Insulated container

Abstract

An insulated container (700) is provided having a base (702) and a lid (704). The lid is hingedly rotatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration and can be secured in the closed configuration by one or more latch devices (720). In some examples, the insulated container further comprises a puller assembly (760) having a telescopic three-arm configuration defined by a stored configuration, a partially extended configuration, and a fully extended configuration. In other examples, the insulated container further comprises a wheel assembly (770) having a pair of wheels mounted on one or two axles and further including wheel grommets for absorbing shock and providing cushioning to the axles. In yet other examples, the insulated container further comprises a drain plug assembly (780) on a rear sidewall adjacent a bottom portion of the base, the drain plug assembly including a main tube (782) cooperatively engaging with an outer tube (794) having a plurality of ratchet teeth (797) that engage with one or more ratchet keys (783) on the main tube.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 743,075, filed May 12, 2022, entitled "Insulated Container". This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 533,238, filed November 23, 2021, entitled "Insulated Container", which is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 928,693, filed July 14, 2020, entitled "Insulated Container", which is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 218,089, filed December 12, 2018, entitled "Insulated Container", now issued as U.S. Patent No. 11,180,291 on November 23, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 218,089, filed December 12, 2018, entitled "Insulated Container", now issued as U.S. Patent No. 10,766,672 on September 8, 2020. The content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to insulated containers.

Background Art

[0003] For storing food and other items, various types of containers are often used. In some instances, it may be convenient to maintain the temperature of the contents stored in the container. Thus, insulated containers may be used.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, some conventional insulated containers are often not very durable and do not have suitable means for securing the lid in the closed position. For example, they may have lids that can be lost or broken, handles that can protrude from the base portion of the container, and / or useless latches used to secure the lid. In these examples, the lid, handle, and / or latch can be prone to breakage, and in some cases, the insulated container can become substantially unusable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This abstract is provided to introduce some of the concepts that will be further explained in the detailed description below in a simplified form. This abstract is not intended to identify any major or essential features of the subject matter of the claims, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the subject matter of the claims.

[0006] An insulated container may have various features as described herein. In some examples, an insulated container may comprise a base; a lid hinged to the base; and a handle assembly attached to the base. The base may comprise a side wall structure, a bottom portion connected to the side wall structure, an opening formed at the end of the side wall structure, and at least one latching device made to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position. The side wall structure may have a front side wall, a rear side wall opposite the front side wall, and two side walls between the front and rear side walls. The bottom portion may be connected to a first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, and the bottom portion is made to support the insulated container on its surface. An opening may be formed at a second end of each side wall of the side wall structure, opposite to the first end of each side wall of the side wall structure. The opening may be made to provide access to the internal space of the insulated container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion. A gasket may be made to provide a watertight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured position. The pull handle assembly may be mounted on the rear side wall. The pull handle assembly may have a telescopic three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a retracted state, a second stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a partially extended state, and a third stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a fully extended state. The pull handle assembly may include an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm. The upper arm may be nested and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm may be nested and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescopic three-stage arm configuration.

[0007] In other examples, the pull handle assembly may be mounted to the rear side wall by one or more brackets. These one or more brackets may be U-shaped brackets that fit snugly against the outside of the lower arm relative to the rear side wall. The pull handle assembly may further include one or more locking mechanisms for locking the pull handle assembly in the retracted and fully extended positions, with an upper locking mechanism located between the upper and intermediate arms and a lower locking mechanism located between the intermediate and lower arms. The pull handle assembly may further include a release button located on the pull handle. The release button may be connected to and actuated by one or more locking mechanisms to lock or unlock the pull handle assembly between the retracted and fully extended positions. The pull handle assembly may have an extended arm overlap distance, defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper, intermediate, and lower arms are in the fully extended position. The extended arm overlap distance may be approximately 70 mm. The pull handle assembly may include a pull handle having one or more pull handle bumpers, which include a raised portion extending around the pull handle. The insulated container may further comprise a container bracket attached to the base, a lid bracket attached to the lid, and a corner lock bracket including a lock. The container bracket may include a first locking hole, and the lid bracket may include a second locking hole. When the lid is closed and in a fixed position, the first and second locking holes coincide with each other, thereby allowing the lock to be inserted into the first and second locking holes. Furthermore, at least one latching device may further comprise a latch upper pivotably attached to the lid, and a latch lower pivotably attached to the latch upper. The latch lower further comprises an engagement tab made to engage with a fastener. The latch lower may be formed from a first material, and the latch upper may be formed from a second material. The first material may be more rigid than the second material. The fastener may be located on the front of the bottom portion of the insulated container.

[0008] These and various other features are fully described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The present invention is illustrated by example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. [Figure 1A] Front perspective view of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 1B] Rear perspective view of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 1C] Front perspective internal cross-sectional view of the insulated container shown in Figures 1A and 1B. [Figure 2A] Side views of an insulated container in Figures 1A and 1B, highlighting the arrangement of a carrying strap or carrying handle, according to one or more embodiments described herein, in which the strap or handle can rotate from one side of the insulated container to the other via a handle pivot axis. [Figure 2B] Exploded view of the handle swivel axis of Figure 2A according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2C] Enlarged front perspective view of the handle pivot axis of another example in one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2D] Rear perspective view of the handle pivot axis shown in Figure 2C, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3A] Front view of another example of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3B] Side view of another example of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3C] Rear view of another example of an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4A] Top view and front view of the lid of the insulated container shown in Figures 3A-3C, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4B] Bottom view and front view of the insulated container shown in Figures 3A-3C according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5A] A diagram showing a hinge arrangement in which a lid is rotated from a closed state to an open state, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5B]Perspective view of a separated lid from which an exemplary gasket according to one or more aspects described herein has been removed [Figure 5C] Perspective view of a thin over-center latch device or mechanism in an unfixed form according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 6A] Front view of the arrangement of a latch or latch device for fixing a lid in a closed form according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 6B] Perspective view of the arrangement of a latch or latch device for fixing a lid in a closed form according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 6C] Rear view of the arrangement of a latch or latch device for fixing a lid in a closed form according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 7A] Front upper perspective view of another exemplary insulated container with the lid removed and having a pressure adjustment device on the back or rear surface of the insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 7B] Rear perspective view of another exemplary insulated container with the lid removed and having a pressure adjustment device on the back or rear surface of the insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 8A] Enlarged view of the pressure adjustment device of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 7A - 7B according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 8B] Enlarged view of the pressure adjustment device of the insulated container shown in FIGS. 7A - 7B according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 9A] Enlarged view of the Duckbill-Umbrella valve constituting the pressure adjustment device shown in FIGS. 8A - 8B according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 9B] Enlarged view of the Duckbill-Umbrella valve constituting the pressure adjustment device shown in FIGS. 8A - 8B according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 10A] Front view of another insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 10B] Side view of another insulated container according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 10C] Rear view of another heat-insulating container according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 10D] Side view of another heat-insulating container according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 10E] Front perspective view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10D according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 11] Upper partial perspective view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10E with the lid open according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 12A] Side view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10E showing the handle assembly in the stowed configuration according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 12B] Side view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10E showing the handle assembly in a partially extended configuration according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 12C] Side view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10E showing the handle assembly in the fully extended configuration according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 13] Side view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10E in the tilted configuration according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 14] Rear side perspective view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10E showing the handle assembly in the stowed configuration according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 15] Upper rear perspective view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIGS. 10A - 10E with the lid open and the handle assembly in the extended configuration according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 16A] Side view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. 15 with the lid open and the handle assembly in the extended configuration according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 16B] Proximate side view of the handle assembly and lid area from FIG. 16A according to one or more aspects described herein [[ID=3,6]] [Figure 17A] Side view of the handle assembly in both the stowed and extended positions according to one or more aspects described herein [Figure 17B] A close side view of an area of ​​a pull handle assembly from Figure 17A, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17C] A close side view of an area of ​​a pull handle assembly from Figure 17A, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 18] Close perspective view of the handle bumper area of ​​a pull handle assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 19] Bottom perspective views of the insulated container shown in Figures 10A to 10E, illustrating a wheel assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 20A] Rear cross-sectional view of the wheel and axle connection for the insulated container shown in Figures 10A-10E, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 20B] Close rear cross-sectional view of the wheel and axle connection for the insulated container shown in Figure 20A, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 21] Rear cross-sectional views of axle connections and anti-rotation fittings for insulated containers shown in Figures 10A-10E, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 22] Side cross-sectional views of drain plug assemblies for insulated containers shown in Figures 10A-10E, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 23] Exploded views of a drain plug assembly for an insulated container shown in Figures 10A-10E, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24A] Front view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24B] Side view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24C] Rear view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24D] Side view of another insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24E] Top views of the insulated containers shown in Figures 24A to 24D, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24F] Bottom views of the insulated containers shown in Figures 24A to 24D, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24G] Front perspective views of the insulated containers shown in Figures 24A to 24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 25] Rear side perspective views of the insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, showing a pull handle assembly in a retracted configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26] Rear upper perspective view of an insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27A] Front view of a handle assembly of an insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27B] Rear view of the handle assembly of the insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27C] Side perspective views of the handle assemblies of the insulated containers shown in Figures 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 28] Bottom perspective views of the insulated containers shown in Figures 24A to 24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 29A] Rear view of the wheel assembly and anti-rotation fixture for the insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, with a portion of the pull handle assembly removed, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 29B] Rear view of the wheel assembly and anti-rotation fixture for the insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, with a portion of the pull handle assembly removed, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 29C] Rear cross-sectional views of the axle connection and anti-rotation fitting for the insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, with a portion of the pull handle assembly removed, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 30] Side perspective views of the wheel recess on the insulated container shown in Figures 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 31] Side cross-sectional views of drain plug assemblies for insulated containers shown in Figures 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 32] Exploded views of drain plug assemblies for insulated containers shown in Figures 24A-24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 33] Another exploded view of a drain plug assembly for an insulated container shown in Figures 24A–24F, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 34A] Figure showing an exemplary corner bracket kit for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 34B] Figure showing an exemplary corner bracket kit for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 34C] Figure showing an exemplary corner bracket kit for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 35A] A diagram showing accessories for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 35B] A diagram showing accessories for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 35C] A diagram showing accessories for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 35D] A diagram showing accessories for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 35E] A diagram showing accessories for an insulated container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36A] Explanatory diagram of an exemplary welding process used for insulated containers in one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36B] Explanatory diagram of an exemplary welding process used for insulated containers in one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36C] Explanatory diagram of an exemplary welding process used for insulated containers in one or more embodiments described herein.

[0010] Furthermore, while drawings may represent different components of a single embodiment, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Aspects of this disclosure relate to insulated containers made for storing contents or a certain volume of liquid. In some examples, the insulated container may have a lid that can be locked or secured by at least one latch or at least one latching device, the lid may be hinged to allow it to rotate from a closed position to an open position about 115° from the closed position and / or to be non-destructively removed from the base of the insulated container (e.g., to be removable and replaceable). In addition or alternatively, the insulated container may have a pressure regulating device that helps to ventilate the insulated container to prevent the lid from locking due to changes in pressure or temperature. In addition or alternatively, the insulated container may have a handle integrally molded with the base of the insulated container. These and various other features and embodiments of insulated containers are described in detail herein.

[0012] In the following descriptions of various embodiments, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this specification and illustrate various embodiments in which the aspects of this disclosure may be carried out. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0013] Figures 1A and 1B show perspective views of the insulated container 100. In some examples, the insulated container 100 may include a base portion 102 and, in some examples, a lid 104 that can be attached thereto in a non-destructive manner. The base portion 102 may be an insulating structure that forms an internal space for containing contents or liquid, as will be discussed in detail herein. In some examples, the shape of the base portion 102 may be cubic or substantially cubic. In yet other examples, the shape of the base portion 102 may be substantially cylindrical or have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the present invention.

[0014] The base portion 102 may include a first end portion 106 having a bottom surface 108. The bottom surface 108 can be made to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, or boat deck. The base portion 102 may also include a carrying handle or carrying strap 107. The carrying handle or strap 107 can be connected to a handle swivel 109. In one example, the insulated container has multiple handle swivels 109. Each end of the handle or carrying strap 107 can be attached to a handle swivel 109 so that the handle or carrying strap 107 can rotate freely from the front of the insulated container to the back of the insulated container. As shown in Figure 2A, the handle 107 engages with the handle swivel 109. The handle swivel 109 is made to rotate approximately 240°, allowing the handle 107 to rotate from the front of the insulated container 100 to the back of the insulated container 100. In another example, the handle 107 is designed to engage with a handle swivel shaft 109 and move in an arc over the lid 104. In yet another example, the handle swivel shaft 109 is designed to move at least 220°, 225°, 230°, 235°, 240°, 245°, or 250°. In yet another example, the handle swivel shaft 109 is designed to move in a range of approximately 220° to 240°. In one example, as shown in Figure 2B, an insert 109b is integrally molded with the base portion 102. The handle swivel shaft 109 is designed to engage with the insert 109b. The insert 109b further includes a stopper 109c designed to engage with a projection 109d on the handle swivel shaft 109. The movement of the handle 107 is limited by the engagement of the projection 109d with the stopper 109c. In some examples, the handle swivel shaft 109 is fixed to the base portion 102 and the insert 109b by a swivel shaft fitting 109a. In some examples, the swivel shaft fitting 109a may be a screw, bolt, rivet, etc. In other examples, the handle swivel shaft 109 further includes a strap loop 111 made for attaching a carrying strap or handle 107 to the handle swivel shaft 109. In some examples, the handle or carrying strap 107 may be formed from one or more types of suitable materials, such as plastic.For example, the handle 107 may have a core made of polyvinyl chloride and an outer part made of ethylene vinyl acetate. In other examples, the handle or carrying strap 107 may be made of rope (such as polyester rope) or nylon webbing. In yet another example, the handle or carrying strap 107 may be made of a variety of materials, such as one or more types of metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In yet another example, the handle or carrying strap 107 may include padding to make it easier to carry over the shoulder or by hand.

[0015] Figures 2C and 2D show another illustrative handle swivel shaft 109. The handle swivel shaft 109 may include an attachment point 115 for the handle or carry strap 107. In other examples, such as shown in Figure 2D, the handle swivel shaft 109 may include first and second fasteners 113. The fasteners 113 are designed to engage with at least one or more fasteners 113 or projections (not shown) when the handle swivel shaft 109 engages with the insert 109b. The structure and shape of the insert 109b and the handle swivel shaft 109 prevent the carry strap or handle 107 from rotating under the insulated container 100.

[0016] The base portion 102 further includes a second end portion 110 that defines an opening 112 (shown in Figure 5A) that can be used to access the internal space of the insulated container. The opening 112 can be covered by a lid 104 when the insulated container is in use (for example, when the insulated container is in a closed state). The base portion 102 may further include a number of side portions 114 connected to the bottom that define a space for housing contents within the insulated container 100. The side portions 114 can be positioned to extend substantially perpendicularly from the bottom 108.

[0017] In some examples, one or more side pocket handles 190 can be positioned on one or more side portions 114 (or other areas of the base portion 102). These side pocket handles can be integrally molded with the base portion 102 and can generally be undercuts or cutouts formed in the side portions 114 of the base portion 102. In some examples, such as those shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the undercuts or cutouts forming the side pocket handles may include recesses that extend substantially all or most of the side portion 114. This facilitates the manufacture of the base portion 102 with the handles 190 integrally molded. In some examples, the side pocket handles 190 can be coplanar with the outer surface of the base portion 102 to reduce the risk of breakage.

