Container with resealable closure

Abstract

The container device includes an envelope having an opening sealed by a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism can include a resealable closure element configured to partially or fully seal the opening. In some examples, the closure element can be a magnetic piece. Additionally, the closure mechanism can include a curved member to prevent the opening from closing when the opening is in an open configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application No. 17 / 673,688, filed February 16, 2022. This application is also related to U.S. Application No. 16 / 295,682, filed March 7, 2019, U.S. Application No. 16 / 096,206, filed October 24, 2018, International Application No. PCT / US18 / 21546, filed March 8, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 468,673, filed March 8, 2017. All of these applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. [Technical field]

[0002] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid, semi-rigid and rigid portable container devices useful for storing personal belongings in a sealed storage compartment having a magnetic closure. [Background technology]

[0003] The container may be designed to store a user's personal belongings with some degree of protection from accidental impact (e.g., dropping) as well as liquids and dirt. The container may be constructed of rigid materials such as metal or plastic, or flexible materials such as fabric or foam. The container may be designed with an opening / aperture that allows access to the contents within the container. The opening may also be provided with a closing mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary briefly introduces some concepts related to the invention that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein may relate to container devices having (1) a partially or completely waterproof closure and / or (2) either or both of a magnetic closure and a mechanism for holding the container open.

[0006] Another embodiment disclosed herein is a container including an envelope having a front portion, a rear portion, and a base, the envelope further including (a) an opening at a top of the container extending into a storage compartment, the container having an open configuration that allows access to the storage compartment and a closed configuration that prevents access to the storage compartment, and (b) a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism further including (1) an inner surface of the front portion forward of the opening and extending along the inner surface of the front portion. The container may include a first magnetic piece coupled to the opening, (2) a second magnetic piece extending along and coupled to an inner surface of a rear portion of the rear side of the opening, (3) a first curved member spaced from the first magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end, and (4) a second curved member spaced from the second magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end. The first magnetic piece may be magnetically attracted to the second magnetic piece to resealably seal the opening, and when the container is in an open configuration, the first curved member and the second curved member may prevent the opening from closing. The first curved member may be formed of a non-metallic material. The first curved member and the second curved member may be configured to bend from the first curved configuration to the second curved configuration when the opening is sealed. When the container is in the closed configuration, a portion of the first top edge of the first curved member and a portion of the second top edge of the second curved member may be generally parallel. The first curved member body may include a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the first curved member may have a radius of curvature between 120 mm and 160 mm and may include a non-metallic membrane. In some examples, both the first end and the second end of the first curved member may have rounded corners. The first curved member may include a portion formed from a steel alloy. The first curved member may be received in a first receiver in the front portion and the second curved member may be received in a second receiver in the rear portion. Furthermore, the first end and the second end of the first curved member are slidable within the first receiver. The container may also include an inner liner forming a storage compartment and having a front portion and a rear portion, and an insulating layer disposed between the front portion of the outer shell and the front portion of the inner liner, and further disposed between the rear portion of the outer shell and the rear portion of the inner liner.The insulating layer provides insulation for the storage compartment, and the second curved member may be located between the insulating layer and the envelope. The container may also include a flap portion extending from the rear portion above a rear side of the opening, the flap portion including a first fastening element and a second fastening element coupled to an outer surface of the front portion, and the envelope may be configured to be folded to releasably couple the first fastening element to the second fastening element. Additionally, at least one of the first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip may include a row of circular magnetic elements spaced apart along the flexible polymer strip. The container may also include a pair of straps coupled to the rear portion of the envelope and configured to allow a user to carry the container as a backpack.

[0007] Yet another aspect disclosed herein may relate to an insulated container including: (a) an outer shell defining sidewalls and a bottom and having a front portion, a rear portion, side portions, and a base; (b) an inner liner forming a storage compartment and having a front portion and a rear portion; (c) an insulating layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner and providing insulation to the storage compartment; (d) an opening extending into the storage compartment at a top of the insulated container and having a front side and a rear side; and (e) a flap portion extending between the top of the outer shell and the opening. The insulated container may also include a closure mechanism, which may include: (1) a first closure element extending along and coupled to a front side of the opening; (2) a second closure element extending along and coupled to a rear side of the opening; (3) a first curved member spaced below the first magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; and (4) a second curved member spaced below the second magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end. The first magnetic piece is magnetically attracted to the second magnetic piece and resealably seals the opening, and when the insulated container is in an open configuration, the first curved member and the second curved member may prevent the opening from closing. The flap portion may be configured to provide a secondary seal for the opening when folded. Further, the first curved member can be received in a first receiver in the front portion and the second curved member can be received in a second receiver in the rear portion. The first end and the second end of the first curved member can be slidable within the first receiver. Further, the first curved member can extend along the front portion and the second curved member can extend along the rear portion.

[0008] Further aspects disclosed herein may relate to a container including: (a) a shell defining sidewalls and a bottom and having a front portion, a rear portion, side portions, and a base; (b) an opening extending into a storage compartment at a top of the container and having a front side and a rear side, the container having an open configuration that allows access to the storage compartment and a closed configuration that prevents access to the storage compartment; and (c) a flap portion extending between the top of the shell and the opening. The container may also include a closure mechanism, which may include (a) a first magnetic piece extending along and coupled to a front side of the opening, (b) a second magnetic piece extending along and coupled to a rear side of the opening, (c) a first curved member spaced below the first magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end, and (d) a second curved member spaced below the second magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end. When the container is in the closed configuration, a portion of a first top edge of the first curved member and a portion of a second top edge of the second curved member are substantially parallel. The first magnetic piece may be magnetically attracted to the second magnetic piece to resealably seal the opening, and the first and second curved members may prevent the opening from closing when the container is in an open configuration. The first curved member may be received in a first receiver in the front portion and the second curved member may be received in a second receiver in the rear portion. The first and second ends of the first curved member may be slidable within the first receiver. The first curved member may be fixedly attached to the front portion at a central region of the first curved member.

[0009] Yet another aspect disclosed herein relates to a closure mechanism, which may include (a) a first closure element disposed on a first side of the opening, (b) a second closure element disposed on a second side of the opening, (c) a first curved member having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end, and (d) a second curved member having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end. The first and second closure elements together resealably seal the opening, and the first and second curved members may be configured to maintain the opening in an open configuration. The first curved member body may include a portion having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and formed from a steel alloy. The first curved member may also include a non-metallic film, and both the first and second ends of the first curved member may have rounded corners. Further, the first curved member can be received in a first receiver on a first side of the opening and the second curved member can be received in a second receiver on a second side of the opening. Both the first curved member and the second curved member can bend from a first curved configuration for maintaining the opening in an open configuration to a second curved configuration when the opening is sealed or in a sealed configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first curved member and the second curved member can be substantially parallel.

[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements in all the various drawings in which reference numbers are used.

