104. However, the main chamber 104 has grooves 104s formed therein, which can selectively receive vertically extending partition walls similar to the first partition wall 36.

[0144] Figure 20 and Figure 21 Another embodiment of an insulated container 200 including a drawer 202 is illustrated. In this illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 200 is typically arranged in a manner similar to... Figures 1 to 15 The insulated container 10 is constructed and used in a manner that includes, for example, a drawer 202 with two compartments, a drawer handle 202n, a main chamber 204, a drawer chamber (covered in the figure), an outer shell 208, a cover 220, a cover lock 221, a opposite side handle 224, a front handle 230, an upper shell 232, a lower shell (covered in the figure), a vertically extending partition wall of the lower shell (covered in the figure), a drawer lock, and insulation material (covered in the figure).

[0145] Figure 20 Each of the lid 220 and drawer 202, both of which are closed, is shown. Figure 21 Each of the open lid 220 and drawer 202 is shown. Figure 20 and Figure 22 A drawer locking mechanism in a locking configuration is shown, and Figure 21 and Figure 23 A drawer lock in its unlocked configuration is shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the drawer lock includes a protrusion 248a extending from the drawer handle 202n and a first recess 248b formed in the housing 208. Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the drawer handle 202n is pivotally attached to the housing 208. The drawer handle 202n is configured to, for example, in a first direction, such as... Figure 22 Rotating counterclockwise as indicated by arrow A1 moves the drawer lock from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the drawer lock is in the locked position, the protrusion 248a is disposed in the first recess 248b, and the drawer handle 202n is disposed in the second recess 250 formed in the front outer surface of the drawer 202. The protrusion 248a is disposed in the first recess 248b to prevent the drawer 202 from sliding or being pulled out of the outer casing 208. The drawer handle 202n is configured to rotate in the opposite second direction, for example, in... Figure 23 Rotate clockwise as indicated by arrow A2 to move the drawer lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the drawer lock is in the unlocked position, the protrusion 248a is not positioned in the first recess 248b, and the drawer handle 202n is not positioned in the second recess 250. Therefore, the drawer 202 can slide freely or be pulled out of the outer casing 208.

[0146] Figure 20 and Figure 24 The cover locking element 221 in a locked configuration is shown, and Figure 21 and Figure 25The cover locking member 221 in the unlocked configuration is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover locking member 221 is configured to be selectively disposed in a third recess 220d formed in the cover 220. Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the cover locking member 221 is pivotally attached to the front handle 230, and the front handle 230 is pivotally attached to the housing 208. The front handle 230 is configured such that, in a first direction, for example, in... Figure 24 Rotate counterclockwise as indicated by arrow A3 to move the cover lock 221 from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the cover lock 221 is in the locked position, the lip 221p of the cover lock 221 is positioned in the third recess 220d. The lip 221p in the third recess 220d prevents the cover 220 from opening. The front handle 230 is configured in the opposite second direction, for example, in... Figure 25 Rotate clockwise as indicated by arrow A4 to move the cover locking member 221 from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the cover locking member 221 is in the unlocked position, the lip 221p is not positioned in the third recess 220d. Therefore, the cover 220 can be opened freely.

[0147] In the illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 200 does not include a vertically extending partition wall in the main chamber 204. However, the main chamber 204 may have a similar... Figure 19 The slot of 104s.

[0148] The coolant 201 in the form of ice is shown in the main chamber 204 of the insulated container 200, but another type of coolant may be used instead of ice or in addition to ice. Figure 21 Examples of one or more first items 203 housed in the main compartment 204 as metal beverage cans are also shown, as well as examples of one or more second items 205 housed in the drawer 202 as metal beverage cans and plastic containers for holding food.

[0149] Figure 26 Another embodiment of an insulated container 300, including a drawer 302, is illustrated. In this illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 300 is typically arranged in a manner similar to... Figures 1 to 15 The insulated container 10 is constructed and used in a manner that includes, for example, drawer 302, main chamber (in Figure 26 (The middle is obscured), drawer compartment (in) Figure 26 (The middle is obscured), housing 308, cover 320, cover locking member 321, opposite side handle 324 (one of the handles 324 is in Figure 26 (Center obscured), front handle 330, upper housing (in) Figure 26 (the middle is obscured), the lower shell (in) Figure 26 (obscured in the middle), the vertically extending partition wall of the lower shell (in) Figure 26 (obstructed in the middle), vertically extending partition wall of the upper shell (in) Figure 26 (in the middle of the shield) and insulation materials (in Figure 26 (The middle is obscured). Figure 26 Each of the lid 320 and drawer 302, both of which are closed, is shown.

