Collapsible cooler

Abstract

The invention described includes several instances of a collapsible, hard-shelled cooler. The collapsible cooler may be provided in the form of a body including a base, sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly may be coupled to the body via a hinge mechanism or a latch mechanism. The collapsible cooler may be actuated between a use configuration (i.e., a non-collapsed configuration) and a collapsed configuration via various folding or collapsing processes. The folding or collapsing processes involve moving, rotating, or folding the sidewalls until the sidewalls are positioned between the lid assembly and the base. Advantageously, when the cooler is in the collapsed configuration, an overall volume and a height of the cooler may be reduced.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE COOLERCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 619,909, filed on January 11, 2024, entitled “COLLAPSIBLE COOLER,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to portable storage containers and more specifically to portable, collapsible coolers.Background of Invention

[0003] Consumers often transport cold food and beverages in portable coolers when traveling away from their homes. The coolers help the consumers to regulate the temperature of the cold food and beverage items, particularly when ice is added to the coolers. Thus, the coolers allow the consumers to enjoy cold food and beverages while “on the go.” Additionally, when used properly, some portable coolers may help prevent food spoilage when the food items stored within will not be consumed right away.

[0004] However, typical coolers present many issues for consumers. Many portable coolers have a hard shell, which imparts the coolers with a defined size and shape. Such coolers can be difficult to store and transport, especially when the coolers have a large footprint and volume. Furthermore, many hard-shell coolers take up a significant amount of space on retailers’ display shelves, which often discourages retailers from keeping more than a handful of coolers on hand, thus limiting their inventory.

[0005] Typical soft-shelled coolers can solve some of the issues presented by hardshell coolers. For example, the volume of soft-shelled coolers can be reduced when they are not being used. However, this ability comes with a significant tradeoff, as soft-shelled coolers may only provide a minimal amount of protection to the items stored within. In addition, soft- shelled coolers typically do not insulate their interiors as well as hard-shelled coolers, negating some of the benefits of storing beverage and food items within the coolers.Summary of Invention

[0006] The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art devices discussed above. The invention described herein includes several instancesof a collapsible, hard-shelled cooler. The collapsible cooler may be provided in the form of a body including a base, panels or sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, and a lid assembly. One or more of the base, the sidewalls, and lid assembly may be composed of a hard, durable material (e.g., high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, etc.), providing the collapsible cooler with a “hard shell.” Each of the sidewalls may be coupled to the body of the collapsible cooler via one or more hinge mechanisms designed to help facilitate the movement of the sidewalls into and out of an interior of the cooler. In addition, the lid assembly may be coupled to the body via a hinge mechanism or a latch mechanism. In some instances, the lid assembly can be selectively decoupled from the body.

[0007] The collapsible cooler may be actuated or transitioned between a use configuration (i.e., a non-collapsed configuration) and a collapsed configuration via various folding or collapsing processes. Generally, the folding or collapsing processes involve moving, rotating, or folding the sidewalls until they are positioned between the lid assembly and the base. In some instances, when the collapsible cooler is in the collapsed configuration, an overall volume, height, width, and / or length of the collapsible cooler may be reduced.

[0008] When the lid assembly is selectively couplable to the body, the collapsible cooler may be actuated between the use configuration and the collapsed configuration using a first folding process. First, the lid assembly may be removed from the body of the collapsible cooler. Then the front and back sidewalls of the collapsible cooler may be folded into an interior of the cooler, followed by the remaining sidewalls. After each of the sidewalls has been folded into the interior and onto the base, the lid assembly may be recoupled to the body, thereby placing the collapsible cooler into the collapsed configuration.

[0009] Alternatively, such as when the lid assembly is attached to the body of the collapsible cooler via a hinge mechanism, the collapsible cooler may be moved between the use configuration and the collapsed configuration using other folding processes. In a second folding process, a front sidewall of the collapsible cooler may be rotated into the cooler and towards the lid assembly. Then, a rope (or other elongated, flexible member) that is attached to the other sidewalls may be pulled toward the user. As the rope is pulled, the back sidewall may be rotated into the cooler and towards the lid assembly. As the user continues to pull the rope, the other sidewalls may also be pulled into the cooler and rotate towards the lid assembly. Once each of the sidewalls is pulled into the cooler, the force of gravity may pull the lid assembly downwards and towards the base until the cooler reaches the collapsed configuration.

[0010] In a third folding process, the front sidewall and the back sidewall may be provided with a hinge mechanism positioned at, or proximate to, the center portion of thesidewalls. The hinge mechanism may separate each of the front and back sidewalls into a top section and a bottom section. To collapse the cooler, the other sidewalls (e.g., first and second side panels) may first be rotated into an interior of the cooler and latched or otherwise coupled to the lid assembly. Then, the front and back sidewalls may be pushed inwards such that their top sections rotate into the interior and towards the lid assembly. At the same time, the bottom sections of the front and back sidewalls may rotate into the interior and towards the base. Once each of the sidewalls are positioned between the lid assembly and the base, the cooler may be in the collapsed configuration.

[0011] In yet other instances, the collapsible cooler may be actuated from the use configuration and into the collapsed configuration via a fourth folding process that utilizes several elements from the second and third folding processes. Like the third folding process, the front and back sidewalls of the collapsible cooler may include a hinge mechanism that separates each of the front and back sidewalls into a top section and a bottom section. Similar to the second folding process, the collapsible cooler may include a rope or other elongated, flexible member attached to the other sidewalls, which may be pulled toward the user. After the user has pulled the rope upwardly (and thus folded the sidewalls into the interior of the cooler), the user may pull the lid of the cooler in a forward direction, thereby actuating the hinge mechanisms of the front and back sidewalls of the cooler and allowing the cooler to complete the collapsing process via the action of gravity.

[0012] In certain instances, the interior of the collapsible cooler may be provided with a foldable liner. The foldable liner may be selectively removable from the interior of the collapsible cooler and may be designed to fold into a defined shape under its own weight. Thus, the foldable liner may be removed from the collapsible cooler and placed into a folded configuration separately from the collapsible cooler. Alternatively, or in addition, if the foldable liner remains in the interior of the collapsible cooler as the collapsible cooler transitions to the collapsed configuration, the foldable liner may collapse (i.e., reduce in volume) as the collapsible cooler collapses.

[0013] These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.Brief Description of Drawings

[0014] Fig. 1 is a front isometric view of a collapsible cooler constructed according to the teachings herein;

[0015] Fig. 2 is another front isometric view of the collapsible cooler of Fig. 1, a lid of the collapsible cooler in an open position;

[0016] Fig. 3 A is a front isometric view of a liner of the collapsible cooler of Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 3B is a top isometric view of an alternative liner for the collapsible cooler ofFig. 1;

[0018] Fig. 3C is a top isometric view of the alternative liner of FIG. 3B in a folded configuration;

[0019] Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the cooler ofFig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 5 is a right-side isometric view of the cooler ofFig. 1 with a lid removed;

[0021] Fig. 6 is a right-side isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 1 with a lid removed and in a partially collapsed configuration;

[0022] Fig. 7 is a right-side isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 1 with a lid removed and in a collapsed configuration;

[0023] Fig. 8 is a front isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 1 in a collapsed configuration, the cooler including a lid positioned thereon;

[0024] Fig. 9 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of a collapsible cooler;

[0025] Fig. 10 is a front isometric view of a first partially collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 9;

[0026] Fig. 11 is a front isometric view of a second partially collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 9;

[0027] Fig. 12 is a front isometric view of a third partially collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 9 with portions removed for clarity;

[0028] Fig. 13 is a front isometric view of a collapsed configuration of the cooler of Fig. 9;

[0029] Fig. 14 is another front isometric view of a collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 9 with the lid in the open position;

[0030] Fig. 15 is a front isometric view of yet another embodiment of a collapsible cooler;

[0031] Fig. 16 is a right-side isometric view of a first partially collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 15;

[0032] Fig. 17 is a right-side isometric view of a second partially collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 15;

[0033] Fig. 18 is a right-side isometric view of a third partially collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 15;

[0034] Fig. 19 is a right-side isometric view of a collapsed configuration of the cooler ofFig. 15;

[0035] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the cooler ofFig. 16 taken along the line 20- 20 ofFig. 19;

[0036] Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of Fig. 19, illustrating an attachment mechanism used to couple a lid assembly of the cooler ofFig. 15 to a liner;

[0037] Fig. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22 of Fig. 17, further illustrating the position of latch handles provided on side panels of the cooler when the cooler is in a partially collapsed configuration;

[0038] Fig. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of a channel provided in a base of the cooler of Fig. 15, the channel configured to receive a bottom portion of a side panel of the cooler;

[0039] Fig. 24 is a front isometric view of yet another embodiment of a collapsible cooler;

[0040] Fig. 25 A is a front isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 24 with a side panel, a front panel, and a lid removed for clarity;

[0041] Fig. 25B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 25B-25B of Fig. 25 A, illustrating a latch assembly of the collapsible cooler ofFig. 24;

[0042] Fig. 26 is a top isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 24 in a use configuration with the lid in the open position;

[0043] Fig. 27 is a top isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 24 in a partially collapsed configuration;

[0044] Fig. 28 is a top isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 24 in a collapsed configuration with a lid of the cooler in an open position;

[0045] Fig. 29 is a top isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 24 in a collapsed configuration with the lid in the closed position; and

[0046] Fig. 30 is a top isometric view of the cooler of Fig. 24 in which the cooler is being actuated from a collapsed configuration to a use configuration.