[0018] As previously mentioned, the insulated container 100 can be made to contain, store, transport, etc., a certain volume of contents, or possibly a liquid. In some examples, the insulated container 100 may be made to store contents between 22 quarts (approximately 21 liters) and 28 quarts (approximately 26 liters). In some examples, the insulated container may be made to store contents of approximately 24 quarts (approximately 23 liters). In other examples, among many, the insulated container may be made to store contents of at least 22 quarts (approximately 21 liters), or at least 28 quarts (approximately 26 liters). In yet another example, the insulated container may be made to store contents of approximately 16 quarts (approximately 15 liters), 24 quarts (approximately 23 liters), 36 to 38 quarts (approximately 34 to 36 liters), or 48 to 58 quarts (approximately 45 to 55 liters). In other examples, the insulated container 100 may be designed to store contents between approximately 14 quarts (approximately 13 liters) and approximately 45 quarts (approximately 43 liters). In addition to or instead of the above, the insulated container 100 may be designed to store materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, or a combination thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein.

[0019] In at least some examples, the insulated container 100 (and various other containers described herein) can be sized to accommodate contents of the previously described volumes. For example, the insulated container 100 may be at least 17 inches (about 43 cm) high, at least 16 inches (about 41 cm) wide, and at least 14 inches (about 36 cm) deep. In addition to or instead of these, the insulated container 100 may be made of different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

[0020] As previously mentioned, the insulated container 100 is equipped with a lid 104. In some examples, the lid 104 can be attached to the base 102 in a closed configuration using a press fit. In addition to or instead of this, other fastening systems or devices may be used to secure the lid 104 to the base. The insulated container 100 may be equipped with a latching device 120 and fasteners 140 on the base 102 at the front of the container, as shown in Figure 1A, to secure the lid 104 in a closed position. In some examples, the insulated container 100 is equipped with at least one or more latch slots 141 integrally molded on the top of the base 102. The latch slots 141 may be constructed to provide a recess of appropriate size to accommodate the latch 120 in such a manner that the latch 120 is coplanar with the latch slot 141 when the lid 104 is in a closed and secured configuration. In other examples, the latch 120 is coplanar with the latch slot 141 and fasteners 140 when the lid 104 is in a closed and secured configuration. In other embodiments, the insulated container 100 may comprise a lid 104 and a base 102 that form at least one corner lift ledge 192 to facilitate gripping the lid for opening. In other examples, the insulated container may comprise multiple corner lift ledges 192. In one example, the lift ledge 192 may be formed by integrally molded portions of the corners of the lid 104 and integrally molded portions of the front corners at the top of the base 102. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 100 may comprise a front lift ledge 191 integrally molded to the base 102. The front lift ledge 191 may be integrally molded to the top of the base 102. The lift ledges are designed to provide the insulated container with an easily accessible area that allows an individual to grasp the lid 104 to facilitate opening the lid (i.e., one-handed operation).

[0021] In some examples, the lid 104 can be hinged to the base 102 so as to be connected (either removable or permanently) by a hinge 116, and can be rotated around the hinge 116. The hinge can be one of various types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, a double hinge, a ball joint hinge, a living hinge, etc. The hinge 116 can be rotated to open the lid 104 and move it away from the base 102 so that the internal space defined by the base 102 can be accessed (e.g., through an opening 112). That is, the hinge can facilitate rotating the lid 104 from a closed configuration of the insulated container (e.g., when the lid is in a fixed position covering the internal space formed by the base) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid does not cover the internal space formed by the base), and vice versa. In some examples, an insulated container 100 is made with at least one hinge 116. In other examples, an insulated container is made with multiple hinges. In yet another embodiment, the hinge 116 includes a first portion molded integrally with the lid 104 and a second portion molded integrally with the base 102. In yet another example, the hinge 116 further comprises at least one pin pocket 194 or more pin pockets 194 to secure the lid 104 to the base 102 via at least one hinge pin 195, and thus the lid can be rotated from a closed position to an open position. In yet another example, multiple hinge pins 195 secure the lid 104 to the base 102.

[0022] In the examples described herein, the base 102 and lid 104 may comprise an outer surface or outer shell 117 that encloses and closes the insulated portion 118, as shown in Figures 1C and 5A. The shell 117 is typically formed from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the shell 117 may be formed from a plastic material such as polyethylene, which is molded to form both portions of the base 102 and lid 104. In some examples, the insulated portion 118 is formed from an insulating material exhibiting low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulated portion 118 may be formed from (or filled with) a polymer foam such as foamed polyurethane. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the present invention. In some examples, the base 102 and lid 104 portions are formed using a rotomolding method (not shown) as understood by those skilled in the art. However, without departing from the present invention, various other types of molding or other manufacturing methods (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the insulated container.

[0023] In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3A-3C, the insulated container 200 includes a latching device 220 similar to those described with respect to Figures 1A and 1B. That is, the latching device includes a fastener 240 on the base 202 at the front of the container 200 (similar to the fastener 140 on the container 100 as shown in Figure 1A, which includes a latching device 120 for securing the lid 104 in a closed position). Thus, when the lid 204 is in a fully closed position, the engaging portion of the latch (not shown) is housed within and engages with the fastener 240 formed on the front of the insulated container 200 (as shown in Figure 3A). In other embodiments, the insulated container 200 may include a lid 204 and base 202 that form at least one integrally molded corner lifting ledge 292 to facilitate gripping the lid for opening. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 200 may include a front lifting ledge 291 integrally molded with the base 202.

[0024] Similar to the example described above, fasteners 140 and 240 can be molded into the bases 102 and 202, respectively, as shown in Figures 1A and 3A. The latch 220 can be engaged with / disengaged from the fastener 240 using a process similar to the process described below. In yet another embodiment, the base 202 may also include a carrying handle or carrying strap 207 (not shown). The carrying handle or strap 207 can be connected to a swivel shaft 209. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container may not have a carrying handle or strap or a swivel shaft. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 200 may include a pressure regulating device 210 located on the back or underside 214 of the base 202, as shown in Figure 3C. In yet another example, the pressure regulating device 210 can be made into the lid 204.

[0025] In other embodiments, the lid 204 of the insulated container 200 may be equipped with a plurality of auxiliary magnets 205, as shown in Figure 4A. The magnets 205 may be positioned on the upper outer surface 203 of the lid 204. In some examples, the magnets may be substantially disc-shaped or substantially ring-shaped. In other examples, the magnets are made to secure additional accessories to the top of the lid. In yet another example, the magnets 205 are secured to the top of the lid by press fitting or adhesive. In yet another example, the magnets 205 are threaded and screwed into the lid 204. In yet another example, the magnets 205 are secured to the top of the lid by fasteners 205a (as shown in Figure 10), such as screws, bolts, or rivets. Some detachable accessories include lid packs, plastic or wooden cutting boards, seat cushions, or lid nets. The base portion 202 may include a first end 206 having a bottom surface 208. The base 208 can be constructed to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, or boat deck, and may include a number of legs 212, as shown in Figure 4B. The legs 212 can be constructed to provide a non-slip or non-slip surface and may be constructed to keep the insulated container 200 elevated from the ground. In another example, the legs 212 can be constructed to reduce friction with the ground or surface so that the insulated container can be moved more easily while it is on the ground (i.e., the insulated container can be easily slid or easily pushed across the ground). The legs 212 can be made from rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material. In yet another embodiment, the base 208 may include a logo or name of the insulated container company or manufacturer, embossed, integrally molded, or pressed onto the outer shell 217, as shown in Figure 4B. In some embodiments, a bottom pocket 216 can be integrally molded into the base 208 of the base portion 202. The bottom pocket 216 allows an individual to grasp the base portion 202 from the bottom surface 208 in order to easily empty the insulated container or release its contents (i.e., ice, melted ice, water, etc.).

[0026] Figure 5A shows the lid 104 of the insulated container 100 in a substantially open position. As shown in Figure 5C, the lid 104 is in a substantially closed but unfixed position; that is, the lid 104 is substantially perpendicular to the base 102 and covers the opening. To open the lid 104 and thereby access the internal space defined by the base 102 of the insulated container 100, the lid 104 can be lifted upward in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5A. When the lid 104 is in the closed and fixed position, it seals the opening 112. The lid is constructed to move approximately 115° from the fully closed position to the fully open position. In some examples, the lid is constructed to move at least 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120° from the fully closed position to the fully open position. In other examples, the lid 104 can be constructed to move approximately 90° to 120° in the fully open position. In some examples, the lid remains upright when in the fully upright position. In yet another example, with further reference to Figures 1A, 1B, 3A–3C, and 5A, the hinged lid 104 can be rotated away from the base 102 to open the lid 104 (for example, to access the internal space formed by the base 102) and can be stationary along the rear side 114 of the base 102 (for example, the lid can be rotated at least 90° from a closed position (e.g., Figures 1A, 1B, 3A–3C, and 5C) to an open position (e.g., the position shown in Figure 5A)). In some examples, the fully open position or configuration may include at least a portion of the upper outer surface of the lid 104 in contact with the rear (or other) side portion 114 of the base 102 of the insulated container 100.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5A, some exemplary insulated containers may have multiple foam plugs 130 on the underside of the lid 104. In other examples, the foam plugs 130 may further include attachment clips 132. These attachment clips may be made to engage with additional accessories or fixtures and secure them to the bottom (i.e., underside) of the lid 104 for convenient storage. For example, a mesh attachment may be attached to multiple clips 132. In some examples, the mesh (not shown) may be made from soft rubber, thereby preventing certain items from being exposed to water or ice placed in the internal space of the insulated container. Other accessories, such as trays and baskets, may be made to be stored at the bottom of the internal space of the insulated container and / or placed at the top of the internal space. In some examples, trays and baskets may include a lip (not shown) around the periphery of the tray, which allows the tray to be suspended from the edge of the opening 112 while it is inside the internal space of the insulated container. Such a configuration allows the lid 104 to be closed and fixed in place while the tray or basket is secured in place inside the insulated container 100, thereby creating a sealed internal space.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the underside of the lid 104 may include the logo or name of the insulated container company or manufacturer, which may be embossed, integrally molded, or pressed onto the bottom of the lid 104.

[0029] In addition, in some examples, the insulated container may be equipped with a gasket or other sealing device. The gasket may be located on either the lid or the base and may help to seal the lid and base when the lid is closed and secured. In other examples, the gasket may be located on either the lid or the base and may provide a watertight seal when the lid is closed and secured. In some examples, the gasket may be formed on at least one of the base and the lid and housed in a recess extending outward from the base or at least one of the lid. In another example, as shown in Figure 5B, the gasket 150 may be formed on at least one of the base 102 or the lid 104 and housed in a gasket adapter 152 extending outward from the base or at least one of the lid. In other examples, the gasket 150 may be made from rubber, silicone or other suitable material. The gasket may help to maintain the temperature of the contents or liquid contained within the insulated container. Various other examples of gaskets may be used in any of the insulated containers described herein.

[0030] In some examples, the gasket may include strategically placed cutouts that reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent the lid from locking), as will be more fully described below. In some examples, the gasket may be a conventional gasket having a substantially circular cross-section. In other examples, the gasket may have a specific cross-section designed to facilitate ventilation of the insulated container. In some examples, the cross-section is V-shaped or substantially V-shaped portion of the gasket. In yet another example, the gasket may also include at least one drain hole that allows for passive ventilation of air or fluid entering and leaving the interior space to prevent the lid from locking when the insulated container is in a closed and secured state. In yet another example, the gasket may have multiple drain holes. In yet another example, the gasket is designed to provide a watertight seal when the lid is in a closed and secured state.

[0031] In some examples, the lid 104 can be made to remain fixed or locked in a closed position using a latching device 120. The latching device 120 can be of various types, including a latch having a latch portion and a fastening portion on a base 102, as well as various other types of latches.

[0032] Figure 1A shows the latch device 120 in a closed and fixed position, while Figure 5C shows the latch device 120 in an unfixed position, with the lid 104 closed but not fixed. When the latch device 120 is in the fixed position, it positions the lid 104 adjacent to the base 102 of the insulated container 100, and therefore closes, fixes, and / or seals the container. To open the latch device 120, the gripping portion or lower latch 124 is pulled / reversed away from the base 102 of the container 100, as shown in Figure 6A. In other words, the upper latch 123 extends so that the lower latch engaging tab 125 is released from the latch fastener 140. Once the engaging tab 125 is released from the latch fastener 140, the latch 120 moves away from the container, arcing upward. As shown in Figures 6A-6C, the lower latch 124 can be pivotably attached and fixed to the upper latch 123. The upper latch portion 123 can be pivotably attached to and secured to the lid 104 of the insulated container 100.

[0033] Similarly, to close the container 100, the latch device 120 is moved in an arc downward toward the container 100. When the movement of the upper latch 123 and lower latch 124 reaches the latch fastener 140, the lower latch 124 is rotated so that the engaging tab 125 is positioned downward toward the base 102 and the engaging tab 125 is housed / positioned in the fastener groove 142 at the bottom of the fastener 140, as shown in Figure 5C. The lower latch 124 is then rotated / pushed downward until the lower latch 124 and upper latch 123 are housed and locked. When the upper latch 123 is in the housed and locked position, it is stretched and pulled, and therefore maintains a constant downward force on the lid 104, fixing it in the closed form and sealing it. In some examples, the lower latch can be more rigid than the upper latch. In some examples, the upper latch can be more rigid than the lower latch. In yet another example, the engaging tab can be formed from a rigid material and the lower latch can be formed from an elastic material. The lower latch and engaging tab can be formed by co-molding or injection molding (e.g., multi-material injection molding). In other examples, the engaging tab of the lower latch is made of a rigid material, and the rest of the lower latch is made of an elastic material. In some examples, the lower latch and engaging tab can be formed from the same material. In other examples, the upper and lower latches may not be elastic, and / or they may be semi-rigid. In this example, the gasket is further made to compress the lower latch so that it can rotate, thereby housing / positioning the engaging tab within the fastener groove at the bottom of the fastener, and thereby securing the lid in a closed position. In some examples, the gasket may further be made as an elastic member (i.e., instead of the upper or lower latch) to provide the clearance necessary for the engaging tab of the lower latch to engage with the latch fastener. The upper and lower latches hold the lid in a position that compresses the gasket when it is in its retracted and fixed position. Thus, the gasket maintains a constant force on the lid that holds and seals the lid in a closed and fixed position.Furthermore, the upper latch portion 123 and lower latch portion 124 of the latch 120 can be almost recessed into the latch slot 141 when in the retracted position, and in some examples, the latch mechanism 120 does not extend or protrude beyond its surface. In other examples, the latch device / mechanism 120 is substantially rectangular when the lid 104 is fixed in the closed position / form.

[0034] As those skilled in the art will understand, the upper latch 123 is made of a size and material such that sufficient force is maintained to keep the container lid 104 closed when it is in the closed / storage and fixed position. In other words, when in the closed position, the upper latch 123 does not return completely to the unstretched position / state, so a certain amount of tension is maintained. In some examples, the upper latch 123 can be elastic rubber and the lower latch 124 can be rigid plastic or composite material. In other examples, the upper latch 123 can be rigid plastic or composite material and the lower latch 124 can be elastic rubber. In yet another example, the upper latch 123 can be made from both elastic rubber and / or rigid plastic or composite material. In yet another example, the lower latch 124 can be made from both elastic rubber and / or rigid plastic or composite material. In some examples, the upper latch 123 and / or the lower latch can be made entirely or partially from a semi-rigid and / or semi-elastic material. In yet another example, both the upper latch 123 and the lower latch 124 are elastic rubber. In yet another example, both the upper latch 123 and the lower latch 124 are made of rigid plastic or composite material. The engaging tab 125 of the lower latch 124 is housed in a recessed groove 142 of the latch fastener 140 when in the closed position. In some examples, the engaging tab 125 is sized and shaped to make maximum contact with the recessed groove 142, thus ensuring a closure that can be easily maintained.

