CN113543675A - Container with magnetic closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a container apparatus having a housing with an opening sealed by a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism may include a magnetic strip configured to partially or completely seal the opening.

Description

Container with magnetic closure

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from US patent application No. 16/295,711 entitled "CONTAINER with magnetic CLOSURE (contact WITH MAGNETIC close)" filed on 3/7/2019, part continuation of US application No. 16/096,206 filed on 24/10/2018, US national phase application No. PCT/US2018/021546 filed on 3/8/2018, the benefit and priority of US provisional patent application No. 62/468,673 filed on 3/8/2017, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid, semi-rigid, and rigid portable container devices that may be used to store personal items in a sealed storage compartment having a magnetic closure.

Background

The container may be designed for storing personal items of a user to provide a degree of protection against accidental impacts (e.g. falls) and against liquids and dust. The container may be constructed of a rigid material such as metal or plastic or a flexible material such as fabric or foam. The container may be designed with an opening/shell that allows access to the interior contents of the container. The opening may also be provided with a closing mechanism.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of general concepts 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.

Aspects disclosed herein may relate to container devices having one or more of (1) a partially or fully waterproof closure, (2) a magnetic closure.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when considered in conjunction with the appended drawings. In the drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar elements throughout the various views in which the reference characters appear.

Fig. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a container according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts an embodiment of a container according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 3A and 3B illustratively depict another embodiment of a container in accordance with aspects described herein.

Fig. 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of a container according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 5 schematically depicts another view of the container shown in fig. 4, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the container shown in fig. 4, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment of a container according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 8A-8B schematically depict an embodiment of a container according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 9A-9C schematically depict the container of fig. 8A-8B in an open configuration according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 10 schematically depicts a back portion view of the container shown in fig. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 11 schematically depicts a view of a portion of the interior back panel of the container shown in fig. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 12 schematically depicts a view of a portion of the interior front panel of the container shown in fig. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 13A schematically depicts a cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of the container shown in fig. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 13B schematically depicts a more detailed view of the opening of the container shown in fig. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 13C schematically depicts an alternative embodiment of the opening of the container shown in fig. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 13D schematically depicts an alternative embodiment of the opening of the container shown in fig. 8A-8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 14 depicts an embodiment of a container according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 15 depicts another view of the container shown in fig. 14, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 16 depicts another view of the container shown in fig. 14, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 17A-17B schematically depict isometric views of another embodiment of a vessel according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 18A-18B schematically depict isometric views of a closure mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 19 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of aclosure mechanism 1900 according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 20 schematically depicts one embodiment of a closure mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 21A and 22B depict a folded magnetic loop of a closure mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 22 depicts a container with a magnetic closure according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 23 depicts a container having a magnetic closure according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 24A and 24B schematically depict a magnetic closure mechanism similar to that described in connection with fig. 23, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 25 schematically depicts another embodiment of a container having a magnetic closure mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 26 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a magnetic closure, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 27 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetic closure, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 28 depicts another example container including a magnetic closure mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 29 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the closure mechanism of the container of fig. 28, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 30 depicts another embodiment of a container according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 31A depicts the container of fig. 30 in a partially open configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 31B depicts the container of fig. 30 in a partially closed configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 32 schematically depicts the container of fig. 30 with a folding magnetic closure mechanism integrated into the perimeter of the opening, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 33 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view through the container of fig. 30, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 34 schematically depicts a close-up view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of fig. 33, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 35 schematically depicts a portion of the container of fig. 30, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 36 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view through the container of fig. 30 in the direction of the B-B arrow shown in fig. 35.

Fig. 37 depicts a front view of the container of fig. 30, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 38 depicts a rear view of the container of fig. 30, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 39 depicts an end view of the container of fig. 30, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 40A-40C depict a hook fastener according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 41 depicts an isometric view of the hook fastener of fig. 40A-40C, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 42 depicts one embodiment of a magnetic cleat in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 43 depicts an end view of a magnetic cleat in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 44 depicts a view of a portion of the magnetic clamping plate of fig. 42, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 45 depicts a view of another portion of the magnetic clamping plate of fig. 42, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 46 depicts a front view of an example insulated container that can be configured to keep contents cold or warm for an extended period of time, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 47 depicts a rear view of the insulated container of fig. 46, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 48 depicts a side view of the example insulated container of fig. 46, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 49 schematically depicts a view of the example insulated container of fig. 46, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 50 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the thermal isolation device of FIG. 46, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 51 schematically depicts an insulation layer of the insulation apparatus of FIG. 46, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 52 depicts two magnetic strips that may be used to form a magnetic closure of the opening of the thermal isolation device of FIG. 46, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 53 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the magnetic stripe of FIG. 52, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 54 schematically depicts an alternative embodiment of a magnetic stripe in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 55 depicts the insulated container of fig. 46 in a folded configuration with a flap portion, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 56A-56B schematically depict cross-sectional views of an insulated container in respective unfolded or folded states, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Moreover, it is to be understood that the figures may show the proportions of the various elements of the various examples; however, the disclosed examples are not limited to this particular ratio. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are not to be understood as requiring a certain scale.

Detailed Description

In the following description of various examples and components of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is 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 structural and functional modifications may be made in accordance with the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, although "front," "back," "top," "front," "back," "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 for convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or orientations in conventional use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation or spatial orientation of structures without departing from the scope of the claims.