[0047] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.Detailed Description

[0048] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

[0049] Generally, the invention is provided as a portable cooler with a hard-shelled body that can be collapsed from a use configuration and into a collapsed configuration (e.g., a storage configuration). The cooler may occupy a first volume when arranged in the use configuration and a second volume when arranged in the collapsed configuration. Advantageously, the second volume is less than the first volume. Thus, when the cooler is in the collapsed configuration, it may be easier for users to store the cooler, as the cooler occupies less space in a storage area. The cooler may be equipped with various folding mechanisms, as described herein, that facilitate the collapse of sidewalls of the cooler into an interior volume of the cooler as the cooler is moved from the use configuration and into the storage configuration. While the invention is described with reference to a cooler herein, other instances of the invention may include other hard-shelled, insulated storage devices including backpacks, baskets, crates, shipping containers, totes, and suitcases.

[0050] Turning to Fig. 1, a cooler 10 is provided in the form of a body 15 including a base 20, side panels 22 positioned on opposite ends of the base 20, a front panel 25 positioned opposite a back panel 27, and a lid 30. Each of the panels 22, 25, 27 may extend substantially perpendicularly and upwardly from an outer edge 32 of the base 20. The body 15 may be composed of hard, durable materials including various plastics and metals. For example, the body 15 may be composed of materials selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, fiberglass, stainless steel, galvanized steel, powder-coated steel, aluminum, and combinations thereof. When the cooler 10 is in the use configuration, as illustrated, the cooler 10 may be substantially rigid and retain its shape when positioned upon a surface or when being carried. Further, while the body 15 is shown as a substantially hollow rectangular prism with rounded edges, other shapes for the body 15 including, for example, a rectangular prism without rounded edges, a cubic shape, and a substantially cylindrical shape are foreseeable.

[0051] Optionally, the cooler 10 may also be provided with handles 35, only two of which are visible in Fig. 1. Typically, the handles 35 are provided on the side panels 22 and the lid 30, although the handles 35 may be provided elsewhere on the cooler 10. The handles 35 may be provided as recesses in the side panels 22 and the lid 30. In some instances, the handles 35 may include gripping portions 40. The gripping portions 40 may provide the user a convenient location to grip or hold the cooler 10. In other instances, the handles 35 may further include lips (not illustrated) protruding outwardly and away from the side panels 22 and / or the lid 30 that are designed to aid the user when grasping the handles 35. In yet other instances, the handles 35 may be substantially U-shaped belts or elongated, flexible members coupled to the side panels 22 and / or the lid 30. Alternatively, the handles 35 may be provided as substantially U-shaped, rigid members coupled to the cooler 10. The handles 35 provided on the side panels 22 may help make the cooler 10 easier to transport from place to place, while the handle 35 provided on the lid may help make the lid 30 easier to open and close.

[0052] Turning to Fig. 2, the cooler 10 is illustrated in the open configuration, as compared to the closed configuration of Fig. 1. To open the cooler 10, the user may grasp the handle 35 positioned on the lid 30 and move the lid 30 away from the panels 22, 25, 27. In some instances, the lid may be hingedly attached to the body 15 such that the lid 30 can be rotated upwardly and away from the body 15 about a hinge axis 70. In other instances, however, the lid 30 may be attached to the body 15 via a latch mechanism, a friction fit, or other similar means. When the lid 30 is in the open position, an interior 75 of the cooler 10 may be accessible via an aperture 80 defined by the panels 22, 25, 27. As such, items can be inserted into and removed from the interior 75 via the aperture 80 when the cooler 10 is in the open configuration.

[0053] To place the lid 30 into the closed position, thereby closing the cooler 10, the lid 30 may be positioned such that a bottom surface of the lid 30 is flush with the panels 22, 25, 27. For example, the lid 30 may be rotated about the hinge axis 70 and towards the body 15 of the cooler 10 until the lid 30 is substantially aligned (e.g., flush) with a surface 82 of the body 15. To help isolate the interior 75 from an outside environment when the cooler 10 is in the closed configuration, the lid 30 may be substantially the same size as, or slightly larger than, the base 20 and / or the aperture 80.

[0054] In some instances, regardless of whether the lid 30 is coupled to the body 15 via a hinge mechanism, a latch mechanism, a friction fit, or in other ways, the lid 30 may be selectively decouplable from the body 15. In such instances, to place the cooler 10 in the open configuration, the user may detach the lid 30 from the body 15.

[0055] The shape of the interior 75 may substantially mirror the shape of the body 15. As such, when the body 15 is provided as a rectangular prism with rounded edges, the interior 75 may be provided as a rectangular prism, either with or without the rounded edges. When the cooler 10 is in the use configuration, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the interior 75 of the cooler 10 may be imparted with a first volume Vi. In addition, the body 15 of the cooler 10 may be provided in various sizes wherein the first volume Vi of the interior 75 is imparted with various values. For example, the first volume Vi of the interior 75 may be as small as about 45 quarts (about 42.5 liters) or as large as about 100 quarts (94.5 liters), although it is understood that the cooler 10 may also be imparted with a smaller or a larger volume. As an additional example, the interior 75 may be imparted with a first volume Vi of at least about 28 quarts (about 26.5 liters), or at least about 45 quarts (42.5 liters), or at least about 55 quarts (about 52 liters), or at least about 70 quarts (about 66 liters), or at least about 100 quarts (about 94.5 liters). As yet another example, the interior 75 may be imparted with a first volume Vi of at least 28 quarts (26.5 liters), or at least 45 quarts (42.5 liters), or at least 55 quarts (52 liters), or at least 70 quarts (66 liters), or at least 100 quarts (94.5 liters). In some instances, the first volume Vi may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0056] The body 15 of the cooler 10 may be imparted with a second volume V2 when in the use configuration. Generally, the second volume V2 may be defined by the three- dimensional space occupied by the cooler 10 in the use configuration. Thus, the second volume V2 may be dependent upon the shape of the body 15 and / or the arrangement of the base 20, the panels 22, 25, 27, and the lid 30 when the lid 30 is in the closed position. The second volume V2 may be slightly or somewhat larger than the first volume Vi of the interior 75. Advantageously, as further described herein, the cooler 10 may be moved into a collapsed configuration in which the size of the cooler 10 (i.e., the overall volume and a height of the cooler 10) is reduced.

[0057] In various instances, the cooler 10 may include a liner 85. When the cooler 10 is in the use configuration, the liner 85 may be positioned within the interior 75 of the cooler 10. The liner 85 may be provided as a flexible, durable material that helps further insulate the cooler 10 and / or helps prevent water from leaking out of the cooler 10. The liner 85 may be composed of a soft durometer silicone rubber, TPE (a thermoplastic elastomer), or HDPE (a high-density polyethylene), although other materials are also contemplated. In some instances, the liner is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of soft durometer silicone rubber, TPE, HDPE, and combinations thereof.

[0058] As illustrated in Fig. 3A, when the liner 85 is in an unfolded configuration, a body 90 of the liner 85 may substantially mirror the shape of the body 15 and the interior 75 of the cooler 10 (see Fig. 2). Thus, the body 90 of the liner 85 may be provided in the form of a rectangular prism with or without rounded edges, although other shapes for the body 90 are foreseeable. The liner 85 may be imparted with a volume that is somewhat smaller than or about the same as the first volume Vi of the interior 75. Further, like the interior 75, the liner 85 may be provided with an opening 95 that allows for items to be placed into and removed from an interior 100 of the body 90 of the liner.

[0059] Generally, the liner 85 may be designed to be “reversibly” foldable or collapsible. Thus, the liner 85 may be folded or collapsed at a first time period and then returned to an unfolded or non-collapsed configuration at a second time period. Advantageously, at the second time period, the liner 85 may be returned to substantially the same shape as the liner 85 had before being folded or collapsed. In addition, the liner 85 may be repeatedly folded and unfolded while retaining its shape.

[0060] Unlike the body 15 or the interior 75 of the cooler 10, the body 90 of the liner 85 may be provided in the form of an “accordion fold.” As such, the body 90 may include alternating segments 102 arranged in a repeating zig-zag pattern, in which a first segment 102a extends towards the interior 100, a second segment 102b extends away from the interior 100, a third segment 102c extends towards the interior 100, and so on. Providing the body 90 in the accordion fold shape may help facilitate the collapse of the liner 85 into a smaller form as the cooler 10 is actuated from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration. While the liner 85 is described as being provided in the form of an accordion fold, the liner 85 may take on a nearly limitless number of known and reasonably foreseeable alternative shapes and constructions. For example, sides of the body 90 may be substantially smooth.

[0061] In some instances, the liner 85 may not be selectively removable from the interior 75. In such instances, the liner 85 may be affixed to or integrally formed with the cooler 10. In other instances, the liner 85 may be selectively coupled to the interior 75 via a latch mechanism, a snap mechanism, a friction fit, and / or via other methods, or the liner 85 may simply be placed into the interior 75 of the cooler 10 without being coupled to the cooler 10. In instances in which the liner 85 is selectively coupled to the cooler 10 or simply placed into the cooler 10, the liner 85 may be removed from the interior 75 of the cooler 10 as desired by the user. When the liner 85 is removed from the cooler 10, the interior 75 and / or the liner 85 can be more easily cleaned. Further, removal of the liner 85 may help facilitate the process by which the cooler 10 is actuated into the collapsed configuration, as further explained herein.

[0062] In certain instances, the liner 85 may transition from the unfolded configuration to a folded configuration as the panels 22, 25, 27 of the cooler 10 are moved into the interior 75 of the cooler 10. In other instances, the liner 85 may be removed from the cooler 10 and be arranged into the folded configuration via the action of gravity and / or the application of a downwardly-directed force applied to the liner 85 by the user. In addition, the liner 85 may be folded using methods other than those specifically described herein.

