Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/389,641 filed on July 15, 2022, the content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid, portable, insulated devices or containers useful for keeping food and beverages cool or warm, and, more particularly, an insulating device with a waterproof closure.

Background

[0003] Coolers are designed to keep food and beverages at lower temperatures. Containers may be composed of rigid materials such as metal or plastics or flexible materials such as fabric or foams. Coolers can be designed to promote portability. For example, rigid containers can be designed to incorporate wheels that facilitate ease of transport or coolers can be designed in smaller shapes to allow individuals to carry the entire device. Non-rigid containers can be provided with straps and/or handles and may in certain instances be made of lighter weight materials to facilitate mobility. Non-rigid coolers that maximize portability can be designed with an aperture on the top that allows access to the interior contents of the cooler. The aperture can also be provided with a closure.

Summary

[0004] This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention. [0005] Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to insulating devices having one or more of (1) a waterproof closure (2) an outer shell, (3) an inner liner, (4) an insulating layer floating freely in between the outer shell and the inner liner, or (5) a waterproof storage compartment.

[0006] In certain examples, an insulating device may comprise: a body assembly comprising an outer shell defining a sidewall; an inner liner forming a storage compartment; an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment; a lid assembly; an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and a closure. The closure may comprise a lid collar structure and a body collar structure. The lid collar structure may extend around a perimeter of the lid assembly, comprising a first lateral compression surface and a first longitudinal compression surface. The body collar structure may extend around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening, comprising a second lateral compression surface and a second longitudinal compression surface. When the closure is closed, the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure. Additionally, the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure to seal the opening.

[0007] In other examples, an insulating container may comprise: a body assembly comprising a storage compartment; a lid assembly; an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment; and a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening. The closure may comprise a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly and a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening. When the closure is closed, at least a portion of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against at least a portion of the body collar structure to seal the opening.

[0008] In yet another example, a method of forming an insulating device may comprise the following steps: forming an inner liner first portion and an outer shell first portion; securing the inner liner first portion to the outer shell first portion to form a lid assembly; forming an inner liner second portion and an outer shell second portion; securing the inner liner second portion to the outer shell second portion to form a body assembly, wherein the body assembly comprises an opening into a storage compartment; and forming a sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment. Forming the sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment may comprise forming a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly and forming a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly. The lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the body collar structure to resealably seal the sealable closure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the closure may further comprise a zipper. The zipper may comprise an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface. The upper portion and the lower portion may be configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.

[0010] In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure. The V-shaped gasket may comprise a seal body; a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal. When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0011] In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a dual-seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure. The dual-seal gasket may comprise a primary seal arm and a secondary seal arm. When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure. When the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0013] In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise a plunger extending from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure; a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure; and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.

[0014] In another embodiment, the insulating device may further comprise lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an example insulating device in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the example insulating device of FIG. 1, according to one or more aspects described herein; [0018] FIG. 3A depicts a front isometric view of the insulating device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0019] FIG. 3B depicts an isometric view of the insulating device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an open configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0020] FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a portion of a body assembly that may be utilized to form a sealed closure of an insulating container, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0021] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0022] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0023] FIG. 7 schematically depicts another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0024] FIG. 8 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism of FIG. 7, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0025] FIG. 9 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism of FIG. 7, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0026] FIG. 10 schematically depicts another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0027] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism of FIG. 10, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0028] FIG. 12 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism of FIG. 10, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0029] FIG. 13 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another closure mechanism 1300, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0030] FIGS. 14A and 14B schematically depict another closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein; [0031] FIG. 15 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0032] FIG. 16 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0033] FIGS. 17A and 17B schematically depict various implementations of a gasket for the closure mechanism of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to one or more aspects described herein; and

[0034] FIG. 18 schematically depicts an exemplary body collar structure that may be used with any of the closure mechanisms, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Detailed Description

[0035] In the following description of the various examples and components of this disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Also, while the terms “frontside,” “backside,” “top,” “base,” “bottom,” “side,” “forward,” and “rearward” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0037] FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B depict an example insulating device 100 that may be utilized with the closure devices and implementations described herein. The example insulating device 100 includes closure 102, and an opening 104 is formed through a first/front sidewall 106 A, a second/left sidewall 106B, and a third/right sidewall 106C and partially through a fourth/back sidewall 106D of the insulating device 100. Moreover, the opening 104 may be configured to provide access to an inner storage compartment/ chamber 108 as is shown in FIG. 3B. In one example, the closure 102 can be substantially waterproof or water resistant so as to resist liquid from exiting the opening 104 when the insulating device 100 is in any orientation.

