CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/511,545, entitled "INFLATABLE COOLER INCLUDING DROP-STITCHED PANELS", and filed on May 26, 2017. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY

[0001] A storage device, such as a cooler, may include one or more chambers within which items such as beverages and food may be stored. The cooler may thermally insulate the items stored within the chambers in order to retain the items at an approximately constant temperature. Such coolers are often formed from rigid plastic materials and the one or more chambers may have a fixed, non-adjustable size.

[0002] However, the inventors herein have recognized potential issues with such coolers. As one example, coolers formed from rigid plastic materials may have an increased weight relative to coolers that are formed from flexible, lightweight materials, and may be more difficult and/or costly to repair. Additionally, coolers that include chambers having a fixed size may be unable to accommodate larger items for some applications such as hunting or sporting events.

[0003] In one example, the issues described above may be addressed by a cooler comprising an inflatable frame formed of a drop-stitched material and housed within a more flexible outer shell (in the context of when the drop-stitch sections are inflated). The outer shell may form an enclosure for storing items such as food, ice, etc. The shell may be lined with or formed of food-safe plastics, such as PETE, HDPE, LDPE, TPE, etc. A drop-in liner formed of these materials may also be used, if desired as described herein.

[0004] As one example, the inflatable frame may include one or more panels that may be selectively inflated or deflated relative to other panels in order to increase or decrease a size of the cooler. The inflatable frame may increase a rigidity of a cooler with non-rigid (e.g., soft) walls with a reduced amount of weight relative to coolers having non-inflatable hard plastic walls. The outer shell may include a plurality of pockets and handles and may additionally include a closure flap for quickly and easily sealing the cooler. In some embodiments the inflatable frame may be removable from the outer shell for simplified repair and/or replacement of the outer shell and/or inflatable frame. In this way, components of the cooler may be repaired more easily and with reduced cost. Additionally, by enabling a size of the cooler to be adjusted via inflation or deflation of the one or more panels of the inflatable frame, the cooler may expand in size to accommodate larger items and may reduce in size to be easily transported. [0005] It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a drop-stitch fabric of an inflatable cooler, and FIG. IB shows a partially exploded view of a multi -component material used in the drop-stitch fabric of FIG. 1A.

[0007] FIGS. 2A-2C show a first embodiment of an inflatable cooler including drop-stitched panels.

[0008] FIGS. 3A-3D show a second embodiment of an inflatable cooler including a collapsible chamber formed by drop-stitched panels.

[0009] FIGS. 4A-4D show a third embodiment of an inflatable cooler including a removable frame formed by drop-stitched panels.

[0010] FIGS. 5A-5F show a fourth embodiment of an inflatable cooler including a removable frame formed by drop-stitched panels.

[0011] FIGS. 6A-6D show a fifth embodiment of an inflatable cooler including a hinged frame formed of drop-stitched panels.

[0012] FIGS. 7A-7I show different elements and configurations of a fifth embodiment of an inflatable cooler.

[0013] FIGS. 1A-7I are shown to scale, though other relative dimensions may be used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following description relates to systems and methods for an inflatable cooler. An inflatable cooler may include an inflatable frame formed of a drop-stitched material, such as the drop- stitched material shown by FIGS. 1A-1B. In some examples (such as the example shown by FIGS. 2A-2C), the inflatable cooler may include a top end having a width between 90 to 95 percent a width of a bottom end. The inflatable frame includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. In one example (as shown by FIGS. 3A-3D), the second panel may be removably coupled with the first panel and/or third panel. The third panel may be inflated and/or deflated in order to adjust a size of the inflatable cooler. In some examples (such as those shown by FIGS. 4A-4D, and by FIGS. 5A- 5F), the inflatable frame may be removably coupled with a flexible outer shell. The outer shell may include a plurality of sections sealed together via radio frequency welding (as shown by FIGS. 4A-4D) and/or sewn together and seam taped (as shown by FIGS. 5A-5F). In other examples (as shown by FIGS. 6A-6D), the first panel and third panel of the inflatable frame may each be pivotable relative to the second panel. The second panel may include an insulated liner for storage of items such as food, beverages, etc. In yet other examples (as shown by FIGS. 7A-7I), the inflatable frame may include a different number of panels. By configuring the inflatable cooler according to the examples described below, a weight of the inflatable cooler may be reduced and a rigidity of the inflatable cooler may be increased via the drop-stitched material. Additionally, components of the inflatable cooler may be more easily removed for repair, replacement, etc., thereby decreasing a cost and a maintenance time of the inflatable cooler.

[0015] FIG. 1A shows a cross section of a drop-stitch fabric 100. The drop-stitch fabric 100 may form one or more portions of an inflatable cooler, such as the inflatable coolers described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-6D. It will be noted that the terms "inflatable cooler" and "cooler" may be used interchangeably to represent the inflatable coolers described herein. The drop-stitch fabric 100 may include a double-wall construction having a first surface 110 and a second surface 120. The first surface 110 may comprise a base cloth 112, an inner layer 114, and an outer layer 116, and the second surface 120 may comprise a base cloth 122, an inner layer 124, and an outer layer 126. The drop-stitch fabric 100 may be utilized in the manufacturing of each cooler embodiment described herein.

[0016] Base cloths 112 and 122 may be tethered via drop stitches 104 to form a double-wall material of a specified thickness when inflated to a desired pressure. For example, gases (e.g., air) may be pumped into a space 102 located between base cloth 112 and base cloth 122 in order to inflate the drop-stitch fabric 100. Gases within the space 102 may press the base cloth 112 and the base cloth 122 away from each other in opposite directions and increase a rigidity of the drop-stitch fabric 100. The rigidity of the drop-stitch fabric 100 may increase as the pressure of the gases within the space 102 increases. In some examples, each of base cloths 112 and 122 may be constructed from a polyester material. However, in other examples, alternative suitable materials (e.g., fabrics) may be used. Drop stitches 104 may also be constructed from a polyester material, although a weight (e.g., thickness) of the drop stitch material may be different than a weight of the material forming the base cloths 112 and 122.

[0017] The drop stitches 104 may extend within the space 102 through at least a portion of base cloth 112 and through at least a portion of base cloth 122. Drop stitches 104 may comprise a dense array of stitches, and these stitches may be positioned in a linear, zigzag, or random pattern. In some examples, a stitch density (e.g., an amount of stitches per unit area) may be within a range of 6-45 stitches per square inch.

[0018] The space 102 between the base cloths 112 and 122 includes the drop stitches 104 and the gases as described above. The space 102 between base cloths 112 and 122 may be adjusted (e.g., increased or decreased) by adjusting an amount of inflation of the space 102 with gases as described above (e.g., increasing or decreasing the gas pressure within the space 102, respectively). Adjusting the amount of inflation of the space 102 may adjust a length of the drop stiches 104 within the space 102. As one example, the drop-stitches 104 may have a length in a range of 5-7 centimeters during conditions in which the drop-stitch fabric 100 is inflated. For example, during conditions in which the drop-stitch fabric 100 is inflated to a first amount (e.g., conditions in which gases within the space 102 are at a first pressure), the length of the drop-stitches within the space 102 may be 5 centimeters. During conditions in which the drop-stitch fabric 100 is inflated to a second amount higher than the first amount (e.g., conditions in which the gases within the space 102 are at a second pressure higher than the first pressure), the length of the drop-stitches within the space 102 may be 7 centimeters. In other words, a distance 150 from the base cloth 1 12 to the base cloth 122 may be adjusted by inflating the space 102, and in some examples the distance 150 may be in the range of 5-7 centimeters.