[0063] Turning to Figs. 3B and 3C, an alternative liner 110 is provided. In certain instances, the alternative liner 110 may be used in the place of the liner 85 in the cooler 10 of Figs. 1 and 2. Like the liner 85, the alternative liner 110 may be arranged in a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. In addition, similar to the liner 85, the alternative liner 110 may be imparted with a smaller volume in the folded configuration than in the unfolded configuration. Furthermore, like the liner 85, the alternative liner 110 may be designed to be “reversibly” foldable or collapsible. Unlike the liner 85, however, the alternative liner 110 may not include sidewalls having segments arranged into a repeating zig-zag pattern (e.g., in an “accordion fold”).

[0064] More particularly, as shown in FIG. 3B, the alternative liner 110 may be provided in the form of a substantially rectangular base portion 112, side panels 114, and front and rear panels 116. The alternative liner 110 may be composed of various materials including, by way of example, a soft durometer silicone rubber, TPE, or HDPE. For example, the alternative liner 110 may be composed of materials selected from the group consisting of soft durometer silicone rubber, TPE, HDPE, and combinations thereof. The side panels 114 and the front and rear panels 116 may extend upwardly and away from the base portion 112 when the alternative liner 110 is arranged in the unfolded configuration.

[0065] The alternative liner 110 may be designed to collapse by virtue of its own weight when the alternative liner 110 is removed from the cooler 10. Thus, once removed from the cooler 10, the alternative liner 110 may move from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration without the user applying a force to the alternative liner 110. The alternative liner 110 may also be designed to remain in the unfolded configuration outside of the cooler 10 when the alternative liner 110 is “loaded” with objects such as beverages, food items, and ice. For example, if the alternative liner 110 is partially, substantially, or completely filled with items, the alternative liner 110 may retain the unfolded configuration even when removed from the cooler 10. As an additional example, when the alternative liner 110 is positioned outside of the cooler and at least partially filled by one or more objects, the alternative liner 110 may remainin the unfolded configuration. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the alternative liner 110 may remain in the unfolded configuration if the alternative liner 110 is gripped or held by the user.

[0066] The side panels 114 and the front and rear panels 116 may include reinforced areas, regions, sections, or segments that are designed to help facilitate the process by which the alternative liner 110 collapses into the folded configuration. For example, the side panels 114 may each include reinforced regions 118 and non-reinforced regions 120. Similarly, the front and rear panels 116 may each include reinforced segments 122 and non-reinforced segments 124. Generally, as the alternative liner 110 moves from the unfolded configuration and into the folded configuration, the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 may retain their shape while the non-reinforced regions 120 and the non-reinforced segments 124 may collapse in on themselves. In certain instances, the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 of the side panels 114 and the front and rear panels 116, respectively, may occupy about half of a surface area of the side panels 114 and the front and rear panels 116, although the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 may alternatively occupy a larger or smaller surface area of the side panels 114 and the front and rear panels 116. As compared to the non-reinforced regions 120 and the non-reinforced segments 124, the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 may comprise a heavier material, a thicker material, an additional material, and / or include an interior weight. In some instances, the base portion 112 is also provided as a reinforced region or segment of the alternative liner 110.

[0067] The reinforced regions 118 and the non-reinforced regions 120 of the side panels 114 may be substantially triangularly shaped, although the reinforced regions 118 and the non-reinforced regions 120 may also be provided as other shapes (e.g., squares, rectangles, ovals, etc.). The reinforced segments 122 and the non-reinforced segments 124 of the front and rear panels 116 may be substantially rectangularly shaped, although the reinforced segments 122 and the non-reinforced segments 124 may also be provided as alternative shapes (e.g., squares, triangles, ovals, etc.).

[0068] As the alternative liner 110 moves from the unfolded configuration (see Fig. 3B) to the folded configuration (see Fig. 3C), the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 may move inwardly and into an interior 128 of the alternative liner 110. As the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 move into the interior 128, the nonreinforced regions 120 and the non-reinforced segments 124 may begin collapsing and folding inwardly. Once the alternative liner 110 is arranged in the folded configuration, as shown in Fig. 3C, the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 may be positionedproximate or adjacent to each other. In addition, each of the reinforced regions 118 and the reinforced segments 122 may be arranged in a “stacked” configuration. It is to be appreciated that the alternative liner 110 may also be positioned into the folded configuration in other manners than those described herein.

[0069] When the side panels 114 and the front and rear panels 116 are arranged in the folded configuration, a gap 129 may be formed between the side panels 114 and the front and rear panels 116. In some instances, a handle (not shown) may be provided in the gap 129. The handle may be designed to help a user pick up the alternative liner 110 when the alternative liner 110 is arranged in the folded configuration. In some instances, when the alternative liner 110 is arranged in the folded configuration, the alternative liner 110 may be placed within the cooler 10.

[0070] Turning to Fig. 4, a linear distance between a bottom surface 125 of the base 20 and a top surface 130 of the lid 30 may define a height of the cooler 10. The cooler 10 may be imparted with a first height Hi when the cooler 10 is in the use configuration. In some instances, the first height Hi may be imparted with a value of at least about 20 cm to no more than about 80 cm, although the first height Hi of the cooler 10 may be somewhat smaller or even greater than these values. For example, the first height Hi may be at least about 30 cm, or at least about 34 cm, or at least about 38 cm, or at least about 45 cm, or at least about 52 cm, or at least about 59 cm, or at least about 70 cm, or at least about 80 cm. As an additional example, the first height Hi may be at least 30 cm, or at least 34 cm, or at least 38 cm, or at least 45 cm, or at least 52 cm, or at least 59 cm, or at least 70 cm, or at least 80 cm. In some instances, the first height Hi may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0071] Together, Figs. 5-8 illustrate an example process via which the cooler 10 can be actuated from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration. Advantageously, arranging the cooler 10 into the collapsed configuration may help reduce the overall volume and height of the cooler 10, which in turn may make storage of the cooler 10 easier for retailers and users.

[0072] Turning first to Fig. 5, to begin collapsing the cooler 10, the lid 30 (not illustrated) may be removed from the body 15. In some cases, the liner 85 may also be removed from the cooler 10 and folded for storage separately, although the liner 85 may also remain in the interior 75 as the cooler 10 is being collapsed.

[0073] The panels 22, 25, 27 of the cooler 10 may be hinged at or near the base 20 such that the panels 22, 25, 27 can be rotated into the interior 75 and towards the base 20 as thecooler is being collapsed. After the lid 30 has been removed from the body 15, the front and back panels 25, 27 of the cooler 10 may be rotated towards the base 20 until both of the panels 25, 27 are substantially flush with the base 20. Alternatively, the front and back panels 25, 27 may be rotated until one of the panels 25, 27 is adjacent to and substantially flush with the base 20 and the other panel (i.e., either the front panel 25 or the back panel 27) rests upon the panel 25, 27 that is flush with the base. For example, as provided in Fig. 6, the front panel 25 is substantially flush with the base 20 and the back panel 27 is positioned upon the front panel 25. The front panel 25 and the back panel 27 may be rotated separately from one another, or the panels may be rotated towards the base 20 at the same time.

[0074] After each of the front and back panels 25, 27 have been rotated towards the base 20, the side panels 22 of the body 15 may also be rotated into the interior 75 of the cooler 10 and towards the base 20, as shown in Fig. 7. Each of the side panels 22 may be rotated towards the base 20 at the same time, or the side panels 22 may be rotated separately. The rotation of the side panels 22 may continue until the side panels 22 abut one or both of the front and back panels 25, 27. When the side panels 22 are positioned upon or proximate to the front and back panels 25, 27, a gap 135 may be provided between ends 140 of the side panels 22. In other instances, the ends 140 of the side panels 22 may abut one another when the cooler 10 is in the collapsed configuration.

[0075] After all of the panels 22, 25, 27 have been rotated towards the base 20, the lid 30 can be repositioned on or recoupled to the body 15 of the cooler 10, as illustrated in Fig. 8. After the lid 30 is recoupled to the body 15, the collapsing process may be complete and the cooler 10 may be in the collapsed configuration. Optionally, if the liner 85 (see, e.g., Fig. 3 A) was removed from the interior 75 during the collapsing process, the liner 85 may be arranged into the folded configuration and placed above the side panels 22 before the lid 30 is recoupled to the body 15.

[0076] When the cooler 10 is in the collapsed configuration, an outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 10 may be defined by at least one of the base 20 and the lid 30. The outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 10 may be determined by viewing the cooler 10 from a top view and / or a bottom view, i.e., by determining an area or an outline occupied by the cooler 10 on a flat plane when viewed from above or below. When the cooler 10 is in the collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 8, the panels 22, 25, 27 may not extend outside of or beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 10 defined by the base 20 and / or the lid 30. In alternative instances, one or more of the panels 22, 25, 27 may extend beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 10.

[0077] In some instances, the process for collapsing the cooler 10 may include fewer steps or additional steps than those described herein. In addition, the steps for collapsing the cooler 10 may be carried out in alternative orders. For example, in some instances, one or both of the side panels 22 may be rotated towards the base 20 before the front and back panels 25, 27 are rotated towards the base 20. As an additional example, one of the side panels 22 may be rotated towards the base at the same time as either the front panel 25 or the back panel 27.