[0011] Additionally, the drawings may represent different components of various examples to scale, but it should be understood that the examples of the present disclosure are not limited to that particular scale. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, the drawings should not be construed as being drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary insulated container configured to keep contents hot or cold for extended periods of time according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the exemplary insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the exemplary insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the exemplary insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the exemplary insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view schematic of the insulated container of FIG. 5 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view schematic of the insulated container of FIG. 5 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an insulated container in an unfolded configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic of an insulated container in a folded configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8A] 2A-2C are top views that illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary curved member of the insulated container of FIG. 1 as the insulated container moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8B] 2A-2C are top views that illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary curved member of the insulated container of FIG. 1 as the insulated container moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8C] 2A-2C are top views that illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary curved member of the insulated container of FIG. 1 as the insulated container moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8D] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the insulated container of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph of magnetic and spring forces during opening and closing of a container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary curved member of the insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view of an end of the exemplary curved member of FIG. 10 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view of an end of the exemplary curved member of FIG. 9 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary curved member of FIG. 10 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14A] 2 is a front view of a magnetic piece that can be used to form a magnetic closure for an opening in the insulating device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a side view of a magnetic piece that can be used to form a magnetic closure for an opening in the thermal insulation device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14C] 2 is a front view of a magnetic piece that can be used to form a magnetic closure for an opening in the insulating device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14D] FIG. 2 is a side view of a magnetic piece that can be used to form a magnetic closure for an opening in the thermal insulation device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the magnetic piece of FIG. 14 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an insulating layer of the insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a front view of another exemplary insulated container configured to keep contents hot or cold for extended periods of time in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the example insulated container of FIG. 17 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a left side view of the exemplary insulated container of FIG. 17 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 20]FIG. 18 is a right side view of the exemplary insulated container of FIG. 17 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 21] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an insulating layer of the insulated container of FIG. 17 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 22] FIG. 18 is a front view of the exemplary insulated container of FIG. 17 in a closed and folded configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative insulated container to FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view diagram illustrating a schematic of an exemplary hinge of the insulated container of FIG. 23 in an unlocked position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a side view diagram illustrating the example hinge of FIG. 24 in a locked position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative insulated container to FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the insulated container of FIG. 26 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative insulated container to FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative insulated container to FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Diagram 30] 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary curved member in the intermittent receptacle of the insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary liner seam of the insulated container of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In the following description of various examples and components of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, various exemplary structures and contexts in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and contexts may be used, and further that structural and functional modifications may be made in the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] Additionally, terms such as "front," "rear," "front," "rear," "top," "base," "bottom," "side," "forwardly," and "rearwardly" may be used herein to describe various example features and elements, and are used herein for convenience based on, for example, example orientations shown in the drawings and / or orientations in typical use. Nothing herein should be construed as requiring a structure to be in a particular three-dimensional or spatial orientation to be within the scope of the claims.

[0015] As used herein, the term "substantially aligned" may define two items (i.e., edges, surfaces, or centerlines) to be within + / - 4 mm of each other. Additionally, as used herein, the term "substantially parallel" may define two items (i.e., edges, surfaces, or centerlines) to be within + / - 5 degrees of each other.

[0016] In the following description, one or more container structures are described. It is contemplated that any of the disclosed structures may be constructed from any polymer, composite, and / or metal / alloy material without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it is contemplated that any manufacturing method may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the various containers described throughout the present disclosure may be constructed using one or more of the following processes: welding (e.g., radio frequency, ultrasonic, or laser welding of fabrics, or metal / alloy welding), gluing, sewing, molding, injection molding, blow molding, punching, deep drawing, casting, die casting, drilling, deburring, grinding, polishing, sanding, or etching, and numerous other processes. Furthermore, when a magnetic element or structure is described throughout the present disclosure, the element or structure may be considered to include one or more magnets (e.g., permanent magnets), or one or more metals or alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic materials and other materials) that can be attracted to magnets. Additionally, the magnetic strips described herein may include a continuous magnetic element, a series of two or more discrete magnetic elements, or a two- or three-dimensional array of magnetic elements. Additionally, the magnetic elements may be comprised of any magnetic metal or alloy, and may be combined with one or more non-magnetic materials, such as polymers, ceramics, or non-magnetic metals or alloys. Additionally, it is contemplated that the various disclosures described herein may be combined in any manner, with various permutations of the combined elements.

[0017] Throughout the following disclosure, various magnetic closure mechanisms are described. These magnetic closure mechanisms may be configured to be partially or completely waterproof and / or airtight. It is contemplated that the magnetic closure mechanisms may include gaskets and seals in addition to the magnetic elements described without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Any of the containers described throughout this specification are intended to be partially or completely waterproof, airtight, and / or sealed to substantially or completely prevent dust or other materials from entering and / or leaking from the container. For example, containers 100 and / or 200, described in more detail in the next paragraph, may include a partially or completely waterproof outer shell / wall and closure mechanism.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary insulated container 100, which may be configured to keep contents cold or hot for extended periods of time. The insulated container 100 may include elements similar to those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,143,282, filed March 6, 2017, and issued December 4, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the insulated container 100, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show side views of the insulated container 100. The insulated container 100 generally includes a front portion 130, a rear portion 160, a left side portion 180, a right side portion 190, and an outer shell 102 that defines a bottom 104. In one example, the front portion 130, the rear portion 160, and the side portions 180, 190 may be collectively referred to as the sidewalls of the container 100. The container 100 further includes an opening 110 at a top portion of the container and may further include a flap portion 140 extending from one or both sides of the front portion 130 or the rear portion 160 above the opening. The flap portion 140 is thus configured to extend above the top of the envelope 102 and the opening 110. The opening 110 is configured to provide a resealable location of entry to the storage compartment 120 of the container 100. The storage compartment is shown in more detail in FIG. 5. In one example, the opening 110 may include a front side 112 coupled to the front portion 130 and a rear side 114 coupled to the rear portion 160. The opening 110 is resealably sealed by a closure mechanism 200, where the container 100 may include an open configuration that allows access to the storage compartment 120 and a closed configuration that prevents access to the storage compartment 120. The opening 110 may further include a pull tab 116 configured to be manually grasped and pulled away from each other to open the opening 110. In some examples, the container 100 includes two pull tabs 116, one on each side of the opening 110.