[0038] The example insulating device 100 generally includes a body assembly 110 and a lid assembly 112. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the lid assembly 112 may include a pull tab 113 and/or a handle 115 to increase ease of opening and holding the lid assembly 112. The inner liner 114 and an outer shell 116 between which are positioned one or more layers of insulation together form the three main components of the insulating device 100. The inner liner 114 can, in one example, be formed of double laminated TPU nylon fabric, the outer shell 116 can, in one example, be formed of TPU nylon fabric, and the insulating layer spaced between the inner liner 114 and outer shell 116 may be formed of NBR/PVC foam blend or any other suitable blend or foam. It is also contemplated that the inner liner 114 and the outer shell 116 can be formed of one or more of PVC, TPU coated nylon, coated fabrics, and other weldable and/or waterproof fabrics. An inner liner 115 of the lid assembly 112 may be formed from materials similar to those of the inner liner 114. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the insulating device 100 and the body assembly 110 may include a strap 111 that connects to one or more of the first/front side wall 106 A, the second/left sidewall 106B, the third/right sidewall 106C, and/or the fourth/back sidewall 106D of the insulating device 100. The strap 111 may connect to one or more of the sidewalls 106A, 106B, 106C, 106D using various connecting mechanisms known and used in the art, such as D-rings, hooks, clasps, swivel hooks, etc.

[0039] The insulating container/ device 100 is one example container that may be utilized with the closure embodiments described herein. Additional insulating containers are described in US Application No. 17/174964, filed 12 Feb. 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

[0040] FIG. 4 schematically depicts one implementation of a portion of a body assembly

400 that may be utilized to form a sealed closure of an insulating container, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the body assembly 400 may be integrated into an insulating container similar to insulating container 100. In one example, the body assembly 400 may be referred to as a base assembly 400. The body assembly 400 may be utilized as a liner in place of the inner liner 114. The body assembly 400 may have a front side 402, a left side 403, a right side 404, a back side 405, and a base side 406. These sides 402-406 may form the inner walls/ inner liner of a storage compartment of an insulating container, such as container 100. Accordingly, the body assembly 400 may have an opening 408 extending into an internal storage compartment. As depicted, the body assembly 400 includes rounded sides — the geometries of these features may be implemented with any dimensional values, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0041] The body assembly 400 further includes a body collar structure 430 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 400 at the opening 408. This body collar structure 430 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of a closure mechanism that is described in further detail with reference to the proceeding figures.

[0042] The body assembly 400 may be formed by one or more injection molding processes. In certain examples, the body assembly 400 may be formed from one or more polymers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, one or more thermoplastic elastomers, among others. Additionally or alternatively, the body assembly 400 may be formed from one or more fiber-reinforced materials, metals and/or alloys. Further, the body assembly 400 may be formed as a single element, or from two or more elements that are affixed to one another. The body assembly 400 may additionally include one or more thermoformed sheets configured to act as a migration barrier to impede chemical migration and to block moisture and/or odor. In one example, the body collar structure 430 may be utilized without forming the sides 402-406.

[0043] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a closure mechanism 500, according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, the body assembly 400 is removably coupled to a lid assembly 501 to form the closure mechanism 500. The body assembly 400 may include a body collar structure 430 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body assembly 400. The lid assembly 501 may include a lid collar structure 502 that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly 501. In one example, the lid assembly 501 may be integrated into a lid assembly of an insulating device, such as lid assembly 112 of insulating device 100. Accordingly, in one example, the lid assembly 502 may be added to, or may replace the inner liner 115 of the lid assembly 112. The lid assembly 502 may be formed in a similar manner to the body assembly 400, using similar manufacturing methodologies and/or materials. Indeed, it is contemplated that the structures described throughout this disclosure may be formed using any manufacturing processes and/or materials, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0044] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a more detailed view of an exemplary closure mechanism 600, according to one or more aspects described herein. The closure mechanism 600 includes a lid assembly 601 and a body assembly 603. The lid assembly 601 and the body assembly 603 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100. The lid assembly 601 includes a lid collar structure 602 that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly 601. This lid collar structure 602 includes a lateral compression surface 604 and a longitudinal compression surface 606. The lateral compression surface 604 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrows 609a and 609b. Similarly, the longitudinal compression surface 606 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrows 607a and 607b.