[0078] When the cooler 10 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 10 may be imparted with a second height H2. Similar to the first height Hi, the second height H2 may be defined as the linear distance between the top surface 130 of the lid 30 and the bottom surface 125 of the base 20 when the cooler 10 is in the collapsed configuration and the lid 30 is positioned upon the body 15. Advantageously, the second height H2 may be less than the first height Hi when the cooler 10 is in the use configuration (see, e.g., Fig. 4). In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 30% to no more than about 50% of the height Hi, although in some cases the second height H2 may be imparted with a somewhat larger or smaller value. For example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 55%, or no more than about 45%, or no more than about 40%, or no more than about 35%, or no more than about 30%, or no more than about 20% of the value of the first height Hi. As an additional example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 36 centimeters (cm), or no more than about 30 cm, or no more than about 25 cm, or no more than about 20 cm, or no more than about 15 cm, or no more than about 12 cm, although the second height H2 may also be imparted with a value that is somewhat less than or greater than the values recited herein.

[0079] In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 55%, or no more than 45%, or no more than 40%, or no more than 35%, or no more than 30%, or no more than 20% of the value of the first height Hi. In other instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 36 cm, or no more than 30 cm, or no more than 25 cm, or no more than 20 cm, or no more than 15 cm, or no more than 12 cm. In some instances, the second height H2 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0080] When the cooler 10 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 10 may be imparted with a third volume V3. Similar to the second volume V2, the third volume V3 may be dependent upon the shape of the body 15 and / or the arrangement of the base 20, the panels 22, 25, 27, and the lid 30 when the lid 30 is positioned on the body 15. The third volume V3 of the cooler 10 may be less than the second volume V2 of the cooler 10. The third volume V3may be imparted with a value that is at least 10% less to about 45% less than the second volume V2, although the third volume V3 may be less than or somewhat greater than these values. For example, the third volume V3 may be imparted with a value that is at least about 10% less, or at least about 20% less, or at least about 25% less, or at least about 30% less, or at least about 35% less, or at least about 40% less, or at least about 45% less than the second volume V2. As an additional example, the third volume V3 may be at least 10% less, or at least 20% less, or at least 25% less, or at least 30% less, or at least 35% less, or at least 40% less, or at least 45% less than the second volume V2. In some instances, the third volume V3 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0081] As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, to actuate the cooler 10 from the collapsed configuration to the use configuration, the steps of the above-described process for collapsing the cooler 10 may be reversed. Carrying out the reverse process to position the cooler 10 in the use configuration may require movement of the components of the cooler 10 in substantially the opposite direction and / or in opposite manners than those described with reference to the collapsing process. For example, when actuating the cooler 10 into the use configuration, instead of rotating the panels 22, 25, and 27 towards the base 20, the panels 22, 25, 27 may be rotated out of the interior 75 away from the base 20 until the panels 22, 25, 27 are substantially perpendicular with the base 20. As an additional example, if the liner 85 has been removed from the interior 75, the liner 85 may be reinserted into the interior 75 of the cooler 10 once the panels 22, 25, 27 are substantially perpendicular with the base 20. Other processes for placing the cooler 10 into the use configuration would also be appreciated by those having skill in the art.

[0082] Turning to Fig. 9, a cooler 200 is provided. Similarly named and / or numbered components of the cooler 200, as compared to the cooler 10, may have substantially the same structure and / or function as those previously described components of the cooler 10. Like the cooler 10, the cooler 200 may be provided in the form of a body 215 including a base 220, side panels 222 positioned on opposite ends of the base 220, a front panel 225 positioned opposite a back panel 227, a lid 230, and handles 235. The base 220 and the panels 222, 225, 227 may define an interior 275 of the cooler 200, and a liner 285 may be provided within the interior 275. In some instances, the liner 285 may be provided as the liner 85 or the alternative liner 110 described with reference to Figs. 3 A-3C. Additionally, similar to the cooler 10, the cooler 200 may be positioned in a use configuration and a collapsed configuration. Furthermore, like the cooler 10, the cooler 200 may be imparted with a first height Hi, a first volume Vi, and asecond volume V2 when in the use configuration and a second height H2 and a third volume V3 when in the collapsed configuration.

[0083] However, unlike the cooler 10, the lid 230 may be coupled to a lid assembly 250. Generally, the lid assembly 250 may be provided as a structure or frame to which the lid 230 may be coupled and, when the lid 230 is in a closed position, received therein. In addition, the handles 235 may be positioned on the lid assembly 250. While only one of the handles 235 is shown in Fig. 9, it is to be appreciated that a second, similar handle may also be provided above the opposite side panel 222 of the cooler 200. In alternative instances, the handles 235 may be coupled to the side panels 222 instead of the lid assembly 250. In addition, the process by which the cooler 200 is collapsed from the use configuration and into the collapsed configuration may be somewhat different than the process used for the cooler 10.

[0084] Together, Figs. 10-13 illustrate an example process via which the cooler 200 can be actuated from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration. Advantageously, positioning the components of the cooler 200 into the collapsed configuration may help reduce the overall volume and height of the cooler 200, which in turn may make storage of the cooler 200 easier for retailers and users. Like the collapsing process for the cooler 10, the collapsing process for the cooler 200 may include fewer steps or additional steps than those described herein. Further, the steps described herein may be carried out in an alternative order.

[0085] Like the panels 22, 25, 27, the panels 222, 225, 227 may be hinged such that the panels 222, 225, 227 can be rotated relative to the body 215 of the cooler 200. The front panel 225 may be coupled to a hinge mechanism (not illustrated) that facilitates rotation of the front panel 225 upwardly and towards the lid 230, as illustrated in Fig. 10. Once the front panel 225 is substantially parallel to or flush with the lid 230, a latch mechanism or other similar attachment mechanism (not illustrated) may hold the front panel 225 in position. As the front panel 225 is rotated upwardly and towards the lid 230, the liner 285 (see Fig. 9) provided in the interior 275 may be folded or compressed. Alternatively, the liner 285 may be removed from the cooler 200 before the collapsing process begins and folded separately.

[0086] After the front panel 225 has been rotated towards the lid 230, a rope member 300 may be visible. The rope member 300 may be coupled to the back panel 227 and each of the side panels 222. For example, a first end 305 of the rope member 300 may be coupled to a first side panel 222a, a second end 310 of the rope member 300 may be coupled to a second side panel 222b, and a middle portion 315 of the rope member 300 may be coupled to the back panel 227. The rope member 300 may be coupled to the panels 222, 227 via hook and loop fasteners, an adhesive, screws, or other similar attachment means. In some instances, the ropemember 300 may be coupled to the panels 222, 227 at or near where the panels 222, 227 contact the base 220. In certain instances, the rope member 300 may also include a handle 320 to help the user grip the rope member 300. The handle 320 may be provided in the form of a loop or a ring that is sized and shaped to allow a user to insert one or more fingers into the handle 320. In addition, a portion of the rope member 300 may be tied or otherwise fastened to the handle 320.

[0087] The rope member 300 may be utilized to collapse the back panel 227 and the side panels 222. For example, the user may grasp the handle 320 and pull on the rope member 300 until the rope member 300 is taut. Eventually, as shown in Fig. 11, upon the continued application of force to the rope member 300, the back panel 227 and / or the side panels 222 may begin to rotate into the interior 275 and collapse into the cooler 200. In some instances, the back panel 227 and the side panels 222 may move into the interior 275 at substantially the same time, although the each of the panels 222, 227 may move into the interior 275 at separate times. As shown in Fig. 11, the rope member 300 may be sized such that the back panel 227 begins to rotate towards the lid 230 before the side panels 222 begin to collapse into the interior 275 of the cooler 200. Once the back panel 227 and the side panels 222 begin to move inwardly, the force of gravity may help continue the collapsing process.

[0088] Referring still to Fig. 11, each of the side panels 222 may include a lower subsection 350, a middle subsection 355, and, optionally, a handle subsection 360. The handle subsection 360 may alternatively be provided as part of the lid assembly 250. The subsections 350, 355 may be coupled together via a first hinge mechanism 365. Further, the lower subsection 350 may be attached to the base 220 via a second hinge mechanism 370 and the middle subsection 355 may be coupled to the handle subsection 360 via a third hinge mechanism 372. Each of the hinge mechanisms 365, 370, 372 may be designed to provide an axis of rotation about which the subsections to which they are coupled may rotate. As the side panels 222 collapse, the subsections 350, 355 may separate and rotate into the interior 275 separately due to their respective connections to the base 220 and handle subsection 360 via the second and third hinge mechanisms 370, 372. As such, the lower subsection 350 may rotate towards the base 220 about an axis defined by the second hinge mechanism 370, and the middle subsection may rotate towards the lid 230 about an axis defined by the third hinge mechanism 372. In addition, because the lower and middle subsections 350, 355 are coupled via the first hinge mechanism 365, their rotation is restricted and their collapse is at least partially controlled by the first hinge mechanism 365.

[0089] Turning to Fig. 12, as the cooler 200 continues to collapse due to the force of gravity, the lid 230 will move towards the base 220 and the subsections 350, 355 will continue to rotate into the interior 275. As best illustrated in Fig. 12, the middle subsections 355 of each of the side panels 222 may include projections 380 and recesses 385. For example, when the cooler 200 is in the collapsed configuration, the first middle subsection 355a may include projections (not illustrated) that are designed to be received into the recesses 385 of the second middle subsection 355b and the projections 380 of the second middle subsection 355b may be designed to be received into the recesses (not illustrated) of the first middle subsection 355a. In addition, the projections 380 and the recesses 385 may help secure the middle subsection 355 in the base 220 when the cooler 200 is in the use configuration.