[0150] In the illustrated embodiment, drawer 302 includes a first drawer and a second drawer configured to open and close independently of each other. Thus, drawer 302 defines two compartments, but in two separate drawers rather than in a single drawer as in drawers 12, 102, 202 discussed above. Each of the two drawers includes its own handle 302n. The insulated container 300 includes multiple drawers instead of a single drawer, which can help maintain cooling in the closed drawer while the other drawer is open. A single drawer, similar to drawers 12, 102, 202 discussed above, can be manufactured in a more convenient and / or cost-effective manner, such as using injection molding as discussed further below. Figure 26 Each of the drawers can be formed using injection molding, but as separate components rather than as individual components like drawers 12, 102, and 202 discussed above.

[0151] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover lock 321 includes a first cover lock and a second cover lock, rather than a single cover lock as discussed above with cover locks 21, 121, and 221. Having more than one cover lock provides redundancy in the event of a cover lock failure. However, having more than one cover lock requires more user action than a single cover lock, because more than one cover lock must be unlocked before the cover can be opened.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, each handle 324 includes at least one opening (similar to those discussed above) for each handle 324. Figure 15 The opening 26) engages with the pivot handle 325 (similar to the strip, rope or other component discussed above).

[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, the front handle 330 includes a recess formed in the front outer surface of the drawer housing 308 and defines a hand or finger holder therein.

[0154] Insulated containers as described in this article, for example Figures 1 to 5 10. Insulated container Figures 16 to 19 Insulated container 100 Figure 20 and Figure 21 Insulated container 200, and Figure 26The insulated container 300 can be manufactured in any of a variety of ways. In an exemplary embodiment, injection molding is used to form the insulated container as described herein.

[0155] Using injection molding to manufacture insulated containers allows for a finer level of detail and tolerance control compared to other manufacturing methods, such as rotational molding (also known as rotomolding). For example, the bottom surface of the upper shell, including the hexagonal rib structure discussed above, can be formed using injection molding, but it would be impossible to achieve the same level of detail and tolerance control using other manufacturing methods, such as rotational molding. The fine hexagonal rib structure, allowing for very small manufacturing tolerances, helps ensure that the hexagonal rib structure provides the durability and thermal effects discussed herein. As another example, the vertically extending partition walls of the lower shell and the drawers with corresponding shapes configured to abut against the vertically extending partition walls of the lower shell can be formed using injection molding, but it would be impossible to achieve the same level of detail and tolerance control using other manufacturing methods, such as rotational molding. The finely extending partition walls of the lower shell and the drawers with corresponding shapes allowing for very small manufacturing tolerances help ensure that the drawers abut against the vertically extending partition walls to minimize any heat loss from within the drawers. In yet another example, as those skilled in the art will understand, the drawer's guide rail features are configured to assist in opening and closing the drawer. Drawer guide rail features (e.g., such as...) Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail feature 12g on one side of the drawer is configured such that the corresponding guide rail feature on the outer casing (e.g., as shown in the figure) is also present. Figure 5The drawer slides in the guide rail feature 18g of the outer casing 18 shown. The detail and tolerance control of injection molding in forming the drawer guide rail feature and the lower casing guide rail feature can help ensure a secure fit of the guide rail features to minimize any heat loss within the drawer and / or can help the drawer slide smoothly into and out of the drawer compartment of the lower casing. For another example, injection molding the cover and outer casing can help ensure that the cover locking element securely locks the cover in the closing configuration to maintain a complete seal of the main compartment within the outer casing (e.g., arranged within the upper casing within the outer casing), because injection molding allows for fine detail and manufacturing control. For yet another example, due to the fine detail and manufacturing control allowed by injection molding, injection molding the drawer and outer casing can help ensure that the drawer locking element securely locks the drawer in the closing configuration to maintain a complete seal of the drawer. For yet another example, injection molding the outer casing can allow for the formation of channels within the outer casing configured to house sealing gaskets that are configured to facilitate sealing the closed drawer. The passageway is also configured to accommodate a ratchet pawl, which is designed to engage a corresponding notch in a closed drawer, thereby helping to keep the drawer closed. The fine detail and tolerance control allowed by injection molding can help ensure that the sealing gasket is securely seated therein to form the most complete seal possible, and can also help ensure that the ratchet pawl is of the appropriate size and shape to engage the drawer. Figure 7 and Figure 7A One embodiment of the sealing gasket 33, pawl 35, and notch 37 is shown.