[0035] An example of a latching device 120 that can be used in the insulated container 100 is described with reference to Figures 6A-6C. The latching device 120 illustrated and described is merely an example of a latch that can be used, and various other types of latches can be used without departing from the present invention.

[0036] Figures 6A–6C are front, perspective, and rear views of an exemplary latching device 120 for securing the lid in a closed position. The latching device 120 includes a latch upper 123 and a latch lower 124. The latch lower further includes an engaging tab 125 made to engage with a groove or slot 142 formed in the bottom of the fastening portion 140. The latch lower may further include a finger rest 126 positioned opposite the engaging tab 125. In other examples, the finger rest 126 may extend outward from the lid 104 of the insulated container.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the upper latch 123 is made of a flexible, stretchable, resilient, elastomeric, integrally molded material that is typically pivotably / hinged to the lid portion 104 of the container 100 and housed in a recessed, elongated latch slot 145 that is usually integrally molded into the container 100. In some examples, the latch slot can be integrally molded as part of both the lid 104 and the bottom portion 102. The upper latch 123 and the lower latch 124 can be integrally molded from a elastomeric material, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The upper latch 123 and the lower latch 124 can be molded or formed from a plastic material or another suitable material that can be shaped or molded into a certain form and therefore maintain the shaped form. The upper latch 123 and lower latch 124 can be made from a structure of sufficient size, thickness, and material to withstand repeated stress cycles, as the latch 120 engages / disengages with the latch fastener 140 over a long period of time.

[0038] As further shown in Figures 6A-6C, the upper latch 123 may include a base 300, a first arm 302, and a second arm 304. The first arm 302 and the second arm 304 may be substantially perpendicular to the base 300. The first arm 302 may be substantially parallel to the second arm 304. The upper latch 123 may be substantially U-shaped. In other examples, the lower latch 124 may include an engaging tab 125. The engaging tab 125 may be made to pivotably rotate within / between the first arm 302 and the second arm 304 of the upper latch. In another example, a fastener 140, as shown in Figure 1A, may be located between the first arm 302 and the second arm 304 of the upper latch, and below the base 300 of the upper latch. Figure 1A further shows that the fastener 140 can be flush with the upper base 300, the first arm 302, the second arm 304, and the lower part 124 of the latch when the lid of the insulated container is closed and secured.

[0039] Figures 6B and 6C show that the lower latch 124 can be pivotably attached to the upper latch 123 and secured to the upper latch 123 by a pin 122 on the lower latch. The upper latch 123 can be pivotably attached to the lid 104 and secured to the lid 104 by a pin 121 on the upper latch, as shown in Figure 5C.

[0040] In some examples, the latch 120 is constructed such that the finger rest 126 extends from the lower part of the latch 124 at an angle away from the plane of the latch 120. The angle between the finger rest 126 and the lower and upper parts of the latch 124 and 123 can assist or facilitate the user in grasping the finger rest 126. At this angle, the user can easily place their fingers between the finger rest 126 and the side of the base portion 102 of the insulated container 100 in order to release the latch 120 from the fastener 140. Furthermore, since the upper part of the latch 123 is made of an elastic material, the finger rest 126 will not be easily removed or broken even if it extends from the body of the container.

[0041] The finger rest 126, most commonly shown in Figure 6B, is typically designed to be easily grasped or accessible by the user. However, other shapes and arrangements are possible for the finger rest 126 used to operate the latch 120, although this is not intended to limit it.

[0042] Similar to the example described above, other features of the latch mechanism or device 120, the latch fastener 140, can be integrally molded within the base portion 102. The latch fastener 140 can be positioned within an elongated fastener slot 141. As previously mentioned, the latch fastener may include a groove or slot 142 formed at the bottom of the fastener 140. The recessed groove 142 is generally made to receive the engaging tab 125 of the lower latch portion 124. In other examples, the latch fastener 140 can be substantially square or substantially rectangular. Similarly, the elongated fastener slot 141 can be substantially rectangular. This combination of features provides a strong and very robust lid latch system.

[0043] Figures 7A–7B show another exemplary insulated container 400 with the lid removed to better show the internal space 412. In some examples, at least one pressure regulating device 410 can be made in the rear portion 414 of the base 402. The pressure regulating device 410 can be made to regulate the internal pressure of the internal space 412 with the external atmospheric pressure. The pressure regulating device 410 can be permanently fixed in a hole (not shown) integrally molded within the rear portion 414 or inserted in a removable manner. In some examples, the pressure regulating device may include a vent 402 located on the internal rear portion 414 and within the internal space 412. In some examples, the vent 402 may include a plurality of umbrella valve vents 411 made to allow unidirectional passage and release of air from the internal space 412 via umbrella valves 500, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The pressure regulating valve may also include a vent gasket 406, an umbrella valve gasket 408, and a vent stem 404, as shown in Figure 8B. In one example, the vent stem 404 may include a number of ribs made to provide friction or press-fit to a substantially cylindrical hole integrally molded in the rear section 414. In yet another embodiment, the pressure regulating device may be fixed within the rear section 414 by adhesive, RF welding, etc. In another example, the umbrella valve 500 may be made within and covering the stem 404 and the umbrella valve gasket 408. In yet another example, the pressure regulating device may also include a duckbill valve 504 within the stem 404.

[0044] As shown in Figures 8A, 9A, and 9B, the pressure regulating device 410 may include an umbrella valve 500 and a duckbill valve 504. The duckbill valve 504 and the umbrella valve 500 can be made to regulate and potentially equalize the internal pressure of the insulated container 400 to atmospheric pressure by allowing passive ventilation of air entering and leaving the internal space 412 of the insulated container 400. In one example, the umbrella valve 500 is an elastic valve having a diaphragm-shaped sealing disc 506 that forms a seal covering the umbrella valve vent 411. When the pressure in the internal space 412 reaches a predetermined level, it reaches a suitable force that lifts the convex diaphragm 506 from the umbrella valve vent 411, allowing a one-way airflow (i.e., out of the internal space 412). The diaphragm 506 is further made to immediately prevent backflow of air in the opposite direction. Thus, the pressure regulating device reduces the pressure inside the adiabatic vessel when, for example, atmospheric pressure decreases (for example, when climbing a mountain or driving up a hill). In yet another example, the pressure regulating device 410 may also include a duckbill valve 504. The duckbill valve 504 includes a passage 502 designed to allow air to pass from outside the adiabatic vessel 400 into the internal space 412 when the internal pressure of the internal space 412 is lower than atmospheric pressure. In yet another example, the duckbill valve 504 may be an integral elastic component including the passage 502. The valve 504 includes a substantially duckbill-shaped elastic lip 508 designed to prevent backflow of fluid from the internal space 412 and to allow airflow into the internal space 412 when atmospheric pressure is greater than the internal pressure of the adiabatic vessel 400 (for example, when descending a mountain or driving down a hill).

[0045] Figures 10A–23 show other illustrative insulated containers 600 in one or more embodiments described herein. For the embodiments of Figures 10A–23, features are referred to using similar reference numbers in a series of "6xx" notations, rather than "1xx" as used in the embodiments of Figure 1A / 1B / 1C, "2xx" as used in the embodiments of Figure 3A / 3B / 3C, or "4xx" as used in the embodiments of Figure 7A / 7B. "6xx" features may be similar to "1xx," "2xx," or "4xx" features. Therefore, certain features of the insulated container 600 that have already been described with reference to the insulated containers 100, 200, or 400 in Figures 1A / 1B / 1C, 3A / 3B / 3C, and 7A / 7B may not be described in as much detail, or not at all. In addition, any of the features previously described for the insulated containers 100, 200, and 400 in Figures 1A to 9B can also be utilized for the insulated container 600.

[0046] Figure 10A shows a front view of the insulated container 600. Figures 10B and 10D show side views of the insulated container 600. Figure 10C shows a rear view of the insulated container 600. Figure 10E shows a front perspective view of the insulated container 600.

[0047] In one example, the insulated container 600 may comprise a base portion 602 and, in some examples, a lid 604 that can be attached thereto in a non-destructive manner. The base portion 602 may be an insulated structure that forms an internal space for containing contents or liquid. In some examples, the base portion 602 may be cubic or substantially cubic in shape. In yet another example, the base portion 602 may have a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially rectangular cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the present invention.

[0048] The base portion 602 may include a first end portion 606 having a bottom surface 608. The bottom surface 608 can be made to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, or boat deck.

[0049] The base portion 602 further includes a second end portion 610 that defines an opening 612 (shown in Figure 11) that can be used to access the internal space of the insulated container. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the upper portion of the insulated container 600 with the lid 604 open. The opening 612 can be covered by the lid 604 when the insulated container 600 is in use (for example, when the insulated container 600 is in a closed state). The base portion 602 may further include a plurality of side portions 614 connected to the bottom surface 608 that define a space for containing contents within the insulated container 600. The side portions 614 can be arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface 608. The plurality of side portions 614 may include a front side portion 614A, a rear side portion 614B opposite to the front side portion 614A, and two lateral side portions 614C between the front side portion 614A and the rear side portion 614B.

[0050] In some examples, one or more side pocket handles 690 can be positioned on one or more side portions 614 (or other areas of the base portion 602). These side pocket handles 690 can be integrally molded with the base portion 602 and can generally be undercuts or cutouts formed in the side portions 614 of the base portion 602. In some examples, such as those shown in Figures 10B and 10D, the undercuts or cutouts forming the side pocket handles 690 may include recesses that extend substantially all or most of the length of the side portion 614. This facilitates the manufacture of the base portion 602 with the handles 690 integrally molded. In some examples, the side pocket handles 690 can be coplanar with the outer surface of the base portion 602 to reduce the risk of breakage.

[0051] As previously mentioned, the insulated container 600 can be made to contain, store, transport, etc., a certain volume of contents, or possibly a liquid. In some examples, the insulated container 600 can be made to store about 60 liters (about 63.4 quarts) or 48 liters (about 50.7 quarts). In some examples, the insulated container 600 may be made to store contents between 22 quarts (about 21 l) and 28 quarts (about 26 l). In some examples, the insulated container 600 may be made to store contents of about 24 quarts (about 23 l). In other examples, among many others, the insulated container 600 may be made to store contents of at least 22 quarts (about 21 l), or the insulated container may be made to store contents of at least 28 quarts (about 26 l). In further examples, the insulated container 600 may be designed to store contents of approximately 16 quarts (approximately 15 liters), 24 quarts (approximately 23 liters), 36 to 38 quarts (approximately 34 to 36 liters), or 48 to 58 quarts (approximately 45 to 55 liters). In yet another example, the insulated container 600 may be designed to store contents between approximately 14 quarts (approximately 13 liters) and approximately 45 quarts (approximately 43 liters). In addition to or instead of these, the insulated container 600 may be designed to store materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, or a combination thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein.

[0052] In at least some examples, the insulated container 600 (and various other containers described herein) can be sized to accommodate contents of the previously described volumes. For example, the insulated container 600 may be at least 17 inches (about 43 cm) high, at least 16 inches (about 41 cm) wide, and at least 14 inches (about 36 cm) deep. In addition to or instead of these, the insulated container 600 may be made in different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

[0053] As previously mentioned, the insulated container 600 is equipped with a lid 604. In some examples, the lid 604 can be connected to the base 602 in a closed configuration using a press fit. In addition to or instead of this, other fastening systems or devices may be used to secure the lid 604 to the base. The insulated container 600 may be equipped with a latching device 620 and fasteners on the base 602 at the front of the container, as shown in Figures 10A and 10E, to secure the lid 604 in the closed position. In some examples, the lid 604 may be made to remain fixed or locked in the closed position using the latching device 620. The latching device 620 can be of various types, including a latch having a latch portion and a fastener portion on the base 602, as well as various other types of latches. The insulated container 600 may be equipped with any of the latching devices and fasteners described previously and specifically shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 3A, 4A, 5A, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 6C.

[0054] In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 10E, the insulated container 600 may comprise a lid 604 and a base 602 that form at least one corner lifting ledge 692 to facilitate grasping the lid for opening. In other examples, the insulated container 600 may comprise multiple corner lifting ledges 692. In one example, the lifting ledges 692 may be formed by integrally molded corner portions of the lid 604 and integrally molded front corner portions on the top of the base 602. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 600 may comprise a front lifting ledge 691 integrally molded to the base 602. The front lifting ledge 691 may be integrally molded to the top of the base 602. The lifting ledges 691 may be constructed to provide the insulated container 600 with an easily accessible area that allows an individual to grasp the lid 604 to facilitate opening the lid 604 (i.e., one-handed operation).

[0055] In some examples, the lid 604 can be hinged to the base 602 so as to be connected (either removable or permanently) by a hinge 616, and can be rotated around the hinge 616. The hinge can be one of various types of hinges, including continuous piano hinges, double hinges, ball-joint hinges, living hinges, etc. The hinge 616 can be rotated to open the lid 604 and move it away from the base 602 so that the internal space defined by the base 602 can be accessed (e.g., through an opening 612). That is, the hinge 616 can facilitate rotating the lid 604 from a closed configuration of the insulated container 600 (e.g., when the lid 604 is in a fixed position covering the internal space formed by the base 602) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid 604 does not cover the internal space formed by the base 602), and vice versa. In some examples, an insulated container 600 is made with at least one hinge 616. In other examples, an insulated container is made with multiple hinges 616. In yet another embodiment, the hinge 616 includes a first part integrally molded with the lid 604 and a second part integrally molded with the base 602.

[0056] In the examples described herein, the base 602 and lid 604 may comprise an outer surface or outer shell that encloses and closes the insulating portion, as shown and described in Figures 1C and 5A. The shell is typically formed from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the shell may be formed from a plastic material such as thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), polypropylene containing a rubberizing agent, or polyethylene, which is molded to form both portions of the base 602 and lid 604. The thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO) consists of polypropylene, polyethylene, or other polyolefin as a hard segment and ethylene propylene rubber (ethylene propylene monomer (EPM) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)) as a soft segment. In some examples, the insulating portion is formed from an insulating material with low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating portion may be formed from (or filled with) a polymer foam such as foamed polyurethane. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the present invention. In some examples, the base 602 and lid 604 portions are formed using injection molding (not shown) as understood by those skilled in the art. However, without departing from the present invention, various other types of molding or other manufacturing methods (e.g., rotoforming, stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the insulated container.

[0057] The base portion 602 may include a first end portion 606 having a bottom surface 608. The bottom surface 608 may be constructed to support the insulated container 600 on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, or boat deck, and may include a plurality of legs as previously described and shown in Figure 4B. In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container 600 may include one or more lateral legs 613 as shown in Figure 19. The lateral legs 613 or legs may be constructed to provide a non-slip or non-slip surface and may be constructed to keep the insulated container 600 elevated from the ground. In another example, the lateral legs 613 or legs may be constructed to reduce friction with the ground or surface so that the insulated container can be moved more easily while it is on the ground (i.e., the insulated container can be easily slid or easily pushed across the ground). The lateral legs 613 may be spaced apart and parallel, thereby creating and providing a gap between the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container and the ground. The lateral legs 613 or legs can be made from rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material. In another embodiment, the lateral legs 613 can be molded into the base 602 with an alternative finish or texture for the lateral legs 613 within the mold. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 608 may include the logo or name of the insulated container company or manufacturer, embossed, integrally molded, or pressed onto the outer shell.