In the following description, reference is made to one or more container structures. It is contemplated that any of the disclosed structures may be constructed of any polymer, composite, and/or metal/alloy material, but does not include materials within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is contemplated that any method of manufacture may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, one or more welds (such as high frequency, ultrasonic or laser welding of fabrics, or metal/alloy welding), adhesives, sewing, molding, injection molding, blow molding, stamping, deep drawing, casting, die casting, drilling, deburring, grinding, polishing, sanding, or etching processes, etc., may be used in the construction of the various containers described throughout this disclosure. Further, where reference is made to a magnetic element or structure throughout this disclosure, it may be assumed that the element or structure includes one or more magnets (e.g., permanent magnets) or one or more metals or alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic materials, etc.) that may be attracted by magnets. Further, as described herein, a magnetic stripe may comprise a continuous magnetic element, a series of two or more discrete magnetic elements, or a two or three dimensional array of magnetic elements. Further, these magnetic elements may be composed of any magnetic metal or alloy, and may be combined with one or more non-magnetic materials, such as polymers, ceramics, or non-magnetic metals or alloys. It is also contemplated that the various disclosures described herein may be combined in any manner such that various permutations of combined elements are possible.

Various magnetic closure mechanisms are described throughout the following disclosure. These magnetic closure mechanisms may be constructed to be partially or completely water and/or air tight. It is contemplated that the magnetic closing mechanism may include a washer and a seal in addition to the magnetic elements described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is contemplated that any of the containers discussed throughout may be partially or completely water-tight, air-tight, and/or sealed to substantially or completely prevent dust or other materials from entering and/or escaping from the container. For example,containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800, 1400, 2002, 2200, 2300, and/or 2500, described in further detail in the preceding paragraphs, may include a partially or fully water-impermeable shell/outer wall and a closure mechanism.

Fig. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of acontainer 100 according to one or more aspects described herein. It is contemplated by the present disclosure for a container, such ascontainer 100, to alternatively be referred to as a bag, bin, or vessel, among others. In one example, thecontainer 100 may have a hard shell that resists deformation. In one embodiment, thecontainer 100 has a clamshell mechanism with afront shell 102 hingedly coupled to arear shell 104. In the discussion throughout this disclosure, the hinge coupling may use one or more flexible elements (e.g., living hinges), piano hinges, or the like. It is contemplated that theshells 102 and 104 may be constructed of any polymer, composite, and/or metal/alloy material, etc. In one embodiment, thefront shell 102 may be partially or completely transparent. In one example, thefront shell 102 and/or therear shell 104 may be constructed of a polycarbonate material. However, additional or alternative polymeric materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Thecontainer 100 may have agasket 106 extending around at least a portion of the inner perimeter of therear shell 104.Gasket 106 may be disposed within achannel 107 ofrear housing 104. Thegasket 106 may be constructed of silicone, neoprene, nitrile, polyvinyl chloride, or butyl rubber, among others. In one example, thegasket 106 may be configured to partially or completely seal theopening 108 to an internal storage compartment within thecontainer 100.

In one embodiment, it is contemplated that thecontainer 100 may include a closure mechanism, which may otherwise be referred to throughout this disclosure as a fastener mechanism, having asnap ring 110 hingedly coupled to thefront shell 102, and configured to be removably coupled to atop portion 112 of therear shell 104. In some examples, thegrommet 110 in cooperation with thegasket 106 may form a water-tight or watertight seal between thefront shell 102 and therear shell 104. Further, thecontainer 100 may be formed of a waterproof or water-impermeable fabric to form a dry compartment within thecontainer 100. However, additional or alternative closure mechanisms may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, thecontainer 100 may use two or more clasps similar to theclasp 110, one or more zippers, a rail-type closure mechanism, a hook-and-loop fastener, a tab, an interference-fit type closure mechanism, an interlocking closure mechanism, or a magnetic closure mechanism without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts an embodiment of acontainer 200 according to one or more aspects described herein. Thecontainer 200 may have a sturdy shell that is at least partially resistant to deformation. In one particular example, thecontainer 200 is of a clamshell design and has afront shell 202 hingedly coupled to arear shell 204. Therear shell 204 may have agasket 206 disposed within achannel 207 extending around at least a portion of an inner perimeter of therear shell 204. As depicted, the opening provides access to theinterior storage compartment 208 of thecontainer 200. Theinternal storage compartment 208 may be partially or completely sealed (e.g., partially or completely sealed from air and/or water, etc.) when thefront shell 202 is engaged with therear shell 204 along thegasket 206. In one example, thegasket 206 may be similar to thegasket 106 described with respect to fig. 1. It is further contemplated that thecontainer 200 may be constructed of a molded ethylene vinyl acetate material having a fabric coating.

In the depicted example, thecontainer 200 may include a closure mechanism having asnap ring 210 hingedly coupled to anupper surface 212 of thefront shell 202. Thus, thesnap ring 210 may be configured to engage with a tab structure (not depicted) on theupper surface 214 of therear shell 204. As in the above examples, it is also contemplated that thegrommet 110 in cooperation with thegasket 206 may form a water-tight or watertight seal between thefront shell 202 and therear shell 204. Further, thecontainer 200 may be formed of a waterproof or water-impermeable fabric to form a dry compartment within thecontainer 200. However, additional or alternative closure mechanisms may be used, such as magnetic closure mechanisms or hook and loop fasteners, etc.

Fig. 3A and 3B exemplarily depict another embodiment of acontainer 300 according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, fig. 3A schematically depicts thecontainer 300 in an open configuration, and fig. 3B schematically depicts thecontainer 300 in a closed configuration. In one embodiment,container 300 is constructed of one or more deformable materials such that one or more surfaces ofhousing 302 may be folded.

In one example, theopening 304 extends to an interior storage compartment of thecontainer 300. Theopening 304 may be partially or completely sealed by afirst closure mechanism 306. The first closure mechanism may include a magnetic closure element extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of theopening 304. Additionally or alternatively, thefirst closure mechanism 306 may include a track-type fastener, and/or a zipper fastener, among others. Further, with thesecond closure mechanism 310, theopening 304 may be partially or completely sealed by folding/rolling theupper portion 308 of thehousing 302. As shown in fig. 3B, thesecond closure mechanism 310 may be configured to extend over the foldedtop portion 308 and secure to a back side (not depicted) of thehousing 302. Thus, thesecond closure mechanism 310 may include one or more hook and loop fasteners, a clasp fastener, a lace, or a magnetic element, among others.