[0090] Eventually, as gravity continues to act on the lid 230 and the side panels 222, the side panels 222 will be positioned substantially parallel to the base 220 and / or the lid 230. Once the side panels 222 are so arranged, and the lid 230 comes to rest, the cooler 200 may be in the collapsed configuration as illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0091] When the cooler 200 is in the collapsed configuration, an outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 200 may be defined by at least one of the base 220 and the lid assembly 250. The outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 200 may be determined by viewing the cooler 200 from a top view and / or a bottom view, i.e., by determining an area or an outline occupied by the cooler 200 on a flat plane when viewed from above or below. When the cooler 200 is in the collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 13, the panels 222, 225, 227 may not extend outside of or beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 200 defined by the base 220 and / or the lid assembly 250. In alternative instances, one or more of the panels 222, 225, 227 may extend beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 200.

[0092] When the cooler 200 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 200 may be imparted with the second height EE. Similar to the first height Hi, the second height H2 may be defined as the linear distance between a top surface 255 of the lid 230 and a bottom surface 260 of the base 220 when the cooler 200 is in the collapsed configuration and the lid 230 is positioned upon the body 215. Advantageously, the second height H2 may be less than the first height Hi when the cooler 200 is in the use configuration. In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 30% to no more than about 50% of the height Hi, although in some cases the second height H2 may be imparted with a somewhat larger or smaller value. For example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value no more than about 55%, or no more than about 45%, or no more than about 40%, or no more than about 35%, or no more than about 30%, or no more than about 20% of the value of the firstheight Hi. As an additional example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 36 cm, or no more than about 30 cm, or no more than about 25 cm, or no more than about 20 cm, or no more than about 15 cm, or no more than about 12 cm, although the second height H2 may also be imparted with a value that is somewhat less than or greater than the values recited herein.

[0093] In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 55%, or no more than 45%, or no more than 40%, or no more than 35%, or no more than 30%, or no more than 20% of the value of the first height Hi. In other instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 36 cm, or no more than 30 cm, or no more than 25 cm, or no more than 20 cm, or no more than 15 cm, or no more than 12 cm. In some instances, the second height H2 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0094] When the cooler 200 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 200 may be imparted with the third volume V3. Similar to the second volume V2, the third volume V3 may be dependent upon the shape of the body 215 and / or the arrangement of the base 220, the panels 222, 225, 227 (not illustrated), and the lid 230 when the lid 230 is positioned on the body 215. The third volume V3 of the cooler 200 may be less than the second volume V2 of the cooler 200. The third volume V3 may be imparted with a value at least 10% less to about 45% less than the second volume V2, although the third volume V3 may be less than or somewhat greater than these values. For example, the third volume V3 may be at least about 10% less, or at least about 20% less, or at least about 25% less, or at least about 30% less, or at least about 35% less, or at least about 40% less, or at least about 45% less than the second volume V2. As an additional example, the third volume V3 may be at least 10% less, or at least 20% less, or at least 25% less, or at least 30% less, or at least 35% less, or at least 40% less, or at least 45% less than the second volume V2. In some instances, the third volume V3 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0095] As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, to actuate the cooler 200 from the collapsed configuration to the use configuration, the steps of the above-described process for collapsing the cooler 200 may be reversed. Carrying out the reverse process to position the cooler 200 in the use configuration may require movement of the components of the cooler 200 in substantially opposite directions or in opposite manners as those described above with reference to the collapsing process. Other processes for placing the cooler 200 into the use configuration would also be appreciated by those having skill in the art.

[0096] As illustrated in Fig. 14, in some instances, the liner 285 of the cooler 200 may be provided with a belt 395. The belt 395 may be provided as an elongated, flexible member coupled to the liner 285 via an adhesive, screws, hook and loop fasteners, or other attachment mechanisms. The belt 395 may provide a convenient location for the user to grasp the liner 285 to assist the user in inserting or removing the liner 285 from the cooler 200. In addition, the belt 395 may be provided with any of the liners (e.g., the liner 85, the alternative liner 110) described herein.

[0097] Turning to Fig. 15, a cooler 500 is provided. Similarly named and / or numbered components of the cooler 500, as compared to the coolers 10, 200, may have substantially the same structure and / or function as those previously described components of the coolers 10, 200. Like the coolers 10, 200, the cooler 500 may be provided in the form of a body 515 including a base 520, side panels 522 positioned on opposite ends of the base 520, a front panel 525 positioned opposite a back panel 527, a lid 530, and handles 535. The base 520 and the panels 522, 525, 527 may define an interior 575 of the cooler 500, and a liner 585 may be provided within the interior 575. In some instances, the liner 585 may be provided as the liner 85 or the alternative liner 110 described with reference to Figs. 3 A-3C. Furthermore, the cooler 500 may be positioned into a use configuration and a collapsed configuration. Additionally, like the coolers 10, 200, the cooler 500 may be imparted with a first height Hi, a first volume Vi, and a second volume V2 when in the use configuration and a second height H2 and a third volume V3 when in the collapsed configuration.

[0098] However, unlike the cooler 10, the lid 530 may be coupled to a lid assembly 550 upon which handles 535 may be positioned. Generally, the lid assembly 550 may be provided in the form of a frame to which the lid 530 may be coupled and, when the lid 530 is in the closed position, received therein. In addition, the side panels 522 may each include a latch handle 595 that may help the user actuate the cooler 500 into the use configuration. Furthermore, the process by which the cooler 500 transitions from the use configuration and to the collapsed configuration may be somewhat different than the process used for the coolers 10, 200.

[0099] To facilitate the actuation of the cooler 500 between the use configuration and the collapsed configuration, the front and back panels 525, 527 may each include a first subsection 600 and a second subsection 605 which are coupled together via a first hinge mechanism 610. The first hinge mechanism 610 may facilitate or help control the movement of the front and back panels 525, 527 into and out of the interior 575 of the cooler 500. Furthermore, additional hinge mechanisms (not illustrated) may couple (1) each of side panels522 and the first subsection 600 to the lid assembly 550 and / or (2) the second subsections 605 to the base 520 in order to help facilitate rotation of the panels 522, 525, 527 into and out of the interior 575.

[0100] Together, Figs. 16-19 illustrate an example process via which the cooler 500 can be actuated from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration. Advantageously, positioning the components of the cooler 500 into the collapsed configuration may help reduce the overall volume and height of the cooler 500, which in turn may make storage of the cooler 500 easier for retailers and users. In addition, the process for collapsing the cooler 500 may include fewer or additional steps than those described herein. Further, the steps described herein may be carried out in an alternative order.

[0101] To begin, as illustrated in Fig. 16, the side panels 522 may be rotated upwardly toward the lid 530. As the side panels 522 are rotated towards the lid 530, the liner 585 (see Fig. 15) may be compressed against the lid 530 and / or the lid assembly 550, thereby reducing the overall volume of the liner 585. Alternatively, the liner 585 may be removed from the cooler 500 before the collapsing process begins and folded separately. In some instances, at least one of the side panels 522 may be coupled to the lid assembly 550, and / or the liner 585 via a fastening means to help hold the side panels 522 proximate or adjacent to the lid assembly 550 during the collapsing process. Alternatively, the side panels 522 may be coupled to each other via a fastening means to help hold the side panels 522 proximate or adjacent to the lid assembly 550 during the collapsing process.

[0102] Turning to Fig. 17, after the side panels 522 are substantially parallel with and / or adjacent to the lid 530, the collapsing of the front and back panels 525, 527 may begin. In some instances, the front and back panels 525, 527 may begin folding due solely to the action of gravity. In other instances, the user may press on the front and back panels 525, 527 inwardly (i.e., towards the interior 575 of the cooler 500) to initiate the folding of the front and back panels 525, 527. As the front and back panels 525, 527 are collapsed, the first subsection 600 of each of the panels 525, 527 may begin to rotate upwardly toward the lid assembly 550 about a second hinge mechanism 615 and the second subsection 605 of each of the panels 525, 527 may begin to rotate downwardly and towards the base 520 about a third hinge mechanism 620. As the first and second subsections 600, 605 continue rotating towards the lid assembly 550 and the base 520, respectively, a height of the cooler 500 may be reduced, as shown in Figs 17 and 18. As the lid 530 moves towards the base 520, the user may grip a portion of the lid assembly 550 (e.g., the handles 535) to help prevent the lid assembly 550 from freely falling towards the base 520.

[0103] Eventually, as the collapsing process continues, the first subsection 600 of each side panel 522 may be substantially parallel to and / or substantially flush to the side panels 522 and the second subsection 605 of each side panel 522 may be substantially parallel to and / or substantially flush against the base 520. When the side panels 522 are so arranged, and when the lid 530 is in the closed position, the cooler 500 may be arranged in the collapsed configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 19.

[0104] When the cooler 500 is in the collapsed configuration, an outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 500 may be defined by at least one of the base 520 and the lid assembly 550. The outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 500 may be determined by viewing the cooler 500 from a top view and / or a bottom view, i.e., by determining an area or an outline occupied by the cooler 500 on a flat plane when viewed from above or below. When the cooler 500 is in the collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 8, the panels 522, 525, 527 may not extend outside of or beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 500 defined by the base 520 and / or the lid assembly 550. In alternative instances, one or more of the panels 522, 525, 527 may extend beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 500.

[0105] When the cooler 500 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 500 may be imparted with the second height EE. Similar to the first height Hi, the second height H2 may be defined as the linear distance between a top surface 555 of the lid 530 and a bottom surface 560 of the base 520 when the cooler 500 is in the collapsed configuration and the lid 530 is positioned upon the body 515. Advantageously, the second height H2 may be less than the first height Hi when the cooler 500 is in the use configuration (see, e.g., Fig. 15). In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 30% to no more than about 50% of the height Hi, although in some cases the second height H2 may be imparted with a somewhat larger or smaller value. For example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 55%, or no more than about 45%, or no more than about 40%, or no more than about 35%, or no more than about 30%, or no more than about 20% of the value of the first height Hi. As an additional example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 36 cm, or no more than about 30 cm, or no more than about 25 cm, or no more than about 20 cm, or no more than about 15 cm, or no more than about 12 cm, although the second height H2 may also be imparted with a value that is somewhat less than or greater than the values recited herein.