[0020] 5, 6A, and 6B, the closure mechanism 200 can include a first closure or clasp element 210, a second closure or clasp element 220, a first curved member 230, and a second curved member 240. The closure elements 210, 220 can be releasable closure elements such as hook and loop fasteners, mechanical snaps, interlocking closure elements in which a plug on one closure element fits into a groove on the other closure element to form a watertight seal, magnetic pieces, or other releasable closure elements known to those skilled in the art. In some examples, the closure mechanism 200 can include a magnetic piece 210, a magnetic piece 220, a first curved member 230, and a second curved member 240. The first magnetic piece 210 may extend along and be coupled to the inner surface of the front portion 130 at the front side 112 of the opening 110, and the second magnetic piece 220 may extend along and be coupled to the inner surface of the rear portion 160 at the rear side 114 of the opening 110. The first magnetic piece 210 may be magnetically attracted to the second magnetic piece 220 to resealably seal the opening 110 and maintain the container 100 in a closed configuration. The first curved member 230 may extend along the inner surface of the front portion 130 and be spaced downwardly from the first magnetic piece 210 a predetermined distance 206. In one example, the predetermined distance 206 between the first magnetic piece 210 and the first curved member 230 can be approximately 49 mm, or within a range of 40 to 60 mm, where the predetermined distance 206 is defined from the top edge of the first magnetic piece 210 to the top edge 237 of the first curved member 230. Similarly, the second curved member 240 can extend along the inner surface of the rear portion 160 and be spaced downwardly from the second magnetic piece 220 by a predetermined distance 208. In one example, the predetermined distance 208 between the second magnetic piece 220 and the second curved member can be approximately 46 mm, or within a range of 40 to 60 mm, where the predetermined distance 208 is defined from the top edge of the second magnetic piece 220 to the top edge 247 of the second curved member 240. Further, the gap or spacing 209 between the lower edges of the magnetic pieces 210, 220 and the upper edges 237, 247 of the curved members 230, 240 may be approximately 16 mm, or within a range of 12 to 28 mm, allowing the flap portion 140 to be folded between the magnetic pieces 210, 220 and the curved members 230, 240.However, due to the curvature of the front and rear portions 130, 160, the top edge 237 of the first curved member 230 may be substantially aligned with the top edge 247 of the second curved member 240. The first curved member 230 may be secured to a front receiver 250 of the front portion 130 of the container 100, and the second curved member 240 may be secured to a rear receiver 260 of the rear portion 160 of the container 100. When in the closed configuration, the first and second magnetic pieces 210, 220 may be substantially aligned with each other, and the first and second curved members 230, 240 may be substantially aligned. Instead, the curved members 230, 240 may extend along and be coupled to the outer surfaces of the front and rear portions 130, 160, respectively. As an example, the receivers 250, 260 may be located along the outer surface of the envelope 102. When a user moves the container 100 to the open configuration by pulling the first magnetic piece 210 and the second magnetic piece 220 apart, the first and second curved members 230, 240 may act to prevent the container 100 from closing and to hold (or maintain) the container 100 in the open configuration. Optionally, the closure mechanism 200 may have only a single curved member 230 or 240 arranged on only one side of the closure (e.g., a single curved member 230 along the front portion 130 of the container 100 or a single curved member 240 along the rear portion 160 of the container 100).

[0021] The first and second curved members 230, 240 may apply spring forces in an opposing direction to the magnetic forces acting between the first magnetic piece 210 and the second magnetic piece 220 to prevent the opening 110 of the container 100 from accidentally closing, and these opposing forces may also allow the opening 110 to move in a controlled manner from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The slow and controlled movement of the closure mechanism 200 from the open configuration to the closed configuration may prevent a user from being injured by the closure mechanism 200 closing too quickly, providing a safe and effective sealing mechanism.

[0022] In particular, the curved members 230, 240 may provide a spring force that acts against the magnetic force of the magnetic pieces 210, 220. The curved members 230, 240 may be formed with a curved profile having a concave profile facing the opening 110 of the container 100. The first curved member 230 may have a first end 232, a second end 234, and a curved member body 236 extending between the first end 232 and the second end 234. Similarly, the second curved member 240 may have a first end 242, a second end 244, and a curved member body 246 extending between the first end 242 and the second end 244. Additionally, the curved members 230, 240 may each be fixedly attached to the front and rear portions 130, 160 at attachment locations 235, 245 of each curved member 230, 240, which may be located at or near the center of each curved member 230, 240. As the curved members 230, 240 may deform or bend during the opening and closing processes, each end 232, 234, 242, 244 may be free to move and slide within the receivers 250, 260, respectively. As shown generally in FIG. 8A, when the opening 110 is in the open configuration, the curved members 230, 240 are in an undeformed or substantially undeformed state (i.e., the curved members 230, 240 are in their original curved contour shape or first curved configuration). As shown in FIG. 8D, the width W or size of the opening 110 may be defined as the distance measured in the direction from the front side 112 to the back side 114 at the center of the opening 110. In some examples, when the container 100 is in the open configuration, the width W of the opening may be about 7 inches (about 18 cm), or in the range of 6 inches (about 15 cm) to 9 inches (about 23 cm). As shown in FIG. 8B, when a user applies a force to move the opening 110 to the closed configuration, the magnetic force between the magnetic pieces 210, 220 begins to pull the front side 112 toward the back side 114 of the opening 110, while at the same time, the curved members 230, 240 begin to apply a spring force that pulls the front side 112 and the back side 114 away from each other. These opposing forces cause the opening 110 to close slowly and in a controlled manner. In one position, those forces reach a divergent distance where the opening 110 is at the center and opens up to a distance where the magnetic force between the magnetic pieces 210, 220 and the spring force between the flexures 230, 240 are balanced.Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the width W of the opening 110 opens a distance greater than the divergence distance, the spring force may be greater than the magnetic force, keeping the opening 110 in the open configuration. As shown in FIG. 8C, when the width W of the opening 110 opens a distance less than the divergence distance, the magnetic force may be greater than the spring force, and further, as the width W of the opening 110 decreases beyond the divergence distance, the magnetic force may increase at a faster rate than the spring force, causing the opening to move and remain in the closed configuration. As the opening 110 moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the first curved member 230 and the second curved member 240 move from a first curved configuration when the opening is in the open configuration to a second curved configuration when the opening is in the closed configuration. However, in the second curved configuration, the curved members 230, 240 may be substantially parallel. In some examples, when in the closed configuration, portions of the top edges 237, 247 of the curved members 230, 240 can be generally parallel to one another, or in some cases, a majority of the first curved member 230 can be generally parallel to a majority of the second curved member 240. In other examples, when in the closed configuration, the curved members 230, 240 can have some regions that are not parallel to one another.

[0023] 9 shows the magnetic and spring forces applied to the opening 110 in various configurations. FIG. 9 shows that the magnetic force scales with the square of the distance between the first magnetic piece 210 and the second magnetic piece 220 (i.e., Fα1 / d 2), while the spring force from the curved members 230, 240 increases linearly as the curved shape of each curved member 230, 240 deforms to a generally linear or straight shape, as shown in FIG. 8C. When the opening 110 is in a closed configuration, the curved members 230, 240 are in a deformed state or second curved configuration (i.e., may deform to a generally linear shape or have a minimal curvature that is reduced from the curvature of the first curved configuration) and exert a spring force that is linearly proportional to the amount of deformation of each curved member 230, 240. As described above, when the curved members 230, 240 are in a deformed state (or second curved configuration), the curved members 230, 240 may be generally parallel. When the opening 110 is in a closed configuration, the magnetic pieces 210, 220 may contact each other, so the distance between the magnetic pieces 210, 220 is minimal or zero and the magnetic force is greater than the spring force exerted by the curved members 230, 240. When the opening 110 is opened to a width W equal to the divergence distance, the spring force and the magnetic force are equal. As mentioned above, when the width W is wider than the divergence distance, the spring force is greater than the magnetic force, and when the width W is narrower than the divergence distance, the magnetic force may be greater than the spring force. When the opening 110 is in an open configuration, the curved members 230, 240 are in a non-deformed state, so that zero spring force acts on the opening 110, but the center distance (i.e., width W) of the opening 110 is long enough that the magnetic force from the magnetic pieces 210, 220 is not strong enough to overcome any spring force that may be generated by even slight deformation of the curved members 230, 240. Therefore, unless an external force such as a user pushing it acts, the opening 110 is prevented from closing.