[0045] The body assembly 603 further includes a body collar structure 630 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 603 at the opening. This body collar structure 630 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of the closure mechanism 600. The body collar structure 630 may include a shoulder element 610 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 630. This shoulder element 610 may include a longitudinal compression surface 612 and a lateral compression surface 614. Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 601 and the body assembly 603 is closed, the lateral compression surface 604 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 614, and the longitudinal compression surface 606 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 612 to seal the opening. [0046] In one example, the lateral compression surface 604 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 616. Accordingly, the top collar flexure structure 616 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 602 is compressed against the body collar structure 630. Further, the top collar flexure structure 616 may urge the lateral compression surface 604 toward the lateral compression surface 614. In one example, the lid collar structure 602 includes a lateral gasket 620A that extends around at least a portion of the lateral compression surface 604. This lateral gasket 620A may be received into a lateral gasket channel 622 that extends into the lateral compression surface 604. In one implementation, the lateral gasket 620A includes a wiper structure 624 that extends outward along direction 609b and upward along direction 607a. However, it is contemplated that lateral gasket 620A, and any other gasket described throughout this disclosure may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries. For example, gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d- shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries. Further, the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials.

[0047] The lid collar structure 602 may additionally include a longitudinal gasket 620B that extends around at least a portion of the longitudinal compression surface 606 of the lid collar structure 602. Accordingly, when the closure mechanism 600 is closed, the longitudinal gasket 620B is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 612 of the body collar structure 630 and the lateral gasket 620A is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 614 of the body collar structure 630. Compression of the longitudinal compression surface 606 against the longitudinal compression surface 612 may result in direct or indirect contact between the surfaces 606 and 612. Similarly, compression of the lateral compression surface 604 against a lateral compression surface 614 may result in direct or indirect contact between surfaces 604 and 614.

[0048] The closure mechanism 600 may additionally include a zipper 641 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 6 as having an upper zipper portion 644 and a lower zipper portion 646. The upper zipper portion 644 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 640. This upper zipper portion 644 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 646, with the lower zipper portion 646 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 642. When the closure 600 is closed using the zipper 641, the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 644 to the lower zipper portion 646 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 607a and 607b. This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 606 against the longitudinal compression surface 612, and further seals the closure 600.

[0049] In one example, the zipper 641 formed by upper portion 644 and lower portion 646 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. In one example, the closure mechanism 600 includes a gutter structure 650 formed between a ledge surface 652 of the body collar structure 630 and the shoulder element 610. This gutter structure 650 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper 641 from draining into the storage compartment through the opening 408.

[0050] FIG. 7 schematically depicts another closure mechanism 700, according to one or more aspects described herein. The closure mechanism 700 includes a lid assembly 701 and a body assembly 703. The lid assembly 701 and the body assembly 703 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100. FIG. 8 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism 700, according to one or more aspects described herein. Accordingly, the lid assembly 701 may include a lid collar structure 702 similar to lid collar structure 602 and a body collar structure 730 similar to body collar structure 630. The lid collar structure 702 includes a lateral compression surface 704 and a longitudinal compression surface 706. The lateral compression surface 704 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 709a and 709b. Similarly, the longitudinal compression surface 706 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 707a and 707b.

[0051] The body collar structure 730 may include a shoulder element 710 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 730. This shoulder element 710 may include a longitudinal compression surface 712 and a lateral compression surface 714. Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 701 and the body assembly 703 is closed, the lateral compression surface 704 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 714, and the longitudinal compression surface 706 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 712 to seal the opening.