[0058] Figures 11, 15, and 16A show the lid 604 of the insulated container 600 in a substantially open position. As shown in Figures 10A–10E, the lid 604 is in a substantially closed position; that is, the lid 604 is substantially perpendicular to the base 602 and covers the opening. The lid 604 can be opened and thereby lifted upward to access the internal space defined by the base 602 of the insulated container 600. When the lid 604 is in the closed and fixed position, the lid 604 seals the opening 612.

[0059] In addition, in some examples, such as those shown in Figure 11, the insulated container 600 may be equipped with a gasket 650 or other sealing device. The gasket 650 may be located on either the lid 604 or the base 602 and may help to seal the lid 604 and the base 602 when the lid 604 is closed and fixed. In other examples, the gasket 650 may be located on either the lid 604 or the base 602 and may provide a watertight or nearly watertight seal when the lid 604 is closed and fixed. In some examples, the gasket 650 may be formed on at least one of the base 602 and the lid 604 and housed in a recess extending to the outer circumference of at least one of the base 602 or the lid 604. In other examples, such as those shown in Figure 11, the gasket 650 may be formed on at least one of the base 602 or the lid 604 and housed in a gasket adapter 652 extending to the outer circumference of at least one of the base 602 or the lid 604. In other examples, the gasket 650 can be made from rubber (such as neoprene or EPDM), silicone, or other suitable material. The gasket 650 can help maintain the temperature of the contents or liquid contained within the insulated container 600. Various other gasket examples may be used with any of the insulated containers described herein.

[0060] In some examples, the gasket 650 may include strategically placed cutouts that reduce or eliminate the need for vents (e.g., vents to prevent the lid from locking), as will be more fully described below. The gasket 650 may include cutouts, or the lid 604 or base 602 may include changes in shape to reduce or eliminate compression of the gasket 650. Changes in shape of the base 602 or lid 604 may reduce compression of the gasket 650 and allow ventilation when the internal pressure of the insulated container 600 reaches a certain pressure. In some examples, the gasket 650 may be a conventional gasket having a substantially circular cross-section. In other examples, the gasket 650 may have a specific cross-section designed to facilitate ventilation of the insulated container. In some examples, the cross-section is V-shaped or substantially V-shaped portion of the gasket 650. In yet another example, the gasket 650 may also include at least one drain hole that allows passive ventilation of air or fluid to enter or leave the internal space to prevent the lid from locking when the insulated container 600 is in a closed and fixed state. In yet another example, the gasket 650 may have multiple drain holes. In yet another example, the gasket 650 is constructed to provide a watertight seal when the lid 604 is in a closed and fixed state.

[0061] In other examples, the insulated container 600 may include a handle assembly 660, as specifically shown in Figures 12A–18. Figures 12A–12C show side views of the insulated container 600 showing the handle assembly 660 in various retracted and extended configurations. Figure 13 shows side views of the insulated container 600 in a tilted configuration and the handle assembly 660 in an extended configuration. Figure 14 shows a rear perspective view of the insulated container 600 with the handle assembly 660 in a retracted configuration. Figure 15 shows a top rear perspective view of the insulated container 600 with the lid 604 open and the handle assembly 660 in an extended configuration. Figure 16A shows a side view of the insulated container 600 with the lid 604 open and the handle assembly 660 in an extended configuration. Figure 16B shows a close-up side view of the handle assembly and lid area from Figure 16A. Figure 17A shows side views of the handle assembly 660 in both the retracted and extended positions. Figures 17B and 17C show close side views of the area of ​​the pull handle assembly from Figure 17A. Finally, Figure 18 shows a close perspective view of the handle bumper area of ​​the pull handle assembly 660.

[0062] Figures 12A–18 show a handle assembly 660 that allows the user to ergonomically move the insulated container 600. The handle assembly 660 can be used to tilt the insulated container 600 into a rolling position by lifting the end opposite the wheel 672 away from the stationary surface of the container. Figures 12A–12C show the handle assembly 660 transitioning from the retracted position shown in Figure 12A to the extended position shown in Figure 12C. As shown in Figures 12A–12C, the handle assembly 660 can be a telescopic handle design with three handle / arm configurations. Figure 12A shows the first stage of the handle assembly 660, with the handle assembly 660 in the retracted (or retracted or nested) configuration. Figure 12B shows the second stage of the handle assembly 660, with the handle assembly 660 in the partially extended configuration. Figure 12C shows the third stage of the pull handle assembly 660, in which the pull handle assembly 660 is in the fully extended position. The pull handle assembly 660 may have one or more locking mechanisms 665A, 665B for the retracted position, the partially extended position, and / or the fully extended position.

[0063] The pull handle assembly 660 can be connected to the side portion 614 of the base 602, specifically the rear side portion 614B of the base 602. The pull handle assembly 660 can be positioned on the same rear side portion 614B, which includes the wheel assembly 670. When the pull handle assembly 660 is in its extended state, the user can grasp the pull handle 662, tilt the front side portion 614A, and lift it upward, thereby transferring the mass of the insulated container 600 to the wheel 672, allowing the user to pull the insulated container 600. The pull handle assembly 660 may have an extended state that allows the user to pull the container 600. Figure 13 shows an inclined insulated container 600 with the pull handle assembly 660 fully extended. The pull handle assembly 660 may have a retracted state that allows the pull handle assembly 660 to be coplanar with the top of the insulated container 600. When the pull handle assembly 660 is in the retracted position, the upper surface 663 of the pull handle 662 can be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the lid 604.

[0064] The pull handle assembly 660 can be attached to the rear side section 614B. The pull handle assembly 660 may include one or more brackets 666A, 666B, 666C for attaching the pull handle assembly 660 to the rear side section 614B. The pull handle assembly 660 may include one or more brackets for attaching the pull handle assembly to the rear side section 614B, such as one bracket, two brackets, three brackets, or four or more brackets. The one or more brackets may include a first bracket 666A (or upper bracket) attached to the top of the pull handle assembly 660, a second bracket 666B (or middle bracket) attached to the middle of the pull handle assembly 660, and a third bracket 666C (or lower bracket) attached to the bottom of the pull handle assembly 660. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first bracket 666A, the second bracket 666B, and the third bracket 666C are all connected to the lower arm 664C, and specifically, the lower arm 664C and the pull handle assembly 660 can be attached to the rear side portion 614B. The brackets 666 can be installed at the mounting points on the rear side portion 614B of the base 602 before the insulation portion (foam) is filled into the base 602.

[0065] In addition, brackets 666A, 666B, and 666C can be U-shaped brackets that fit snugly to the outside of the lower arm 664C of the handle assembly 660 to hold the lower arm 664C and the handle assembly 660 to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600. Brackets 666A, 666B, and 666C may have various other shapes without departing from the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, brackets 666A, 666B, and 666C may have various widths. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first bracket 666A and the third bracket 666C may have a first width. The second bracket 666B may have a second width that is smaller than the first width. Brackets 666A, 666B, and 666C may include one or more fasteners 667 on each side of brackets 666A, 666B, and 666C that connect brackets 666A, 666B, and 666C to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600. In the exemplary embodiment, the first bracket 666A and the third bracket 666C may include two fasteners 667 on each side of brackets 666A and 666C that connect brackets 666A and 666C to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600. The second bracket 666B may include one fastener 667 on each side of the second bracket 666B that connects the second bracket 666B to the rear side portion 614B of the insulated container 600.

[0066] As shown in Figures 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, and 17C, the pull handle assembly 660 may include a telescopic feature. The pull handle assembly 660 may include an upper arm 664A, an intermediate arm 664B, and a lower arm 664C. The upper arm 664A can be nested within the intermediate arm 664B and slidable within it. In addition, the intermediate arm 664B can be nested within the lower arm 664C and slidable within it. Such nesting and sliding of the upper arm 664A, intermediate arm 664B, and lower arm 664C can create a telescopic feature for the pull handle assembly 660.

[0067] Figures 16A and 16B show the pull handle assembly 660 in an extended state with the lid 604 open. The lid 604 can be a thin lid, so that the lid 604 can be fully opened when the pull handle assembly 660 is in its fully extended state. In another embodiment, the lid 604 may include a thin seat cushion, so that the lid 604 with the seat cushion can be fully opened when the pull handle assembly 660 is in its fully extended state.

[0068] As further shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the lid 604 may include a stepped portion 605 located at the rear of the lid 604. The stepped portion 605 may be recessed from the top surface of the lid 604 closest to the rear portion 614B. In one embodiment, the stepped portion 605 may be located about 1 / 2 inch (about 1.27 cm) from the top surface of the lid 604. In other embodiments, the stepped portion 605 may be located 1 / 4 inch (about 0.635 cm), 3 / 4 inch (about 1.905 cm), 1 inch (about 2.54 cm), 1 and 1 / 2 inches (about 3.81 cm) from the top surface of the lid 604, or to other dimensions not departing from the invention. The stepped portion 605 may help eliminate the risk of getting caught between the intermediate arm 664B and the lid 604. The stepped portion 605 may have a variety of shapes and sizes not departing from the invention.

[0069] Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C illustrate the internal components of the pull handle assembly 660 in detail. Figure 17A illustrates the pull handle assembly 660 in both a partially extended and fully extended state. The pull handle assembly 660 may include one or more locking mechanisms, an upper locking mechanism 665A and a lower locking mechanism 665B. The locking mechanisms 665A and 665B may be installed between arms 664A, 664B, and 664C to latch and lock the pull handle assembly 660 in a retracted and / or fully extended state. Specifically, the upper locking mechanism 665A may be installed between the upper arm 664A and the intermediate arm 664B. The lower locking mechanism 665B may be installed between the intermediate arm 664B and the lower arm 664C. A release button 668 may be connected to the locking mechanisms 665A and 665B and function as their actuator. The locking mechanisms 665A and 665B can be released by the release button 668 on the pull handle 662. The locking mechanisms 665A and 665B may include various components known in the art for extending and retracting the pull handle, such as actuators, hinges, spring-loaded bearings, bearing cylinders, retaining pins, and locking holes.

[0070] In addition, as shown in Figures 17B and 17C, the pull handle assembly 660 may have extension arm overlap distances D1 and D2. The extension arm overlap distances D1 and D2 can be defined as the overlap between nested arms when arms 664A, 664B, and 664C are in their extended state. The extension arm overlap distances D1 and D2 increase the contact between the arms and the inner portion of the bearing cylinder, thereby making the pull handle assembly 660 stronger and more stable when in the extended state. The pull handle assembly 660 may have an extension arm overlap distance D1 that represents the distance between the bottom of the upper arm 664A and the top of the intermediate arm 664B when the upper arm 664A and the intermediate arm 664B are in their fully extended and locked state. The pull handle assembly 660 may also have an extended arm overlap distance D2, which represents the distance between the bottom of the intermediate arm 664B and the top of the lower arm 664C when the intermediate arm 664B and the lower arm 664C are in a fully extended and locked state. The extended arm overlap distances D1 and D2 may be approximately 70 mm. The extended arm overlap distances D1 and D2 may be other distances that do not depart from the present invention.

[0071] As shown in Figure 18, the pull handle assembly 660 may be equipped with a pull handle 662. The pull handle 662 can be grasped by the user to extend the pull handle assembly 660 to its extended state. The user can grasp the pull handle 662 in its extended state, tilt the front side portion 614A, and lift it upward, thereby transferring the mass of the insulated container 600 to the wheels 672, allowing the user to pull the insulated container 600.

[0072] The pull handle 662 may include a handle bumper 669. The handle bumper 669 can be positioned on each of the pull handle arms 664 of the pull handle 662. The handle bumper 669 can be used to prevent the handle grip 663 of the pull handle 662 from wearing down when the insulated container 600 tips over. The handle bumper 669 may include a raised portion extending around the outer circumference of the pull handle 662 adjacent to the upper pull handle arm 664A and / or around the outer circumference of the upper pull handle arm 664A. This raised portion may extend partially or completely around the outer circumference of the pull handle 662 and / or the pull handle arm 664.

[0073] The components of the pull handle assembly 660 can be formed from a polymer material which may be a filled or unfilled polymer. For example, the polymer material may be PC-ABS, polyethylene, or other similar materials. In addition, the components of the pull handle assembly 660 can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and / or other known techniques. Alternatively, or as needed, the pull handle assembly 660 may be formed from a metallic material such as an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or other metallic material with a density of less than 3 g / cc. As another option, the components of the insulated container 600, such as the lid, body, lid support member, and pull handle assembly, may include SF molded bodies made of a composite polymer material having a low-density foamed core and a higher-density polymer skin.

[0074] In other examples, the insulated container 600 may include a rear wheel assembly 670, as detailed in Figures 10A–10D and 19–21. Figure 19 shows a bottom perspective view of the insulated container 600 showing the wheel assembly 670. Figures 20A and 20B show rear cross-sectional views of the wheel assembly 670 and axle coupling for the insulated container 600. Figure 21 shows a rear cross-sectional view of the axle coupling and anti-rotation fitting for the wheel assembly 670 of the insulated container 600.

[0075] The insulated container 600 may include a wheel assembly 670 that includes a pair of wheels 672 to help the user easily move the insulated container 600. The wheel assembly 670 may include a tire 671 and wheels 672, and each wheel 672 may be mounted to the base 602 on an axle 674. The wheel assembly 670 may include a single axle 674 for both wheels 672 or a double axle 674 with an axle for each wheel 672. The tire 671 may be made from foamed polyurethane with a hardness of about 80 Shore A and a density of 0.75 KG / LT. The wheel 672 may be made from a rigid material such as glass-filled nylon material. The tire 671 may be overmolded, stretch-fit, or grip-fitted onto the wheel 672. The wheel 672 may include ribs or other gripping structures on the inner edge of the wheel 672 to help grip the foamed tire 671 firmly.

[0076] Each of the wheel assemblies 670 and wheels 672 can be attached to the base 602. More specifically, each wheel 672 can be attached to the rear side section 614B adjacent to the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container 600. Each wheel 672 can be fixed in the wheel recess 673 of the base section 602 and the rear side section 614B. Each wheel 672 can be fixed in the recess 673 using at least one spring retaining ring 675 and connected to at least one axle 674. In addition, the wheels 672 and tires 671 can extend rearward beyond the pull handle assembly 660, thereby providing the pull handle assembly 660 with further tip protection. In addition, the wheels 672 and tires 671 can be raised off the ground when the insulated container 600 is placed flat on the ground. The tires 671 may also include a flat tread profile to improve sandy / soft terrain performance. The wheels 672 may also include a single-layer wheel hub to achieve weight reduction. In addition, the flat and thin tread profile of the 671 tire can provide a lightweight wheel.

[0077] Figures 20A and 20B detail exemplary embodiments of a wheel assembly 670 showing a wheel 672 and axle 674 of an insulated container 600. The wheel assembly 670 may comprise one or more ball bearings 677A, internal spacers 677B, and external spacers 677C that set the distance between the bearings 677A. The internal spacers 677B may be made of aluminum material. The external spacers 677C may be made of rigid polypropylene material and can be used to set the position of the wheel 672. The wheel 672, internal spacers 677B, external spacers 677C, and wheel grommet 676 can be held along the axis of the axle 674 by a spring retaining ring 675 along the end of the axle 674. The spring retaining ring 675 fits radially around the end of the axle 674, allowing the axle 674 to be held through the wheel 672 and into the base 602.