[0019] By adjusting the amount of inflation of the drop-stitch fabric 100, a desired rigidity and/or shear modulus of the drop-stitch fabric 100 may be achieved. In this way, a cooler constructed from the drop-stitch fabric 100 (such as the coolers described herein) may be flexible and compressible during conditions in which the drop-stitch fabric 100 is deflated, thereby increasing a portability of the coolers. Further, the drop-stitch fabric 100 may form a rigid shape during conditions in which the drop-stitch fabric 100 is inflated in order to increase a sturdiness and tensile strength of the coolers, and to enable fluids and solid objects to be stored within chambers the coolers.

[0020] It will be noted that during construction (e.g., manufacturing) of the drop-stitch fabric 100, the drop-stitches 104 and the space 102 may be exposed (e.g., visible). Exposed surfaces of the drop stitches 104 (e.g., surfaces at which the drop stitches 104 couple to the base cloth 1 12 and/or to the base cloth 122) may be sealed in order to seal the space 102 (e.g., prevent gases from flowing out of the space 102 through the first surface 1 10 and/or second surface 120).

[0021] Inner layers 1 14 and 124 may be colligated in face-sharing contact to respective base cloths 1 12 and 122 via the use of adhesives, heat fusion, and/or a combination thereof. Similarly, inner layers 1 14 and 124 may be colligated in face-sharing contact to respective outer layers 1 16 and 126 via adhesives, heat fusion, and/or a combination thereof. In one example, the inner layer 1 14 may be colligated to base cloth 1 12 via heat fusion. At the same time, the inner layer 1 14 may be colligated to the outer layer 1 16 via adhesives. Inner layers 1 14 and 124 may be constructed from a reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, or alternatively may be constructed from one of polyurethane (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane TPU) or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber. By colligating an inner layer 1 14 or 124 to a respective base cloth 112 or 122 of the drop-stitch fabric 100, a durability of the stitching may be improved.

[0022] As described in further detail with reference to FIG. IB, outer layers 1 16 and 126 may be manufactured from a fabric 106 (which may be referred to herein as a multi -component fabric) comprising an inner fabric layered between two outer fabrics, with the outer fabrics being the same type of fabric as each other. When a drop-stitch fabric 100 is utilized to manufacture an inflatable cooler (such as the coolers described below), outer layers 116 and 126 may comprise at least a portion of exterior surfaces of the cooler. For this reason, the outer fabrics may be a durable material such as PVC.

[0023] FIG. IB shows a partially exploded, cross-sectional view of the fabric 106. In some examples, fabric 106 may form the outer layer 116 and/or outer layer 126 of drop-stitch fabric 100. Fabric 106 may include outer fabric 107, which may increase a durability and/or resistance of the fabric 106 against abrasion, extreme conditions, or hazardous materials. As one non-limiting example, outer fabric 107 may be a PVC material. However, in other examples, outer fabric 107 may be formed from one of TPU, polyurethane, or CSPE material. Fabric 106 may further include inner fabric 108. Inner fabric 108 may be a polyester material woven into a grid structure, and may provide fabric 106 with increased dimensional stability, tensile strength, and/or tear resistance. Each face of inner fabric 108 may be colligated to a face of outer fabric 107 via heat fusion, liquefaction of the outer fabric 107, adhesives, and/or a combination thereof. Thus, fabric 106 may comprise a dimensionally stable layer (e.g., inner fabric 108) sandwiched between two layers (e.g., outer fabric 107) of a material resistant to degradation. By including the multi -component fabric in the construction of an inflatable cooler, the durability and rigidity of the cooler may be improved.

[0024] FIGS. 2A-2C show different views of a first embodiment of an inflatable cooler (e.g., inflatable cooler 200). One or more portions of the inflatable cooler 200 are formed of a drop-stitched material, such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Reference axes 299 are included in each of FIGS. 2A-2C for comparison of the views shown.

[0025] The inflatable cooler 200 includes a frame comprised of a plurality of panels formed from the drop-stitched material. The frame may be inflated and/or deflated via a valve 234 positioned at an exterior surface of the inflatable cooler 200. A first width 240 of a top end 222 of the inflatable cooler 200 is slightly less than a second width 242 of a bottom end 244 of the inflatable cooler 200 such that a shape of the inflatable cooler 200 is approximately that of a trapezoidal prism. In one example, an amount of length of the first width 240 may be within a range of 90 to 99 percent an amount of length of the second width 242. The frame includes a first panel positioned along the bottom end 244, a second panel positioned along a first side 214, and a third panel positioned along a second side 216, opposite to the first side 214. The second panel and third panel are each angled toward each other relative to the bottom panel. Shaping the frame of the inflatable cooler 200 so that the first width 240 of the top end 222 is slightly less than the second width 242 of the bottom end 244 may increase a stability of the inflatable cooler (e.g., a resistance to tipping) during conditions in which the inflatable cooler 200 is positioned on a ground surface and is supported by a plurality of feet 228. [0026] The frame is surrounded by a flexible material such as reinforced PVC fabric and is sealed around a perimeter of the bottom end 244, the first side 214, the second side 216, a front end 218, and a back end 220 in order to provide the inflatable cooler 200 with a waterproof and weather- resistant exterior. The top end 222 of the inflatable cooler 200 includes a zipper 204 positioned within an opening 205 formed by the flexible material at the top end 222 of the inflatable cooler 200. The zipper 204 is configured to fluidly seal the opening 205 at the top end 222 during conditions in which teeth of the zipper 204 are in meshing engagement with each other (e.g., conditions in which the opening 205 is fully closed by the zipper 204). The opening 205 extends into flaps 230 formed by the flexible material of the exterior of the inflatable cooler 200 in order to further fluidly seal the top end 222. The flaps 230 are positioned at opposite ends of the inflatable cooler 200 (e.g., front end 218 and back end 220) and may fold from the top end 222 toward the bottom end 244. In some examples, the flaps 230 may be retained in a folded position via hook and loop fasteners coupled to the front end 218 and back end 220. By extending the opening 205 into the flaps 230, a length of the opening 205 is increased relative to a length 201 of the inflatable cooler 200 from the front end 218 to the back end 220. In this way, the opening 205 of the top end 222 of the inflatable cooler 200 may be sealed by the zipper 204 along the entire length 201 of the inflatable cooler 200.

[0027] The top end 222 of the inflatable cooler 200 further includes a plurality of tie-down protrusions 202 shaped to couple with ropes, cords, or fasteners (e.g., hooks, latches, etc.). For example, during transportation of the inflatable cooler 200, ropes may be coupled between the tie- down protrusions 202 and tie-down anchors of a vehicle (e.g., a truck, trailer, etc.) transporting the inflatable cooler 200 in order to secure a position of the inflatable cooler 200 relative to the vehicle.

[0028] The inflatable cooler 200 further includes a plurality of molded handles positioned along the exterior of the inflatable cooler 200 in order to increase an ease with which the inflatable cooler 200 may be transported (e.g., carried). For example, the inflatable cooler 200 includes a first molded handle (not shown) positioned at the first side 214, and a second molded handle 206 positioned at the second side 216. The first molded handle may be similar to the second molded handle 206 and may be coupled to the first side 214 of the inflatable cooler 200 in a similar way (e.g., relative to the coupling of the second molded handle 206 to the second side 216). The second molded handle 206 is coupled to a strap 207. The strap 207 is coupled to loop fasteners 208 and extends in a direction between the front end 218 and the back end 220 along the second side 216. In some examples, the second molded handle 206 may instead be coupled to two different straps, with each strap coupled to separate loop fasteners 208. Each of the loop fasteners 208 is further coupled to webbing 210 and webbing 212 in order to retain the position of the loop fasteners 208 relative to the second side 216. Webbing 210 and webbing 212 may be sewn to the second side 216 and may extend in different directions along the second side 216 in order to increase an amount of weight that the second molded handle 206 may support during conditions in which the inflatable cooler 200 is lifted by the second molded handle 206.