Fig. 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of avessel 400 according to one or more aspects described herein. In one embodiment, thecontainer 400 has afront shell 402 coupled to arear shell 404.Front shell 402 may be coupled torear shell 404 by a hinge-type mechanism (not depicted in fig. 4) disposed along one or more side surfaces (e.g.,bottom surface 410,left side surface 412,right side surface 414, and/or upper surface 416) ofcontainer 400. Thefront shell 402 may be coupled to therear shell 404 by one or more additional or alternative closure mechanisms configured to partially or completely seal an opening extending to a storage compartment (not depicted in fig. 4) of thecontainer 400. In one example, thecontainer 400 may include a rail-type closure mechanism, a zipper-type closure mechanism, and/or a magnetic closure mechanism, among others. Accordingly, one or more additional or alternative closure mechanisms may be configured to seal an opening that extends partially or completely around thestructural element 406.

In one example, thecontainer 400 includespull tabs 408a and 408b configured to provide a gripping surface on which a user may manually grip thecontainer 400 in order to hingedly separate/hingedly couple thefront shell 402 from therear shell 404 to access/seal one or more internal storage compartments of thecontainer 400. It is further contemplated thatcontainer 400 may include one or more alternative coupling mechanisms in place of a hinged mechanism (not depicted in fig. 4) disposed along one or more side surfaces ofcontainer 400. For example, thefront shell 402 may be configured to be removably coupled to therear shell 404.

One or more of the front andrear shells 402, 404 may be deformable, or may be partially or fully rigid. In one example, one or more of thefront shells 402 in theback shell 404 may be constructed of molded EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), and may have a fabric coating. The fabric coating may comprise any synthetic or natural fibrous material. It is further contemplated that any polymeric material, composite material, and/or metal/alloy may be used for thevessel 400 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 schematically depicts another view of thecontainer 400 having the front surface of thefront shell 402 removed to provide a view of theinterior compartment 502 of thecontainer 400. Fig. 5 schematically depicts an articulatingmechanism 504 extending along a portion ofbottom surface 410 and configured to hingedly couplefront shell 402 torear shell 404. Fig. 5 schematically depicts an interior view of astructure 406 extending at least partially around the perimeter of thecontainer 400. In one example, thestructure 406 is composed of an elastomer. As previously described, thestructure 406 includes one or more additional or alternative closure mechanisms configured to partially or completely seal the opening to theinternal storage compartment 502. These additional or alternative closure mechanisms will be described in further detail in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a container shown ascontainer 400, according to one or more aspects described herein. Fig. 6 schematically depicts thefront shell 402 having afront frame 602 extending around at least a portion of the inner perimeter of thefront shell 402. Thecontainer 400 also includes arear shell 404 and arear frame 604 extending around an inner periphery of therear shell 404. In one example, thecontainer 400 has a closure mechanism that includes a frontmagnetic strip 606. The frontmagnetic strip 606 may extend around at least a portion of thefront frame 602. Further, the frontmagnetic stripe 606 may be enclosed within afront channel 610 of thefront frame 602. Similarly, the closure mechanism may include a rearmagnetic stripe 608 extending around at least a portion of therear frame 604. The rearmagnetic stripe 608 may also be encapsulated within arear channel 612 of therear frame 604. It is contemplated that the frontmagnetic stripe 606 and the backmagnetic stripe 608 may include one or more magnetic elements configured in one or more linear strips or two-dimensional arrays. For example, the front and rearmagnetic strips 606, 608 may include a continuous magnetic element, or several magnetic elements spaced apart from each other within the front andrear lanes 610, 612. It is contemplated that the frontmagnetic stripe 606 and the backmagnetic stripe 608 may include one or more permanent magnets, and/or elements that include a metal/alloy that is attracted to the magnets. Thus, the frontmagnetic stripe 606 can be configured to magnetically couple to the rearmagnetic stripe 608.

Further, the closure mechanism of thecontainer 400 may include azipper 614. Azipper 614 may extend around at least a portion of thefront frame 602 and theback frame 604. It is contemplated that any zipper mechanism of the pull type having any size (e.g., tooth size, pitch) and/or having any slider body may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is further contemplated that thezipper 614 may be configured to be partially or completely water impermeable. Thus, thezipper 614, when closed, may partially or completely prevent water from entering thestorage compartment 502. Additionally or alternatively, a magnetic closure comprising a frontmagnetic stripe 606 and a rearmagnetic stripe 608 may seal the opening into theinternal storage compartment 502 such that it is partially or completely water and/or air tight.

In one example, thezipper assembly 614 may achieve a water tightness of 7psi above atmospheric pressure during testing with compressed air. However, in other examples, the water tightness of theclosure 614 may be 5psi to 9psi above atmospheric pressure, and in other examples, the water tightness of theclosure 614 may be 2psi to 14psi above atmospheric pressure. Thewaterproof zipper assembly 614 may include a slider body and a pull tab (not depicted). In one particular example, thewaterproof zipper assembly 614 may be constructed of plastic or other non-metallic teeth to prevent injury when contents are removed from the interior storage compartment of thecontainer 400.

Further advantageously, a magnetic closure mechanism comprising a frontmagnetic stripe 606 and a backmagnetic stripe 608 can align thefront shell 402 with theback shell 404 when themagnetic stripes 606 and 608 are magnetically coupled to each other. This magnetic alignment allows thezipper 614 to be opened or closed manually without any jamming/other localized failure of the zipper mechanism due to misalignment of the zipper teeth, etc.

Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment of acontainer 700 similar tocontainer 400, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In particular,container 700 has afront shell 702 similar tofront shell 402 and arear shell 704 similar torear shell 404, and is configured to be hingedly coupled tofront shell 702. As depicted, thefront shell 702 is separated from therear shell 704 such that the internal storage compartment is accessible through theopening 706. Fig. 7 also depicts azipper 708 that may be similar tozipper 614.

Fig. 8A-8B schematically depict one embodiment of acontainer 800 according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, fig. 8A schematically depicts a front view of thecontainer 800, and fig. 8B schematically depicts a partial back view of the same embodiment of thecontainer 800. In one example, thecontainer 800 may have anouter shell 802 formed of a partially or completely water impermeable material. It is contemplated that theouter shell 802 of thecontainer 800 may include afront portion 804, aback portion 806,side portions 808, and abase portion 810. Thecontainer 800 may also include aclosure mechanism 812, which may be configured to resealably seal an opening (not depicted in fig. 8A or 8B) at the top of thecontainer 800. Further, thecontainer 800 may include anattachment mechanism 814 on theback portion 806 that may be used to removably couple to another structure of thecontainer 800, such as, for example, a bag, an insulated container, or an item of apparel (e.g., a belt), among others. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism may include a strap with one or more hook and loop fasteners configured to allow the strap to be removably coupled to the external structure.

In one example, thecontainer 800 may be configured to be removably coupled to another container, such as an insulated device or an insulated container. In particular, thecontainer 800 may be configured to be removably coupled to one or more of the insulation devices described in u.s.pat.app.no.15/261407filed 9 sept.2016. For any and all non-limiting purposes, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Similarly, any of theother containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and/or 1400 described throughout this document may also be configured to be removably coupled to one or more of the insulation devices described in u.s.pat.app.no.15/261407.

It is contemplated that theouter shell 802 of thecontainer 800 may be constructed from one or more panels that are coupled to one another to form the depictedfront portion 804,back portion 806,side portions 808, andbase portion 810. In particular, one or more panels may be glued, sewn or welded (ultrasonic welding, RF welding, laser welding, etc.) together, and so forth. It is contemplated thatouter shell 802 ofcontainer 800 may have one or more substantially rigid structures, one or more deformable structures, or a combination thereof. In addition, thehousing 802 may use one or more polymers (such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, etc.), composites, and/or one or more metals/alloys.

Fig. 9A-9C schematically depict acontainer 800 in an open configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, fig. 9A schematically depicts a front view, fig. 9B schematically depicts a side view, and fig. 9C schematically depicts a rear view of thecontainer 800. In one embodiment, anopening 902 may be provided at the top of thecontainer 800, with the opening extending into one or more storage compartments enclosed by thehousing 802. Thecontainer 800 may include a closure mechanism that includes a magnetic seal. The magnetic seal is described in further detail in subsequent sections herein, and schematically depicts a portion of the magnetic seal within the cross-sectional window of FIG. 9A, such aselement 904. As will be described in further detail in connection with the figures, themagnetic seal 904 may be configured to magnetically and resealable seal theopening 902 in thecontainer 800. Additionally or alternatively, the closure mechanism of thecontainer 800 may include aflap portion 906 that extends from theback portion 806 to above the edge of the opening 902 (the edge of theopening 902 is schematically depicted by dashed line 903). Theflap portion 906 can include afirst fastener element 908 configured to be removably coupled to asecond fastener element 910.Second fastener element 910 is further coupled to an outer surface offront portion 804 ofcontainer 800. In some examples, the second fastener element may be formed in a larger area and may be in the form of a larger rectangle so that theflap portion 906 of thecontainer 800 may be secured to the container at different heights. This may allow the size of the container to be adjustable to accommodate different loads in thecontainer 800. In one example, the first andsecond fastener elements 908 and 910 can include hook and loop or french cleat fastener elements. In another embodiment, the first andsecond fastener elements 908 and 910 may include magnetic fasteners, such as magnetic strips. Magnetic fasteners may be used alone or in combination with french studs, hook and loop, and other types of fastening elements. The above method may also be used to attach various detachable straps to the container. In another embodiment, the first andsecond fastener elements 908 and 910 can include or can be used in conjunction with one or more of one or more rail/zipper type fasteners, one or more buttons, buckles, snaps, ties, interlocking handles, stamped hooks, clasps, or interference-type releasable couplings, among others.

In one embodiment, the housing ofcontainer 800 can be configured to fold along one or more lines (not depicted in fig. 9A-9C) to engage first andsecond fastener elements 908 and 910 with one another. It is contemplated thatcontainer 800 may be folded along one or more fold lines (e.g., along schematically depicted line 905) approximately half way between first andsecond fastener elements 908 and 910, with uniform spacing. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the housing ofcontainer 800 can be configured in a rolled form to engage first andsecond fastener elements 908 and 910 with one another.

Fig. 10 schematically depicts a back portion view of acontainer 800 according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, fig. 10 schematically depicts acontainer 800 having anattachment mechanism 814 in an open configuration. In one example, theattachment mechanism 814 can include two straps (e.g., straps 1002a and 1002 b). It is contemplated that theattachment mechanism 814 may use a single strip (similar to one of thestrips 1002a and 1002b) or three or more strips (similar to one or more of thestrips 1002a and 1002b) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is contemplated thatstrips 1002a and 1002b may be substantially similar. Thus, theband 1002a is described below and similar features may be assumed to exist on theband 1002 b.