[0156] Using injection molding to manufacture insulated containers allows for the individual formation of the container's components. Forming components individually improves the overall structural integrity of each individual component, and thus the overall structural integrity of the fully assembled insulated container. Individually forming components improves cooling performance because individual components lack seams, joints, or other connection areas that would exist if the individual component were instead formed from two or more joined parts. For example, forming the upper shell as a single component improves cooling performance because there are no seams, joints, or other connection areas in the upper shell that allow cooling from the coolant in the main chamber to escape. Similarly, forming the drawer as a single component improves cooling performance because there are no seams, joints, or other connection areas in the drawer that allow cooling from the drawer compartment to escape. Individually forming components helps prevent leaks because individual components lack seams, joints, or other connection areas where leaks are most likely to occur. For example, forming the upper shell as a single component helps prevent molten ice from leaking out of the main chamber. In another example, forming the drawer as a single component can help prevent liquids spilled from a bottle in the first compartment of the drawer from leaking into the second compartment or leaking out of the drawer altogether.

[0157] Typically, the injection molding process involves injecting molten material into a mold and then allowing the material to cool and harden within the mold. Injection molding is a relatively high-pressure process because compressive forces are applied to the mold during the cooling and hardening process to help keep the mold closed. Furthermore, the mold remains in the cooling and hardening process.

[0158] Typically, the rotational molding process involves filling a mold with material and heating the mold (e.g., in an oven) while the mold is rotated. The mold is then removed from the heat and allowed to cool, allowing the material in the mold to cool and harden. Rotational molding is a relatively low-pressure process because no compressive forces are applied to the mold during the rotation or cooling phases of rotational molding.

[0159] As discussed above, an insulated container may include an upper shell, a lower shell, an outer shell, a lid, and a drawer. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the upper shell, lower shell, outer shell, lid, and drawer is formed by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper shell, lower shell, outer shell, lid, and drawer are made of polypropylene, but other materials are also possible. Polypropylene has sufficiently high flowability for injection molding while also providing the stiffness required for the structural integrity of the insulated cooler. In some embodiments, a UV-resistant material may be used to form at least the outer shell and / or may be used as a coating on the outer shell, which can help improve the insulation properties of the insulated container.

[0160] Each of the upper shell, lower shell, outer shell, lid, and drawer is formed individually by injection molding, so that each is a single component. After formation, the upper shell, lower shell, outer shell, lid, and drawer are assembled together with other components of the insulated container (e.g., vertically extending partition walls in the main chamber of the upper shell, insulation material, etc.). The upper shell, lower shell, outer shell, lid, and drawer can be manufactured in any order, and assembly of one or more of the upper shell, lower shell, outer shell, lid, and drawer can begin before one or more other components of the insulated container have been manufactured.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, assembling the insulated container includes securely fastening the upper and lower shells together such that the bottom wall of the upper shell defines the top wall of a drawer compartment defined by the lower shell, and such that the bottom wall separates the drawer compartment from the main chamber defined by the upper shell. As discussed above, when the upper and lower shells are arranged within an outer shell, a space is defined between the outer shell and the upper and lower shells. Assembling the insulated container also includes filling the space with an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating material is polyurethane foam, but other materials are also possible. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the same insulating material is used throughout the insulated container, but in some embodiments, the insulated container may include two or more different insulating materials.

[0162] Assembly of the insulated container also includes attaching a drawer to the lower housing, such as a drawer disposed in a drawer compartment. In an exemplary embodiment, the drawer is attached to the lower housing after the lower housing has been securely fastened to the upper housing and disposed within the outer shell, and after the insulation material has been filled into the space defined between the outer shell and the upper and lower housings. As discussed above, the front space of the drawer is also filled with insulation material, which in the exemplary embodiment occurs before the drawer is attached to the lower housing.