[0029] The inflatable cooler 200 additionally includes a third molded handle 224 positioned at the front end 218 and a fourth molded handle 236 positioned at the back end 220. The third molded handle 224 is coupled to the front end 218 via sewn straps 226, and the fourth molded handle 236 is coupled to the back end 220 via sewn straps 238. In some examples, the third molded handle 224 and fourth molded handle 236 may have a same shape, size, etc. In other examples (such as that shown by FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C), the third molded handle 224 and fourth molded handle 236 may have a different shape, size, etc. and/or may be coupled to the corresponding ends of the inflatable cooler 200 (e.g., front end 218 and back end 220, respectively) via straps having a different size, shape, etc. relative to each other. Each of the molded handles (e.g., the first, second, third, and fourth molded handles described above) may be shaped to include a plurality of grooves and/or other recessed or protruded features in order to increase an ease with which the molded handles may be gripped. Additionally, each of the molded handles may be formed of a material with increased non-slip qualities (e.g., rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). In some examples, such as that described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, one or more portions of the frame may be inflatable relative to other portions of the frame in order to increase a storage space of the inflatable cooler.

[0030] FIGS. 3A-3D show different views of a second embodiment of an inflatable cooler (e.g., inflatable cooler 300). One or more portions of the inflatable cooler 300 are formed of a drop-stitched material, such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A- 1B. Reference axes 399 are included in each of FIGS. 3A-3D for comparison of the views shown.

[0031] The inflatable cooler 300 is an expandable cooler having a main chamber 342 formed between a first panel 348 and a second panel 338. During conditions in which a user desires to expand the inflatable cooler 300 (e.g., increase a holding capacity of the inflatable cooler 300), the user may inflate a third panel 346 (e.g., via valve 329) in order to form an expansion chamber 344 between the second panel 338 and the third panel 346 (as shown by FIG. 3D). The first panel 348, second panel 338, and third panel 346 each form a frame of the inflatable cooler 300, with the second panel 338 removably coupled with the first panel 348 and the third panel 346. The first panel 348, second panel 338, and third panel 346 are each panels comprised of drop-stitched material, such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0032] During conditions in which first panel 348 and second panel 338 are inflated and the third panel 346 is not inflated (e.g., conditions in which gas pressures within the third panel 346 are relatively lower than gas pressures within the first panel 348 and/or second panel 338, and the third panel 346 does not form the expansion chamber 344), the second panel 338 forms a front end 308 of the inflatable cooler 300 and the first panel 348 forms a back end 310 of the inflatable cooler 300 (with the front end 308 being positioned opposite to the back end 3 10 along a longitudinal axis 350 of the inflatable cooler 300). In this configuration, a user of the inflatable cooler 300 may store items (e.g., beverages, food, etc.) within the main chamber 342 between the second panel 338 and the first panel 348.

[0033] However, during conditions in which the third panel 346 is inflated, the inflatable cooler 300 expands to include the expansion chamber 344 formed between the second panel 338 and the third panel 346, and the third panel 346 instead forms the front end 308 of the inflatable cooler 300 (with the second panel 338 positioned between the first panel 348 and the third panel 346 along the longitudinal axis 350). In this configuration, the user of the inflatable cooler 300 may remove the second panel 338 from the inflatable cooler 300 (e.g., in an example direction indicated by arrow 340 through an opening 316 formed at a top end 302 of the inflatable cooler 300) in order to join the main chamber 342 with the expansion chamber 344. Alternately, the user of the inflatable cooler 300 may retain the second panel 338 within the inflatable cooler 300 (e.g., retain the coupling of the second panel 338 to the first panel 348 and third panel 346) in order to separate the main chamber 342 from the expansion chamber 344.

[0034] The expansion chamber 344 may include a drop liner 336 configured to surround a perimeter of the expansion chamber 344 (e.g., to surround surfaces of the second panel 338 and third panel 346 forming the expansion chamber 344) in order to fluidly seal the expansion chamber 344. In some examples, the drop liner 336 may be formed of a flexible material such as PVC, food-safe thermoplastic polyurethane, etc. and may be removably coupled to the second panel 338 and/or the third panel 346 (via hook and loop fasteners, for example). For example, during conditions in which the second panel 338 is removed from the inflatable cooler 300, the drop liner 336 may be decoupled from the third panel 346 and removed along with the second panel 338. During conditions in which the second panel 338 is coupled with the first panel 348 and third panel 346 and the third panel 346 is inflated, the expansion chamber 344 may be utilized with or without the drop liner 336. However, coupling the drop liner 336 to the second panel 338 and/or third panel 346 may increase a fluid resistance (e.g., water resistance) of the walls of the expansion chamber 344 (e.g., the surfaces of the second panel 338 and third panel 346 forming the expansion chamber 344) and/or may increase an amount of thermal insulation of the expansion chamber 344 for storing items above or below ambient air temperature (e.g., ice, chilled and/or frozen food, etc.).

[0035] The top end 302 of the inflatable cooler 300 is formed of a flexible material (e.g., PVC) and includes the opening 316 extending into flaps 332 (similar to flaps 230 of inflatable cooler 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C) formed by the flexible material in order to further fluidly seal the top end 302. The opening 316 may be sealed or unsealed via a zipper 314 (similar to the zipper 204 configured to seal or unseal the opening 205 of the inflatable cooler 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C). A user of the inflatable cooler 300 may insert items (e.g., beverages, food, etc.) through the opening 316 in order to store the items within the main chamber 342 and/or the expansion chamber 344. In one example, the opening 316 may be unsealed by pulling a slider of the zipper 314 in a direction from the back end 310 toward the front end 308, and the opening 316 may be sealed by pulling the slider in the opposite direction (e.g., from the front end 308 toward the back end 310). By configuring the zipper 314 to unseal the opening 316 as the slider is pulled from the back end 310 toward the front end 308, the opening 316 of the inflatable cooler 300 may be more easily unsealed and/or sealed both during conditions in which the third panel 346 is inflated (e.g., the inflatable cooler 300 is expanded) and during conditions in which the third panel 346 is deflated (e.g., the inflatable cooler 300 is not expanded).

[0036] During conditions in which the third panel 346 is deflated, the third panel 346 may be compressed toward the second panel 338 and retained against the second panel 338 via a strap 31 1 (e.g., webbing). The strap 31 1 may be coupled to both of a first side 304 and a second side 306 of the inflatable cooler 300 and may extend along (and press against) the third panel 346 to prevent the third panel 346 from extending (e.g., expanding) in a direction away from the second panel 338. In one example, the strap 31 1 may be removably coupled to a loop 326 positioned at the second side 306 and a similar loop (not shown) positioned at the first side 304. The strap 31 1 may be tightened against a bottom surface 333 of the third panel 346 via one or more tensioners (e.g., such as tensioner 324 shown at the second side 306) during conditions in which the bottom surface 333 of the third panel 346 is folded (e.g., pivoted) upward toward the top end 302 and is secured by the strap 31 1 as described above.