In one embodiment,strap 1002a includesfastener elements 1004a, 1006a, and 1008 a. In one example,elements 1004a, 1006a, and 1008a may comprise hook and loop fasteners, and such that each ofelements 1004a, 1006a, and 1008a comprises one or both of hook and loop elements, such that a selected one ofelements 1004a, 1006a, and 1008a may be configured to be removably coupled to itself, or to one or more of the other two fastener elements. In one example,fastener elements 1004a, 1006a, and 1008a can be glued, welded, or stitched to strap 1002 a. For example,elements 1010a, 1012a, and 1014a may represent seams along whichfastener element 1008a is stitched to strap 1004 a. Further,seams 1010a, 1012a, and 1014a may additionally or alternativelycouple strap 1004a to backportion 806. It is further contemplated thatfastener elements 1004a, 1006a, and 1008a may comprise fastener structures in addition to, or as an alternative to, hook and loop elements. In particular, the fastener elements may include one or more rail/zipper type fasteners, one or more buttons, buckles, snaps, buckles, staples, magnetic materials, or ties, among others, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the storage compartment of thecontainer 800 may include one or more sub-compartments. Likewise, fig. 11 schematically depicts a portion of aninterior back panel 1100 of acontainer 800 according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, the storage compartment of thecontainer 800 may include astorage sub-compartment 1102. In one particular example, thestorage sub-compartment 1102 may include a padded insert pocket. In one embodiment, apadded insert pocket 1102 can be coupled to the interiorrear surface 1104. In one example, theback portion 806 of thecontainer 800 may comprise a single layer of material such that the interiorrear surface 1104 is an interior surface of theback portion 806. In another embodiment, thecontainer 800 includes multiple layers of material such that the interiorrear surface 1104 is a separate structure from the structure of theback section 806. It is contemplated that the paddedinsert pocket 1102 may include anopening 1106 formed between an insertpocket front panel 1108 and an insert pocketrear panel 1110. Thepouch front panel 1108 may have atop edge seam 1112 that is coupled to the pouch backpanel 1110 atpoints 1114a and 1114 b. Further, the patch pocket backpanel 1110 may be coupled to theinterior back surface 1104 along aseam 1116, which may extend around the entire perimeter of thepocket 1108. In one embodiment,seam 1116 andattachment points 1114a and 1114b may comprise a stitched attachment. In other embodiments, theseam 1116 and the attachment points 1114a and 1114b may additionally or alternatively be welded, glued, or the like.

In some examples, sub-compartment 1102 may be padded such that one or more items stored therein have some cushioning to reduce the likelihood of damage whencontainer 800 is dropped by being struck by an external element/structure. Accordingly, one or more of thepocket front panel 1108 and the pocketrear panel 1110 may include one or more cushion elements. In one example, one or more ofpanels 1108 and 1110 may include one or more of a foam material (e.g., polyethylene foam), a honeycomb material, and/or a bladder material disposed between two outer layers. In another embodiment, one or more ofpanels 1108 and 1110 may comprise a single layer of cushioning material, such as neoprene/polychloroprene or the like.

Fig. 12 schematically depicts a portion of aninterior front panel 1200 of avessel 800 according to one or more aspects described herein. The sub-compartment 1202 is schematically depicted in a similar manner as thesub-compartment 1102 of fig. 11, 12, which may be a lined or unlined compartment with a zipper closure. In particular, thezipper closure 1204 may be configured to provide a partially or fully sealable closure for anopening 1206 extending into the sub-compartment 1202. Similar to sub-compartment 1102, sub-compartment 1202 may include a zippered pouch backpanel 1208 and a zipperedpouch front panel 1210. A zippered bagrear panel 1208 may be coupled to aninterior front surface 1212 of thecontainer 800. In one example, innerfront surface 1212 is an inner surface offront portion 804. In other examples, thecontainer 800 may have multiple layers such that the interiorfront surface 1212 is spaced apart from thefront portion 804 by one or more intermediate layers of material.

In one example, the zippered bag backpanel 1208 can be coupled to the interiorfront surface 1212 along aseam 1214 that can extend around the entire perimeter of thebag 1202. Further, theseam 1214 may be sewn, welded, glued, or the like. Further, the zipperedbag front panel 1210 can be coupled to therear panel 1208 and/or the interiorfront surface 1212 alongseams 1214. Thezipper closure 1204 may include end stops 1216a and 1216b spaced across theopening 1206. One or more of the zippered pouch backpanel 1208 and the zipperedpouch front panel 1210 can be padded or unlined, similar to thereceptacle front panel 1108 and the receptacle backpanel 1110. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the zippered bag backpanel 1208 and the zipperedbag front panel 1210 can comprise a mesh material or a partially or fully transparent polymeric material.

Fig. 13A schematically depicts a cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of avessel 800, according to one or more aspects described herein. As previously described, theinterior compartment 1302 is enclosed by thefront portion 804, theback portion 806, and the base portion 810 (as well as theside portions 808 not depicted in fig. 13A). Further, theinterior compartment 1302 may include one or more sub-compartments 1102 and 1202.

Further description of fig. 11, 13A schematically depicts theliner layer 1304 within thepatch front panel 1108 and the patchrear panel 1110. In one particular embodiment, thecushion layer 1304 may comprise 0.5 to 5mm polyethylene foam. It is contemplated that other types of foams, cushioning materials, and/or other thicknesses may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As previously described, one or more of thefront portion 804,back portion 806,side portions 808, andbase portion 810 may comprise a plurality of panels of material coupled together. In one particular example, thefront portion 804 may include alower front portion 1306 coupled to anupper front portion 1308. Similarly, theback portion 806 can include alower back portion 1310 coupled to theupper back portion 1312. Alternatively, the loweranterior portion 1306 and theupper anterior portion 1308 can be formed as a single element, and/or thelower back portion 1310 and theupper back portion 1312 can be formed as a single element. In one example, theupper forward portion 1308 can include afront edge 1314 that enters theopening 1316 of thecompartment 1302. Similarly, theupper back portion 1312 may include arear edge 1318 of theopening 1316.