[0052] In one example, the lateral compression surface 704 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 716. Accordingly, the top collar flexure structure 716 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 702 is compressed against the body collar structure 730. Further, the top collar flexure structure 716 may urge the lateral compression surface 704 toward the lateral compression surface 714. In one example, the lid collar structure 702 includes a gasket 720 that extends around at least a portion of the lateral compression surface 704. This gasket 720 may be received into a gasket channel 722 that extends into the lateral compression surface 704.

[0053] Accordingly, when the closure mechanism 700 is closed, the gasket 720 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 714 of the body collar structure 730. Compression of the lateral compression surface 704 against a lateral compression surface 714 may result in direct or indirect contact between surfaces 704 and 714.

[0054] The closure mechanism 700 may additionally include a zipper 741 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 7 as having an upper zipper portion 744 and a lower zipper portion 746. The upper zipper portion 744 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 740. This upper zipper portion 744 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 746, with the lower zipper portion 746 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 742. When the closure 700 is closed using the zipper 741, the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 744 to the lower zipper portion 746 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 707a and 707b. This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 706 against the longitudinal compression surface 712, and further seals the closure 700.

[0055] In one example, the zipper 741 formed by upper portion 744 and lower portion 746 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. In one example, the closure mechanism 700 includes a gutter structure 750 formed between a ledge surface 752 of the body collar structure 704 and the shoulder element 710. This gutter structure 750 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper from draining into the storage compartment of an insulating container to which the closure mechanism 700 is affixed.

[0056] FIG. 9 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism 700, according to one or more aspects described herein. In the depicted example, the body collar structure 704 includes body rib structures 902 and 904, and lid collar structure 702 includes lid rib structure 906. These rib structures 902, 904 and 906 are configured to brace the lid collar structure 702 and the body collar structure 704 during compression to form the interference fit. It is contemplated that the rib structures 902, 904 and 906 may be implemented with any geometries, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0057] FIG. 10 schematically depicts another closure mechanism 1000, according to one or more aspects described herein. The closure mechanism 1000 includes a lid assembly 1001 and a body assembly 1003. The lid assembly 1001 and the body assembly 1003 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100. FIG. 11 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the closure mechanism 1000, according to one or more aspects described herein. Accordingly, the lid assembly 1001 may include a lid collar structure 1002 similar to lid collar structures 602 and 702. The body assembly 1003 further includes a body collar structure 1030 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 1003 at the opening similar to body collar structures 630 and 730. This body collar structure 1030 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of the closure mechanism 1000. The lid collar structure 1002 includes a lateral compression surface 1004 and a longitudinal compression surface 1006. The lateral compression surface 1004 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1009a and 1009b. Similarly, the longitudinal compression surface 1006 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1007a and 1007b.

[0058] The body collar structure 1030 may include a shoulder element 1010 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1030. This shoulder element 1010 may include a longitudinal compression surface 1012 and a lateral compression surface 1014. Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 1001 and the body assembly 1003 is closed, the lateral compression surface 1004 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1014, and the longitudinal compression surface 1006 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1012 to seal an opening of an insulating container or device, such as opening 104.

[0059] In one example, the lateral compression surface 1004 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 1016. Accordingly, the top collar flexure structure 1016 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 1002 is compressed against the body collar structure 1004. Further, the top collar flexure structure 1016 may urge the lateral compression surface 1004 toward the lateral compression surface 1014. In one example, the lid collar structure 1002 includes a longitudinal gasket 1020 that extends around at least a portion of the longitudinal compression surface 1006. This longitudinal gasket 1020 may be received into a longitudinal gasket channel 1022 that extends into the longitudinal compression surface 1006.

[0060] Accordingly, when the closure mechanism 1000 is closed, the longitudinal gasket 1020 is configured to compress against a plunger element 1025 that extends from the longitudinal compression surface 1012. In one example, the plunger element 1025 may be formed as a raised rim on the longitudinal compression surface 1012. However, additional or alternative plunger geometries may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Compression of the lateral compression surface 1004 against a lateral compression surface 1014 may result in direct or indirect contact between surfaces 1004 and 1014.