[0163] Assembly of the insulated container also includes attaching the lid to the upper housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the lid is attached to the upper housing after the upper housing has been securely fastened to the lower housing and disposed within the outer housing, and after the insulation material has been filled into the space defined between the outer housing and the upper and lower housings. As discussed above, the lid is also filled with insulation material, which in the exemplary embodiment occurs before the lid is attached to the upper housing.

[0164] For an insulated container that includes a removable, vertically extending partition wall in the main chamber, assembling the insulated container further includes arranging the vertically extending partition wall in the main chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the vertically extending partition wall is arranged in the main chamber after the upper shell has been securely attached to the lower shell and arranged within the outer shell, and after the insulation material has been filled into the space defined between the outer shell and the upper and lower shells.

[0165] Example

[0166] The insulated container described herein can be configured to house one or more objects. For example, one or more objects (such as food, beverages, and / or their containers) can be housed in the main compartment of the insulated container and / or one or more objects can be housed in the drawer compartment of the insulated container. Furthermore, the insulated container may experience one or more of static and dynamic loads (e.g., drops) during use. These dynamic loads can occur when the one or more objects are housed within the insulated container. The insulated container described herein, such as, but not limited to… Figure 110. Insulated container Figure 16 Insulated container 100 Figure 20 Insulated container 200 or Figure 26 The insulated container 300 can withstand one or more static and dynamic loads without failure. Specifically, the insulated container can plastically deform without elongating to the point of failure. Based on the description provided herein, the examples provided offer data associated with structural testing of at least a portion of the insulated container. The examples provided should not be construed as limiting the insulated container in any way and are intended only to provide data associated with illustrative embodiments.

[0167] Example 1

[0168] When the load contains one or more objects, an exemplary implementation of the insulated container described herein is analyzed under both static and dynamic conditions. The analysis is performed using finite element analysis techniques based on finite element meshes. For example, as... Figures 27A to 27C As shown, the upper shell 1000 of the insulated container is analyzed when the load consists of multiple tanks 1004. Multiple tanks 1004 are positioned within the main chamber 1002 of the upper shell 1000. The description of the upper shell 1000 is similar to that of the reference... Figures 4 to 6 The upper shell 32 shown Figures 20 to 21 The description of the upper housing 232 shown herein, or any other upper housing described herein, is provided. A plurality of cans 1004 are positioned on the top surface of the bottom wall 1006 of the upper housing 1000. The description of the bottom wall 1006 is similar to the description provided for reference bottom wall 32e, or any other bottom wall described herein. It is assumed that the plurality of cans 1004 apply a force of approximately 224 N to the top surface of the bottom wall 1006. Figure 27B As shown, the bottom surface of the bottom wall 1006 is substantially smooth. In contrast, the upper shell 1000a is also included in the analysis, and as... Figure 27C As shown, the bottom surface of its bottom wall 1006a includes a plurality of hexagonal ribs 1012. Apart from including a plurality of hexagonal ribs 1012 in the bottom wall 1006a, the insulated containers 1000, 1000a and the corresponding bottom walls 1006, 1006a are substantially the same.

[0169] The analytical assumptions for the upper shells 1000 and 1000a are partially supported. Specifically, in... Figures 28A to 28C Three support structures are shown in the diagram. Figure 28A In the first configuration shown, the peripheral support 1020 extends around the periphery of the bottom wall 1006, ensuring that the periphery of the bottom wall 1006 does not move or otherwise deflect. The peripheral support 1020 may be a drawer compartment (not shown) of the lower housing (not shown). Figure 28BIn the second configuration shown, in addition to the first central support 1022 extending along approximately half the width of the bottom wall 1006, the bottom wall 1006 is also supported by peripheral supports 1020. Figure 28C In the third configuration shown, in addition to the second central support 1024 extending along the entire width of the bottom wall 1006, the bottom wall 1006 is also supported by peripheral supports 1020. The first central support 1022 or the second central support 1024 may be positioned within the lower housing (not shown). Although not shown, for analytical purposes, the bottom wall 1006a is supported in the same manner.