[0078] In addition, the wheel assembly 670 may be equipped with a wheel grommet 676. The wheel grommet 676 may be positioned between the wheel recess 673 and the external spacer 677C. The wheel grommet 676 may also be positioned around the axle 674. The wheel grommet 676 can provide a seal between the wheel recess 673 and the interior of the base 602. The wheel grommet 676 may be made of rubber / non-rigid material (such as EPDM rubber). The wheel grommet 676 can be used to prevent water or other substances from entering the thermal center of the base 602. The wheel grommet 676 may be a bearing cylinder or grommet that absorbs shocks and forces acting on the wheel 672 and mitigates the impact on the axle 674. By absorbing shocks, the wheel grommet 676 can allow the axle 674 to rotate when a large force is applied to the wheel 672. For example, during a drop test simulating the insulated container 600 being dropped with a load of approximately 75 pounds (approximately 34 kg) applied to it, the wheel assembly 670 remains intact thanks to the wheel grommets 676. All of the force from the drop could be concentrated on the axle 674 instead of the wheels 672. The force from the drop can be absorbed and / or dissipated by the wheel grommets 676, reducing the high impact and preventing it from reaching the base 602, axle 674, axle bracket 678, and other critical components. The drop test involves dropping the insulated container 600 from a height of approximately 1 meter above the ground and can be completed under low, high, and room temperature conditions. The insulated container 600 can be dropped in multiple orientations, including the rear where the impact force is applied to both wheels 672, and the wheel corner where the force is applied to one wheel 672.

[0079] Figure 21 details an exemplary embodiment of an axle bracket 678 that prevents the axle 674 from rotating and coming loose. The axle bracket 678 can be an anti-rotation fixture for the base 602. There may be at least one axle bracket 678 per axle 674. In addition, there may be multiple axle brackets 678, such as two, three, or four axle brackets 678 per axle 674. One or more axle brackets 678 can be concealed from view by the pull handle assembly 660. The axle bracket 678 can be attached to the axle 674 with a fastener 679. The axle 674 may include a flat portion 674A having a fastener mounting point 679A. The flat portion 674A of the axle 674 can be compressed by the flat portion 678A of the axle bracket 678 and permanently engaged with it. The axle bracket 678 may include additional flat engaging features 678B that contact the base 602 and hold the axle bracket 678 in place of the base 602. These flat portions 678A can prevent the axle 674 from rotating around the base 602 by holding the axle 674 in a stationary, permanent position within the base 602.

[0080] In other examples, the insulated container 600 may include a drain plug assembly 680, as detailed in Figures 10C, 19, 22, and 23. Figure 19 shows a bottom perspective view of the insulated container 600 showing the drain plug assembly 680. Figure 22 shows a side section view of the drain plug assembly 680 for the insulated container 600. Figure 23 shows an exploded view of the drain plug assembly 680 for the insulated container 600.

[0081] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the drain plug assembly 680 may include a main pipe 682, an outer pipe 694, and a gasket 686. The drain plug assembly 680 can be positioned and installed within a passage through the wall of the base portion 602. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain plug assembly 680 can be positioned in the rear side portion 614B adjacent to the bottom surface 608 of the insulated container 600. The drain plug assembly 680 can be positioned and installed within a drain plug recess 609 that provides a protected drain plug assembly 680. The drain plug assembly 680 may include a ratchet feature in which the main pipe 682 (or inner pipe) is locked with a key so that the main pipe 682 cannot rotate / open when the main pipe 682 is screwed onto the outer pipe 694.

[0082] The main pipe 682 may include a drainage passage section 685 having one or more ratchet keys 683 at a first end and a main pipe rim 681 at the other end opposite the first end. The main pipe 682 may also have a male threaded connector 684 located between the main pipe rim 681 and the ratchet keys 683. The main pipe 682 may also include a gasket 686. The gasket 686 can provide compression between the main pipe 682 and the inner wall 618 of the base 602. The gasket 686 may include radial features 686A that help secure the gasket 686 to the main pipe rim 681 and the inner wall 618 of the base 602. The gasket 686 may be a separate component or it may be molded into the main pipe 682. The gasket 686 may be made of a soft material such as silicone, while the main pipe 682 is made of a more rigid material. Gasket 686 may have, for example, a durometer of 40 and a shore A.

[0083] The outer tube 694 may also include a sealing ring 694A provided on the outer tube rim 695 of the outer tube 694. The sealing ring 694A brings the rear side portion 614B into contact with the base outer wall structure 619. The outer tube 694 may include a female threaded connector 698. The outer tube 694 may also include an outer tube rim 695 and ratchet teeth 697 at the same end. The ratchet teeth 697 can be located inside the outer tube 694. The outer tube 694 may also include a sealing ring 694A provided on the outer tube rim 695 of the outer tube 694. The sealing ring 694A can bring the rear side portion 614B into contact with the base outer wall structure 619. The sealing ring 694A can also make a seal to prevent foam leakage during assembly. The sealing ring 694A may be a single ring concentric with the axis of the outer tube 694. The sealing ring 694A may also include multiple rings or non-circular bodies.

[0084] As shown in Figure 22, the main pipe 682 and the outer pipe 694 can be engaged to form and make a drain plug assembly 680. The main pipe 682 and the outer pipe 694 can pass through the rear side portion 614B, the base inner wall structure 618, and the base outer wall structure 619. The main pipe 682 and the outer pipe 694 engage with each other in cooperation to form a drain plug assembly 680 of the insulated container 600. The main pipe 682 can first be installed using a rectangular connector having a flat portion 682A of the main pipe 682 that engages with the rear side portion 614B and the rectangular opening in the inner wall 618 of the base 602. This rectangular connector 682A can prevent the drain plug assembly 680 from rotating relative to the base 602. The outer pipe 694 can then be screwed onto the main pipe 682. Next, the male threaded connector 684 of the main tube 682 can engage with the female threaded connector 698 of the outer tube 694. Then, the ratchet key 683 and ratchet teeth 697 engage, allowing the main tube 682 and the outer tube 694 to be locked together. The outer tube 694 may include a flat head structure 699 so that the outer tube 694 can be tightly fastened to the main tube 682 with a tool. The flat head structure 699 may be any polygonal shape having one or more flat sides, such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, or other polygonal shape. The flat head structure 699 may also include curved sides. The flat head structure 699 may be any shape having one or more flat sides. The outer tube 694 may have a bottoming feature of a specific length that locks the threaded connection between the main tube 682 and the outer tube 694 against the inner wall / face 618 of the base 602. This bottoming feature sets the distance between the inner wall 618 and the outer wall 619 of the base 602.

[0085] The ratchet feature of the drain plug assembly 680 may consist of ratchet teeth 697 on an outer tube 694, with one or more ratchet keys 683 (or locks) on a main tube 682 engaging with the ratchet teeth 697. When the outer tube 694 is screwed onto the main tube 682, the ratchet keys 683 on the main tube 682 engage with the ratchet teeth 697 on the outer tube 694. The engagement of the ratchet keys 683 and ratchet teeth 697 allows for continuous rotational movement (closing) of the main tube 682 in only one direction, while preventing movement in the opposite direction (opening). The ratchet teeth 697 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a gentle slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. When the ratchet teeth 697 are moving in an unrestricted (i.e., closing) direction, the ratchet key 683 slides easily over the gently sloping edges of the ratchet teeth 697, and the pressure of the connection causes the ratchet key 683 to be pushed into the grooves between the ratchet teeth 697 as it passes the top of each ratchet tooth 697 (possibly with an audible "click"). However, when the ratchet teeth 697 are moving in the opposite (opening) direction, the ratchet key 683 engages with the steep edge of the first ratchet tooth 697 that it encounters, thereby locking the ratchet key 683 against the ratchet teeth 697 and preventing it from moving further in that direction.

[0086] When the main tube 682 is fully screwed into the outer tube 694, the main tube rim 681 can engage with the rear side portion 614B, and the gasket 686 can engage with the base inner wall structure 618. The gasket 686 can prevent liquid from leaking from the insulated container 600 between the drain plug assembly 680 and the cooler base 602. The gasket 686 can also prevent foam leakage during the assembly process.

[0087] Figures 24A–33 show other illustrative insulated containers 700 in one or more embodiments described herein. For the embodiments of Figures 24A–33, features are referred to using similar reference numbers in a series of "7xx" notations, rather than "1xx" as used in the embodiments of Figure 1A / 1B / 1C, "2xx" as used in the embodiments of Figure 3A / 3B / 3C, "4xx" as used in the embodiments of Figure 7A / 7B, or "6xx" as used in the embodiments of Figures 10A–23. "7xx" features may be similar to "1xx," "2xx," "4xx," or "6xx" features. Therefore, certain features of the insulated containers 700 that have already been described with reference to the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, or 600 in the embodiments of Figures 1A / 1B / 1C, 3A / 3B / 3C, 7A / 7B, and 10A–23 may not be described in as much detail, or not at all. In addition, any of the features previously described for the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, and 600 in Figures 1A to 123 can also be utilized for the insulated container 700.

[0088] Figure 24A shows a front view of the insulated container 700. Figures 24B and 24D show side views of the insulated container 700. Figure 24C shows a rear view of the insulated container 700. Figure 24E shows a top view of the insulated container 700. Figure 24F shows a bottom view of the insulated container 700. Figure 24G shows a front perspective view of the insulated container 700.

[0089] In one example, the insulated container 700 may comprise a base portion 702 and, in some examples, a lid 704 that can be attached thereto in a non-destructive manner. The base portion 702 may be an insulated structure that forms an internal space for containing contents or liquid. In some examples, the base portion 702 may be cubic or substantially cubic in shape. In yet another example, the base portion 702 may have a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially rectangular cross-section. Various other shapes may be used without departing from the present invention.

[0090] The base portion 702 may include a first end portion 706 having a bottom surface 708 (as shown in detail in Figure 24F). The bottom surface 708 can be made to support the insulated container on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, or boat deck.

[0091] The base portion 702 further includes a second end 710 that defines an opening (shown in Figure 11) that can be used to access the internal space of the insulated container. The opening can be covered by a lid 704 when the insulated container 700 is in use (for example, when the insulated container 700 is in a closed state). The base portion 702 may further include a plurality of side portions 714 connected to the bottom surface 708 that define a space for containing contents within the insulated container 700. The side portions 714 can be positioned to extend substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface 708. The plurality of side portions 714 may include a front side portion 714A, a rear side portion 714B opposite to the front side portion 714A, and two lateral side portions 714C between the front side portion 714A and the rear side portion 714B.

[0092] In some examples, one or more side pocket handles 790 can be positioned on one or more side portions 714 (or other areas of the base portion 702). These side pocket handles 790 can be integrally molded with the base portion 702 and can generally be undercuts or cutouts formed in the side portions 714 of the base portion 702. In some examples, such as those shown in Figures 24A and 24B, the undercuts or cutouts forming the side pocket handles 790 may include recesses that extend substantially all or most of the length of the side portion 714. This facilitates the manufacture of the base portion 702 from which the handles 790 are integrally molded. In some examples, the side pocket handles 790 can be coplanar with the outer surface of the base portion 702 to reduce the risk of breakage.

[0093] As previously mentioned, the insulated container 700 can be made to contain, store, transport, etc., a certain volume of contents, or possibly a liquid. In some examples, the insulated container 700 can be made to store about 60 liters (about 63.4 quarts) or 48 liters (about 50.7 quarts). In some examples, the insulated container 700 may be made to store contents between 22 quarts (about 21 l) and 28 quarts (about 26 l). In some examples, the insulated container 700 may be made to store contents of about 24 quarts (about 23 l). In other examples, among many others, the insulated container 700 may be made to store contents of at least 22 quarts (about 21 l), or the insulated container may be made to store contents of at least 28 quarts (about 26 l). In further examples, the insulated container 700 may be designed to store contents of approximately 16 quarts (approximately 15 liters), 24 quarts (approximately 23 liters), 36 to 38 quarts (approximately 34 to 36 liters), or 48 to 58 quarts (approximately 45 to 55 liters). In yet another example, the insulated container 700 may be designed to store contents between approximately 14 quarts (approximately 13 liters) and approximately 45 quarts (approximately 43 liters). In addition to or instead of these, the insulated container 700 may be designed to store materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, or a combination thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein.

[0094] In at least some examples, the insulated container 700 (and various other containers described herein) can be sized to accommodate contents of the previously described volumes. For example, the insulated container 700 may be at least 17 inches (approximately 43 cm) high, at least 16 inches (approximately 41 cm) wide, and at least 14 inches (approximately 36 cm) deep. In addition to or instead of these, the insulated container 700 may be made of different sizes (i.e., height, width, and depth) without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.

[0095] As previously mentioned, the insulated container 700 is equipped with a lid 704. In some examples, the lid 704 can be connected to the base 702 in a closed configuration using a press fit. In addition to or instead of this, other fastening systems or devices may be used to secure the lid 704 to the base. The insulated container 700 may be equipped with a latching device 720 and fasteners on the base 702 at the front of the container, as shown in Figures 24A and 24G, to secure the lid 704 in a closed position. In some examples, the lid 704 may be made to remain fixed or locked in a closed position using the latching device 720. The latching device 720 can be of various types, including a latch having a latch portion and a fastener portion on the base 702, as well as various other types of latches. The insulated container 700 may be equipped with any of the latching devices and fasteners described previously and specifically shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 3A, 4A, 5A, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 6C.

[0096] In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 24G, the insulated container 700 may comprise a lid 704 and a base 702 that form at least one corner lifting ledge 792 to facilitate gripping the lid for opening. In other examples, the insulated container 700 may comprise multiple corner lifting ledges 792. In one example, the lifting ledges 792 may be formed by integrally molded portions of the corners of the lid 704 and integrally molded portions of the front corners on the top of the base 702. In yet another embodiment, the insulated container 700 may comprise a front lifting ledge 791 integrally molded to the base 702. The front lifting ledge 791 may be integrally molded to the top of the base 702. The lifting ledges 791 may be constructed to provide the insulated container 700 with an easily accessible area that allows an individual to grasp the lid 704 to facilitate opening the lid 704 (i.e., one-handed operation).

[0097] In some examples, the lid 704 can be hinged to the base 702 so as to be connected (either removable or permanently) by a hinge, and can be rotated around the hinge. The hinge can be one of various types of hinges, including continuous piano hinges, double hinges, ball-joint hinges, living hinges, etc. The hinge can be rotated to open the lid 704 and move it away from the base 702 so that it can access the internal space defined by the base 702 (e.g., through an opening). That is, the hinge can facilitate rotating the lid 704 from a closed configuration (e.g., when the lid 704 is in a fixed position covering the internal space formed by the base 702) to an open configuration (e.g., when the lid 704 does not cover the internal space formed by the base 702), and vice versa. In some examples, an insulated container 700 is made with at least one hinge. In other examples, an insulated container is made with multiple hinges. In yet another embodiment, the hinge includes a first portion molded integrally with the lid 704 and a second portion molded integrally with the base 702.

[0098] In the examples described herein, the base 702 and lid 704 may comprise an outer surface or outer shell that encloses and closes the insulating portion, as shown and described in Figures 1C and 5A. The shell is typically formed from a variety of materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the shell may be formed from a plastic material such as thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), polypropylene containing a rubberizing agent, or polyethylene, which is molded to form both portions of the base 702 and lid 704. The thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO) consists of polypropylene, polyethylene, or other polyolefin as a hard segment and ethylene propylene rubber (ethylene propylene monomer (EPM) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)) as a soft segment. In some examples, the insulating portion is formed from an insulating material with low thermal conductivity. For example, the insulating portion may be formed from (or filled with) a polymer foam such as foamed polyurethane. Additional or other insulating materials may be used without departing from the present invention. In some examples, the base portion 702 and the lid portion 704 are formed using injection molding (not shown) as understood by those skilled in the art. However, without departing from the present invention, various other types of molding or other manufacturing methods (e.g., rotoforming, stamping, casting, forging, etc.) may be used to form the insulated container.