[0061] The closure mechanism 1000 may additionally include a zipper 1041 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 11 as having an upper zipper portion 1044 and a lower zipper portion 1046. The upper zipper portion 1044 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 1040. This upper zipper portion 1044 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 1046, with the lower zipper portion 1046 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 1042. When the closure 1000 is closed using the zipper 1041, the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 1044 to the lower zipper portion 1046 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 1007a and 1007b. This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 1006 against the longitudinal compression surface 1012, and further seals the closure 1000. In one example, the zipper 1041 formed by upper portion 1044 and lower portion 1046 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed.

[0062] FIG. 12 schematically depicts another implementation of the closure mechanism 1000, according to one or more aspects described herein. In the depicted example, the body collar structure 1004 includes body rib structures 1202, and lid collar structure 1002 includes lid rib structure 1204. These rib structures 1202 and 1204 are configured to brace the lid collar structure 1002 and the body collar structure 1004 during compression to form the interference fit. It is contemplated that the rib structures 1202 and 1204 may be implemented with any geometries, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0063] FIG. 13 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another closure mechanism 1300, according to one or more aspects described herein. The closure mechanism 1300 includes a lid assembly 1301 and a body assembly 1303. The lid assembly 1301 and the body assembly 1303 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100. The body assembly 1303 may be removably coupled to a lid assembly 1301 to from the closure 1300. In one example, the lid assembly 1301 may be integrated into a lid assembly of an insulating device, such as lid assembly 112 of insulating device 100. Accordingly, in one example, the lid assembly 1301 may be added to, or may replace the inner liner 115 of the lid assembly 112. The lid assembly 1301 may be formed in a similar manner to the body assembly 1303, using similar manufacturing methodologies and/or materials. Indeed, it is contemplated that the structures described throughout this disclosure may be formed using any manufacturing processes and/or materials, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0064] The body assembly 1303 further includes a body collar structure 1330 that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly 1303. This body collar structure 1330 may be implemented with various geometrical features configured to form a portion of the closure mechanism 1300. The lid assembly 1301 includes a lid collar structure 1302 that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly 1301. This lid collar structure 1302 includes a lateral compression surface 1304 and a longitudinal compression surface 1306. The lateral compression surface 1304 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1309a and 1309b. Similarly, the longitudinal compression surface 1306 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1307a and 1307b.

[0065] The body collar structure 1330 may include a shoulder element 1310 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1330. This shoulder element 1310 may include a longitudinal compression surface 1312 and a lateral compression surface 1314. Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 1301 and the body assembly 1303 is closed, the lateral compression surface 1304 may be configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1314, and the longitudinal compression surface 1306 may be configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1312 to seal the opening.

[0066] In one example, the lateral compression surface 1304 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 1316. Accordingly, the top collar flexure structure 1316 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 1303 is compressed against the body collar structure 1330. Further, the top collar flexure structure 1316 may urge the lateral compression surface 1304 toward the lateral compression surface 1314.

[0067] In one example, the lid collar structure 1302 includes a dual-seal gasket 1320 that extends around at least a portion of a gasket channel 1322 of the lid collar structure 1302. In one implementation, the dual-seal gasket includes a primary seal arm 1323, otherwise referred to as a primary wiper arm 1323, a secondary seal arm 1325, otherwise referred to as a secondary wiper arm 1325, and a standoff arm 1327. In one example, the standoff arm 1327 is configured to compress against an inner wall of the gasket channel 1322 to position the gasket 1320 correctly within the channel 1322. Further, the primary seal arm 1323 may be configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1314, and the secondary seal arm 1325 may be configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1312 of the body collar structure 1330 to seal an opening between the lid assembly 1301 and the body assembly 1303. It is contemplated that dual-seal gasket 1320, and any other gasket described throughout this disclosure, may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries. For example, gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d- shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries. Further, the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials.

[0068] The closure mechanism 1300 may additionally include a zipper 1341 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 13 as having an upper zipper portion 1344 and a lower zipper portion 1346. The upper zipper portion 1344 may extend along and may be flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 1340. This upper zipper portion 1344 may configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 1346, with the lower zipper portion 1346 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 1342. When the closure 1300 is closed using the zipper 1341, the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 1344 to the lower zipper portion 1346 may urge compression along the longitudinal direction 1307a and 1307b. This longitudinal compression may urge compression of the longitudinal compression surface 1306 against the longitudinal compression surface 1312, and further seal the closure 1300.