[0106] In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 55%, or no more than 45%, or no more than 40%, or no more than 35%, or no more than 30%, or no more than 20% of the value of the first height Hi. In other instances, the secondheight H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 36 cm, or no more than 30 cm, or no more than 25 cm, or no more than 20 cm, or no more than 15 cm, or no more than 12 cm. In some instances, the second height H2 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0107] When the cooler 500 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 500 may be imparted with a third volume V3. Similar to the second volume V2, the third volume V3 may be dependent upon the shape of the body 515 and / or the arrangement of the base 520, the panels 522, 525, 527 (see, e.g., Fig. 15), and the lid 530 when the lid 530 is positioned on the body 515. The third volume V3 of the cooler 500 may be imparted with a value that is less than the second volume V2 of the cooler 500. The third volume V3 may be imparted with a value of at least about 10% less to about 45% less than the second volume V2, although the third volume V3 may be less than or somewhat greater than these values. For example, the third volume V3 may be at least about 10% less, or at least about 20% less, or at least about 25% less, or at least about 30% less, or at least about 35% less, or at least about 40% less, or at least about 45% less than the second volume V2. As an additional example, the third volume V3 may be at least 10% less, or at least 20% less, or at least 25% less, or at least 30% less, or at least 35% less, or at least 40% less, or at least 45% less than the second volume V2. In some instances, the third volume V3 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0108] Turning next to Fig. 20, when the cooler 500 is in the collapsed configuration and if the liner 585 has not been removed from the cooler 500, the liner 585 may also be collapsed such that its overall height and volume is reduced. In addition, when the liner 585 is collapsed, the liner 585 may be positioned between the side panels 522 and the lid 530. If the liner 585 is provided in the shape of an “accordion fold,” then the adjacent segments (not illustrated) of the liner 585 may abut each other when the liner 585 is collapsed. Alternatively, the liner 585 may be arranged in other folded configurations as described herein.

[0109] In some instances, as illustrated in Fig. 21, a fixation member 700 may help secure the liner 585 to the lid assembly 550. The fixation member 700 may include a body 705 having projections 710 extending outwardly and away from a top surface 715 of the body 705. The fixation member 700 may be snapped into a frame 720 of the liner 585 such that the top surface 715 is substantially flush with the frame 720. Further, the projections 710 may extend downwardly through a bore 725 extending through the frame 720.

[0110] When the fixation member 700 is coupled to the liner 585 and the liner 585 is received within the interior 575 of the cooler 500, the projections 710 may be received into arecess 730 positioned and located in the lid assembly 550. In some cases, the shape of the recess 730 may substantially mirror the shape of the projections 710 such that the projections 710 may be received therein. In some instances, the projections 710 may be secured within the recess 730 via a friction fit. In other instances, a hook member or a protrusion 735 provided on the projections 710 may couple to a latch or a depression positioned within the recess 730. In yet other instances, as the fixation member 700 is received into the recess 730, the protrusions 735 may abut the recess 730, causing the projections 710 to flex inwardly until the projections 710 are fully received into the recess 730. Then, once the projections 710 are received into the recess 730, the projections 710 may return to an unflexed state and be secured in the recess 730 via a friction fit. Together, the projections 710 and the recess 730 may selectively secure the liner 585 to the lid assembly 550.

[0111] In certain instances, the fixation member 700 and the frame 720 described with reference to Fig. 21 may also be provided as part of the liner 85, the alternative liner 110, and / or the liner 285 described with reference to Figs. 3 A-3C and 9. It is also to be understood that the liner 585 may be secured or positioned within the cooler 500 using methods other than those described herein.

[0112] As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, to actuate the cooler 500 from the collapsed configuration to the use configuration, the steps of the above-described process for collapsing the cooler 10 may be reversed. However, the latch handles 595 (see Fig. 22) provided on the side panels 522 may also help facilitate actuating the cooler 500 from the collapsed configuration to the use configuration. More specifically, as provided in Fig. 22, after the front and back panels 525, 527 (see, e.g., Fig. 15) are positioned in the use configuration, the user may reach into the interior 575 to access the latch handles 595. After grasping the latch handles 595, the user may rotate the side panels 522 away from the lid 530 (see, e.g., Fig. 15).

[0113] Turning to Fig. 23, as the side panels 522 continue to rotate, a bottom portion 750 of the side panel 522 will eventually be positioned proximate to the base 520 and a projection 755 of the bottom portion 750 may be received into a channel 760 of the base 520. Once the side panel 522 extends upwards and substantially perpendicularly from the base 520, the side panel 522 may be releasably held in position via a friction fit established by the projection 755 and the channel 760. In some instances, the channel 760 may include a raised portion 765 that can help prevent rotation of the bottom portion 750 of the side panel 522 into the interior 575 until enough force is applied to overcome the friction generated by the contact of the raised portion 765 and the projection 755. In other instances, the raised portion 765 maynot be provided. Other processes for placing the cooler 500 into the use configuration would also be appreciated by those having skill in the art.

[0114] Turning to Fig. 24, a cooler 800 is provided. Components of the cooler 800 which are similarly named and / or numbered as components of the coolers 10, 200, 500, may have substantially the same structure and / or function as the components of the coolers 10, 200, 500. Like the coolers 10, 200, 500, the cooler 800 may be provided in the form of a body 815 including a base 820, side panels 822 positioned on opposite ends of the base 820, a front panel 825 positioned opposite a back panel 827, a lid 830, and handles 835. The base 820 and the panels 822, 825, 827 may define an interior 875 of the cooler 800, and a liner (not shown) may be provided within the interior 875. In some instances, the liner may be provided as the liner 85, the alternative liner 110, or the liner 585 described with reference to Figs. 3A-3C, 15, 20, and 21. Additionally, similar to the cooler 10, 200, 500, the cooler 800 may be positioned into a use configuration and a collapsed configuration. Furthermore, like the coolers 10, 200, 500, the cooler 800 may be imparted with a first height Hi, a first volume Vi, and a second volume V2 when in the use configuration and a second height H2 and a third volume V3 when in the collapsed configuration.

[0115] Unlike the cooler 10, the lid 830 of the cooler 800 may be coupled to a lid assembly 850 upon which handles 835 may be positioned. In addition, the handles 835 may be provided as substantially rigid, substantially U-shaped members that are coupled to or integrally formed with the lid assembly 850. Furthermore, the process by which the cooler 800 transitions from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration may be somewhat or substantially different than the process used for the coolers 10, 200, 500.

[0116] To facilitate the actuation of the cooler 800 between the use configuration and the collapsed configuration, the front and back panels 825, 827 may each include a first subsection 900 and a second subsection 905 which are coupled together via a first hinge mechanism 910. The first hinge mechanism 910 may help facilitate or control movement of the front and back panels 825, 827 into and out of the interior 875 of the cooler 800. Turning to Fig. 25A, an interface between the first and second subsections 900, 905 and the first hinge mechanism 910 is further illustrated. More particularly, the first and second subsections 900, 905 of the front and back panels 825, 827 may be separated by an interlocking region 930 of the first hinge mechanism 910. The interlocking region 930 may be the portions of the first and second subsections 900, 905 that abut or are arranged adjacent to each other when the cooler 800 is in the use configuration. The interlocking region 930 may extend partially or completely between the first and second subsections 900, 905. In some instances, the portions of the firstand second subsections 900, 905 that contact each other may be provided as interlocking “teeth” that abut each other when the cooler 800 is in the use configuration. For example, the interlocking region 930 may be arranged in a substantially rectangular wave pattern, although the interlocking region 930 may also be provided in other shapes and forms (e.g., a square wave, a sinusoidal wave, etc.). In other instances, the portions of the first and second subsections 900, 905 provided in the interlocking region 930 may be substantially flat such that the pattern formed by the interlocking region 930 when the cooler 800 is in the use configuration is substantially linear.

[0117] Additional hinge mechanisms may be provided with the cooler 800 that are designed to help facilitate the rotation of the front and back panels 825, 827 into and out of the interior 875. For example, the first subsection 900 may be coupled to the lid assembly 850 via a second hinge mechanism 935. As shown in Fig. 25 A, the second hinge mechanism 935 includes three hinges, although additional or fewer hinges may couple the first subsection 900 and the lid assembly 850. When the first subsection 900 moves from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration (and vice versa), the first subsection 900 may rotate into the interior 875 and out of the interior 875 about the second hinge mechanism 935. As an additional example, the second subsection 905 may be coupled to the base 820 via a third hinge mechanism 940. As shown, the third hinge mechanism 940 includes three hinges, although additional or fewer hinges may couple the second subsection 905 and the base 820. When the second subsection 905 moves from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration (and vice versa), the second subsection 905 may rotate into the interior 875 and out of the interior 875 about the third hinge mechanism 940. It is to be understood that while only the back panel 827 is illustrated in Fig. 25A, the front panel 825 may be provided in a form that substantially mirrors the back panel 827. In addition, in some instances, one or both of the front and back panels 825, 827 may be coupled to the base 820 and lid assembly 850 in alternative manners.