[0024] 5, 6A, and 6B are schematic side cross-sectional views of the insulated container 100. As shown in FIG. 5, 6A, and 6B, the magnetic pieces 210, 220 may be located in the opening 110, and the curved members 230, 240 may be spaced below the magnetic pieces 210, 220, respectively. In the illustrated example, the inner liner 122 forms a room, a storage compartment, or a storage compartment 120 for receiving and storing contents therein. The insulated container 100 may include the inner liner 122, an insulating layer 124, and an outer shell 102. The insulating layer 124 may be formed as a foam insulation located between the inner liner 122 and the outer shell 102 to help maintain an internal temperature of the storage compartment 120 for storing contents that are desired to be kept cool or warm. Furthermore, the first curved member 230 may be disposed between the inner liner 122 and the outer shell 102. 5, 6A, and 6B, the rear curved member 240 may be located between the insulation layer 224 and the jacket 102. Additionally, the front receiver 250 and the rear receiver 260 may be formed to secure the curved members 230, 240 over their entire surfaces, sealing the curved members 230, 240 into the receivers 250, 260, respectively. The curved members 230, 240 may be slid into the receivers 250, 260, respectively, before the ends of the receivers 250, 260 are sealed. The receivers 250, 260 may be formed from the same material as the inner liner 122 or a similar material known to one skilled in the art using a welding process to connect the receivers 250, 260 to the vessel 100. As noted above, the central portions of the curved members 230, 240 may be fixedly attached to the front and rear portions 130, 160, respectively, with the ends of each curved member 230, 240 being allowed to move freely. Alternatively, or optionally, the curved members 230, 240 may not be fixedly attached at any location or multiple locations, but may be free to move or slide within the receivers 250, 260, respectively. For example, the curved members 230, 240 may be partially or completely received in the receivers 250, 260, respectively, and in some examples may be fixedly attached at multiple locations, such as near the center and near each end.Further, each receiver 250, 260 may be continuous and without openings, or, as shown in FIG. 30, one or both of the receivers 250, 260 may be interrupted with one or more openings 251 exposing the respective curved members to the interior of the vessel 100. The openings 251 may be equally spaced apart, or alternatively, may be unevenly spaced apart. In one example, both curved members 230, 240 may be located between the insulation layer 124 and the jacket 102, or in other examples, neither curved member 230, 240 may be located between the insulation layer 124 and the jacket 102. In some examples, the insulation layer 124 adjacent the rear portion 160 of the vessel 100 may have a higher top than the top of the insulation layer 124 adjacent the front portion 130. In these examples, the upper portion of the insulating layer 124 adjacent the rear portion 160 may be skived or tapered to allow the closure mechanism 200 to operate smoothly.

[0025] The insulating layer 124 may be located between the inner liner 122 and the outer shell 102, may not be attached to either the inner liner 122 or the outer shell 102, and may float between the inner liner 122 and the outer shell 102. In one example, the inner liner 122 and the outer shell 102 may connect at the top portion 108 of the insulated container 100, and the insulating layer 124 may float freely within a pocket formed by the inner liner 122 and the outer shell 102. The inner layer or inner liner 122 may be formed of a first inner liner sidewall portion 122A and a bottom inner liner portion 122B. The first inner liner sidewall portion 122A and the bottom inner liner portion 122B may be secured together, for example, by welding, to form the storage compartment 120. In some examples, the storage compartment 120 may be a "dry bag" or a container for storing contents. In one example, after the first inner liner sidewall portion 122A and the bottom inner liner portion 122B are secured or joined together, a tape, such as a TPU tape, may be placed over the seam to help join and seal the portions of the storage compartment 120 together. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 31, a tape, such as a TPU tape or other film 123, may be wrapped around the edge 125 of the first inner liner sidewall portion 122A along both sides of the edge 125 of the first inner liner sidewall portion 122A and then welded to the second inner liner sidewall portion 122A to seal the fibrous edge 125 of the first inner liner sidewall portion 122A with the second edge of the liner sidewall portion 122A. The welded connection may be a lap joint or a butt joint. The tape 123 may wrap around one or both edges 125 of the liner sidewall portions to be joined. In some examples, both edges may be wrapped along the edges of both inner liner sidewall portions with tape 123. Additionally, tape may be used to seal the seam formed between the first inner liner sidewall portion 122A and the bottom inner liner portion 122B to provide an additional barrier against liquids from entering or leaking out of the storage compartment 120.Thus, the inner liner 122 may maintain liquids in or prevent liquid contents from entering the storage compartment 120 of the insulated container 100. However, it is also contemplated that the inner liner 122 may be formed as an integral, one-piece structure that may be secured within the outer jacket 102. The liner material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), or other materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0026] In one example, the closure mechanism 200 used to seal the opening 110 may be substantially waterproof or water resistant to prevent or reduce liquid from entering and / or leaking from the insulated container 100. Additionally, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the flap portion 140 may be folded to further seal the opening 110. The flap portion 140 may be folded between the magnetic pieces 210, 220 and the curved members 230, 240.

[0027] 1 and 2, various handles, straps or loops and webs (e.g., 132, 134, 136) may also be included on the insulated container 100 for carrying, holding, or securing the insulated container 100. In this regard, the envelope 102 may also include a number of reinforcement regions or patches, such as 107A-107C, configured to help provide structural support to any handles or straps (e.g., 132, 134, 136, 162). These reinforcement regions or patches may be located on the interior or exterior surface of the envelope 102. The handles or straps (e.g., 132, 134, 136, 162) and other attachments may be sewn, glued, welded, riveted, or using any other attachment method, or a combination of these methods, to the main structure of the insulated container 100.

[0028] The insulated container 100 may include two carry handles 136 connected to the front portion 130 of the insulated container 100 and the rear portion 160 of the insulated container 100. In one example, a shoulder strap may be attached to the mounting rings 138A, 138B. The insulated container 100 may further include a side handle 132 to facilitate carrying the insulated container 100. Additionally, a woven cord formed as a loop 134 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the strap of the handle 136. The loop 134 may be used to attach an item (e.g., a carabiner, a dry bag) to the insulated container 100. In one example, the carry handle 136, the side handle 132, and the loop 134 may be constructed of a woven nylon cord. Other materials may include, for example, polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastic, rubber, or rope.

[0029] In one example, the rings 138A-138D can be Acetal (POM) D-rings. The attachment rings 138A-138D can be made of one or more polymers, metals, ceramics, glasses, alloys, or combinations thereof. In certain examples, the attachment rings 138A-138D can be made of nylon, polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastic, rubber, or rope. In some examples, the attachment rings 138A-138D can include some amount of recycled materials. The attachment rings 138A-138D can include other shapes, sizes, and configurations other than the illustrated "D" shape. Examples include round, square, rectangular, triangular, or ring shapes, and have multiple attachment locations.

[0030] 1 further shows a base 104 and a bottom support ridge 106. The bottom support ridge 106 can provide structural integrity and support to the insulated container 100 (also referred to as the insulating device 100) when the insulated container 100 is placed on a surface.

[0031] The flap portion 140 can have a front side 142 and a back side 144. Additionally, in one embodiment, the flap portion 140 can be configured to fold such that the top flap portion 146 folds over the bottom flap portion 148. When folded, the top flap portion 146 can be removably coupled to the bottom flap portion 148 by a secondary closure mechanism. In one example, both the top flap portion 146 and the bottom flap portion 148 can include magnetic elements (e.g., permanent magnets and magnetic materials) embedded within the container 100 along the length L of the opening 110. In one example, a single magnetic piece can be embedded in one or more of the top flap portion 146 and the bottom flap portion 148 and extend along at least a portion of the length of 106. In some examples, the top flap portion 146 can be taller than the bottom flap portion 148, or in some examples, the top flap portion 146 can have the same height as the bottom flap portion 148. Additionally or alternatively, a series of one or more discrete magnetic elements may be embedded in one or more of the top and bottom flap portions 146, 148 and extend along at least a portion of the length L. In other embodiments, hook-and-loop fasteners or other types of fasteners may be used in combination with or in place of the magnetic fasteners to releasably couple the top and bottom flap portions 146, 148 to one another.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the flap portion 140 is foldable and the top flap portion 146 may be held in the folded configuration by a buckle and strap that extends between the rear portion 160 and the front portion 130 over the top of the container 100. A strap 164 and fastening element or buckle 166A may be coupled to the carry handle 136 on the front portion 130 and utilized to hold the top flap portion 146 in the folded configuration when releasably coupled to a corresponding fastening element or buckle 166B coupled to the carry handle 136 of the rear portion 160 of the container 100.