[0099] The base portion 702 may include a first end portion 706 having a bottom surface 708. The bottom surface 708 may be constructed to support the insulated container 700 on a surface such as a table, ground, vehicle floor, or boat deck, and may include a plurality of legs 713 as shown in Figure 24F. The plurality of legs 713 may include four separate legs arranged around the bottom surface 708. In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container 700 may include one or more lateral legs as described earlier and shown in Figure 19. The plurality of legs 713 may be constructed to provide a non-slip or non-slip surface, and may be constructed to keep the insulated container 700 elevated from the ground. In another example, the plurality of legs 713 may be constructed to reduce friction with the ground or surface so that the insulated container can be moved more easily while it is on the ground (i.e., the insulated container can be easily slid or easily pushed across the ground). The multiple legs 713 are separated and parallel, thereby creating and providing a gap between the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container and the ground. The multiple legs 713 can be made from rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material. In another embodiment, the multiple legs 713 can be molded into the base 702 with an alternative finish or texture for the multiple legs 713 within the mold. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 708 may include the logo or name of the insulated container company or manufacturer, embossed, integrally molded, or pressed onto the outer shell.

[0100] In other examples, the insulated container 700 may include a handle assembly 760, as specifically shown in Figures 25, 26, and 27A-27C. Figures 12A-12C show side views of the insulated container 700 showing the handle assembly 760 in various retracted and extended configurations. Figure 13 shows side views of the insulated container 700 in a tilted configuration and the handle assembly 760 in an extended configuration. Figure 25 shows a bottom rear perspective view of the insulated container 700 with the handle assembly 760 in a retracted configuration. Figure 26 shows a top rear perspective view of the insulated container 700 with the handle assembly 760 in a retracted configuration. Figures 27A-27C show diagrams of the components of the handle assembly 760. Specifically, Figure 27A shows a front view of the handle assembly 760, Figure 27B shows a rear view of the handle assembly 760, and Figure 27C shows a rear perspective view of the handle assembly 760.

[0101] Figures 25, 26, and 27A–27C show a handle assembly 760 that allows the user to ergonomically move the insulated container 700. The handle assembly 760 can be used to tilt the insulated container 700 into a rolling position by lifting the opposite end of the wheel 772 away from the stationary surface of the container. The handle assembly 760 can be a telescopic handle design having three handle / arm configurations. In the first stage, the handle assembly 760 can be in a retracted (or recessed or nested) configuration. In the second stage, the handle assembly 760 can be in a partially extended configuration. In the third stage, the handle assembly 760 can be in a fully extended configuration. The handle assembly 760 can have one or more locking mechanisms for the retracted, partially extended, and / or fully extended configurations.

[0102] The pull handle assembly 760 can be connected to the side portion 714 of the base 702, specifically the rear side portion 714B of the base 702. The pull handle assembly 760 can be positioned on the same rear side portion 714B, which includes the wheel assembly 770. When the pull handle assembly 760 is in its extended state, the user can grasp the pull handle 762, tilt the front side portion 714A, and lift it upward, thereby transferring the mass of the insulated container 700 to the wheels 772, allowing the user to pull the insulated container 700. The pull handle assembly 760 may have an extended state that allows the user to pull the container 700. The pull handle assembly 760 may have a retracted state that allows the pull handle assembly 760 to be coplanar with the top of the insulated container 700. When the pull handle assembly 760 is in its retracted state, the top surface 763 of the pull handle 762 may be substantially parallel to the top surface of the lid 704. When the pull handle assembly 760 is in the retracted position, the upper surface 763 of the pull handle 762 may be in a straight line with the upper surface of the lid 704, or it may be below it.

[0103] The pull handle assembly 760 can be attached to the rear side section 714B. The pull handle assembly 760 may include one or more brackets 766A, 766B for attaching the pull handle assembly 760 to the rear side section 714B. The pull handle assembly 760 may include one or more brackets for attaching the pull handle assembly to the rear side section 714B, such as one bracket, two brackets, three brackets, or four or more brackets. The one or more brackets may include a first bracket 766A (or upper bracket) attached to the top of the pull handle assembly 760, and a second bracket 766B (or lower bracket) attached to the bottom of the pull handle assembly 760. As shown in Figures 25 and 26, both the first bracket 766A and the second bracket 766B are connected to the lower arm 764C, and specifically, the lower arm 764C and the pull handle assembly 760 can be attached to the rear side section 714B. The bracket 766 can be installed at the mounting point on the rear side portion 714B of the base 702 before the heat insulating portion (foam) is filled into the base 702.

[0104] In addition, one or more of the brackets 766A, 766B may be a U-shaped bracket that fits snugly to the outside of the lower arm 764C of the handle assembly 760 to hold the lower arm 764C and the handle assembly 760 to the rear side portion 714B of the insulated container 700. As shown in Figures 27A, 27B, and 27C, the second bracket or lower bracket 766B may include a bracket housing for the lower arm 764C of the handle assembly 760 to hold the lower arm 764C and the handle assembly 760 to the rear side portion 714B of the insulated container. The brackets 766A, 766B may be of various other shapes without departing from embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the brackets 766A, 766B may be of various widths and lengths. Brackets 766A and 766B may include one or more fasteners 767 on each side of brackets 766A and 766B that connect brackets 766A and 766B to the rear side portion 714B of the insulated container 700.

[0105] As previously described and shown (in particular in Figures 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, and 17C), the pull handle assembly 760 may include a telescopic feature. The pull handle assembly 760 may include an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm 764C. The upper arm may be nested within the intermediate arm and slidable within it. In addition, the intermediate arm may be nested within the lower arm 764C and slidable within it. Such nesting and sliding of the upper arm, intermediate arm, and lower arm 764C can create a telescopic feature for the pull handle assembly 760.

[0106] Figures 27A, 27B, and 27C illustrate in detail various components of the pull handle assembly 760. Figure 17A illustrates in detail the pull handle assembly 760 from a front view. The pull handle assembly 760 may include one or more locking mechanisms, such as an upper locking mechanism and a lower locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be installed between the arms to latch and lock the pull handle assembly 760 in a retracted and / or fully extended position. In detail, the upper locking mechanism may be installed between the upper arm and the intermediate arm. The lower locking mechanism may be installed between the intermediate arm and the lower arm 764C. A release button 768 may be connected to the locking mechanism and function as its actuator. The locking mechanism can be released by the release button 768 on the pull handle 762. The locking mechanism may include various components known in the art used for extending and retracting the pull handle, such as actuators, hinges, spring-loaded bearings, bearing cylinders, retaining pins, and locking holes.

[0107] As shown in Figures 25, 26, and 27A-27C, the pull handle assembly 760 may be equipped with a pull handle 762. The pull handle 762 can be grasped by the user to extend the pull handle assembly 760 to its extended state. The user can grasp the pull handle 762 in its extended state, tilt the front side portion 714A, and lift it upward, thereby transferring the mass of the insulated container 700 to the wheels 772, allowing the user to pull the insulated container 700.

[0108] The pull handle 762 may include a handle bumper (as described in detail earlier and shown in Figure 18). The handle bumper may be positioned on each of the pull handle arms of the pull handle 762. The handle bumper can be used to prevent the handle grip 763 of the pull handle 762 from wearing down when the insulated container 700 tips over. The handle bumper may include a raised portion extending around the outer circumference of the pull handle 762 adjacent to the upper pull handle arm and / or the outer circumference of the upper pull handle arm. This raised portion may extend partially or completely around the outer circumference of the pull handle 762 and / or the pull handle arm.

[0109] The components of the pull handle assembly 760 can be formed from a polymer material which may be a filled or unfilled polymer. For example, the polymer material may be PC-ABS, polyethylene, or other similar materials. In addition, the components of the pull handle assembly 760 can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and / or other known techniques. Alternatively, or as needed, the pull handle assembly 760 may be formed from a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or other metallic material with a density of less than 3 g / cc. As another option, the components of the insulated container 700, such as the lid, body, lid support member, and pull handle assembly, may include SF molded bodies made of a composite polymer material having a low-density foamed core and a higher-density polymer skin.

[0110] In other examples, the insulated container 700 may include a rear wheel assembly 770, as detailed in Figures 28, 29A, 29B, 29C, 30, and 31. Figure 28 shows a bottom perspective view of the insulated container 700 showing the wheel assembly 770. Figures 29A and 29B show the wheel assembly 770 and anti-rotation fixture 778 of the insulated container 700 with the pull handle assembly 760 removed. Figure 29C shows a rear section view of the axle coupling and anti-rotation fixture for the wheel assembly 770 of the insulated container 700. Figure 30 shows a side perspective view of the wheel recess 773 on the base 702 of the insulated container 700, to which each wheel 772 is attached.

[0111] The insulated container 700 may include a wheel assembly 770 that includes a pair of wheels 772 to help the user easily move the insulated container 700. The wheel assembly 770 may include a tire 771 and wheels 772, and each wheel 772 may be mounted to the base 720 on an axle 774. The wheel assembly 770 may include a single axle 774 for both wheels 772 or a double axle 774 with an axle for each wheel 772. The tire 771 may be made from foamed polyurethane with a hardness of about 80 Shore A and a density of 0.75 KG / LT. The wheel 772 may be made from a rigid material such as glass-filled nylon material. The tire 771 may be overmolded, stretch-fit, or grip-fitted onto the wheel 772. The wheel 772 may include ribs or other gripping structures on the inner edge of the wheel 772 to help grip the foamed tire 771 firmly.

[0112] Each of the wheel assemblies 770 and the wheels 772 can be attached to the base 702. More specifically, each wheel 772 can be attached to the rear side section 714B adjacent to the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container 700. Each wheel 772 can be fixed in the wheel recess 773 of the base section 702 and the rear side section 714B. Each wheel 772 can be fixed in the recess 773 using at least one spring retaining ring and connected to at least one axle 774. In addition, the wheels 772 and tires 771 can extend rearward beyond the pull handle assembly 760, thereby providing the pull handle assembly 760 with further tip protection. In addition, the wheels 772 and tires 771 can be raised off the ground when the insulated container 700 is placed flat on the ground. The tires 771 may also include a flat tread profile to improve sandy / soft terrain performance. The wheels 772 may also include a single-layer wheel hub to achieve weight reduction. In addition, the flat and thin tread profile of the 771 tire allows for a lightweight wheel.

[0113] Figures 29A and 29B detail exemplary embodiments of a wheel assembly 770 showing a wheel 772 and axle 774 of an insulated container 700. The wheel assembly 770 may comprise one or more ball bearings and spacers 777B on the axle 774 that set the distance between the bearings. The spacers 777B may be made from a rigid polypropylene material and can be used to position the wheel 772. The wheel 772, spacers 777B, and wheel grommet 776 can be held along the axis of the axle 774 by a spring retaining ring along the end of the axle 774. The spring retaining ring is radially fitted around the end of the axle 774 and can hold the axle 774 through the wheel 772 into the base 702.

[0114] In addition, the wheel assembly 770 may include a wheel grommet 776, as previously detailed and shown in Figures 20A and 20B. The wheel grommet 776 may be positioned between the wheel recess 773 and the external spacer 777B. The wheel grommet 776 may also be positioned around the axle 774 and can provide a seal between the wheel recess 773 and the interior of the base 702. The wheel grommet 776 may be made of rubber / non-rigid material (such as EPDM rubber). The wheel grommet 776 can be used to prevent water or other substances from entering the thermal center of the base 702. The wheel grommet 776 may be a bearing cylinder or grommet that absorbs shocks and forces acting on the wheel 772 and mitigates the impact on the axle 774. By absorbing shocks, the wheel grommet 776 can allow the axle 774 to rotate when a large force is applied to the wheel 772. For example, during a drop test simulating the insulated container 700 being dropped with a load of approximately 75 pounds (approximately 34 kg) applied to it, the wheel assembly 770 will not break thanks to the wheel grommets 776. All of the force from the drop could be concentrated on the axle 774 instead of the wheels 772. The force from the drop can be absorbed and / or dissipated by the wheel grommets 776, reducing the high impact and preventing it from reaching the base 702, axle 774, axle bracket 778, and other critical components. The drop test involves dropping the insulated container 700 from a height of approximately 1 meter above the ground and can be completed under low, high, and room temperature conditions. The insulated container 700 can be dropped in multiple orientations, including the rear where the impact force is applied to both wheels 772, and the wheel corner where the force is applied to one wheel 772.

[0115] Figures 29A, 29B, and 29C detail exemplary embodiments of axle brackets 778 that prevent axle 774 from rotating and coming loose. Figures 29A and 29B show axle brackets 778 with the pull handle assembly 760 not visible. The axle brackets 778 can be anti-rotation fixtures for the base 702. There may be at least one axle bracket 778 per axle 774. In addition, there may be multiple axle brackets 778, such as two, three, or four axle brackets 778 per axle 774. One or more axle brackets 778 can be hidden from view by the pull handle assembly 760. The axle brackets 778 can be attached to axle 774 with fasteners 779. Axle 774 may include a flat portion 774A having fastener mounting points 779A. The flat portion 774A of the axle 774 can be pressed against and permanently engaged with the flat portion 778A of the axle bracket 778. The axle bracket 778 may include additional flat engaging features 778B that contact the base 702 and hold the axle bracket 778 in place of the base 702. These flat portions 778A can prevent the axle 774 from rotating around the base 702 by holding the axle 774 in a permanent position within the base 702 in a stationary state.

[0116] Figure 30 shows a wheel recess 773 in the base 702 of the insulated container 700. As shown in Figure 30, the wheel recess 773 may include molded radial ribs 773A extending from the axle hole / opening 774A. The radial ribs 773A can generate strength within the base 702 to hold the axle 774 and wheel assembly 770. Several radial ribs 773A may be used to help generate strength within the base 702 and the insulated container 700.

[0117] In other examples, the insulated container 700 may include a drain plug assembly 780, as detailed in Figures 24C, 25, 31, 32, and 33. Figure 31 shows a side section view of the drain plug assembly 780 for the insulated container 700. Figure 32 shows an exploded view of the drain plug assembly 780 for the insulated container 700. Figure 33 shows an additional exploded view of the drain plug assembly 780 with a drain plug 787 for the insulated container 700.

[0118] As shown in Figures 31-33, the drain plug assembly 780 may include a main pipe 882, an outer pipe 794, a gasket 786, and a drain plug 787. The drain plug 787 can be used by the user by unscrewing it off the drain plug assembly 780 to drain from the insulated container 700 or by installing it. The drain plug assembly 780 may be positioned and installed within a passage through the wall of the base portion 702. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain plug assembly 780 may be positioned in the rear side portion 714B adjacent to the bottom surface 708 of the insulated container 700. The drain plug assembly 780 may be positioned and installed within a drain plug recess 709 that provides a protected drain plug assembly 780. The drain plug assembly 780 may include a ratchet feature in which the main pipe 782 (or inner pipe) is locked with a key so that the main pipe 782 cannot rotate / open when the main pipe 782 is screwed onto the outer pipe 794.