[0118] Each of the side panels 822 may be coupled to the base 820 and / or the lid assembly 850 via one or more hinges. For example, as shown in Fig. 25A, the side panel 822 may be coupled to the lid assembly 850 via a fourth hinge mechanism 945. The fourth hinge mechanism 945 may be designed to help facilitate the rotation of the side panels 822, into and out of the interior 875. As shown in Fig. 25A, the fourth hinge mechanism 945 includes three hinges, although additional or fewer hinges may couple the side panel 822 and the lid assembly 850. When the side panel 822 moves from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration (and vice versa), the side panel 822 may rotate into the interior 875 and out of the interior 875 about the fourth hinge mechanism 945. It is to be understood that while only one of the sidepanels 822 is illustrated in Fig. 25A, the other side panel(s) of the cooler 800 may be provided in a form that substantially mirrors the illustrated side panel 822. In addition, in some instances, one or both of the side panels 822 may be coupled to the base 820 and lid assembly 850 in alternative manners than those described herein.

[0119] To help secure the side panels 822 in place when the cooler 800 is in the use configuration, the base 820 may include one or more latches 950. For example, the cooler 800 may include a first latch 950a and a second latch 950b that are positioned on opposite sides of the base 820. In addition, the one or more latches 950 may also be designed to selectively release the side panels 822 when the cooler 800 is moving into the collapsed configuration and selectively engage when the cooler 800 is moving into the use configuration. The one or more latches 950 may be provided in various forms including, by way of example, spring latches, cam latches, and / or magnetic latches. For example, the one or more latches 950 may be provided in the form of a spring latch. In addition, while only a single latch of the one or more latches 950 are associated with each side panel 822 of the cooler 800, additional latches may be provided in the cooler 800.

[0120] The one or more latches 950 may each be coupled to a rope member 1000. The rope member 1000 may be designed to help rotate the side panels 822 into the interior 875 of the cooler 800. The rope member 1000 may be provided in the form of an elongated, flexible member that is coupled to each of the side panels 822 and / or the one or more latches 950. In some instances, a first end 1005 of the rope member 1000 may be coupled to the first latch 950a and a second end 1010 of the rope member 1000 may be coupled to the second latch 950b. Thus, to start the process of transitioning the cooler 800 from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration, the user may pull the rope member 1000 upwardly and away from the base 820, thereby disengaging the one or more latches 950. Once the one or more latches 950 are disengaged, and as the user continues pulling on the rope member 1000, the side panels 822 may begin to rotate about the fourth hinge mechanism 945 and into the interior 875.

[0121] Turning to Fig. 25B, the second latch 950b may be provided in the form of a body 1025, a lever arm 1030, and a latch base 1035 that houses a spring 1040. When the cooler 800 is in the use configuration, the spring 1040 may apply an upwardly directed force on the latch base 1035, which in turn applies a force to the lever arm 1030, thereby helping to hold the side panel 822 in place. Thus, to move the cooler 800 into the collapsed configuration, the user may apply a force to the second latch 950b (e.g., via the rope member 1000) to disengage the lever arm 1030 from the latch base 1035 such that the side panel 822 can rotate into the interior 875 of the cooler 800.

[0122] The body 1025 of the second latch 950b may include a first portion 1045 that is coupled to the side panel 822 and a second portion 1050 that is coupled to the base 820. The first portion 1045 may include the lever arm 1030 and an aperture 1055 while the second portion 1050 may include the latch base 1035. The lever arm 1030 may be designed to rotate about a pin 1058 upon the application of force to the lever arm 1030. The aperture 1055 may be designed to receive and couple to an end of the rope member 1000 (e.g., the first end 1005 or the second end 1010). For example, as shown in Fig. 25B, the aperture 1055 of the second latch 950b receives and couples to the second end 1010 of the rope member 1000.

[0123] While only the second latch 950b is shown in Fig. 25B, the first latch 950a may be provided in substantially the same form and have the same function as the first latch 950a. In addition, the first latch 950a may be arranged in the cooler 800 as a mirror image of the second latch 950b. The one or more latches 950 may also be alternatively arranged in the cooler 800 and need not be identical.

[0124] In certain instances, the cooler 800 may not be provided with the one or more latches 950. In such instances, the rope member 1000 may be coupled to a surface each of the side panels 822 and the side panels 822 may be selectively secured to the base 820 in other manners (e.g., via a friction fit).

[0125] Viewing Figs. 25A and 25B together, in certain instances, the base 820 may include one or more tabs 1060. The one or more tabs 1060 may extend outwardly and away from the base 820 and the interior 875 and may be positioned proximate to the one or more latches 950. As best shown in Fig. 25B, the one or more tabs 1060 may each include a body 1065 provided with an integrally formed bulbous end 1070. In some instances, each of the handles 835 coupled to the lid assembly 850 (see, e.g., Fig. 25A) may include a recess, a slot, or a groove imparted with a shape that substantially mirrors the shape of the one or more tabs 1060 such that the one or more tabs 1060 may be secured to the handle 835 via a friction fit. The one or more tabs 1060 may each engage a respective handle 835 coupled to the lid assembly 850 (see, e.g., Fig. 25A) when the cooler 800 is placed in the collapsed configuration. Thus, the one or more tabs 1060 may help hold the handles 835 in position when the cooler 800 is in the collapsed configuration, thereby helping the cooler 800 remain in the collapsed configuration. It is to be understood that the one or more tabs 1060 may be positioned elsewhere on the cooler 800 and may be provided in other shapes and forms than those described herein. In some instances, the cooler 800 may not be provided with the tabs 1060. In some such instances, when the cooler 800 is in the collapsed configuration, the handles 835 may becoupled to the base via another attachment means, including but not limited to a magnetic coupling assembly, hook and loop fasteners, a latch mechanism, and the like.

[0126] Together, Figs. 26-29 illustrate an example process via which the cooler 800 can be actuated from the use configuration to the collapsed configuration. Advantageously, positioning the components of the cooler 800 into the collapsed configuration may help reduce the overall volume and height of the cooler 800, which in turn may make storage of the cooler 800 easier for retailers and users. Like the collapsing process for the coolers 10, 200, 500, the collapsing process for the cooler 800 may include fewer steps or additional steps than those described herein. Further, the steps described herein may be carried out in an alternative order.

[0127] As previously described with reference to Figs. 25A and 25B, the panels 822, 825, 827 may be hinged such that the panels 822, 825, 827 can be rotated relative to the body 815 of the cooler 800. To begin, as illustrated in Fig. 26, the lid 830 may be rotated upwardly and away from the base 820 (see Fig. 27). This may allow the user to access the interior 875 and thus the rope member 1000. As the rope member 1000 is pulled upwardly and away from the base 820, the side panels 822 may rotate upwardly and away from the base 820. As the side panels 822 rotate upwardly and away from the base 820, a liner (if provided in the cooler 800) may be compressed against the lid assembly 850, thereby reducing the overall volume of the liner. Alternatively, the liner may be removed from the cooler 800 before the collapsing process begins and folded separately. In some instances, at least one of the side panels 822 may be coupled to the lid assembly 850 and / or the liner via a fastening means to help hold the side panels 822 proximate or adjacent to the lid assembly 850 during the collapsing process. Alternatively, the side panels 822 may be coupled to each other via a fastening means to help hold the side panels 822 proximate or adjacent to the lid assembly 850 during the collapsing process. In yet other instances, the user may continue applying an upwardly directed force on the rope member 1000 (and thus the side panels 822) until the collapsing process is complete.

[0128] Eventually, the side panels 822 will be arranged such that the side panels 822 are substantially aligned (e.g., substantially flush) with the lid assembly 850 and / or substantially parallel to the base 820. Once the side panels 822 are arranged in this manner, a force directed toward the interior 875 of the cooler 800 may be applied to the front panel 825 and / or the back panel 827. For example, a force could be indirectly applied to the front panel 825 and / or the back panel 827 (e.g., by the user pushing or pulling on the lid 830). The application of the force to the front panel 825 and / or the back panel 827 may actuate the hinge mechanisms coupled to or provided with the front panel 825 and / or the back panel 827 (i.e., the first hinge mechanism 910, the second hinge mechanism 935, the third hinge mechanism940). The actuation of the aforementioned hinge mechanisms may cause the first subsection 900 and the second subsection 905 of the front panel 825 and / or the back panel 827 to begin moving into the interior 875. Once the first and second subsections 900, 905 move into the interior 875 of the cooler 800, the cooler 800 may continue to collapse due to the action of gravity. In some instances, the user can help control the rate at which the cooler collapses by applying an upwardly directed force to the lid 830 and / or the lid assembly 850 (e.g., by pulling upwardly on the lid 830, by pulling upwardly on the rope member 1000).

[0129] As the front and back panels 825, 827 collapse, the lid assembly 850 will move towards the base 820. Eventually, as shown in Fig. 28, the lid assembly 850 will abut the base 820. Then, to finish placing the cooler 800 into the collapsed configuration, the lid 830 may be closed, as shown in Fig. 29. If desired, the user may secure the one or more tabs 1060 (see, e.g., Figs. 25 A and 25B) in the handles 835. Doing so may help secure the cooler 800 in the collapsed configuration, thereby making the cooler easier to pick up and transport from place to place.

[0130] When the cooler 800 is in the collapsed configuration, an outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 800 may be defined by at least one of the base 820 and the lid assembly 850. The outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 800 may be determined by viewing the cooler 800 from a top view and / or a bottom view, i.e., by determining an area or an outline occupied by the cooler 800 on a flat plane when viewed from above or below. When the cooler 800 is in the collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 29, the panels 822, 825, 827 may not extend outside of or beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 800 defined by the base 820 and / or the lid assembly 850. In alternative instances, one or more of the panels 822, 825, 827 may extend beyond the outermost perimeter or footprint of the cooler 800.