[0033] 10-13 show an exemplary curved member 230, which may also represent a curved member 240, since the two curved members 230, 240 are identical in shape and size. FIG. 10 shows a top view of the curved member 230, which has a curvature that points away from one another, with the curved members 230, 240 having convex surfaces facing outward. Alternatively, or optionally, both curved members 230, 240 may have a curvature that points toward one another, with the curved members having concave surfaces facing outward. Alternatively, both curved members 230, 240 may have a curvature that is aligned in the same direction (e.g., the concave surfaces of both curved members 230, 240 facing toward the front of the container 100, or the concave surfaces of both curved members 230, 240 facing toward the rear of the container 100). The curved member 230 has a curvature defined by an inner radius R, which in one example may be about 145 mm, or in the range of 120 mm to 180 mm, or in another example may be about 230 mm, or in the range of 200 mm to 280 mm. The curvature may be described as a function of the length L of the opening 110, the strength of the magnets (i.e., the strength of the magnetic pieces 210, 220), the horizontal distance between the ends 232, 234, and the desired stiffness of the curved members 230, 240. In some examples, the curvature of the curved members 230, 240 may be expressed as a percentage of the length L of the opening 110, where the length L is measured when the opening 110 is in a closed configuration. For example, the curvature of the curved member 230 may be about 30 percent of the length L, or about 38 percent of the length L, or in the range of 25 percent to 45 percent of the length L of the opening 110, or in the range of 15 percent to 60 percent of the length L.

[0034] As described above, the first curved member 230 can have a first end 232, a second end 234, and a curved member body 236 extending between the first end 232 and the second end 234. Similarly, the second curved member 240 can have a first end 242, a second end 244, and a curved member body 246 extending between the first end 242 and the second end 244. As shown in FIG. 12, each end 232, 234, 242, 244 of the curved members 230, 240 can have a curved profile. As shown, each end 232, 234, 242, 244 can have a lower portion 231 having a larger radius than the upper portion 233. In some examples, the radius of the lower portion 231 can be up to three times the radius of the upper portion 233. Instead, each end 232, 234, 242, 244 may have a lower portion with an equal radius to the upper portion. By having a rounded profile at each end 232, 234, 242, 244, the curved members 230, 240 may prevent damage to any portion of the container 100 (i.e., the outer jacket 102, the inner liner 122, the insulation layer 124, or the receivers 250, 260) as the ends 232, 234, 242, 244 move during the opening and closing processes.

[0035] The curved members 230, 240 may be formed of a variety of materials and dimensions to generate the desired spring force for the closure mechanism 200. For example, in one example, the curved members 230, 240 may include a core portion formed of a steel alloy with a thickness of about 3 mm, or within a range of 1.5 mm to 5 mm, and a width of about 25 mm, or within a range of 15 to 40 mm. In other examples, the curved members 230, 240 may be formed of other metallic materials, such as aluminum-based alloys, titanium alloys, or other metallic materials. The curved members 230, 240 may be formed using an extrusion process and may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. The curved members 230, 240 may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, although alternative cross-sectional shapes, such as square, oval, round, elliptical, triangular, or other geometric shapes, are also contemplated. In some examples, the curved members 230, 240 may have a concave or convex cross-sectional shape.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 13, when a metallic material is used for the core portion 238, the flexures 230, 240 may include a non-metallic outer layer 239. The non-metallic outer layer 239 may be an elastomeric material, a polyethylene-based material, or a polyvinyl chloride-based material. This encapsulation helps protect the core portion 238 from corrosion and also helps protect the components of the container from any damage caused by the movement of the flexures 230, 240. The non-metallic film 239 may also help reduce friction of the flexures 230, 240, allowing the ends 232, 234, 242, 244 to move freely. The metallic core portion 238 may have a constant thickness. The encapsulation may be applied to the metallic core portion 238 as a heat shrink tube, or may be injection molded, overmolded, dipped, or powder coated onto the core portion 238, or encapsulated by other means known to those skilled in the art. The non-metallic outer layer 239 may be applied to the entire curved members 230, 240 or only to the ends 232, 234, 242, 244. For example, the non-metallic outer layer 239 may be applied from the ends 232, 234, 242, 244 to a distance of about 30 to 80 mm from the ends 232, 234, 242, 244. In some examples, the non-metallic outer layer 239 may be applied to only one of the ends 232, 234, 242, 244 of each curved member 230, 240. In some examples, the curved members 230, 240 are coated with the non-metallic film 239 except for a portion of one end that is used to grip the curved members 230, 240 when applying the coating, leaving that end with an exposed portion. In these cases, the exposed portion may be coated using heat shrink tubing to encapsulate the exposed portion.

[0037] In alternative examples, the flexures 230, 240 may be formed from high strength polymers such as polycarbonate, fiberglass materials, or composite materials. Non-metallic flexures may have end geometries similar to those described above, and may or may not be encapsulated in an elastomeric material. Alternatively, the thickness may be variable to adjust the stiffness and durability of the flexures.