[0119] The main pipe 782 may include a drain passage portion 785 having one or more ratchet keys 783 at a first end and a main pipe rim 781 at the other end opposite the first end. The drain passage portion 785 may include a female thread 785A that engages with a male thread 788 on a drain plug 787. The main pipe 782 may also have a male threaded connector 784 located between the main pipe rim 781 and the ratchet keys 783. The main pipe 782 may also include a gasket 786. The gasket 786 can provide compression between the main pipe 782 and the inner wall 718 of the base 702. The gasket 786 may include radial features 786A that help secure the gasket 786 to the main pipe rim 781 and the inner wall 718 of the base 702. The gasket 786 may be a separate component or it may be molded into the main pipe 782. The gasket 786 may be made of a soft material such as silicone, while the main tube 782 is made of a more rigid material. The gasket 786 may have, for example, a durometer 40 and a Shore A. The outer tube 794 may include a female threaded connector 798. The outer tube 794 may also include an outer tube rim 795 and ratchet teeth 797 at the same end. The ratchet teeth 797 may be located inside the outer tube 794. The outer tube 794 may also include a sealing ring 794A that is fixed to the outer tube rim 795 of the outer tube 794. The sealing ring 794A may be positioned between the outer tube rim 795, the rear side portion 714B, and the base outer wall structure 719. The sealing ring 794A may also make a seal to prevent foam leakage during assembly. The sealing ring 794A may be a single ring concentric with the axis of the outer tube 794. The sealing ring 794A may also include multiple rings or non-circular bodies.

[0120] As shown in Figure 31, the main pipe 782 and the outer pipe 794 can engage to form and make a drain plug assembly 780. The main pipe 782 and the outer pipe 794 can pass through the rear side portion 714B, the base inner wall structure 718, and the base outer wall structure 719. The main pipe 782 and the outer pipe 794 engage with each other in cooperation to form a drain plug assembly 780 of the insulated container 700. The main pipe 782 can first be installed using a rectangular feature having a flat portion 782A of the main pipe 782 that engages with the rear side portion 714B and the rectangular opening in the inner wall 718 of the base 702. This rectangular feature can prevent the drain plug assembly 780 from rotating relative to the base 702. The outer pipe 794 can then be screwed onto the main pipe 782. Next, the male threaded connector 784 of the main pipe 782 can engage with the female threaded connector 798 of the outer pipe 794. Next, the ratchet key 783 and the ratchet teeth 797 engage, allowing the main tube 782 and the outer tube 794 to be locked together. The outer tube 794 may include a flat head structure 799 so that the outer tube 794 can be tightly fastened to the main tube 782 with the tool. The flat head structure 799 may be any polygonal shape having one or more flat sides, such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, or other polygonal shape. The flat head structure 799 may also include curved sides. The flat head structure 799 may be any shape having one or more flat sides. The outer tube 794 may have a bottoming feature of a specific length that locks the threaded connection between the main tube 782 and the outer tube 794 against the inner wall / face 718 of the base 702. This bottoming feature sets the distance between the inner wall 718 and the outer wall 719 of the base 702.

[0121] The ratchet feature of the drain plug assembly 780 may consist of ratchet teeth 797 on an outer tube 794, with one or more ratchet keys 783 (or locks) on a main tube 782 engaging with the ratchet teeth 797. When the outer tube 794 is screwed onto the main tube 782, the ratchet keys 783 on the main tube 782 engage with the ratchet teeth 797 on the outer tube 794. The engagement of the ratchet keys 783 and ratchet teeth 797 allows for continuous rotational movement (closing) of the main tube 782 in only one direction, while preventing movement in the opposite direction (opening). The ratchet teeth 797 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a gentle slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. When the ratchet teeth 797 are moving in an unrestricted (i.e., closing) direction, the ratchet key 783 slides easily over the gently sloping edges of the ratchet teeth 797, and the pressure of the connection causes the ratchet key 783 (possibly with an audible "click") to be pushed into the recesses between the ratchet teeth 797 as the ratchet key 783 passes the top of each ratchet tooth 797. However, when the ratchet teeth 797 are moving in the opposite (opening) direction, the ratchet key 783 engages with the steep edge of the first ratchet tooth 797 that the ratchet key 783 encounters, thereby locking the ratchet key 783 against the ratchet teeth 797 and preventing it from moving further in that direction.

[0122] When the main tube 782 is fully screwed into the outer tube 794, the main tube rim 781 can engage with the rear side portion 714B, and the gasket 786 can engage with the base inner wall structure 718. The gasket 786 can prevent liquid from leaking from the insulated container 700 between the drain plug assembly 780 and the cooler base 702. The gasket 786 can also prevent foam leakage during the assembly process.

[0123] As shown in Figure 33, the drain plug 787 may be equipped with a male thread 788. The male thread 788 on the drain plug 787 can engage with the female thread 785A of the drain passage portion 785 of the drain plug assembly 780 when the drain plug 787 is screwed into the drain assembly 780 and the main pipe 782. In addition, a drain plug cap 789 and a gasket may be provided on the top of the drain plug 787. The drain plug cap 789 may be characterized to assist the user in screwing the drain plug 787 into and removing it from the drain plug assembly 780. In addition, the drain plug 787 may include various gaskets to ensure a watertight seal when the drain plug 787 is tightened into the main pipe 782 and the drain plug assembly 780.

[0124] Figures 34A–34C and 35A–35E show another exemplary insulated container 800 in one or more embodiments described herein. For embodiments of Figures 34A–34C and 35A–35E, features are referred to using similar reference numbers in a series of "8xx" notations, rather than "1xx" as used in embodiments of Figure 1A / 1B / 1C, "2xx" as used in embodiments of Figure 3A / 3B / 3C, "4xx" as used in embodiments of Figure 7A / 7B, "6xx" as used in embodiments of Figures 10A–23, or "7xx" as used in embodiments of Figures 24A–33. Features of "8xx" may be similar to features of "1xx", "2xx", "4xx", "6xx", or "7xx". Therefore, certain features of the insulated container 800 that have already been described with reference to the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, or 700 in the embodiments of Figures 1A / 1B / 1C, 3A / 3B / 3C, 7A / 7B, and 10A-33 may not be described in as much detail or at all. In addition, any of the features previously described with respect to the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, and 700 in Figures 1A-33 can be utilized for the insulated container 800.

[0125] As shown in Figures 34A-34C, the insulated container 800 may be equipped with a corner lock bracket 830. The corner lock bracket 830 can be installed and / or attached to the insulated container 800 to lock the insulated container 800 into a closed / locked state. In one embodiment, the corner lock bracket 830 may be a corner bracket kit. In one example, the corner lock bracket 830 may include a container bracket 832, a lid bracket 834, a plurality of fasteners 836, and a lock 838. The container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 may be equipped with a lock hole and one or more fastener holes 835. As shown in Figure 34B, the container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 can be attached to the corner of the insulated container 800. The container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 can be attached to the insulated container 800 by passing one or more fasteners 836 through one or more fastener holes 835. As shown in Figure 34B, the container bracket 832 can be attached to the corner of the base 802 along the upper portion 802B of the base 802, and the lid bracket 834 can be attached to the corner of the underside portion 804B of the lid 804. When the lid 804 is closed and fixed, the container bracket 832 and the lid bracket 834 fit together such that the locking holes 833 of the container bracket 832 and the locking holes 833 of the lid bracket 834 coincide, thereby allowing the lock 838 to be inserted into both locking holes 833. The corner locking bracket 830 may include a metal washer molded into the corner locking bracket to reinforce the locking holes 833. In addition, one or more screw bosses may be hidden in the base 802 and / or lid 804. One or more screw bosses may include recesses for fastener / screw alignment that allow one or more of the fasteners 836 to penetrate the surface of the base 802 and / or cover 804 before the fastener 836 can engage with the screw boss.

[0126] As shown in Figures 35A to 35E, accessories 840, such as trays or baskets 840 and container divider panels 844, can be placed or stored at the bottom of the internal space of the insulated container 800, and / or can be made to be placed at the top of the internal space. In some examples, one or more container divider panels 844 can be placed within the internal space of the insulated container 800 to separate the contents inside the insulated container 800. In some examples, the tray or basket 840 can be located within the internal space of the insulated container 800, while having a lip 842 around the tray from which the tray 840 can be suspended from the edge of the opening 812. In such a configuration, the tray or basket 840 and / or container divider panels 844 can be fixed inside the insulated container 800, while the lid 804 can be closed and set in a fixed position, thereby sealing the internal space.

[0127] In other exemplary embodiments, the insulated container may be an injection-molded container. For example, parts or components of the insulated container may be formed into multiple pieces using the exemplary welding process so that the lid can be formed in two pieces. The exemplary welding process may be used on parts or components of the insulated container disclosed herein using adhesives, ultrasonic welding techniques, or electromagnetic coupling (such as Emabond®). For example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,984,738 (the disclosure of which is cited herein), an electromagnetic welding element preform may be a structure made of plastic particles and magnetic particles. When a high-frequency induction coil with voltage applied is placed in close proximity to the joint, the particles act as susceptors of electromagnetic radiation, and the resulting induced eddy currents heat the element sufficiently to melt the preform and adjacent plastic, thereby fusing the joint. The magnetic particles remain within the fused plastic component.

[0128] In one example, an airtight seal can be formed between two pieces forming the lid and between two pieces forming the lower shell of the insulated container. The illustrated welding process can provide excellent plastic welding for demanding applications. For example, in electromagnetic coupling (such as "Emabond") welding processes, high-frequency energy is used with electromagnetic susceptor material to precisely deliver heat to the bond line, providing excellent welding for virtually all thermoplastic materials. The airtight seal can be perfectly formed on the outer circumference of the insulated container where the weld is located, thereby ensuring that the foam and the inside of the insulated container do not deteriorate due to moisture, etc.

[0129] Figures 36A–36C illustrate exemplary electromagnetic coupling (e.g., “Emabond”) welding processes 900 that can be used for insulated containers in one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in Figure 36A, an electromagnetic susceptor material 930 and a high-frequency energy source 932, such as a radio frequency (RF) coil, can be used to weld a first component 910 (which may be referred to as a tongue) to a second component 920 (which may be referred to as a groove). The parameters of the electromagnetic coupling are generally standard, as are the process settings for an injection molding machine, and can be fine-tuned to meet specific design and / or material requirements.

[0130] In one example, to form a connection between a tongue-shaped portion and a groove, the first component 910 may be in the shape of a tongue-shaped portion, and the second component 920 may be in the shape of a groove. The first component 910 may be a lid, and the second component 920 may be a base / body. The lid and base / body may have the same external shape as both the tongue-shaped portion and the groove. The connection between the lid and base of the insulated container may have the same tongue-shaped portion and groove. Additional ribs or external shapes may be added to the tongue-shaped portion side to guide the tongue-shaped portion into the groove, which can help to maintain the external shape of the component and the electromagnetic susceptor material 930, prevent the electromagnetic susceptor material 930 from leaking through the seam, and / or prevent the electromagnetic susceptor material 930 from causing inconsistencies in the finished material surface. The electromagnetic susceptor material 930 may be located within the connection between the first component 910 and the second component 920. The first component 910 and the second component 920 can be placed together in a fixture that houses a high-frequency energy source 932, which can match the outer shape of the weld line.

[0131] Figure 36B shows the welding location between the first component 910 and the second component 920, and the RF coil 932 that emits precisely focused radio frequency energy (RF energy) to the electromagnetic susceptor material 930. During the connection of the first component 910 and the second component 920, the activated RF coil 932 heats and melts the electromagnetic susceptor material 930, causing the adjacent surfaces to melt. Energy is consumed only during the actual heating cycle, which is typically between 1 second and 30 seconds.

[0132] Figure 36C shows the final weld of the electromagnetic susceptor material 931 formed and welded between the first component 910 and the second component 920. After connecting the first component 910 and the second component 920, the electromagnetic susceptor material 930 can fill the connection design gap. The illustrated welding process can result in polymer-to-polymer welding by melting the first component 910 and the second component 920. In addition, while the connection between the first component 910 and the second component 920 may take the form of a tongue-shaped and grooved connection, other connections and joints such as dovetail, butt, pocket, mortise and tenon groove, lap joint, box, lap joint, and biscuit are also possible.

[0133] Any feature previously described for insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800 in Figures 1A to 36C can be applied to any of the other insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800, even if it is not specifically described for that container. Therefore, any specific feature of any of the insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800 that has already been described may not be described in as much detail, or not at all, for any or all of the other insulated containers 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, or 800.

[0134] In addition, or instead, various other ventilation or pressure regulating configurations may be used without departing from the present invention. For example, part of the base may include a material that is breathable but impermeable to water or other liquids. This mesh material allows ventilation without spilling the liquid contained in the insulated container.

[0135] The insulated containers described herein feature various characteristics that ensure easy and efficient manufacturing of the insulated containers while providing durability and wear resistance. Various integrally molded features such as side pocket handles, pressure adjustment mechanisms or devices, and latching devices would be beneficial in improving durability and wear resistance.