[0037] The first side 304 and/or second side 306 may additionally include one or more storage pockets (such as storage pocket 320) positioned proximate to the back end 310 along an exterior of the inflatable cooler 300. During conditions in which the third panel 346 of the inflatable cooler 300 is deflated, the third panel 346 may be secured against the second panel 338 as described above without obstructing the one or more storage pockets. In one example, the strap 31 1 may be stored within the storage pocket 320 during conditions in which the third panel 346 is inflated, and may be removed from the storage pocket 320 by a user of the inflatable cooler 300 during conditions in which the third panel 346 is deflated in order to be coupled with the loops and tensioners as described above. In another example, the strap 31 1 may instead be non-removably coupled to one or more exterior surfaces of the inflatable cooler 300 at the first side 304 and/or second side 306. An interior storage space of the storage pocket 320 may be accessed by the user via an opening 321 in the storage pocket 320, and the strap 31 1 and/or other items (e.g., tools, etc.) may be stored therein. The opening 321 may be sealed and unsealed via one or more fasteners positioned along the opening 321 (e.g., zippers, hook and loop fasteners, etc.).

[0038] The inflatable cooler 300 includes a plurality of molded handles (e.g., similar to the molded handles of the inflatable cooler 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C) positioned to enable the inflatable cooler 300 to be lifted, transported, or otherwise moved with increased ease. For example, a first handle 322 and a second handle 328 are each shown positioned at the second side 306 of the inflatable cooler 300 and are secured to the second side 306 via webbing 323. In one example, the webbing 323 may be inserted through the first handle 322 and second handle 328 and sewn to the second side 306 in order to increase an amount of weight that the first handle 322 and/or second handle 328 may support. The first side 304 of the inflatable cooler 300 may include a similar number and/or position of molded handles relative to those shown coupled to the second side 306 (e.g., first handle 322 and second handle 328). The first handle 322 and second handle 328 are distanced from each other in a direction of the longitudinal axis 350 such that during conditions in which the third panel 346 is deflated and compressed against the second panel 338, at least the first handle 322 (e.g., the handle coupled to the second side 306 proximate to the back end 310) is accessible (e.g., exposed) for a user to lift and/or transport the inflatable cooler 300. By configuring the handles to be coupled to the second side 306 in the position shown by FIG. 3C, one or more of the handles may be accessible during both conditions in which the inflatable cooler 300 is expanded and conditions in which the inflatable cooler 300 is not expanded (as described above). Additionally, the front end 308 and back end 310 may include molded handles (such as handle 330) to further increase a number of locations at which the user may grip the inflatable cooler 300 for lifting, transporting, etc., and a bottom end 312 of the inflatable cooler 300 may include a plurality of feet 318 similar to the feet 228 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. In some examples, such as that described below with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, the frame and an outer shell housing the frame may be removably coupled with each other in order to enable components of the inflatable cooler to be more easily separated for maintenance, repair, replacement, etc.

[0039] FIGS. 4A-4D show different views of a third embodiment of an inflatable cooler (e.g., inflatable cooler 400). One or more portions of the inflatable cooler 400 are formed of a drop-stitched material, such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Reference axes 499 are included in each of FIGS. 4A-4D for comparison of the views shown.

[0040] The inflatable cooler 400 includes a frame 430 removably coupled with an outer shell 431. The frame 430 is shaped to fit within the outer shell 431 in order to increase a rigidity of the inflatable cooler 400. The frame 430 comprises a first panel 436, a second panel 438, and a third panel 440. The first panel 436, the second panel 438, and the third panel 440 are each formed from a drop-stitched material such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0041] The second panel 438 couples the first panel 436 to the third panel 440 and extends in a direction between the first panel 436 and the third panel 440 such that the frame 430 has a substantially "U" shape within the inflatable cooler 400. For example, during conditions in which the frame 430 is inserted into the outer shell 431, the first panel 436 forms a first side 402 of the inflatable cooler 400, the second panel 438 forms a bottom end 444 of the inflatable cooler 400, and the third panel 440 forms a second side 404 of the inflatable cooler 400 opposite to the first side 402.

[0042] The outer shell 431 of the inflatable cooler 400 may be formed of a flexible and waterproof material (e.g., PVC). In some examples, the outer shell 431 include a plurality of sections permanently coupled together (e.g., joined together via radio frequency welding) in order to increase a strength and fluid resistance (e.g., water resistance) of the outer shell 431. In other examples, the plurality of sections of the outer shell 431 may be sewn together (e.g., similar to the example described below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5F) or coupled together in a different way (e.g., glued). During conditions in which the frame 430 is not positioned within the outer shell 431, the outer shell 431 may be folded in order to reduce a size of the outer shell 431 for transportation and/or storage.

[0043] During conditions in which the panels of the frame 430 (e.g., first panel 436, second panel 438, and third panel 440) are inflated above a threshold amount of inflation (e.g., a pressure of gases within the panels exceeds a threshold pressure), the frame 430 may not be inserted or removed from the outer shell 431. For example, the outer shell 431 includes a slot 434 shaped to receive the frame 430, with the slot 434 formed around a perimeter of a front end 432 of the outer shell 431. The slot 434 may have a substantially "U" shape similar to the shape of the frame 430 during conditions in which the frame 430 is inflated. However, a width of the slot 434 (e.g., an amount of opening of the slot 434) may be less than a width of the frame 430 during conditions in which the frame 430 is inflated. As a result, the frame 430 cannot be inserted into the slot 434 of the outer shell 431 during conditions in which the frame 430 is inflated. However, the frame 430 may be inserted into the slot 434 during conditions in which the frame 430 is not inflated, and may be inflated while positioned within the outer shell 431 in order to expand the frame 430 within the outer shell 431 and retain a position of the frame 430 within the outer shell 431. FIG. 4C shows the frame 430 positioned within the outer shell 431, with the frame 430 shown in dotted lines and the outer shell 431 shown in solid lines.

[0044] In order to decouple the frame 430 from the outer shell 431, the frame 430 is deflated within the outer shell 431 (e.g., via one or more pressure relief valves coupled to the frame 430) in order to reduce the width of the frame 430 relative to the width of the slot 434. Once the frame 430 is deflated by an amount at which the width of the frame 430 is less than the width of the slot 434, the frame 430 may be extracted (e.g., removed) from the outer shell 431 by pulling the frame 430 through the slot 434 and away from the outer shell 431. In some examples (e.g., during conditions in which the frame 430 is fully removed from the outer shell 431 or fully inserted into the outer shell 431), the slot 434 may be closed via one or more flaps shaped to enclose the slot 434. The one or more flaps may be secured to exterior surfaces of the outer shell 431 via hook and loop fasteners and/or may include one or more ends permanently joined (e.g., welded) with the outer shell 431. [0045] Configuring the frame 430 and the outer shell 431 to couple and decouple in this way may reduce a manufacturing cost of the inflatable cooler 400 relative to coolers that include a frame and outer shell formed together as a single unit. Additionally, the outer shell 431 and frame 430 may be more easily separated (e.g., decoupled) from each other for cleaning, repair, replacement, etc. of the outer shell 431 and/or frame 430.

[0046] In some examples, the outer shell 431 may include one or more layers of thermal insulating material (e.g., foam, reflective foil, etc.) positioned along an inner chamber 428 of the inflatable cooler 400 in order to increase a thermal insulation property of the inflatable cooler 400. The inner chamber 428 forms a main storage space of the inflatable cooler 400 within which items (e.g., beverages, food, etc.) may be stored by one or more users of the inflatable cooler 400. The inner chamber 428 may be sealed by a lid 422 formed by the outer shell 431 and shaped to enclose a top end 410 of the inflatable cooler 400. The lid 422 is pivotally coupled to the first side 402 of the inflatable cooler 400 (e.g., coupled to an outer surface of the outer shell 431 positioned at the first side 402) such that the lid 422 may pivot outward (e.g., away from the inner chamber 428) in order to enable a user to access the inner chamber 428, and the lid 422 may pivot inward (e.g., toward the inner chamber 428) in order to partially seal the inner chamber 428. In some examples, the lid 422 may be pivotally coupled to the first side 402 via a living hinge comprising one or more sections of flexible material (e.g., PVC). In other examples, the lid 422 may be coupled to the first side 402 via one or more fasteners configured to pivot the lid 422 relative to the first side 402.