Fig. 13B schematically depicts a more detailed view of theopening 1316 of thecontainer 800 according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, fig. 13B schematically depicts a cross-sectional end view of a firstmagnetic strip 1320 having a first magneticstrip top side 1329 and a first magneticstrip bottom side 1331 and coupled to theinner surface 1212 of thefront portion 804 at thefront edge 1314 of theopening 1316. Similarly, secondmagnetic strip 1322 has a second magneticstrip top side 1333 and a second magnetic strip bottom side 1335, and may be coupled toinner surface 1104 ofback portion 806 at arear edge 1318 ofopening 1316.

In one embodiment, the firstmagnetic strip 1320 may be rigidly coupled to theinner surface 1212 along at least theoverseam 1324 andunderseam 1326. Further, secondmagnetic strip 1322 may be hingedly coupled toinner surface 1104. The hinged coupling ofmagnetic strip 1322 may be atseam 1328 atrear edge 1318 ofport 1316. Likewise, secondmagnetic strip 1322 may have anunstrained end 1330 that is separate fromsurface 1104 and that may rotate aboutseam 1328. Further, the second magnetic stripe bottom side 1335 may not be attached to thehousing 802. In other examples, one or both of the first magneticstripe bottom side 1331 and the second magnetic stripe bottom side 1335 may not be attached to thehousing 802.

In another implementation, the firstmagnetic strip 1320 may be hingedly coupled to theinner surface 1212 along anupper seam 1324, while the secondmagnetic strip 1322 may be rigidly coupled to theinner surface 1104 by theupper seam 1328 and anotherlower seam 1340, as schematically depicted in fig. 13C, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, the firstmagnetic strip 1320 may have anunsecured end 1342 that is separate from thesurface 1212 and may rotate about theseam 1324.

In another embodiment, as schematically depicted in fig. 13D, both firstmagnetic strip 1320 and secondmagnetic strip 1322 may be hingedly coupled to respectiveinner surfaces 1212 and 1104 at respectivefront edges 1314 and 1318. Likewise, firstmagnetic strip 1320 may have anunsecured end 1342 spaced fromsurface 1212 and secondmagnetic strip 1322 may have anunsecured end 1330 spaced fromsurface 1104.

Advantageously, the hinged coupling of one or more of first and/or secondmagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 may cause the magnetic coupling to continuously engage andseal compartment 1302 until relatively higher internal/external pressure is applied to the side walls ofcompartment 1302 than if bothmagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 were rigidly coupled to respectiveinner surfaces 1212 and 1104.

The containers described throughout this disclosure may be configured to be continuously sealed in response to a pressure differential between the internal storage compartment of a given container and the external environment surrounding the container. In one embodiment,container 800 may be configured to be continuously sealed to achieve the first pressure level using a magnetic closure formed frommagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 that are magnetically coupled to each other. Further,container 800 may be configured to continuously seal to achieve a second pressure level that is higher than the first pressure level when the two magnetic closures formed bymagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 are engaged and the second closure is engaged tofastener element 910 by detachablycoupling fastener element 908. In one example, the use of the second closure formed byfastener elements 908 and 910 in combination with the magnetic closure formed bymagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 can increase the pressure experienced by the seal of the internal storage compartment ofcontainer 800 by a factor of 5 or more, as compared to the use of the magnetic closure formed bymagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 alone. In other examples, the pressure tolerance created by engagingfastener elements 908 and 910 in combination with the magnetic closure formed bymagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 can be increased by a factor of 5 to 10. In one embodiment, the magnetic closure formed bymagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 can be configured to withstand pressures of 0.5-0.9psi or greater, and the combination of the magnetic closure formed bymagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 and the second closure formed byfastener elements 908 and 910 can be configured to withstand pressures of 2.5-4.5psi or greater. Further, it is contemplated thatcontainer 800, or any other container described throughout this disclosure, may be subjected to alternative pressure ranges.

Fig. 14 depicts an embodiment of acontainer 1400 similar to thecontainer 800, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In particular, thecontainer 1400 may include afront portion 1402 similar to thefront portion 802 and aback portion 1404 similar to theback portion 806. Thecontainer 1400 may also include atab portion 1406 that may be similar to thetab portion 906. Likewise,flap portion 1406 may have afirst fastener element 1408 coupled thereto.First fastener element 1408 can be similar tofirst fastener element 908 and can be configured to couple to asecond fastener element 1410 coupled to an outer surface offront portion 1402. Likewise,second fastener element 1410 may be similar tosecond fastener element 910. In one particular example, first andsecond fastener elements 1408 and 1410 can include hook and loop fastener elements. However, additional or alternative fastener elements may be used with these elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, first andsecond fastener elements 1408 and 1410 can include magnetic fasteners, such as magnetic strips or the like.

In addition, FIG. 14 depicts amagnetic stripe 1412. Themagnetic strip 1412 may be similar to themagnetic strip 1322 and may be configured to magnetically seal theopening 1414 of thecontainer 1400. In particular, themagnetic strip 1412 may be coupled to the inner surface of theback portion 1404 at therear edge 1405 of theopening 1414. In one example, themagnetic strip 1412 can be configured to magnetically attach to a second magnetic strip (not depicted) coupled to the inner surface of thefront portion 1402 at thefront edge 1416 of theopening 1414.

In one implementation, themagnetic stripe 1412 may include an array of magnetic elements (e.g.,elements 1418a, 1418b, etc.). In one embodiment, thesemagnetic elements 1418a, 1418b may be permanent magnets. In another example, themagnetic elements 1418a, 1418b may be magnetically attracted via permanent magnets. It is further contemplated that themagnetic stripe 1412 may additionally or alternatively include an array of magnetic elements similar to the two or more rows ofelements 1418a and 1418 b. Further, it is contemplated that themagnetic stripe 1412 may include one or more continuous frequency bands rather than a series of multiple magnetic elements (e.g.,elements 1418a and 1418 b). These frequency bands may include one or more magnetic wires or foils without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, additional or alternative embodiments of the magnetic closure may be used with thecontainer 1400 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the magnetic seal formed bymagnetic strips 1320, 1322, and/or 1412 may form a partial or complete water-tight seal ofopenings 902 and/or 1414.