[0069] In one example, the zipper 1341 formed by upper portion 1344 and lower portion 1346 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed. In one example, the closure mechanism 1300 may include a gutter structure 1350 formed between a ledge surface 1352 of the body collar structure 1330 and the shoulder element 1310. This gutter structure 1350 may be configured to prevent liquid that passes through the zipper from draining into a storage compartment sealed by the closure 1300.

[0070] FIGS. 14A and 14B schematically depict another closure mechanism 1400, according to one or more aspects described herein. The closure mechanism 1400 includes a lid assembly 1401 and a body assembly 1403. The lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 may be coupled to or integrally formed with an insulating container, such as container 100. FIGS. 15 and 16 schematically depict a more detailed view of the closure mechanism 1400, according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, FIG. 15 schematically depicts the closure mechanism 1400 in a fully closed position and FIG. 16 schematically depicts the closure mechanism 1400 in a partially closed position. Accordingly, the lid assembly 1401 may include a lid collar structure 1402 similar to lid collar structures 602, 702, 1002 and a body collar structure 1430 similar to body collar structures 630, 730, 1030. The lid collar structure 1402 includes a lateral compression surface 1404 and a longitudinal compression surface 1406. The lateral compression surface 1404 may be configured to compress substantially in a lateral plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1409a and 1409b. Similarly, the longitudinal compression surface 1006 may be configured to compress substantially in a longitudinal plane that is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 1407a and 1407b.

[0071] The body collar structure 1430 may include a shoulder element 1410 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1430. Additionally, the body collar structure 1430 may include an angled surface 1432 that angles inward from the external portion of the insulating container 1400. The angled surface 1432 may improve the interface of the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403. Additionally, the angled surface 1432 may improve in the alignment of the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403. This shoulder element 1410 may include a longitudinal compression surface 1412 and a lateral compression surface 1414. Accordingly, when the closure formed by the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 is closed, the lateral compression surface 1404 is configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1414, and the longitudinal compression surface 1406 is configured to compress against the longitudinal compression surface 1412 to seal an opening of an insulating container or device, such as opening 104.

[0072] In one example, the lateral compression surface 1404 forms a portion of a top collar flexure structure 1416. Accordingly, the top collar flexure structure 1416 may be configured to flex when the lid collar structure 1402 is compressed against the body collar structure 1404. Further, the top collar flexure structure 1416 may urge the lateral compression surface 1404 toward the lateral compression surface 1414. In one example, the lid collar structure 1402 includes a gasket 1420 that extends around at least a portion of the longitudinal compression surface 1406. This gasket 1420 may be received into a gasket channel 1422 that extends into the longitudinal compression surface 1406. Additionally, the top collar flexure structure 1416 may include a lid gasket arm 1418. The lid gasket arm 1418 may be a lead that extends from the top collar flexure structure 1416 below the gasket 1420 in order to protect the tip of the gasket 1420 from being folded up when the lid assembly 1401 is lining up with the body assembly 1403. The lid gasket arm 1418 may also be used to protect the gasket 1420 from peeling when pressing the lid assembly 1401 into the body assembly 1403.

[0073] The gasket 1420 may be a V-shaped gasket. The V-shaped gasket 1420 may resist pressure and hold pressure better than other gasket types. Generally, the internal pressure of the insulating container 1400 may push to engage the gasket 1420 and sealing arms further against the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403. The V-shaped gasket 1420 may place the primary sealing surface further down the base wall for more reliable compression. Additionally, the V-shaped gasket 1420 may reduce the force to close the lid assembly 1401 on the base assembly 1403. The gasket 1420 may include a seal body 1428 with a primary seal arm 1426 extending from the seal body 1428 and a secondary seal arm 1425 extending from the other side of the seal body 1428. The primary seal arm 1426 may be referred to as a primary wiper arm 1426 The secondary seal arm 1425, otherwise referred to as a secondary wiper arm 1425. The primary seal arm 1426 may also include a wiper structure 1427. The wiper structure 1427 may also be called scraper, and may protect and seal the insulating container 1400 against moisture, dust, and/or dirt. In one example, the seal body 1428 and the secondary seal arm 1425 are configured to compress against an inner wall of the gasket channel 1422 to position the gasket 1420 correctly within the channel 1422. Further, the primary seal arm 1426 may be configured to compress against the lateral compression surface 1414 and the longitudinal compression surface 1412 of the body collar structure 1430 to seal an opening between the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403. It is contemplated that gasket 1420, and any other gasket described throughout this disclosure, may utilize different gasket geometries, or combination of geometries. For example, gaskets may be embodied with c-shaped, d-shaped, e-shaped, p-shaped, and/or lip seal geometries. Further, the gaskets may be formed from any one or more suitable materials, such as polymer materials.