[0047] In the example shown by FIGS. 4A-4D, the lid 422 includes a flap 418 shaped to couple with a slot 420 positioned at the second side 404 of the inflatable cooler 400. In order to partially close the top end 410 of the inflatable cooler 400 and prevent fluid and/or other objects (e.g., food) from being inserted into (or removed from) the inner chamber 428, the lid 422 may be pivoted toward the inner chamber 428 and the flap 418 may be inserted into the slot 420 (e.g., coupled with the slot 420). In one example, the slot 420 and flap 418 may be coupled together via hook and loop fasteners.

[0048] The lid 422 additionally includes a first portion of a zipper 426 (e.g., teeth of zipper 426) configured to couple in meshing engagement with a second portion of the zipper 426 (e.g., opposing teeth of the zipper 426) positioned along an outer perimeter of the inner chamber 428 (e.g., along a perimeter of an opening formed by the inner chamber 428 at the top end 410). A user of the inflatable cooler 400 may slide a slider of the zipper 426 along the outer perimeter in order to position the teeth of the zipper 426 into meshing engagement and fluidly seal the inner chamber 428 at the top end 410 of the inflatable cooler 400. Although the flap 418 and slot 420 may be utilized as described above in order to partially seal the inner chamber 428, the zipper 426 may fully seal the inner chamber 428 such that no fluid or other objects may be inserted or removed from the inner chamber 428 during conditions in which the inner chamber 428 is sealed by the zipper 426. In this way, the flap 418 and slot 420 may be utilized to quickly and easily partially seal the inner chamber 428, and the zipper 426 may be utilized to fully seal the inner chamber 428.

[0049] In some examples, the lid 422 may additionally include a pocket 414 positioned along an exterior surface (e.g., a surface facing away from the inner chamber 428 and positioned at an exterior of the inflatable cooler 400). The pocket 414 may be opened and/or closed via a zipper 460. In other examples, the pocket 414 may be opened and/or closed via hook and loop fasteners or another type of fastener (e.g., buttons, etc.).

[0050] In some examples, the pocket 414 may be formed of a same material as the outer shell 431. In other examples, the pocket 414 may be formed of a different material, such as a material transparent to visible light (e.g., clear plastic). In this way, documents (e.g., maps, schedules, etc.) may be inserted into the pocket 414 and may be viewed by a user of the inflatable cooler 400 without opening the pocket 414 or removing the documents from the pocket 414. The inflatable cooler 400 may additionally include one or more pockets positioned at a front end 406 and/or a back end 408 of the inflatable cooler 400, such as second pocket 412 shown by FIGS. 4A-4B and FIG. 4C.

[0051] The inflatable cooler 400 additionally includes one or more handles coupled to the outer shell 431 at the front end 406 and/or the back end 408. The handles may be molded handles similar to those described above with reference to the inflatable cooler 200 and inflatable cooler 300 (e.g., molded handles 206, 224, 236, etc.) and may be coupled to the outer shell 431 via webbing 417. The handles and pockets described herein with reference to the inflatable cooler 400 are each coupled to the outer shell 431 and not coupled to the frame 430. In some examples, such as the example described below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5F, the frame may instead form a front end, bottom end, and back end of the inflatable cooler, thereby increasing a size of pockets that may be positioned at the first side and/or second side.

[0052] FIGS. 5A-5F show different views of a fourth embodiment of an inflatable cooler (e.g., inflatable cooler 500). One or more portions of the inflatable cooler 500 are formed of a drop-stitched material, such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Reference axes 599 are included in each of FIGS. 5A-5F for comparison of the views shown.

[0053] The inflatable cooler 500 includes a frame 502 removably coupled with an outer shell 542. The frame 502 is shaped to fit within the outer shell 542 in order to increase a rigidity of the inflatable cooler 500. The frame 502 comprises a first panel 516, a second panel 518, and a third panel 520. The first panel 516, the second panel 518, and the third panel 520 are each formed from a drop-stitched material such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0054] The second panel 518 couples the first panel 516 to the third panel 520 and extends in a direction between the first panel 516 and the third panel 520 such that the frame 502 has a substantially "U" shape within the inflatable cooler 500. However, the frame 502 shown by FIGS. 5A-5F differs from the frame 430 described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D in that a length 519 of the second panel 518 (e.g., a length from the first panel 516 to the third panel 520 along the second panel 518) extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 511 of the inflatable cooler 500 during conditions in which the frame 502 is coupled with (e.g., positioned within) the outer shell 542. For example, during conditions in which the frame 502 is inserted into the outer shell 542, the first panel 516 is positioned at a front end 508 of the inflatable cooler 500, the second panel 518 is positioned at a bottom end 514 of the inflatable cooler 500, and the third panel 520 is positioned at a back end 510 of the inflatable cooler 400 (with the back end 510 opposite to the front end 508 in a direction of the longitudinal axis 511).

[0055] The outer shell 542 of the inflatable cooler 500 may be formed of a flexible and waterproof material (e.g., PVC). In the example shown by FIGS. 5A-5F, the outer shell 542 include a plurality of sections sewn (e.g., stitched) together in order to increase an ease of assembly and/or repair of the outer shell 542 and to reduce a manufacturing cost of the outer shell 542. In other examples, the plurality of sections of the outer shell 542 may be welded together similar to the example of the outer shell 431 described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D or coupled together in a different way (e.g., glued). During conditions in which the frame 502 is not positioned within the outer shell 542, the outer shell 542 may be folded in order to reduce a size of the outer shell 542 for transportation and/or storage.

[0056] The outer shell 542 includes a pocket 540 shaped to receive the frame 502. The frame 502 may be inserted into the outer shell 542 during conditions in which the panels of the frame 502 (e.g., first panel 516, second panel 518, and third panel 520) are deflated (e.g., a pressure of gases within the panels is relatively lower and may be approximately a same pressure as ambient atmospheric pressure). With the frame 502 positioned within the outer shell 542, the panels of the frame 502 may be inflated by pumping gases (e.g., air) through a valve 522 coupled to the first panel 516 in order to increase a rigidity of the inflatable cooler 500. In some examples, the first panel 516, second panel 518, and third panel 520 may be fluidly coupled such that inflation of the first panel 516 also inflates the second panel 518 and third panel 520. In other examples, one or more of the first panel 516, second panel 518, and third panel 520 may include separate valves similar to valve 522 such that one or more of the panels may be inflated independently of each other panel. During conditions in which the frame 502 is inflated (e.g., a pressure of gases within the panels is relatively higher than ambient atmospheric pressure) and positioned externally relative to the outer shell 542, the frame 502 may not be inserted into the pocket 540 due to a thickness of the panels of the frame 502 exceeding an amount of opening of the pocket 540. Additionally, during conditions in which the frame 502 is inflated and positioned within the outer shell 542, the frame 502 may not be removed from the pocket 540. In some examples, the pocket 540 may be sealed via hook and loop fasteners in order to conceal the frame 502 within the outer shell 542. [0057] The outer shell 542 includes an aperture 538 (e.g., an opening) positioned at the front end 508. The aperture 538 is shaped and positioned such that the valve 522 of the first panel 516 of the frame 502 may protrude through the aperture 538 during conditions in which the frame 502 is positioned within the outer shell 542. In this way, the frame 502 may be inserted into the outer shell 542 via the pocket 540 while the frame 502 is in a deflated state, and the frame 502 may be inflated via the valve 522 while positioned within the outer shell 542. In examples in which the second panel 518 and/or third panel 520 are individually inflatable via corresponding valves coupled to the second panel 518 and/or third panel 520, the outer shell 542 may include a plurality of apertures similar to aperture 538 positioned and shaped to receive the corresponding valves of the second panel 518 and/or third panel 520. For example, the bottom end 514 and/or the back end 510 may include one or more apertures similar to aperture 538, with the valves of the second panel 518 and/or third panel 520 protruding through the one or more apertures at the bottom end 514 and/or back end 510.