[0038] 14A and 14B show front and side views of the front magnetic piece 210, and FIG. 14C and 14D show front and side views of the rear magnetic piece 220. The two magnetic pieces 210, 220 may be used to form a closure mechanism 200 for the opening 110. As previously described, the closure mechanism 200 may be used to resealably seal the opening 110. The magnetic pieces 210, 220 have a magnetic strength of 4500 Gauss (about 0.45 Tesla) or in the range of 3500 Gauss (about 0.35 Tesla) to 5500 Gauss (about 0.55 Tesla), and the magnetic strength is tested when the opening 110 is in a closed configuration by placing a magnetic tester directly between the two magnetic pieces 210, 220. In one embodiment, both magnetic pieces 210, 220 include a series of discrete permanent magnets held in magnetic wells 212. In one example, the first magnetic piece 210 and the second magnetic piece 220 include a spaced apart row of circular magnetic elements 214 of a flexible polymer piece, which may be firmly attached to the magnetic well 212. Although the magnetic elements 214 are shown as circular magnetic elements, it is contemplated that the magnetic elements may be any shape, such as rectangular, square, triangular, oval, or other geometric shapes known to those skilled in the art. As shown in the example, the magnetic piece 210 shown in FIG. 14B may include a tapered region 217 on one or both ends. This tapered region 217 may aid in proper mating of the magnetic piece 210 and ensure proper sealing. The tapered region 217 may be formed on both magnetic pieces 210, 220, or on only one of the magnetic pieces. As shown in FIG. 14D, the magnetic piece 220 may have a constant thickness without the tapered region 217. Optionally, both magnetic pieces 210, 220 may have a constant thickness without a tapered region. The magnetic elements 214 may be oriented such that adjacent magnetic elements 214 have opposite polarities. For example, for magnets 214 disposed in the exemplary wells 212, the magnet 214 in well 212A may have its north pole facing the magnetic piece 210, the magnet 214 in well 212B may have its south pole facing the magnetic piece 210, and the magnet 214 in well 212C may have its north pole facing the magnetic piece 210. It is contemplated that the magnetic pieces 210, 220 may be coupled to the front portion 130 and the rear portion 160 using any fastening method, technique, and / or technology.In some examples, the ends of each magnetic piece 210, 220 may be welded to the container 100. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C, to prevent distortion of the magnetic pieces 210, 220 during the welding process, each magnetic piece 210, 220 may include one or more relief holes 219 near the ends of each magnetic piece 210, 220. The relief holes 219 may be located near the outside of the magnetic well 212 to help prevent any distortion of the magnetic pieces 210, 220 during the welding process by providing a location to receive any flowable material created by the welding process. The relief holes 219 may be blind holes having a predetermined depth, but may extend through the magnetic pieces 210, 220. The relief holes 219 may also be located on the tapered region 217 of one of the magnetic pieces 210, 220 and may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the well 212. While the illustrated example shows two relief holes 219 near each end of the magnetic pieces 210, 220, the number of relief holes 219 can be a single hole, three holes, or more than three holes near each end. It is further contemplated that the magnet 214 attached within the well 212 can be constructed of any material without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a pull tab 116 can extend from one of the magnetic pieces 210 or 220 that can be configured to be grasped by hand to pull apart the magnetic pieces 210, 220 of the closure mechanism 200 of the opening 110. In an alternative embodiment, each magnetic piece 210, 220 can include a pull tab 116. In yet another embodiment, the pull tab 116 can be not coupled to one of the magnetic pieces 210 or 220. In such an embodiment, the pull tab 116 can instead be coupled to one or both sides of the opening 110. For example, the one or more pull tabs 116 may be coupled to one or both of the front side 112 and back side 114 of the opening 110 and do not form part of the magnetic piece 210 or the magnetic piece 220. In yet other examples, the insulated container 100 may be provided without one or more pull tabs 116 on the front portion 130 and / or back portion 160. The first and second magnetic pieces 210, 220 may have upper edges coupled to the front side 112 and back side 114 of the opening 110.The first and second magnetic pieces 210, 220 have bottom edges that are not attached to the inside surface of the container 100 and may be described as loose ends.

[0039] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic of the magnetic pieces 210, 220. In one example, the magnetic pieces 210, 220 can be constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, it is contemplated that the magnetic pieces 210, 220 can be constructed using a combination of polymers, metals, or alloys, for example. FIG. 15 illustrates two exemplary magnetic wells 212D, 212E configured to hold magnets 214 on opposite sides. In one example, buffer layers 216A, 216B separate the magnets 214 disposed in the wells 212D, 212E when they are magnetically coupled to each other. It is contemplated that these buffer layers 216A, 216B can be provided with a predetermined thickness such that magnetic attraction is maintained. Additionally, a sealing film 215 can be disposed on the front or rear surface (e.g., on the side that receives the magnet 214). This sealing film 215 helps prevent moisture from entering the magnetic pieces 210, 220 and can be a transparent or opaque material. In some examples, the sealing film 215 can be made from a TPU material, but can be made from any suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] In other embodiments, the magnetic pieces 210, 220 may be provided without the buffer layers 216A, 216B such that they are disposed adjacent to one another when the magnets 214 held within the wells 212D, 212E are magnetically coupled to one another. In yet other examples, the buffer layers 216A, 216B may be formed from an alternative type of material to the remainder of the structure of the magnetic pieces 210, 220 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] The combination of the primary seal of the insulated container 100 created by the magnetic closure of the opening 110 and the secondary seal created by folding the flap portion 140 may render the insulated container 100 substantially waterproof and / or airtight. In certain examples, the insulated container 100 may be configured to retain water (ice and melted ice) such that the water does not leak from the storage compartment 120 through the opening 110 to the outside environment or reduces the leakage. In certain examples, the insulated container 100 may be configured to be positioned in an orientation supported on its side (e.g., the front portion 130 or the rear portion 160) and / or positioned facing downward (with the opening 110 facing downward), and the container 100 may be configured to prevent or substantially reduce leakage of water retained within the storage compartment 120 when held in one of these orientations for an extended period of time. In certain examples, the insulated container 100 may be configured such that less than 5%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the water (or combination of water and ice) held in the storage compartment 120 leaks through the opening 110 when the insulated container 100 is held with the opening 110 facing downward at a 90 degree angle (i.e., upside down), 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, or 0 degrees (i.e., the container is held supported by the front portion 130 or the rear portion 160) for at least 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour.

[0042] FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic of the insulating layer 124 of the insulated container 100. The insulating layer 124 may be formed from a first or upper portion 126 and a second portion or base 128. It is contemplated that the insulating layer 124 may be formed from any insulating material. The insulating material of the insulating layer 124 may include, for example, EVA foam, which may include a non-woven scrim layer laminated on both sides of the upper portion 126 to help reduce any noise caused by movement of the insulating layer within the container 100, and the lower portion 128 may be free of a scrim layer of any density and / or insulating value / physical properties and / or any other foam material. The non-woven scrim layer may be removed at the bottom edge of the upper portion 126 to aid in bonding the upper portion 126 of the insulating layer 124 to the base 128.

[0043] 17-22 illustrate an alternative insulated container 300 that may be configured with a closure mechanism 200. For the exemplary containers of FIGS. 17-22, features are described using similar reference numbers, with the reference numbers in the "3xx" series used instead of the "1xx" used in the examples of FIGS. 1-16. Thus, certain features of the container 300 already described for the insulated container 100 of FIGS. 1-16 may not be described in detail or at all. Furthermore, any of the features described for the insulated container 100 in FIGS. 1-16 may also be used in the insulated container 300. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated containers 100, 300 may be configured with different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure described herein.

[0044] The container 300 may be configured as an insulated container that may be carried as a backpack. The insulated container 300 may generally include a shell 302 that defines a front portion 330, a back portion 360, a left side portion 380, a right side portion 390, and a bottom 304. In one example, the front portion 330, the back portion 360, and the side portions 380, 390 may be collectively referred to as sidewalls of the container 300. The container 300 further includes an opening 310 at a top portion of a flap portion 340. The flap portion 340 is thus configured to extend between the top of the shell 302 and the opening 310. The opening 310 is configured to provide a resealable location of entry to a storage compartment 320 of the container 300. The rear portion 360 of the container 300 may include a back pad 370 and a pair of elongated adjustable straps 372 to allow a user to carry the insulated container 300 like a backpack. When the container 300 is configured as a backpack, the closure mechanisms described herein may also be utilized with other soft sided containers, such as duffel bags, soft sided suitcases, or other soft sided containers known to those of skill in the art.

[0045] Container 300 has an opening 310 that is resealably sealed by a closure mechanism 200 similar to container 100, where container 300 can have an open configuration that allows access to the storage compartment and a closed configuration that prevents access to the storage compartment. Closure mechanism 200 for container 300 includes a first magnetic piece 210, a second magnetic piece 220, a first curved member 230, and a second curved member 240, and can function similarly to closure mechanism 200 shown in Figures 5, 6A, and 6B described above as one embodiment in which closure portion 200 can be arranged.