[0131] When the cooler 800 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 800 may be imparted with the second height H2. Similar to the first height Hi, the second height H2 may be defined as the linear distance between a top surface 1155 of the lid 830 and a bottom surface 1160 of the base 820 when the cooler 800 is in the collapsed configuration and the lid 830 is positioned upon the body 815. Advantageously, the second height H2 may be less than the first height Hi when the cooler 800 is in the use configuration (see, e.g., Fig. 25A). In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 30% to no more than about 50% of the height Hi, although in some cases the second height H2 may be imparted with a somewhat larger or smaller value. For example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 55%, or no more than about 45%, or no more than about 40%, or no more than about 35%, or no more than about 30%, or no more than about20% of the value of the first height Hi. As an additional example, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than about 36 cm, or no more than about 30 cm, or no more than about 25 cm, or no more than about 20 cm, or no more than about 15 cm, or no more than about 12 cm, although the second height H2 may also be imparted with a value that is somewhat less than or greater than the values recited herein.

[0132] In some instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 55%, or no more than 45%, or no more than 40%, or no more than 35%, or no more than 30%, or no more than 20% of the value of the first height Hi. In other instances, the second height H2 may be imparted with a value of no more than 36 cm, or no more than 30 cm, or no more than 25 cm, or no more than 20 cm, or no more than 15 cm, or no more than 12 cm. In some instances, the second height H2 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0133] When the cooler 800 is in the collapsed configuration, the cooler 800 may be imparted with a third volume V3. Similar to the second volume V2, the third volume V3 may be dependent upon the shape of the body 815 and / or the arrangement of the base 820, the panels 822, 825, 827 (see, e.g., Fig. 25A), and the lid 830 when the lid 830 is in the closed position. The third volume V3 of the cooler 800 may be imparted with a value that is less than the second volume V2 of the cooler 800. The third volume V3 may be imparted with a value of at least about 10% less to about 45% less than the second volume V2, although the third volume V3 may be less than or somewhat greater than these values. For example, the third volume V3 may be at least about 10% less, or at least about 20% less, or at least about 25% less, or at least about 30% less, or at least about 35% less, or at least about 40% less, or at least about 45% less than the second volume V2. As an additional example, the third volume V3 may be at least 10% less, or at least 20% less, or at least 25% less, or at least 30% less, or at least 35% less, or at least 40% less, or at least 45% less than the second volume V2. In some instances, the third volume V3 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above.

[0134] To return the cooler to the use configuration, the handles 835 may be decoupled from the one or more tabs 1060. Then, as shown in Fig. 30, the user may lift upwardly on the handles 835, thereby causing the lid assembly 850 to move upwardly and away from the base 820. As the lid assembly 850 moves upwardly and away from the base 820, the front and back panels 825, 827 may begin to rotate outwardly with respect to the interior 875 and away from the lid assembly 850, which in turn may cause the side panels 822 to rotate outwardly and away from the lid assembly 850. Eventually, as the user continues to lift the lid assembly 850, thepanels 822, 825, 827 will be arranged such that the panels 822, 825, 827 are substantially perpendicular to the base 820 and the lid assembly 850, thereby returning the cooler 800 to the use configuration. In some instances, the side panels 822 will be returned to the use configuration with a sufficient speed such that the lever arm 1030 of the one or more latches 950 reengages with and is secured by the latch base 1035 to help secure the side panels 822 in the use configuration (the components of the one or more latches 950 are described with reference to Fig. 25B). In other instances, the user may apply an outwardly directed force (i.e., away from the interior 875) to the side panels 822 to reengage the one or more latches 950 and secure the side panels 822. Once the one or more latches 950 are reengaged, the cooler 800 may be returned to the use configuration.

[0135] As described herein, the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 may be provided as “hard shell” coolers that can be actuated from a use configuration to a collapsed configuration. When any of the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 are in the collapsed configuration, the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 may be easier to transport or store due to their reduced three-dimensional size. In addition, the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 can provide significant cost savings to manufacturers and retailers, as the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 can be shipped with a reduced volume. Furthermore, when the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 are in the collapsed configuration, more units of the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 can be displayed on the store shelves, thereby saving the retailer’s retail space. In addition, the reduced volume of the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 may allow retailers to display additional units of the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 on their shelves. Moreover, the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800, may be arranged in the collapsed configuration without decoupling the sidewalls and / or the lid from the body of the cooler, thereby reducing the risk that components of the cooler will be misplaced during the collapsing process.

[0136] Unless otherwise specified herein, any component of the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 not described with reference to a specific instance of the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800 may be utilized in the coolers 10, 200, 500, 800.

[0137] As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention is not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications, applications, variations, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present constructions will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. All such changes, modifications, variations and otheruses in applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present inventions are deemed to be covered by the inventions that are limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

Claims1. A cooler comprising: a body provided in the form of: a base; a lid assembly positioned and located opposite the base and arranged substantially parallel to the base; and one or more sidewalls positioned and located between the base and the lid assembly, wherein the base, the lid assembly, and the one or more sidewalls define an interior of the cooler; and a plurality of hinge mechanisms, wherein each sidewall of the one or more sidewalls is coupled to a hinge mechanism of the plurality of hinge mechanisms, wherein the body of the cooler is imparted with a first volume in a use configuration and a second volume in a collapsed configuration, and the first volume is greater than the second volume.

2. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the one or more sidewalls are substantially perpendicular to the base in the use configuration.

3. The cooler of claim 1, wherein, when the cooler is arranged in the collapsed configuration, the one or more sidewalls are positioned between the lid assembly and the base.

4. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the second volume is at least about 10% less than the first volume.

5. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the cooler is imparted with a first height in the use configuration and a second height in the collapsed configuration, and the second height is imparted with a value of no more than about 30% to no more than about 50% of the first height.

6. The cooler of claim 5, wherein the second height is imparted with a value of no more than about 30% of the first height.

7. The cooler of claim 1 further including a liner positioned and located between the base and the one or more sidewalls in the interior of the cooler, wherein the liner is designed to: reversibly fold when the cooler is moved into the collapsed configuration, and remain in an unfolded configuration when the liner is positioned outside of the cooler and at least partially filled with one or more objects.

8. A hard-shelled cooler comprising: a base coupled to a front panel, a back panel, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall; a lid assembly coupled to at least one of the front panel, the back panel, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall, the lid assembly including a lid that is substantially parallel to the base when the lid is in a closed position, wherein, when the cooler is arranged in a collapsed configuration, the front panel, the back panel, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall are each positioned and located between the lid and the base; and wherein, when the cooler is arranged in the collapsed configuration, at least one of the front panel, the back panel, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall are inwardly rotated relative to the base.

9. The hard-shelled cooler of claim 8 further including: a first handle and a second handle coupled to opposite sides of the lid assembly; and a first tab and a second tab extending outwardly and away from the base, wherein, when the cooler is in a use configuration, the first tab is positioned and located below the first handle and the second tab is positioned and located below the second handle, wherein, when the cooler is in the collapsed configuration, the first tab is couplable to the first handle and the second tab is couplable to the second handle.

10. The hard-shelled cooler of claim 8, wherein, when the cooler is in a use configuration, the front panel, the back panel, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall extendsubstantially perpendicularly and upwardly from the base and the cooler is imparted with a first volume.

11. The hard-shelled cooler of claim 10, wherein, when in the collapsed configuration, the cooler is imparted with a second volume that is smaller than the first volume.

12. The hard-shelled cooler of claim 8, wherein: the lid assembly, the base, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall define an interior of the cooler, at least one of the lid assembly and the base define an outermost perimeter of the cooler, when the cooler is actuated from a use configuration to the collapsed configuration, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the front panel, and the back panel move into the interior, and when the cooler is in the collapsed configuration, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the front panel, and the back panel do not extend beyond the outermost perimeter of the cooler.

13. The hard-shelled cooler of claim 8, wherein, when the cooler is in the collapsed configuration, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are substantially parallel to the base and the lid.

14. The hard-shelled cooler of claim 8, wherein: the first and second sidewalls are positioned and located on opposite sides of the base, the front and back panels are positioned and located on opposite sides of the base, and when the cooler is in the collapsed configuration, the first and second sidewalls are positioned adjacent to the lid assembly, and the front and back panels are positioned adjacent to the base and the first and second sidewalls.

15. A collapsible cooler comprising: a base;a lid assembly including a lid and a pair of handles, the lid assembly coupled to the base via a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel; an interior volume defined by the base, the lid assembly, the front panel, the rear panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; a plurality of hinges coupling each of the front panel, the rear panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel to the lid assembly; and a flexible member positioned and located in the interior volume and coupled to the first side panel and the second side panel.

16. The collapsible cooler of claim 15 further including a latch designed to selectively couple the first side panel to the base.

17. The collapsible cooler of claim 16, wherein the flexible member includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the flexible member is coupled to the latch.

18. The collapsible cooler of claim 15, wherein: the front panel further includes a first subsection and a second subsection coupled via a hinge assembly, the first subsection is coupled to the lid assembly by a first hinge of the plurality of hinges, the second subsection is coupled to the base by a second hinge of the plurality of hinges, and when the collapsible cooler transitions from a use configuration to a collapsed configuration, the first subsection rotates towards the lid assembly and the second subsection rotates towards the base.

19. The collapsible cooler of claim 15, wherein the flexible member is coupled to a first bottom portion of the first side panel and a second bottom portion of the second side panel, and when a first force in a first direction is applied to the flexible member, the first side panel and the second side panel rotate toward the lid assembly.

20. The collapsible cooler of claim 19, wherein, when the first side panel and the second side panel are substantially parallel to the base and a second force is applied to at leastone of the front panel and the rear panel in a second direction, the front panel and the rear panel move into the interior volume of the collapsible cooler.

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