[0170] exist Figures 29A to 3 The results of the static load analysis are shown in 0C. In the static load analysis, the upper shells 1000, 1000a in each of the three support structures are analyzed for the deflection and stress of the bottom walls 1006, 1006a caused by the multiple tanks 1020 under static conditions (e.g., no movement). Figures 29A to 29C The result shown corresponds to the upper housing 1000 having a bottom wall 1006. Furthermore, Figure 29A Corresponding to Figure 28C The third support structure, Figure 29B Corresponding to Figure 28B The second support structure, and Figure 29C Corresponding to Figure 28A The first support structure. As shown in the figure, the third support structure corresponds to a maximum deflection of 4.677 mm, the second support structure corresponds to a maximum deflection of 4.679 mm, and the first support structure corresponds to a maximum deflection of 5.264 mm. The bottom wall 1006 has a thickness of approximately 7.6 mm. Therefore, the deformation factor (DF) can be calculated using Equation 1. For Figure 29A The DF of the constructed is approximately 0.62, for Figure 29B The constructed DF is approximately 0.62, and for Figure 29C The DF of the constructed is approximately 0.69.

[0171] In comparison, Figures 30A to 3 The result shown in 0C corresponds to the upper shell 1000a with a bottom wall 1006a. Figure 30A Corresponding to Figure 28C The third support structure, Figure 30B Corresponding to Figure 28B The second support structure, and Figure 30C corresponds to Figure 28AThe first support structure. As shown in the figure, the third support structure corresponds to a maximum deflection of 0.633 mm, the second support structure corresponds to a maximum deflection of 0.641 mm, and the first support structure corresponds to a maximum deflection of 1.026 mm. Similar to bottom wall 1006, bottom wall 1006a has a thickness of approximately 7.6 mm, and DF can be calculated using Equation 1. For Figure 30A The DF of the constructed is approximately 0.083, for Figure 30B The DF of the structure is approximately 0.084, and the DF of the structure for Figure 30C is approximately 0.14. The results show that, under the same load conditions, the bottom wall 1006a is deflected to a significantly less extent than the bottom wall 1000. Therefore, including multiple ribs 1012 in the bottom wall 1006a of the upper shell 1000a effectively and significantly increases the structural stiffness of the bottom wall 1006a.

[0172] Additionally, the dimensions of multiple ribs 1020 were analyzed. Specifically, the rib height of each rib in the multiple ribs 1020 was varied to determine any effects. (Using corresponding...) Figure 28B The second support structure, in Figure 31A The results for the bottom wall 1006 with a smooth surface are shown in the figure. Figure 31B The results are shown for a bottom wall with a first rib height of approximately 5.75 mm (for a thickness of approximately 8.75 mm), and... Figure 31C The results are shown for a bottom wall with a second rib height of approximately 9.0 mm (for a thickness of approximately 11 mm). For a DF of approximately 0.18, the variant with the first rib height has a measured maximum deflection of approximately 1.394 mm, and for a DF of approximately 0.058, the variant with the second rib height has a measured maximum deflection of approximately 0.641 mm. The results indicate that the maximum deflection of the bottom wall decreases with increasing rib height.

[0173] exist Figures 32A to 33C The results of the dynamic load analysis are shown below. In particular, a plastic strain analysis was performed assuming that the upper shells 1000, 1000a fall from a predetermined height while accommodating multiple tanks 1020. In this analysis, the predetermined height is approximately 1.3716 m (54 inches). Figures 32A to 32C Corresponding to the upper housing 1000, and Figures 33A to 33C This corresponds to the upper shell 1000a. Similar to static analysis, the first, second, and third support structures are analyzed for each upper shell 1000, 1000a. Specifically, Figure 32A Corresponding to Figure 28C The third support structure, Figure 32B Corresponding to Figure 28B The second support structure, and Figure 32C Corresponding to Figure 28A The first supporting structure. Figure 32A The maximum strain shown is 19%. Figure 32B The maximum strain shown is 59.9%, and Figure 32C The maximum strain shown is 24.9%. Regarding the upper shell 1000a with multiple ribs 1012, Figure 33A Corresponding to Figure 28C The third support structure, Figure 33B Corresponding to Figure 28B The second support structure, and Figure 33C Corresponding to Figure 28A The first supporting structure. Figure 33A The maximum strain shown is 24%. Figure 33B The maximum strain shown is 24%, and Figure 33C The maximum strain shown is 53.8%. The results indicate that the maximum strain generally decreases with more support provided to the bottom wall. Additionally, the results show that the maximum strain is generally lower when hexagonal ribs are included.