[0046] The container 300 may have a smaller size than the container 100 to facilitate user portability. Accordingly, FIG. 21 shows a schematic of the insulating layer 324 of the insulated container 300. The insulating layer 324 may be formed of a first portion or upper portion 326 and a second portion or base 328. The upper portion 326 may include slits 325 in the upper portion 326 to allow for greater flexibility in the insulating layer 324. As shown, the slits 325 may be arranged along the front side of the insulating layer 324, or on the left and right sides along the upper portion 326, or other locations contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art, such that the insulating layer 324 may be flexible to move with the container 300 while still providing adequate insulation. It is contemplated that the insulating layer 324 may be formed from any insulating material. The insulating material of the insulation layer 324 may include, for example, EVA foam which may include a nonwoven scrim layer laminated on both sides of the upper portion 326 to help reduce any noise caused by movement of the insulation layer within the container 300, while the lower portion 328 may be free of a scrim layer of any density and / or insulating value / physical properties and / or any other foam material. The nonwoven scrim layer may be omitted at a bottom edge of the upper portion 326 to aid in bonding the upper portion 126 of the insulation layer 124 to the base 328.

[0047] 22 shows the container 300 with the flap portion 340 folded and held in the folded configuration by a buckle 366 and a strap 364 that extends between the rear portion 360 and the front portion 330 at the top of the container 300. The strap 364 and buckle 366 may be releasably connected to corresponding straps 334 and buckles 366 on the front portion 330. The connected straps 364 may be used to hold the flap portion 340 in the folded configuration.

[0048] 23-25 ​​show an alternative insulated container 400. For the exemplary container of FIGS. 23-25, features are described using similar reference numbers, with the reference numbers in the series "4xx" rather than "1xx" as used in the examples of FIGS. 1-16. Thus, certain features of the container 400 already described for the insulated container 100 of FIGS. 1-16 may not be described in detail or at all. Furthermore, any feature described for the insulated container 100 in FIGS. 1-16 may also be used in the insulated container 400. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 400 may be configured with different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure described herein. The insulated container 400 may include a closure mechanism 200 similar to the closure mechanism 200 described above, but with the curved members 230, 240 replaced with a hinged expander 470. Thus, the closure mechanism 200 of the container 400 may include a first magnetic piece 210, a second magnetic piece 220, and a hinged expander 470 that may help hold open the opening 410 of the container 400. The hinged expander 470 may be arranged along the inner surface of the container or between the outer jacket 402 and the inner liner 422 of the container 400. The hinged expander 470 may have first and second members 471, each of which may be located on either side of the opening 410. Each of the members 471 may be connected at each end with a pinned connection. Each of the members 471 may be formed from a plurality of hinged elements 472, each of which may have a first end 473 with a cam 475 or raised area that engages with an engagement member 476 on a second end 474 of an adjacent hinged element 472. The hinged elements 472 may be pinned together, in which case the cam 475 may lock a first end 473 with a second end 474 of an adjacent hinged element 472. As shown in FIG. 24 , the hinged elements 472 may be in a locked position, which may help as the hinged elements 472 hold the opening 410 of the container 400 in an open position. Once the cam 475 moves past a predetermined position on the engagement member 476, the cam 475 may be locked to hold the hinged elements 472 in a crossed or convergent orientation.When the hinged elements 472 are locked in a convergent orientation, the hinged expander 470 may be arranged to overcome the magnetic forces between the magnetic pieces 210, 220 to hold the opening 410 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 25 , when a user closes the opening, the user may apply a force to move the cam 475 past a predetermined position on the engagement member 476 to cause adjacent hinged elements 472 to be in a generally coplanar or collinear orientation. When the hinged elements 472 are in a coplanar or collinear orientation, the first and second members 471 of the hinged expander 470 form two generally parallel members 471, allowing the magnetic pieces 210, 220 to close the opening 410.

[0049] 26 and 27 show an alternative insulated container 500. For the exemplary container of FIGS. 26 and 27, features are described using similar reference numbers, with the reference numbers in the series "5xx" rather than "1xx" as used in the examples of FIGS. 1-16. Thus, certain features of the container 500 already described for the insulated container 100 of FIGS. 1-16 may not be described in detail or at all. Furthermore, any feature described for the insulated container 100 in FIGS. 1-16 may also be used in the insulated container 500. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 500 may be configured with different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure described herein. The insulated container 500 may include a closure mechanism 200 similar to the closure mechanism 200 described above, but with the curved members 230, 240 replaced with a kickstand 570. Thus, the closure mechanism 200 of the container 500 may include a first magnetic piece 210, a second magnetic piece 220, and a kickstand 570 that may help hold the opening 510 of the container 500 open. The kickstand 570 may include a beam or rod 572 having a first end 574 and a second end 576 opposite the first end 574. Each end 574, 576 may be received in a receiver located on each side of the opening 510 to secure the rod 572 within the opening 510 to maintain the opening 510 in an open position and overcome the magnetic forces from the magnetic pieces 210, 220. In some examples, the rod 572 may be a free member stored in a compartment of the container 500. In other examples, the rod 572 is free at the opposite end attached at the first end 574 or the second end 576. The rod 572 rotates about the attached end, but when a user wants to place the kickstand 570 in a use position, the rod 572 can be rotated so that the free end is secured to a receptacle on the opposite side of the opening 510 from the position where the rod 572 is attached. When the kickstand 570 is in the engaged position, keeping the opening 510 in an open configuration, the user can easily load the container 500. When the kickstand 570 is not engaged, the magnetic force from the magnetic pieces 210, 220 can secure the opening 510 in a closed configuration.

[0050] FIG. 28 illustrates another insulated container 600. For the exemplary container of FIG. 28, features are described using similar reference numbers, and a series of "6xx" reference numbers are used instead of the "1xx" used in the examples of FIGS. 1-16. Thus, certain features of the container 600 already described for the insulated container 100 of FIGS. 1-16 may not be described in detail or at all. Furthermore, any feature described for the insulated container 100 in FIGS. 1-16 may also be used in the insulated container 600. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 600 may be configured with different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure described herein. The insulated container 600 may include a closure mechanism 200 similar to the closure mechanism 200 described above, but the curved members 230, 240 may be replaced with a reinforcing loop 670 that extends around the opening 610 of the container 600. The reinforcing loop 670 may be located along the inside of the container 600. The reinforcing loop 670 may be a continuous loop of metallic material and may have elongated rounded sides 672 and rounded end portions 674. The elongated rounded sides 672 may be arranged to help hold the opening 610 in an open configuration when a user opens the opening 610. The elongated rounded sides 672 may provide a spring force, similar to the curved members 230, 240 described above. Thus, the closure mechanism 200 of the container 600 may include the first magnetic piece 210, the second magnetic piece 220, and the reinforcing loop 670, which may help hold the opening 610 of the container 600 open. The reinforcing loop 670 may have a constant thickness and a constant height. When the container 600 is in the open configuration, the reinforcing loop 670 may provide a spring force that counters the magnetic force of the magnetic pieces 210, 220 and may help keep the container 600 in an open configuration when a user opens the container 600. Similarly, as a user moves the container to close, the reinforcing loop 670 may help provide the closure mechanism 200 with a slow and controlled movement from an open configuration to a closed configuration. When the closure mechanism 200 is in the closed configuration, the magnetic force may overcome the spring force generated by the reinforcing loop 670, causing the reinforcing loop 670 to deform such that the elongated rounded sides 672 flatten and become approximately parallel to one another. In some examples, the reinforcing loop 670 may be formed from a non-metallic material.