[0074] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate two exemplary types of the V-shaped gasket 1420. As illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the V-shaped gaskets 1420 include a seal body 1428. A primary seal arm 1426 and a secondary seal arm 1425 may extend from the seal body 1428. The primary seal arm 1426 may include a wiper structure 1427. Various geometries may be utilized for any of the various components of the gasket 1420, such as changing the width, length, density, stiffness, angle, etc. of the seal body 1428, primary seal arm 1426, secondary seal arm 1425, and/or wiper structure 1427. FIG. 17A shows a V-shaped gasket 1420 with a more rectangular- shaped seal body 1428, while FIG. 17B shows a V-shaped gasket 1420 with rounded comers for the seal body 1428. For example, the V-shaped gaskets 1420 and the components make it easier to “tune’Vadjust any of the gasket components and the properties of the gasket 1420, such as, for example, tune the primary seal arm 1426 to adjust the gasket and sealing performance by changing the thickness, length, and/or angle of the primary seal arm 1426. The geometries of these components of the V-shaped gasket 1420 may be implemented with any dimensional values, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0075] The V-shaped gasket 1420 may need to impart a stiffness to part of the seal geometry, while having the primary seal arm 1426 acting as a compliant portion and the secondary seal arm 1425 acting as a stiff element. The secondary seal arm 1425 or the stiff element may resist torqueing and deformation and drive unity of movement between the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403. The primary seal arm 1426 or the compliant portion may deliver the sealing between the lid assembly 1401 and the body assembly 1403 and modulate enough to compensate for any deformation that does occur during drop scenarios to ensure leak protection for the insulating container 1400.

[0076] The closure mechanism 1400 may additionally include a zipper 1441 that is schematically depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16 as having an upper zipper portion 1444 and a lower zipper portion 1446. The upper zipper portion 1444 extends along and is flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a lid collar zipper flange surface 1440. This upper zipper portion 1444 is configured to be removably coupled to the lower zipper portion 1446, with the lower zipper portion 1446 extending along and flexibly coupled to at least a portion of a body collar zipper flange surface 1442. When the closure 1400 is closed using the zipper 1441, the removable coupling of the upper zipper portion 1444 to the lower zipper portion 1446 urges compression along the longitudinal direction 1407a and 1407b. This longitudinal compression urges compression of the longitudinal compression surface 1406 against the longitudinal compression surface 1412, and further seals the closure 1400. In one example, the zipper 1441 formed by upper portion 1444 and lower portion 1446 may be configured to be partially or wholly watertight when closed.

[0077] FIG. 18 specifically illustrates another exemplary body collar structure 1830 with base ribs 1834 to increase resistance to torsion and keep the gasket in place and in contact. The body collar structure 1830 may be utilized in place of or with the body collar structure 1430 and any of the insulating containers provided. The body collar structure 1830 may include a shoulder element 1810 that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the body collar structure 1830. The shoulder element 1810 may include may include a longitudinal compression surface 1812 and a lateral compression surface 1814 as described and detailed above with reference to the longitudinal compression surface 1412 and the lateral compression surface 1414. Additionally, the body collar structure 1830 may include may include an angled surface 1832 that angles inward from the external portion of the insulating container. The base ribs 1834 may be located in between the angled surface 1832 and a body collar zipper flange surface 1842. The base ribs 1834 may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the body collar structure 1830. The base ribs 1834 may be include various truss and/or beam structures and may be implemented, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0078] In one example, an insulating device may include a body assembly that has an outer shell defining a first sidewall, a second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall. The insulating device may also include an inner liner forming a storage compartment, and an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, with the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment. The insulating device may also include a lid assembly. An opening may be formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, with the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The insulating device may also include a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening. The closure may additionally include a lid collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly, with the lid collar structure having a first lateral compression surface and a first longitudinal compression surface. The closure may also include a body collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening, with the body collar structure having a second lateral compression surface and a second longitudinal compression surface. When the closure is closed, the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure to seal the opening.