[0136] This disclosure has been disclosed prior to and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts relating to this disclosure, and not to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in separate sections. Embodiment 1 In an insulated container, The base, A side wall structure having a front side wall, a rear side wall opposite the front side wall, and two side walls between the front side wall and the rear side wall, A bottom portion connected to the first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, which is made to support the heat insulating container on its surface, An opening formed at the second end of each side wall of the side wall structure, opposite to the first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the opening is made to allow access to the internal space of the insulated container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, and a gasket is formed to provide a watertight seal when the lid is closed and fixed in place, At least one latching device designed to secure the lid when the lid is in the closed position, A base equipped with; A lid attached to the base by a hinge; and A pull handle assembly attached to the rear side wall, the pull handle assembly having a telescopic three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a retracted state, a second stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a partially extended state, and a third stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a fully extended state, the pull handle assembly comprising an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, wherein the upper arm is nested and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm is nested and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescopic three-stage arm configuration; An insulated container equipped with [a specific feature]. Embodiment 2 The insulated container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the handle assembly is attached to the rear side wall by one or more brackets, and the one or more brackets are U-shaped brackets that fit snugly against the outside of the lower arm relative to the rear side wall. Embodiment 3 The heat insulating container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the lid includes a step portion positioned adjacent to the rear side wall, and the step portion includes a portion recessed from the upper surface of the lid. Embodiment 4 The insulated container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the handle assembly further includes one or more locking mechanisms for locking the handle assembly in the retracted and fully extended states, the upper locking mechanism being located between the upper arm and the intermediate arm, and the lower locking mechanism being located between the intermediate arm and the lower arm. Embodiment 5 The insulated container according to Embodiment 4, wherein the pull handle assembly further includes a release button positioned on the pull handle, the release button being connected to and acting upon one or more locking mechanisms to lock or unlock the pull handle assembly between the retracted and fully extended states. Embodiment 6 The insulated container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pull handle assembly has an extended arm overlap distance, defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper arm, the intermediate arm, and the lower arm are in a fully extended state, and the extended arm overlap distance is approximately 70 mm. Embodiment 7 The heat insulating container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a handle, the handle having one or more handle bumpers including a raised portion extending around the handle. Embodiment 8 A container bracket attached to the base, a lid bracket attached to the lid, and a corner lock bracket including a lock, Furthermore, The insulated container according to Embodiment 1, wherein the container bracket includes a first locking hole, and the lid bracket includes a second locking hole, and when the lid is in a closed and fixed position, the first and second locking holes coincide with each other, thereby allowing the lock to be inserted into the first and second locking holes. Embodiment 9 The at least one latching device, The upper part of the latch, which is pivotally attached to the lid, The lower part of the latch is pivotably attached to the upper part of the latch. It further includes, The lower part of the latch further includes an engaging tab designed to engage with a fastener, The lower part of the latch is formed from a first material, and the upper part of the latch is formed from a second material, wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material. The fastener is positioned on the front of the bottom portion of the insulated container according to Embodiment 1. Embodiment 10 In an insulated container, The base, A side wall structure having a front side wall, a rear side wall opposite the front side wall, and two side walls between the front side wall and the rear side wall, A bottom portion connected to the first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, which is made to support the heat insulating container on its surface, An opening formed at the second end of each side wall of the side wall structure, opposite to the first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the opening is made to allow access to the internal space of the insulated container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, and a gasket is formed to provide a watertight seal when the lid is closed and fixed in place, At least one latching device designed to secure the lid when the lid is in the closed position, A base equipped with; A lid attached to the base by a hinge; A wheel assembly positioned adjacent to the rear side wall, the wheel assembly comprising a pair of wheels on opposite sides of the rear side wall, each wheel mounted within the wheel housing by an axle fixed by an axle bracket, the axle assembly further comprising a wheel grommet positioned between the wheel housing and the axle bracket, the wheel grommet absorbing shock and providing a cushioning effect to the axle; and A pull handle assembly attached to the rear side wall adjacent to the bottom portion, the pull handle assembly having a retractable three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a retracted state, a second stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a partially extended state, and a third stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a fully extended state; Equipped with, An insulated container in which, when the pull handle assembly is in the fully extended position and the base is tilted, the mass of the insulated container is transferred to the wheels so that the user can pull and roll the insulated container. Embodiment 11 The insulated container according to Embodiment 10, wherein the outer surfaces of each wheel extend beyond the pull handle assembly toward the rear side wall, providing tip protection to the insulated container. Embodiment 12 The insulated container according to Embodiment 10, wherein each wheel is lifted off the ground when the bottom portion and the base portion are placed flat on the ground. Embodiment 13 The insulated container according to Embodiment 10, wherein the pull handle assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being nested and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being nested and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescopic three-stage arm configuration. Embodiment 14 The insulated container according to Embodiment 13, wherein the pull handle assembly has an extended arm overlap distance, defined as the overlap distance between the nested arms when the upper arm, the intermediate arm, and the lower arm are in a fully extended state, and the extended arm overlap distance is approximately 70 mm. Embodiment 15 The at least one latching device, The upper part of the latch, which is pivotally attached to the lid, The lower part of the latch is pivotably attached to the upper part of the latch. It further includes, The lower part of the latch further includes an engaging tab designed to engage with a fastener, The lower part of the latch is formed from a first material, and the upper part of the latch is formed from a second material, wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material. The fastener is positioned on the front of the bottom portion of the insulated container according to Embodiment 10. Embodiment 16 In an insulated container, The base, A side wall structure having a front side wall, a rear side wall opposite the front side wall, and two side walls between the front side wall and the rear side wall, A bottom portion connected to the first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, which is made to support the heat insulating container on its surface, An opening formed at the second end of each side wall of the side wall structure, opposite to the first end of each side wall of the side wall structure, the opening is made to allow access to the internal space of the insulated container formed by the side wall structure and the bottom portion, and a gasket is formed to provide a watertight seal when the lid is closed and fixed in place, At least one latching device designed to secure the lid when the lid is in the closed position, A base equipped with; A lid attached to the base by a hinge; A drain plug assembly located on the rear side wall adjacent to the bottom portion of the base, the drain plug assembly includes a main pipe that engages in cooperation with an outer pipe extending through the rear side wall, the main pipe having one or more ratchet keys on a male threaded connector, the outer pipe having a female threaded connector that engages with the male threaded connector of the main pipe and a plurality of ratchet teeth that engage with the one or more ratchets on the main pipe, the drain plug assembly wherein the ratchet keys of the main pipe engage with the ratchet teeth on the outer pipe when the main pipe is screwed into the outer pipe; and A pull handle assembly attached to the rear side wall adjacent to the bottom portion, the pull handle assembly having a retractable three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a retracted state, a second stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a partially extended state, and a third stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a fully extended state; An insulated container equipped with [a specific feature]. Embodiment 17 The insulated container according to Embodiment 16, wherein the pull handle assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being nested and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being nested and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescopic three-stage arm configuration. Embodiment 18 The heat insulating container according to embodiment 16, wherein the outer tube further includes a gasket positioned on the rim of the main tube between the main tube and the rear side wall of the base. Embodiment 19 The thermal insulation container according to Embodiment 16, wherein the ratchet teeth are uniform and asymmetrical, and each tooth has a gentle slope at one edge and a much steeper slope at the other edge. Embodiment 20 The at least one latching device, The upper part of the latch, which is pivotally attached to the lid, The lower part of the latch is pivotably attached to the upper part of the latch. It further includes, The lower part of the latch further includes an engaging tab designed to engage with a fastener, The lower part of the latch is formed from a first material, and the upper part of the latch is formed from a second material, wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material. The fastener is positioned on the front of the bottom portion of the insulated container according to Embodiment 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, 800 insulated containers 102, 202, 402, 602, 702, 802 Foundation part, base 104, 204, 604, 704, 804 lid 106, 206, 606, 706 First end 107, 207 Carrying handle or strap 108, 208, 608, 708 base 109, 209 Handle swivel shaft 110, 610, 710 Second end 112, 612 aperture 113 Fasteners 114 Side part 116, 616 hinges 117 Outer shell 120, 220, 620, 720 latching devices 123 Latch top 124 Bottom of latch 125 Engagement Tab 126 Finger rest 130 Foam Plugs 132 Included clip 140, 240, 836 fasteners 141 Latch Slots 142 Fastener groove 150, 650, 686, 786 gaskets 191, 291, 691, 792 Front lifting ledge 192, 292, 692, 792 Corner lifting ledges 194 Pin Pocket 205 Magnets 210, 410 Pressure Regulator 212, 713 Multiple legs 216 Bottom pocket 300 Base of the top of the latch 302 First Arm 304 Second Arm 404 Bent Stem 406 Vent Gasket 408 Umbrella valve gasket 411 Umbrella valve vent 412 Interior space 414 Rear part 500 Umbrella Valves 502 aisle 504 Duckbill valve 506 Diaphragm 508 Elastic Lip 613 Lateral legs 614A, 714A front side part 614B, 714B rear side part 614C, 714C side part 660, 760 Pull handle assembly 662, 762 Pull handles 664A Upper arm 664B Intermediate Arm 664C, 764C Lower Arm 665A, 665B Locking Mechanism 666A, 766A First bracket, upper bracket 666B Second bracket, intermediate bracket 666C, 766B Third bracket, lower bracket 668, 768 Release button 669 Handle Bumper 670, 770 Rear Wheel Assembly 671, 771 tires 672, 772 wheels 673, 773 Wheel recess 674, 774 axles 676, 776 Wheel Grommets 678, 778 Wheel Bracket 679, 779 fasteners 680, 780 Drain plug assembly 681, 781 Main tube rim 682, 782 Main pipe 683, 783 Ratchet Key 684, 784 Male screw connector 694, 794 outer tube 697, 797 ratchet teeth 690, 790 Side pocket handle 778 Anti-rotation mounting bracket 830 Square Bracket Kit 832 Container Bracket 833 lock holes 834 Lid Bracket 840 Accessories, basket 842 Lip 844 Container partition panel 900 Welding Process 910 First component 920 Second component 930 Electromagnetic Susceptor Materials 932 High-frequency energy source

Claims

1. A base, A lid attached to the base by a hinge, and Pull handle assembly, An insulated container equipped with, The aforementioned base is, A side portion having a front side portion, a rear side portion opposite to the front side portion, and two lateral side portions between the front side portion and the rear side portion, A bottom portion connected to the first end of each side wall of the aforementioned side portion, which is made to support the heat insulating container on its surface, An opening formed at the second end of each side wall of the side portion, opposite to the first end of each side wall of the side portion, the opening is made to allow access to the internal space of the insulated container formed by the side portion and the bottom portion, and a gasket is formed to provide a seal when the lid is closed and fixed in place, At least one latching device designed to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position, the at least one latching device is The upper part of the latch is pivotally attached to the lid, and The upper part is the lower part of the latch, which is pivotally attached to the bottom part of the upper part of the latch. It further includes, The lower part of the latch further includes an engaging tab designed to engage with a fastener, The fastener comprises at least one latching device formed at the base of the front of the heat-insulating container when the lid is in the closed position, Equipped with, An insulated container wherein the handle assembly is attached to the rear side portion and has a telescopic three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the handle assembly is in a retracted state, a second stage in which the handle assembly is in a partially extended state, and a third stage in which the handle assembly is in a fully extended state, the handle assembly comprising an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being nested and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being nested and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescopic three-stage arm configuration, the handle assembly comprising a handle having two handle arms, the handle having one or more handle bumpers positioned on each of the handle arms, the handle having a raised portion extending around the handle.

2. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the handle assembly is attached to the rear side portion by one or more brackets, and the one or more brackets are U-shaped brackets that fit snugly to the outside of the lower arm relative to the rear side portion.

3. The heat insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the lid includes a step portion positioned adjacent to the rear side portion, and the step portion includes a portion recessed from the upper surface of the lid.

4. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the handle assembly further includes one or more locking mechanisms for locking the handle assembly in the retracted state and the fully extended state, the upper locking mechanism being located between the upper arm and the intermediate arm, and the lower locking mechanism being located between the intermediate arm and the lower arm.

5. The insulated container according to claim 4, wherein the pull handle assembly further includes a release button positioned on the pull handle, the release button being connected to and operating one or more locking mechanisms to lock or unlock the pull handle assembly between the retracted state and the fully extended state.

6. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the pull handle assembly has an extended arm overlap distance defined as the overlap distance between the intermediate arm and the nested upper arm and the overlap distance between the lower arm and the nested intermediate arm when the upper arm, the intermediate arm and the lower arm are in a fully extended state, and each of the extended arm overlap distances is approximately 70 mm.

7. A container bracket attached to the base, a lid bracket attached to the lid, and a corner lock bracket including a lock, Furthermore, The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the container bracket includes a first locking hole, and the lid bracket includes a second locking hole, and when the lid is in a closed and fixed position, the first and second locking holes coincide with each other, thereby allowing the lock to be inserted into the first and second locking holes.

8. A base, A lid attached to the base by a hinge, Wheel assembly, and Pull handle assembly, An insulated container equipped with, The aforementioned base is, A side portion having a front side portion, a rear side portion opposite to the front side portion, and two lateral side portions between the front side portion and the rear side portion, A bottom portion connected to the first end of each side wall of the aforementioned side portion, which is made to support the heat insulating container on its surface, An opening formed at the second end of each side wall of the side portion, opposite to the first end of each side wall of the side portion, the opening is made to allow access to the internal space of the insulated container formed by the side portion and the bottom portion, and a gasket is formed to provide a seal when the lid is closed and fixed in place, At least one latching device designed to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position, the at least one latching device is The upper part of the latch is pivotally attached to the lid, and The upper part is the lower part of the latch, which is pivotally attached to the bottom part of the upper part of the latch. It further includes, The lower part of the latch further includes an engaging tab designed to engage with a fastener, The fastener comprises at least one latching device formed at the base of the front of the heat-insulating container when the lid is in the closed position, Equipped with, The wheel assembly is positioned adjacent to the rear side portion, and the wheel assembly comprises a pair of wheels on opposite sides of the rear side portion, each wheel mounted within the wheel housing by an axle fixed by an axle bracket, and the axle assembly further comprises a wheel grommet positioned between the wheel housing and the axle bracket, the wheel grommet absorbs shock and provides a cushioning effect to the axle, The pull handle assembly is attached to the rear side portion adjacent to the bottom portion, and the pull handle assembly has a retractable three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a retracted state, a second stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a partially extended state, and a third stage in which the pull handle assembly is in a fully extended state, and the pull handle assembly includes a pull handle having two pull handle arms, the pull handle having one or more pull handle bumpers positioned on each of the pull handle arms, including a raised portion extending around the pull handle, An insulated container in which, when the pull handle assembly is in the fully extended position and the base is tilted, the mass of the insulated container is transferred to the wheels so that the user can pull and roll the insulated container.

9. The insulated container according to claim 8, wherein the outer surface of each wheel extends beyond the pull handle assembly toward the rear side portion, providing tip protection to the insulated container.

10. The insulated container according to claim 8, wherein each wheel is lifted off the ground when the bottom portion and the base portion are placed flat on the ground.

11. The insulated container according to claim 8, wherein the pull handle assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being nested and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being nested and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescopic three-stage arm configuration.

12. The insulated container according to claim 11, wherein the pull handle assembly has extended arm overlap distances defined as the overlap distance between the intermediate arm and the nested upper arm and the overlap distance between the lower arm and the nested intermediate arm when the upper arm, the intermediate arm and the lower arm are in a fully extended state, and each of the extended arm overlap distances is approximately 70 mm.

13. A base, A lid attached to the base by a hinge, Drain plug assembly, and Pull handle assembly, An insulated container equipped with, The aforementioned base is, A side portion having a front side portion, a rear side portion opposite to the front side portion, and two lateral side portions between the front side portion and the rear side portion, A bottom portion connected to the first end of each side wall of the aforementioned side portion, which is made to support the heat insulating container on its surface, An opening formed at the second end of each side wall of the side portion, opposite to the first end of each side wall of the side portion, the opening is made to allow access to the internal space of the insulated container formed by the side portion and the bottom portion, and a gasket is formed to provide a seal when the lid is closed and fixed in place, At least one latching device designed to secure the lid when the lid is in a closed position, the at least one latching device is The upper part of the latch is pivotally attached to the lid, and The upper part is the lower part of the latch, which is pivotally attached to the bottom part of the upper part of the latch. It further includes, The lower part of the latch further includes an engaging tab designed to engage with a fastener, The fastener comprises at least one latching device formed at the base of the front of the heat-insulating container when the lid is in the closed position, Equipped with, The drain plug assembly is located on the rear side portion adjacent to the bottom portion of the base, and the drain plug assembly includes a main pipe that engages in cooperation with an outer pipe extending through the rear side portion, the main pipe having one or more ratchet keys on a male threaded connector, the outer pipe having a female threaded connector that engages with the male threaded connector of the main pipe and a plurality of ratchet teeth that engage with the one or more ratchets on the main pipe, and when the main pipe is screwed into the outer pipe, the ratchet keys of the main pipe engage with the ratchet teeth on the outer pipe, An insulated container wherein the handle assembly is attached to the rear side portion adjacent to the bottom portion, and the handle assembly has a telescopic three-stage arm configuration defined by a first stage in which the handle assembly is in a retracted state, a second stage in which the handle assembly is in a partially extended state, and a third stage in which the handle assembly is in a fully extended state, and the handle assembly includes a handle having two handle arms, the handle having one or more handle bumpers positioned on each of the handle arms, the handle having a raised portion extending around the handle.

14. The insulated container according to claim 13, wherein the pull handle assembly includes an upper arm, an intermediate arm, and a lower arm, the upper arm being nested and slidable within the intermediate arm, and the intermediate arm being nested and slidable within the lower arm, thereby creating the telescopic three-stage arm configuration.

15. The heat insulating container according to claim 13, wherein the outer tube further includes a gasket positioned on the rim of the main tube between the main tube and the rear side portion of the base.

16. The heat insulating container according to claim 13, wherein the ratchet teeth are uniform and asymmetrical, and each tooth has a gentle slope at one edge and a much steeper slope at the other edge.

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