[0058] A chamber 532 formed by the outer shell 542 between the first panel 516 and third panel 520 of the frame 502 is shaped to receive items to be stored by the inflatable cooler 500 (e.g., beverages, food, ice, etc.). The walls of the chamber 532 formed by the outer shell 542 may be seam taped in order to seal sewn edges of the chamber 532 and increase a fluid resistance (e.g., water resistance) of the chamber 532. The walls of the chamber 532 may additionally include one or more layers of thermal insulation material (e.g., foam, foil, etc.) in order to increase a thermal insulation property of the chamber 532.

[0059] The chamber 532 is sealable along a top end 512 of the inflatable cooler 500 via a hinged lid 528 formed by the outer shell 542. The lid 528 may be formed of the same flexible material as the outer shell 542 and may be pivotable relative to the chamber 532 via a living hinge 529 (with the living hinge 529 formed of the same flexible material as the outer shell 542 and the lid 528). In some examples, the hinge 529 may instead be a different type of hinge (e.g., butterfly hinge) formed of a different material (e.g., nylon, metal, etc.). The lid 528 includes a plurality of tie-down straps 524 that may be tightened and/or loosened via tensioners 526. In some examples, the tie-down straps 524 may be utilized to secure items (e.g., towels, chairs, etc.) to an exterior surface 513 of the lid 528. A zipper 530 positioned around a perimeter of the chamber 532 proximate to the top end 512 may be utilized to couple the lid 528 to the chamber 532 ad fluidly seal the chamber 532. For example, a user of the inflatable cooler 500 may slide a slider of the zipper 530 in order to position teeth coupled to the lid 528 into meshing engagement with teeth coupled to the perimeter of the chamber 532. Sealing the chamber 532 via the zipper 530 and lid 528 may prevent fluid (e.g., water) and/or other items from being inserted into or removed from the chamber 532.

[0060] The outer shell 542 further includes a plurality of handles and pockets coupled to exterior surfaces of the outer shell 542. For example, the front end 508 includes a molded handle 534 secured to the front end 508 via webbing 536. The webbing 536 may be formed of a flexible material (e.g., fabric) and extends along the front end 508 and across the bottom end 514 to the back end 510. The webbing 536 may be coupled (e.g., sewn) to the bottom end 514 and may be further reinforced via a plurality of braces 539. In one example, the braces 539 may be formed of a different material than the webbing 536 (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.) and may be coupled to the webbing 536 in order to retain a position of the webbing 536 along the bottom end 514.

[0061] The outer shell 542 may additionally include one or more pockets positioned at a first side 504 and/or a second side 506 of the inflatable cooler 500. For example, each of the first side 504 and second side 506 are shown to include pockets 544 that may be sealed via zippers 546. In some examples, the pockets 544 may be formed of a non-transparent material (e.g., the flexible material of the outer shell 542) and may printed, embroidered, or otherwise embellished with logos, promotional text, etc. (e.g., sports team logos). In other examples, the pockets 544 may be formed of a material transparent to visible light (e.g., clear plastic) such that items contained within the pockets 544 may be visible through the pockets 544. In some examples such as that described below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6D, the first panel and third panel of the frame may be pivotable relative to the second panel and coupled to the second panel via a plurality of zippers in order to increase a rigidity of the inflatable cooler.

[0062] FIGS. 6A-6D show different views of a fifth embodiment of an inflatable cooler (e.g., inflatable cooler 600). One or more portions of the inflatable cooler 600 are formed of a drop-stitched material, such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Reference axes 699 are included in each of FIGS. 6A-6D for comparison of the views shown.

[0063] The inflatable cooler 600 includes a frame comprised of a first panel 614, a second panel 640, and a third panel 616. The first panel 614, the second panel 640, and the third panel 616 are each formed from a drop-stitched material such as the drop-stitch fabric 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. The second panel 640 and the third panel 616 together form a main chamber 632 of the inflatable cooler 600. Specifically, the second panel 640 includes walls forming an approximately rectangular shape, with the main chamber 632 being positioned between the walls (e.g., between a first side 602, a second side 604, a front end 606, and a back end 608 of the inflatable cooler 600). The main chamber 632 may be sealed at a bottom end 612 of the inflatable cooler 600 via a bottom zipper 620 coupling the second panel 640 to the third panel 616. Similarly, the main chamber 632 may be sealed at a top end 610 of the inflatable cooler 600 via a top zipper 618 coupling the second panel to the first panel 614. In some examples, the bottom zipper 620 may be concealed and/or waterproofed by one or more flaps of flexible material (e.g., PVC) coupled to the third panel 616.

[0064] The first panel 614 and third panel 616 are each pivotable relative to the second panel 640 via one or more hinges (e.g., hinge 622 coupling the first panel 614 to the second panel 640). In some examples, the one or more hinges may be living hinges formed of a flexible material such as PVC. In other examples, the one or more hinges may be a different type of hinge (e.g., metal or rigid plastic hinges).

[0065] The second panel 640 is coupled with an insulated liner 634 (shown in dotted lines by FIG. 6D) shaped to surround the walls of the second panel 640 forming the main chamber 632. The insulated liner 634 is sealed along the bottom end 612 of the inflatable cooler 600 and is not sealed (e.g., open) along the top end 610 of the inflatable cooler 600. In some examples, the insulated liner 634 may be formed of a waterproof material such as food-safe thermoplastic polyurethane and may include one or more layers of thermal insulation material (e.g., foam, foil, continuous filament synthetic insulation, etc.). Items (e.g., beverages, food, etc.) may be inserted into the main chamber 632 by partially decoupling the first panel 614 from the second panel 640 (e.g., unzipping top zipper 618) and pivoting the first panel 614 away from the second panel 640. The items may be retained within the main chamber 632 by the insulated liner 634, and a weight of the items may be supported by the third panel 616 during conditions in which the third panel 616 is securely coupled (e.g., zipped via bottom zipper 620) to the second panel 640. In some examples, the insulated liner 634 may be sewn (e.g., stitched) to a layer of PVC, and the layer of PVC may be glued to the second panel 640 in order to secure the insulated liner 634 to the second panel 640.

[0066] The first panel 614, second panel 640, and third panel 616 each include separate valves through which the panels may be inflated or deflated. A first valve 624 is shown coupled to the first panel 614 at the top end 610, and a second valve 626 is shown coupled to the second panel 640 at the second side 604. The third panel 616 includes a third valve (not shown) similar to the first valve 624 and second valve 626). By configuring each of the panels to include separate valves, the first panel 614, second panel 640, and third panel 616 may be inflated or deflated independently from each other. During conditions in which the first panel 614, second panel 640, and third panel 616 are each inflated (e.g., a pressure of gases within the panels is increased above ambient atmospheric pressure) and sealed together (e.g., via top zipper 618 and bottom zipper 620) a rigidity of the inflatable cooler 600 is increased. In some examples, increasing the rigidity of the inflatable cooler 600 by increasing the pressure of gases within the first panel 614, second panel 640, and third panel 616 may enable the inflatable cooler 600 to support objects positioned at the top end 610 along an exterior surface 621 of the first panel 614 (e.g., beverages).