[0051] FIG. 29 illustrates another insulated container 700. For the exemplary container of FIG. 29, features are described using similar reference numbers, with the reference numbers in the series "7xx" rather than "1xx" as used in the examples of FIGS. 1-16. Thus, certain features of the container 700 already described for the insulated container 100 of FIGS. 1-16 may not be described in detail or at all. Furthermore, any feature described for the insulated container 100 in FIGS. 1-16 may also be used in the insulated container 700. Additionally or alternatively, the insulated container 700 may be configured with different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein. The insulated container 700 may include a closure mechanism 200 similar to the closure mechanism 200 described above, but the curved members 230, 240 may be replaced with a ratcheting strap 770 that extends around the opening 710 of the container 700. The ratcheting strap 770 includes a ratcheting mechanism 772 that can be actuated by a user to increase or decrease tension using the ratcheting strap 770. When tension is increased in the strap 770, the opening 710 may be squeezed open by deforming the magnetic pieces 210, 220, overcoming the magnetic force between them and keeping the opening 710 in the open configuration. Conversely, when a user engages the ratcheting mechanism 772 to release tension in the strap 774, the magnetic force between the magnetic pieces 210, 220 may overcome the tension in the strap and move the closure mechanism 200 to the closed configuration.

[0052] The present disclosure has been disclosed in the above description and in the accompanying drawings with respect to various examples. However, the purpose of the disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many different modifications and variations can be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 containers 102 Outer cover 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710 Opening 200 Closing mechanism 210 First magnetic piece 220 Second magnetic piece 230 First curved member 240 Second curved member

Claims

1. In the container, a jacket having a front portion, a rear portion and a base; The outer cover portion further includes: an opening at a top of the container extending into a storage compartment, the container having an open configuration that allows access to the storage compartment and a closed configuration that prevents access to the storage compartment; Closing mechanism and Including, The closing mechanism further comprises: a first magnetic piece extending along and coupled to an inner surface of a front portion of the front side of the opening; a second magnetic piece extending along and coupled to an inner surface of a rear portion of the rear of the opening; a first curved member having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; a second curved member having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; and The first magnetic piece is magnetically attracted to the second magnetic piece to resealably seal the opening, and when the container is in the open configuration, the first curved member and the second curved member prevent the opening from closing.

2. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first curved member and the second curved member are configured to bend from a first curved configuration to a second curved configuration when the opening is sealed.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the first curved member body includes a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape.

4. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first curved member has a radius of curvature of 120 mm to 160 mm.

5. The container of claim 1 , wherein the first curved member comprises a non-metallic film.

6. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the first curved member both have rounded corners.

7. The vessel of claim 1 , wherein the first curved member comprises a portion formed from a steel alloy.

8. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first curved member is received in a first receiving portion of the front portion and the second curved member is received in a second receiving portion of the rear portion.

9. 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the first end and the second end of the first curved member are slidable within the first receiver.

10. an inner liner forming the storage compartment and having a front portion and a rear portion; an insulating layer disposed between the front portion of the envelope and the front portion of the inner liner and further disposed between the rear portion of the envelope and the rear portion of the inner liner to provide insulation to the storage compartment; Further comprising: The vessel of claim 1 , wherein the second curved member is located between the insulation layer and the jacket.

11. a flap portion extending from the rear portion above the rear side of the opening and having a first fastening element; a second fastening element coupled to an outer surface of the front portion; and Further comprising:

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the envelope is configured to be folded to releasably couple the first fastening element to the second fastening element.

12. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip comprises a row of circular magnetic elements spaced along a flexible polymer strip.

13. a pair of straps coupled to the rear portion of the envelope and configured to enable a user to carry the container as a backpack; The container of claim 1 further comprising:

14. In the insulated container, a mantle defining side walls and a bottom and having a front portion, a rear portion, side portions, and a base; an inner liner forming a storage compartment and having a front portion and a rear portion; an insulating layer disposed between the outer skin and the inner liner to provide insulation to the storage compartment; an opening extending into the storage compartment at a top of the insulated container and having a front side and a rear side; a flap portion extending between a top of the envelope and the opening; Closing mechanism and Including, The closing mechanism further comprises: a first closure element extending along and connected to a front side of the opening; a second closure element extending along and connected to a rear side of the opening; a first curved member spaced below the first closure element and having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; a second curved member spaced below the second closure element and having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; and The first and second closure elements resealably seal the opening, and when the insulated container is in an open configuration, the first and second curved members prevent the opening from closing.

15. 15. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the flap portion is configured to provide a secondary seal for the opening when folded.

16. the first curved member is received in a first receiving portion of the front portion, and the second curved member is received in a second receiving portion of the rear portion; 15. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the first end and the second end of the first curved member are slidable within the first receiver.

17. 15. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the first curved member extends along the front portion and the second curved member extends along the rear portion.

18. In the container, a mantle defining side walls and a bottom and having a front portion, a rear portion, side portions, and a base; an opening at a top of the container extending into the storage compartment and having a front side and a rear side, the container having an open configuration that allows access to the storage compartment and a closed configuration that prevents access to the storage compartment; a flap portion extending between a top of the envelope and the opening; Closing mechanism and Including, The closing mechanism further comprises: a first magnetic piece extending along and coupled to the front side of the opening; a second magnetic piece extending along and coupled to the rear side of the opening; a first curved member spaced below the first magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; a second curved member spaced below the second magnetic piece and having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; and a portion of a first upper edge of the first curved member and a portion of a second upper edge of the second curved member are substantially parallel when the container is in the closed configuration; The first magnetic piece is magnetically attracted to the second magnetic piece to resealably seal the opening, and when the container is in the open configuration, the first curved member and the second curved member prevent the opening from closing.

19. the first curved member is received in a first receiving portion of the front portion, and the second curved member is received in a second receiving portion of the rear portion; 20. The container of claim 18, wherein the first end and the second end of the first curved member are slidable within the first receiver.

20. 20. The container of claim 18, wherein the first curved member is fixedly attached to the front portion at a central region of the first curved member.

21. In the closing mechanism, a first closure element disposed on a first side of the opening; a second closure element disposed on a second side of the opening; and a first curved member having a first end, a second end, and a first curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; a second curved member having a first end, a second end, and a second curved member body extending between the first end and the second end; Including, the first closure element and the second closure element together resealably seal the opening; A closure mechanism, wherein the first curved member and the second curved member are configured to maintain the opening in an open configuration.

22. 22. The closure mechanism of claim 21, wherein the first curved member body has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and includes a portion formed from a steel alloy.

23. 22. The closure mechanism of claim 21, wherein the first curved member comprises a non-metallic film, and both the first end and the second end of the first curved member have rounded corners.

24. 22. The closure mechanism of claim 21, wherein the first curved member is received in a first receiver on the first side of the opening and the second curved member is received in a second receiver on the second side of the opening.

25. 22. The closure mechanism of claim 21, wherein both the first curved member and the second curved member bend from a first curved configuration to maintain the opening in the open configuration to a second curved configuration when the opening is sealed.

26. 26. The closure mechanism of claim 25, wherein when in a closed configuration, the first curved member and the second curved member are generally parallel.

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