Fig. 15 depicts another view of thecontainer 1400 shown in fig. 14, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, fig. 15 shows that themagnetic strip 1412 can be hingedly coupled to the inner surface of theback portion 1404 at therear edge 1405 of theopening 1414.

Fig. 16 depicts another view of thecontainer 1400 shown in fig. 14, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In particular, fig. 16 depicts testing of a magnetic fastener of thecontainer 1400, such as a fastener comprising amagnetic strip 1412 configured to magnetically couple to a second magnetic strip to seal theopening 1414. As depicted, thecontainer 1400 demonstrates the ability of the magnetic fastener to maintain an airtight seal when a 5kg mass is disposed in theback portion 1604 of the container 1600 (in this test setup, the container 1600 contains only air).

Fig. 17A-17B schematically depict isometric views of another embodiment of acontainer 1700 according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, fig. 17A schematically depicts thecontainer 1700 in an open configuration, and fig. 17B schematically depicts the container in a closed configuration. In one example, thecontainer 1700 may be similar to thecontainer 800 and has ahousing 1702 having afront portion 1704, aback portion 1706,side portions 1708, and abase portion 1710. In addition, thecontainer 1700 has afirst fastener element 1712 configured to be removably coupled to asecond fastener element 1714. To removably couple thefirst fastener element 1712 to thesecond fastener element 1714, theflap portion 1716 of theback portion 1706 can be folded or rolled such that thefirst fastener element 1712 is adjacent to thesecond fastener element 1714. It is further contemplated that thecontainer 1700 can have amagnetic closure 1713 similar to that described with respect to fig. 13B. Thus, in one example, the magnetic closure may be capable of sealing thecontainer 1700 up to 0.25psi when thecontainer 1700 is in the open configuration of fig. 17A. In other examples, the magnetic closure may be capable of sealing thecontainer 1700 at pressures up to 0.3psi, 0.4psi, 0.5psi, 0.6psi, 0.7psi, or 1.0psi when thecontainer 1700 is in the open configuration of fig. 17A. Further, when in the closed configuration of fig. 17B, the combination ofmagnetic closure 1713 withfirst fastener element 1712 andsecond fastener element 1714 may be capable of sealingcontainer 1700 at pressures up to 2.75 psi. In other examples, the combination of themagnetic closure element 1713 and the first andsecond fastener elements 1712, 1714 may be capable of sealing thecontainer 1700 at pressures up to 3.0psi, 3.5psi, 4.0psi, 4.5psi, or.50 psi.

Fig. 18A-18B schematically depict isometric views of a closure mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, fig. 18A schematically depicts an isometric view of a top portion of theclosure mechanism 1800. Theclosure mechanism 1800 may be similar to that of thecontainer 400 and includes arear frame 1802 similar to therear frame 604 configured to magnetically and removably couple to afront frame 1804 similar to thefront frame 602. When coupled, as depicted in fig. 18A-18C, a zipper slot orzipper channel 1806 is formed. In one example, thezipper slots 1806 can be configured to provide clearance for the slider body to move along the zipper strips (e.g., zipper 614). Fig. 18B schematically depicts an isometric view of a bottom portion of theclosure mechanism 1800. In one example, each ofrear frame 1802 andfront frame 1804 may include a plurality of magnetic elements, whereelements 1808a-1808c are examples of a plurality of similar elements. In one embodiment, the magnetic elements (e.g.,elements 1808a-1808c) may be coupled tofront frame 1804 andrear frame 1802 using one or more molding, overmolding, gluing, or interference fit processes. In one example, whenfront frame 1804 is magnetically coupled torear frame 1802, the magnetic elements within each ofrear frame 1802 andfront frame 1804 may abut one another. In another example, magnetic elements within each ofrear frame 1802 and/orfront frame 1804 may exert a magnetic force without directly contacting each other. In one example, the magnetic elements (e.g.,elements 1808a-1808c) may be permanent magnets, and may also be ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Additionally or alternatively, theclosure mechanism 1800 may include a magnetic strip rather than discrete magnetic elements (e.g.,elements 1808a-1808c) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of aclosure mechanism 1900 according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example,closure mechanism 1900 may be similar to that ofcontainer 400 and includes arear shell 1902 and afront shell 1904 that form an outer shell of the container similar tocontainer 400. Alternatively, theclosure mechanism 1900 may include azipper 1906 configured to provide a first closure of theopening 1908 between theback shell 1902 and thefront shell 1904. In one example, thezipper 1906 may be telescopically coupled to therear housing 1902 and thefront housing 1904 such that when thezipper 1906 is closed, tension forces thefront frame 1912 towards therear frame 1910. This tension, in turn, pushes the frontmagnetic strip 1914 toward the rearmagnetic strip 1916. In one example, thezipper slot 1918 is formed when thefront frame 1912 is magnetically and removably coupled to therear frame 1910. In another example, theclosure mechanism 1900 may includegasket elements 1920 and 1922 configured to provide additional sealing of theopening 1908 when the frontmagnetic stripe 1914 is magnetically coupled to the rearmagnetic stripe 1916.