[0067] The inflatable cooler 600 additionally includes a plurality of handles positioned at the first side 602, second side 604, front end 606, and back end 608. The first side 602 and second side 604 each include molded handles 636 coupled to exterior surfaces of the second panel 640 via webbing 638. The front end 606 and back end 608 each include raised handles 630 positioned vertically above the first panel 614 (e.g., in a direction away from the third panel 616) and coupled to exterior surfaces of the second panel 640 via straps 628. In some examples, the molded handles 636 and raised handles 630 may be formed of a same type of material (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.). One or more users of the inflatable cooler 600 may grip the raised handles 630 and/or molded handles 636 in order to move (e.g., lift, slide, etc.) the inflatable cooler 600.

[0068] Turning now to FIGS. 7A-7I, an additional embodiment of a cooler 700 is shown. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows the cooler 700 in a perspective view, FIG. 7B shows the cooler in a partial cutaway view, FIG. 7C shows a zipper flap 706 (e.g., pivotable flap) of outer shell 701 of the cooler 700 (e.g., a flexible outer shell similar to the other outer shells described herein) in a rotated position, FIG. 7D shows an end flap 716 of the cooler 700 in a cinched position, FIG. 7E shows a side view of the cooler 700 with a zipper 718 (which may be referred to herein as an end zipper strip or semi-circular zipper) in a closed position, FIG. 7F shows the side view of the cooler 700 with the end zipper strip 718 in an opened position, FIG. 7G shows an enlarged view of a webbing strip 720 of the cooler 700, FIGS. 7H shows an inflatable frame 702 of the cooler 700 removed from the cooler 700 in a folded configuration, FIG. 71 shows the inflatable frame 702 in a flattened configuration. Outer shell 701 is shaped to house the inflatable frame 702, with inflatable frame 702 providing support for the outer shell 701 (e.g., reinforcement for the outer shell 701). As shown by FIG. 7C, the cooler 700 includes a zipper 708 (which may be referred to herein as a side zipper strip). The side zipper strip 708 may be unzipped in order to access the inflatable frame 702 via an opening of the outer shell 701 sealed by the side zipper strip 708. For example, an operator of the cooler 700 (e.g., a user of the cooler) may unzip the side zipper strip 708 in order to access an inflation valve 710 of the inflatable frame 702 (e.g., in order to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable frame 702). Specifically, the inflation valve 710 may not be visible while the opening of the outer shell 701 is sealed by the zipper 708, and the inflation valve 710 may be visible while the opening of the outer shell 701 is unsealed by the zipper 708. During conditions in which the operator does not need to access the side zipper strip 708, the side zipper strip 708 may be concealed (e.g. covered) by the zipper flap 706. For example, zipper flap 706 may cover an entire length of the zipper 708. In other examples, the side zipper strip 708, opening of the outer shell sealed by side zipper strip 708, and zipper flap 706 may be positioned at an opposite side of the cooler 700.

[0069] The end flap 716 may include one or more fasteners such as cord 714 threaded through grommet 712 in order to enable the end flap 716 to be cinched (e.g., retracted, folded, etc.) from the position shown in FIG. 7C to the position shown in FIG. 7D. The end flap 716 may cover (e.g., conceal) the end zipper strip 718 during conditions in which the end flap 716 is not cinched by the cord 714. For example, as shown by FIG. 7E and FIG. 7F, the end flap 716 may be rotated to a position away from the end zipper strip 718 in order to expose (e.g., reveal) the end zipper strip 718. In one example, the end zipper strip 718 may be moved from a closed position (shown by FIG. 7E) to an opened position (shown by FIG. 7F) in order to enable the user of the cooler 700 to access one or more elements of the inflatable frame 702 via a semi -circular opening of the outer shell 701 sealed by the zipper 718, such as one or more valves for inflation and/or deflation of the inflatable frame 702 (e.g., inflation valve 719). In some examples, the cooler 700 may include both of inflation valve 710 and inflation valve 719. In other examples, the cooler 700 may include only one of inflation valve 710 or inflation valve 719. Further, in some examples, cooler 700 may include both of zipper 718 and zipper 708. In other examples, cooler 700 may include only one of zipper 718 or zipper 708.

[0070] As shown by FIG. 7A, the cooler 700 may include a plurality of webbing strips, such as webbing 704. In one example, one or more of the webbing strips may be similar to webbing 720 shown by FIG. 7G. The webbing 720 shown by FIG. 7G is attached (e.g., bartacked) to the outer shell 701 of the cooler 700 at multiple locations in order to increase a strength of the coupling of the webbing 720 to the cooler 700.

[0071] FIG. 7H shows the inflatable frame 702 removed from the cooler 700, with the inflatable frame 702 in a folded configuration (e.g., a configuration in which the various panels of the inflatable frame 702 are folded relative to each other in order to fit within the cooler 700). The inflatable frame 702 may be folded in order to support (e.g., reinforce) each side of the cooler and each end of the cooler 700. Specifically, the inflatable frame 702 may be folded into the configuration shown by FIG. 7H in order to support a top, bottom, left, right, front, and back of the cooler 700, at least partially. The inflatable frame 702 includes a plurality of drop-stitched sections (e.g., panels), and the sections may be pivoted in order to form walls and/or chambers (e.g., a main chamber, such as a chamber for storage of one or more items to be transported via the cooler 700) of the cooler 700. As one example, the sections may form at least three sides of the cooler 700. For example, section 754 and section 758 may be positioned at a top end of the cooler 700 to form a top end of the cooler 700 during conditions in which the inflatable frame 702 is inside of the cooler 700, section 752 and section 756 may be positioned at opposing sides of the cooler 700 to form a first side and an opposing, second side of the cooler 700, and section 750 may be positioned at a bottom of the cooler 700 to form a bottom end of the cooler 700, with at least a portion of one or more of the sections providing reinforcement for the other ends of the cooler 700. In some examples, one or more of the sections may be inflatable independently of the other sections. In other examples, each of the sections may be fluidly coupled to each other section such that the sections may each be inflated from a single inflation valve (e.g., inflation valve 710). In some examples, the panels may be joined to each other (e.g., coupled together via flexible material) such that the inflatable frame 702 is a single piece, with each section being pivotable relative to each adjacent section.

[0072] Section 754 and section 758 may include extensions configured to at least partially form opposing ends of the cooler 700. Specifically, section 758 includes extension 760 and extension 762, and section 754 includes extension 766 and extension 764. The extension 760 and extension 764 may be positioned at a same end (e.g., a first end) of the cooler 700 while the inflatable frame 702 is housed within the outer shell 701, and the extension 762 and extension 766 may be positioned at a different end (e.g., a second end) of the cooler 700 while the inflatable frame 702 is housed within the outer shell 701. Similar to the other outer shells described herein, outer shell 701 may be comprised of a plurality of RF welded sections.

[0073] In the example shown by FIG. 71, section 758 has a first length 768 and a first width 778, section 756 has a second length 770 and a second width 780, section 750 has a third length 772 and a third width 782, section 752 has a fourth length 774 and a fourth width 784, and section 754 has a fifth length 776 and a fifth width 786. First width 778 and fifth width 786 may be a same amount of width, and first length 768 and fifth length 776 may be a same amount of length. Second length 770, third length 772, and fourth length 774 may be a same amount of length, with the second length 770, third length 772, and fourth length 774 being less than the first length 768 and fifth length 776. Each of first width 778 and fifth width 786 may be less than second width 780 and fourth width 784, and each of second width 780 and fourth width 784 may be less than third width 782. Further, second width 780 and fourth width 784 may be a same amount of width. Each of the second length 770, third length 772, and fourth length 774 may be less than the first length 768 and fifth length 776.