[0174] Example 2

[0175] When the load contains one or more objects, another exemplary embodiment of the insulated container described herein is analyzed under both static and dynamic conditions. The analysis is performed using finite element analysis techniques based on finite element meshes. For example, as... Figures 34A to 34C As shown, the upper shell 1100 of the insulated container is analyzed when the load consists of multiple tanks (not shown) or fluids (not shown). Similar to the reference... Figures 27A to 33C The described upper shell 1000 has a main chamber 1102 and a bottom wall 1106. The analysis is performed assuming that the entire force of the plurality of tanks is distributed across the bottom wall 1106. Specifically, it is assumed that each of the plurality of tanks has a mass of approximately 357 g, and that the plurality of tanks comprises 64 tanks. Therefore, it is assumed that the plurality of tanks exert a force of approximately 224 N on the top surface of the bottom wall 1106, which is equivalent to approximately 1.51 kPa.

[0176] The analytical assumptions of the upper shell 1100 are partially supported. Specifically, such as... Figure 34B As shown, the peripheral support 1124 extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom wall 1106, such that the periphery of the bottom wall 1106 will not move or otherwise deflect. The bottom wall 1106 is also supported by a central support 1126 extending along approximately half the width of the bottom wall 1106. The central support 1126 is positioned at the midpoint of the length of the bottom wall 1106, such that the bottom wall is uniformly supported by the central support 1126. Additionally, as Figure 34C As shown, the upper edge support 1122 supports the upper edge 1120 of the upper housing 1100.

[0177] exist Figures 35A to 35BThe results of the static load analysis are shown in the figure. Figure 35A In this model, multiple tanks are assumed to be uniformly distributed on the bottom wall 1106. The resulting plot shows a maximum von Mises stress of approximately 5.162 MPa, significantly lower than the 22 MPa yield stress of polypropylene. Figure 35B In the case of the main chamber 1102, the water level was completely filled. The resulting plot showed a maximum von Mises stress of approximately 7.346 MPa, significantly lower than the 22 MPa yield stress of polypropylene. In both cases, the maximum von Mises stress corresponds to a safety factor of approximately 3 for this static load condition.

[0178] exist Figures 36A to 36C The results of the first dynamic load analysis are shown in the reference. Figures 34B to 34C Under the same support conditions described, a plastic strain analysis was performed assuming the upper shell 1100 drops from a first predetermined height while accommodating multiple tanks. In this analysis, the predetermined height is approximately 0.762 m (30 inches). The peak equivalent plastic strain is approximately 10%, and it is concentrated along the peripheral support 1124 and the central support 1126.

[0179] exist Figures 37A to 37C The results of the second dynamic load analysis are shown in the reference. Figures 34B to 34C Under the same support conditions described, a plastic strain analysis was performed assuming the upper shell 1100 drops from a second predetermined height while accommodating multiple tanks. In this analysis, the predetermined height is approximately 1.3716 m (54 inches). The peak equivalent plastic strain is approximately 10%, and it is concentrated along the peripheral support 1124 and the central support 1126.

[0180] Example 3

[0181] When the load contains one or more objects, another exemplary implementation of the insulated container described herein is analyzed under dynamic conditions. The analysis is performed using finite element analysis techniques based on finite element meshes. For example, as... Figures 38A to 38B As shown, the analysis includes the upper housing 1200 and the lower housing 1202. The description of the upper housing 1000 is similar to that of the reference housing. Figures 4 to 6 The upper shell 32 shown includes the bottom wall 32e. Figures 20 to 21 The upper housing 232 shown herein, or any other upper housing described herein, is provided with reference to the description. Similarly, the lower housing 1202 is similar to that in the reference citation. Figures 4 to 6The description provided is based on the lower housing 32 shown or any other lower housing described herein. The analysis assumes that the lower housing 1202 is empty, while the upper housing 1200 houses a plurality of cans 1230. The plurality of cans 1230 are positioned within the main chamber 1212 of the upper housing 1200. The plurality of cans 1230 are positioned on the top surface of the bottom wall 1206 of the upper housing 1200. It is assumed that the plurality of cans 1230 exert a force of approximately 224 N on the top surface of the bottom wall 1206. The top surface of the bottom 1206 is substantially smooth, while the bottom surface of the bottom wall 1206 includes a plurality of ribs 1207, such as... Figure 40 A and Figure 42 As shown in Figure A.