[0079] The closure may additionally include a zipper that has an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper flange surface and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper flange surface, such that the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening of the insulating device.

[0080] When the closure is closed, the zipper may urge the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0081] When the closure is closed, an interference fit may compress the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0082] The lid collar structure may include a lid rib and the body collar structure may include a body rib, such that the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure and the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.

[0083] The insulating device may also include a V-shaped gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure. The V-shaped gasket may further comprise: a seal body; a primary seal arm extending from a first end of the seal body; and a secondary seal arm extending from a second end opposite the first end of the body seal. When the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0084] The V-shaped gasket may further comprise a wiper structure. [0085] The seal body and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against an inner wall of a gasket channel to position the V-shaped gasket correctly within the gasket channel.

[0086] The insulating device may also include a dual- seal gasket extending around at least a portion of the lid collar structure, with the dual-seal having a primary seal arm and a secondary seal arm, such that when the closure is closed, the primary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure and the secondary seal arm may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0087] The insulating device may also include a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure. When the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0088] The lateral gasket may further include a wiper structure.

[0089] The insulating device may also include a plunger that extends from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure, a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which is configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.

[0090] The insulating device may also include a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening. [0091] In another aspect, an insulating device may include a body assembly that includes a storage compartment, a lid assembly, and an opening formed between the body assembly and the lid assembly, with the opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The insulating device may also include a closure adapted to substantially seal the opening, with the closure including a lid collar structure extending around a perimeter of the lid assembly, and a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly at the opening. When the closure is closed, at least a portion of the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against at least a portion of the body collar structure to seal the opening.

[0092] The lid collar structure may further include a first longitudinal compression element and a first lateral compression element, and the body collar structure may further include a second longitudinal compression element and a second lateral compression element.

[0093] The closure of the insulating device may further include a zipper that has an upper portion extending along a lid collar zipper phalange surface, and a lower portion extending along a body collar zipper phalange surface. The upper portion and the lower portion may be configured to be removably coupled to one another to seal the opening.

[0094] When the closure is closed, the zipper urges the first longitudinal compression element of the lid collar structure to compress against lung tool compression element of the body collar structure.

[0095] When the closure is closed, an interference fit compresses the first lateral compression element of the lid collar structure against the second lateral compression element of the body includes a body rib, such that the lid rib and the body rib are configured to brace the lid collar structure the body collar structure during compression to form the interference fit.

[0096] The insulating device may also include a longitudinal gasket extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure. When the closure is closed, the longitudinal gasket may be configured to compress against the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure and the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface of the body collar structure.

[0097] The lateral gasket may further include a wiper structure.

[0098] The insulating device may also include a plunger that extends from the second longitudinal compression surface of the body collar structure, a longitudinal gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first longitudinal compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a longitudinal gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the longitudinal gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the plunger may be configured to compress the longitudinal gasket to seal the opening.

[0099] The insulating device may also include a lateral gasket channel extending around at least a portion of the first lateral compression surface of the lid collar structure, and a lateral gasket, at least a portion of which may be configured to be received into the lateral gasket channel. When the closure is closed, the lateral gasket may be configured to compress against the second lateral compression surface to seal the opening.

[0100] An example method of forming an insulating device can include forming an inner liner first portion and an outer shell first portion, securing the inner liner first portion and the outer shell first portion to a sealable closure to form a lid assembly, forming an inner liner second portion and an outer shell second portion, securing the inner liner second portion to the outer shell second portion to form a body assembly, such that the body assembly includes an opening into a storage compartment. The method may additionally include forming a sealable closure of the opening into the storage compartment, which further includes forming a lid collar structure that extends around a perimeter of the lid assembly, forming a body collar structure extending around a perimeter of the body assembly, such that the lid collar structure may be configured to compress against the body collar structure to resealably seal the sealable closure.

[0101] The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.