[0074] In order to couple the inflatable frame 702 with the cooler 700 (e.g., position the inflatable frame 702 to within the cooler 700 in order to reinforce the cooler 700), the inflatable frame 702 may be inserted into the cooler 700 (e.g., inserted into an opening sealed by side zipper strip 708 shown by FIG. 7C) in the flattened configuration, and may be inflated (e.g., via inflation valve 710) while the inflatable frame 702 is inside of the cooler 700.

[0075] FIGS. 1A-7I show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a "top" of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a "bottom" of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example.

[0076] The technical effect of forming the frame from the drop-stitched material is to reduce a weight of the inflatable cooler and to increase a rigidity of the inflatable cooler. By forming the frame from the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel, the frame may be inflated to retain food, beverages, etc. within the inflatable cooler and deflated in order to transport and/or store the inflatable cooler. In some examples, the frame may be removably coupled with the outer shell and housed within the outer shell. In this way, the outer shell and frame may be decoupled from each other for repair and/or replacement. In other examples, one or more panels of the frame may be selectively inflated or deflated in order to adjust a size of the inflatable cooler. In this way, the inflatable cooler may be expand in order to store larger sized items and/or an increased number of items, and the inflatable cooler may contract to be transported and/or stored more easily.

[0077] In an embodiment, a cooler comprises an inflatable frame having a first section and a second section, with the second section being removably coupled to the first section and optionally separately inflatable and separately sealed, with distinct valves. In a first example of the cooler, the first section includes a first inflatable panel and the second section includes a second inflatable panel. A second example of the cooler optionally includes the first example and further includes wherein the first inflatable panel and the second inflatable panel form a main chamber of the cooler. A third example of the cooler optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein the first section further comprises a third inflatable panel. The second and third inflatable panels form an expansion chamber of the cooler during conditions in which the third panel is inflated. A fourth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through third examples, and further includes wherein the first inflatable panel, second inflatable panel, and third inflatable panel are each formed from a drop-stitched material. A fifth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, and further includes wherein removing the second section from the first section merges the main chamber and the expansion chamber.

[0078] In another embodiment, a cooler comprises: an opening formed by an inflatable frame, the opening sealable by a flap optionally without additional fasteners. In a first example of the cooler, the flap is formed by an outer shell shaped to house the inflatable frame. A second example of the cooler optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein the opening is coupled to a storage chamber of the cooler. A third example of the cooler optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein the flap is shaped to couple with a slot formed by the outer shell. A fourth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through third examples, and further includes wherein the flap is positioned at a top end of the cooler, and the slot is positioned at side of the cooler. A fifth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, and further includes wherein the flap forms a pocket at the top end of the cooler. A sixth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, and further includes wherein the pocket is formed of a material transparent to visible light. A seventh example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through sixth examples, and further includes wherein a waterproof lining is coupled to the outer shell, and the waterproof lining surrounds a plurality of walls of the storage chamber. An eighth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through seventh examples, and further includes wherein the outer shell is formed from a plurality of sections coupled together via radio frequency welding.

[0079] In another embodiment, a cooler comprises: an inflatable frame removably coupled to a flexible outer shell and housed within the outer shell. In a first example of the cooler, the inflatable frame includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, with the first panel and third panel angled away from the second panel within the outer shell. A second example of the cooler optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein the inflatable frame forms a front end, a back end, and a bottom end of the cooler. A third example of the cooler optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein the inflatable frame forms a first side, a second side, and a bottom end of the cooler.

[0080] In another embodiment, a cooler comprises: an inflatable frame including a main chamber formed by a plurality of panels, with each panel of the plurality of panels pivotally coupled to each adjacent panel of the plurality of panels. In a first example of the cooler, the plurality of panels includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, wherein the first panel is pivotable away from second panel in first direction and the third panel is pivotable away from second panel in a second direction. A second example of the cooler optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein the first panel forms a lid of the cooler and the third panel forms a base of the cooler. A third example of the cooler optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are not fluidly coupled to each other and are individually inflatable relative to each other. A fourth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through third examples, and further includes a waterproof liner coupled to the second panel and sealed at a first end. A fifth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, and further includes wherein the first panel is coupled to the second panel via a first zipper, and the third panel is coupled to the second panel via a second zipper. A sixth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, and further includes wherein the first panel and the third panel are pivotable relative to the second panel via a plurality of living hinges formed of a flexible material. [0081] In another embodiment, a cooler comprises: an inflatable frame removably coupled to a flexible outer shell and housed within the outer shell. In a first example of the cooler, the inflatable frame includes a plurality of inflatable panels formed of a drop-stitched material. A second example of the cooler optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein the plurality of inflatable panels forms at least three sides of the cooler. A third example of the cooler optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein the plurality of inflatable panels includes a first panel forming a first side of the cooler and a second panel forming an opposing, second side of the cooler. A fourth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through third examples, and further includes wherein the first panel and second panel are separately inflatable. A fifth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, and further includes a main chamber of the cooler formed by the first panel and second panel. A sixth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, and further includes wherein the plurality of inflatable panels further includes a third panel forming a bottom end of the cooler. A seventh example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through sixth examples, and further includes wherein each panel of the plurality of inflatable panels is pivotally coupled to each adjacent panel of the plurality of inflatable panels. An eighth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through seventh examples, and further includes wherein the plurality of inflatable panels further includes a fourth panel and a fifth panel, the fourth panel and fifth panel forming a top end of the cooler. A ninth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through eighth examples, and further includes wherein the fourth panel and fifth panel each include extensions partially forming opposing ends of the cooler. A tenth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through ninth examples, and further includes wherein the outer shell is formed from a plurality of sections coupled together via radio frequency welding. An eleventh example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through tenth examples, and further includes wherein the outer shell includes an opening shaped to receive the inflatable frame and a pivotable flap adapted to cover the opening. A twelfth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through eleventh examples, and further includes wherein the opening and pivotable flap are positioned at one of the first side or second side of the cooler. A thirteenth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through twelfth examples, and further includes wherein the opening is sealed by a zipper, wherein the pivotable flap is shaped to cover an entire length of the zipper, and wherein an inflation valve of the inflatable frame is visible while the opening is unsealed by the zipper. A fourteenth example of the cooler optionally includes one or more or each of the first through thirteenth examples, and further includes a plurality of webbing strips bartacked to the outer shell.

[0082] In another embodiment, a cooler comprises: an inflatable frame including a plurality of drop-stitched panels forming a main chamber of the cooler; and an outer shell shaped to house the inflatable frame. In a first example of the cooler, the outer shell comprises a plurality of sections joined to each other via radio frequency welding. A second example of the cooler optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein the plurality of drop-stitched panels includes a first panel forming a first side of the cooler, a second panel forming an opposing, second side of the cooler, a third panel forming a bottom end of the cooler, and a fourth panel and fifth panel forming a top end of the cooler, where the first panel or second panel includes an inflation valve, and where a length of the fourth panel and fifth panel is greater than a length of the first panel, second panel and third panel.

[0083] In another embodiment, a cooler comprises: an inflatable frame including a plurality of panels comprising a first panel and a second panel each having a first length and a first width, a third panel having the first length and a second width, and a third panel and a fourth panel each having a second length and a third width, where each panel of the plurality of panels is formed of a drop- stitched material; andan outer shell including a first opening shaped to receive the inflatable frame, the first opening sealed by a first zipper and covered by a first pivotable flap. In a first example of the cooler, an inflation valve of the inflatable frame is accessible via a semi-circular, second opening of the outer shell, the second opening sealed by a second zipper.