[0182] The analytical assumptions regarding the upper shell 1200 and the lower shell 1202 are partially supported. Specifically, the upper shell 1200 and the lower shell 1202 are not fixed together, but are both assumed to be fixed relative to the outer shell of the insulated container (not shown). The upper edge 1220 of the upper shell 1200 is fixed along the upper edge support 1222, and the lower shell 1202 is fixed along the bottom support 1226 on the bottom surface of the lower shell 1202.

[0183] exist Figure 39 and Figure 40 A to Figure 40 Figure C shows the results of the dynamic load analysis. In the first dynamic load analysis, it was assumed that the upper shell 1200 and lower shell 1202 would fall from a first predetermined height while the upper shell 1200 is accommodating multiple tanks 1230. In this analysis, the first predetermined height is approximately 1.3716 m (54 inches). Figure 39 As shown, for a DF of approximately 4.13, the maximum deformation of the bottom wall 1206 is approximately 31.389 mm. (As...) Figure 40 A to Figure 40 As shown in C, the maximum plastic strain is approximately 186%. Plastic strain occurs at locations in the upper housing 1200 where the stress reaches or exceeds the material's yield strength. However, the plastic strain does not exceed the elongation at break, which is approximately 200% for polypropylene. Therefore, the upper housing 1200 has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forces associated with the plurality of 1230s and the first predetermined height (e.g., to avoid failure).

[0184] In the second dynamic load analysis, the analysis is performed assuming that the upper housing 1200 and lower housing 1202 fall from a second predetermined height while the upper housing 1200 houses multiple tanks 1230. In this analysis, the second predetermined height is approximately 0.762 m (30 inches). Figure 41 As shown, for a DF of approximately 3.02, the maximum deformation of the bottom wall 1206 is approximately 22.933 mm. (As...) Figure 42 A to Figure 42As shown in Figure B, the maximum plastic strain is approximately 125%. Plastic strain occurs at locations where the stress in the upper shell 1200 reaches or exceeds the material's yield strength. However, similar to... Figure 40 A to Figure 40 As a result of C, the plastic strain does not exceed the tensile elongation at break, which is approximately 200% for polypropylene. Therefore, the upper shell 1200 has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forces associated with the multiple 1230s and the second predetermined height (e.g., to avoid failure).

[0185] Those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method based on the above embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, unless indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0186] The present disclosure has been described above by way of example only within the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It should be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat-insulating container, comprising: An outer casing having an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell being separated by a horizontal partition wall, the horizontal partition wall being formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of about 0.3 W / m K or less, the horizontal partition wall being integrally formed with the upper shell and having: Multiple ribs along the bottom surface of the horizontal partition wall, Thickness between approximately 7mm and approximately 11mm, and The maximum deformation factor is 5 or less when the horizontal partition wall is subjected to a force between about 1 kPa and about 2 kPa, wherein the deformation factor is determined by dividing the maximum deformation of the horizontal partition wall by the thickness.

2. The heat-insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the deformation factor is determined by the equation Provided.

3. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal partition wall has a total surface area between about 0.1 square meters and about 0.2 square meters.

4. The insulated container according to claim 3, wherein the horizontal partition wall has a surface area of ​​about 0.15 square meters.

5. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal partition wall is formed of polypropylene.

6. The insulated container of claim 1 further includes a vertical partition wall, said vertical partition wall being positioned within the lower housing and configured to support the central portion of the horizontal partition wall.

7. The insulated container of claim 6, wherein in the first configuration, the vertical partition wall supports a width between about 0.25 and about 0.75 of the width of the horizontal partition wall.

8. The insulated container of claim 7, wherein in the first configuration, the deformation factor is 1 or less.

9. The insulated container of claim 6, wherein in the second configuration, the vertical partition wall supports the entire width of the horizontal partition wall.

10. The insulated container of claim 9, wherein in the second configuration, the deformation factor is 1 or less.

11. A heat-insulating container, comprising: An outer casing having an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell being separated by a horizontal partition wall, the horizontal partition wall being formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m K or less, the horizontal partition wall being integrally formed with the upper shell and having: Multiple hexagonal ribs arranged in a honeycomb pattern along the bottom surface of the partition wall. The total surface area is between approximately 0.1 square meters and approximately 0.2 square meters, and The maximum plastic strain value is 190% or less when the horizontal partition wall is subjected to a dynamic force between approximately 1 kPa and approximately 2 kPa.

12. The insulated container according to claim 11, wherein the maximum plastic strain is less than the elongation at break.

13. The insulated container of claim 12, wherein the elongation at break is a strain of about 200%.

14. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the horizontal partition wall is formed of polypropylene.

15. The insulated container of claim 11, further comprising a vertical partition wall positioned within the lower housing and configured to support the central portion of the horizontal partition wall.

16. The insulated container of claim 15, wherein in the first configuration, the vertical partition wall supports a width between about 0.25 and about 0.75 of the width of the horizontal partition wall.

17. The insulated container of claim 15, wherein in the second configuration, the vertical partition wall supports the entire width of the horizontal partition wall.

18. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the upper shell and the lower shell are separable from each other.

19. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the upper shell has a plurality of first walls defining a main chamber configured to receive a coolant therein.

20. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the lower housing has a plurality of second walls defining a drawer chamber configured to receive a drawer therein.

21. A heat-insulating container, comprising: A housing having a substantially rigid polypropylene horizontal partition, the horizontal partition comprising: A top surface without openings, wherein the top surface without openings is substantially smooth; and The bottom surface has a plurality of ribs defining orifices therebetween, the ribs being arranged in a honeycomb pattern configured to suppress vertical deformation of the horizontal separator; The horizontal separator has a first vertical distance measured between the top surface and the bottom surface within the orifice and a second vertical distance measured between the top surface and the bottom surface at the rib.

22. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein the second distance varies along the length of the horizontal separator.

23. The insulated container of claim 22, wherein the first distance remains constant along the length of the horizontal separator.

24. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein the second distance is between about 7 mm and about 11 mm.

25. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein the first distance is between about 2.5 mm and 3 mm.

26. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of ribs has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of pentagons, hexagons and octagons.

27. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein at least one of the plurality of ribs is truncated.

28. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein the top surface defines the bottom of the upper shell of the insulated container, and the bottom surface defines the top of the lower shell of the insulated container.

29. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein the horizontal divider has a width and a length, the length being greater than the width.

30. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein the top surface is horizontally skewed to guide fluid flow to a discharge portion in the insulated container.

31. A heat-insulating container, comprising: A housing having a horizontal polypropylene partition wall having a non-porous upper layer and a porous lower layer, wherein the porous lower layer has at least two openings, each opening having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, and wherein the thickness of the non-porous upper layer is constant, the thickness of the porous lower layer varies along its length, and the thickness of the porous lower layer is greater than the thickness of the non-porous upper layer.

32. The insulated container according to claim 31, wherein the lower layer of the porous opening is parallel to the bottom wall of the shell.

33. The insulated container of claim 31, wherein the poreless upper layer is inclined relative to the bottom wall of the shell and is configured to guide liquid toward the discharge portion of the shell.

34. The insulated container of claim 31, wherein the thickness of the non-porous upper layer is between about 2.5 mm and 3 mm.

35. The insulated container of claim 31, wherein the thickness of the porous lower layer is in the range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm.

36. The insulated container of claim 31, wherein the non-perforated upper layer defines the bottom of the upper shell of the insulated container, and the perforated lower layer defines the top of the lower shell of the insulated container.

37. The insulated container of claim 31, wherein the horizontal partition wall has a width and a length, the length being greater than the width.

38. The insulated container of claim 31, wherein the at least two orifices are configured to inhibit deformation of the horizontal partition wall.

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