Fig. 20 schematically depicts one embodiment of aclosure mechanism 2000 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, theclosure mechanism 2000 is configured to resealably seal the container.Housing 2002 is one example of the types of containers that may utilizeclosure mechanism 2000. However, it is contemplated that theclosure mechanism 2000 may be used with any container type and that thehousing 2002 represents one exemplary embodiment. Thehousing 2002 may be formed of a water impermeable material or a partially or fully permeable material. Although not depicted in the schematic diagram of fig. 20, thehousing 2002 may generally have a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. Thehousing 2002 may also include anopening 2004. Theclosure mechanism 2000 may be configured to resealably seal theopening 2004. In one example, theclosure mechanism 2000 is configured to fold between an open configuration and a closed configuration to resealably seal theopening 2004. Theclosure mechanism 2000 may include a magnetic element configured to provide a sealing force. Further, the seal provided by theclosure mechanism 2000 may be substantially watertight and/or airtight when in the closed configuration.

As depicted in fig. 20, theclosure mechanism 2000 is positioned in a partially folded configuration through which theclosure mechanism 2000 moves as the closure mechanism transitions between the fully open and closed configurations. In one example, theclosure mechanism 2000 includes a foldedmagnetic loop 2100 coupled to an opening of thehousing 2002. The foldedmagnetic ring 2100 is described in further detail in conjunction with fig. 21A and 21B.

Fig. 21A and 22B depict a foldedmagnetic loop 2100 of aclosure mechanism 2000 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, fig. 21A depicts foldedmagnet ring 2100 in a fully open configuration, and fig. 21B depicts foldedmagnet ring 2100 in a fully closed configuration. The fully closed configuration of fig. 21B may seal an opening of a container, such asopening 2004 ofhousing 2002.

The foldedmagnetic loop 2100 may include afront loop member 2102 that extends linearly between afirst end 2104 and asecond end 2106. These first andsecond ends 2104, 2106 can be coupled to respective first and second ends of a front portion of an opening, such asopening 2004. Thefront loop member 2102 may also include aprotrusion 2108 that extends toward therear loop member 2116. Theprotrusion 2108 may have a firstmagnetic surface 2114 that faces therear ring member 2116. Additionally, thefront ring member 2102 can include a secondmagnetic surface 2110 that is spaced apart from a thirdmagnetic surface 2112 by aprotrusion 2108.

Therear loop member 2116 of the foldedmagnetic loop 2100 may extend between afirst end 2118 and asecond end 2120. These first andsecond ends 2118 and 2120 may be coupled to respective first and second ends of a rear portion of an opening (such as opening 2004). Therear loop member 2116 may also include aprotrusion 2122 that extends toward thefront loop member 2102. Theprotrusion 2122 can have a firstmagnetic surface 2124 that faces thefront ring member 2102. Additionally, the rear ring member may include a secondmagnetic surface 2126 that is spaced apart from a thirdmagnetic surface 2128 by aprotrusion 2122.

The foldedmagnet ring 2100 may include a firstside hoop member 2130 that extends along a first side of an opening, such asopening 2004. The firstside loop member 2130 may be hingedly coupled to thefirst end 2104 of thefront loop member 2102 and to thefirst end 2118 of therear loop member 2116. The firstside loop member 2130 additionally includes acentral hinge 2132 that separates the firstmagnetic element 2134 from the secondmagnetic element 2136.

The foldedmagnetic loop 2100 includes a secondside loop member 2140 that extends along a second side of an opening, such asopening 2004. The secondside loop member 2140 may be hingedly coupled to thesecond end 2106 of thefront loop member 2102 and hingedly coupled to thesecond end 2120 of therear loop member 2116. The secondside loop member 2140 additionally includes acentral hinge 2142 that separates the firstmagnetic element 2144 from the secondmagnetic element 2146.

As described above, the foldedmagnetic loop 2100 includes a hinge at thefirst end 2104 between thefront loop member 2102 and the firstside loop member 2130. Additionally, thefront loop member 2102 is hinged to the secondside loop member 2140 at thesecond end 2106. Similarly, therear girdle member 2116 is hinged to the firstside girdle member 2130 at afirst end 2118 and to the secondside girdle member 2140 at asecond end 2120. In addition, the firstside ring member 2130 includes acentral hinge 2132, and the secondside ring member 2140 includes acentral hinge 2142. It is contemplated that any of these hinge elements may include a living hinge structure including a flexure constructed of one or more polymers, metals, or alloys. Additionally or alternatively, any of the hinge elements may comprise any mechanical hinge mechanism comprising separate hinge elements rotatably coupled to each other.

As depicted in fig. 21A, when the foldedmagnetic loop 2100 is in the fully open configuration, thefront loop member 2102, therear loop member 2116, the firstside loop member 2130, and the secondside loop member 2140 are positioned in a substantially linear configuration. When folded, thecentral hinge 2132 of the firstside loop member 2130 hinges the first and secondmagnetic elements 2134, 2136 of the firstside loop member 2130 into contact with each other. In addition, the hinged coupling of the firstside loop member 2130 to thefirst end 2104 of thefront loop member 2102 and thefirst end 2118 of therear loop member 2116 hinges the first and secondmagnetic elements 2134, 2136 of the firstside loop member 2130 into contact with the secondmagnetic surface 2110 of thefront loop member 2102 and the secondmagnetic surface 2126 of therear loop member 2116.

When folded, thecentral hinge 2142 of the secondside loop member 2140 hinges the first and secondmagnetic elements 2144, 2146 of the secondside loop member 2140 into contact with each other. In addition, the hinged coupling of the secondside loop member 2140 to thesecond end 2106 of thefront loop member 2102 and thesecond end 2120 of therear loop member 2116 hinges the first and secondmagnetic elements 2144, 2146 of the secondside loop member 2140 into contact with the secondmagnetic surface 2112 of thefront loop member 2102 and the secondmagnetic surface 2128 of therear loop member 2116.

When folded, thecenter hinge 2132 of the firstside loop member 2134 and thecenter hinge 2142 of the secondside loop member 2140 hinge the firstmagnetic surface 2110 and the secondmagnetic surface 2112 of thefront loop member 2102 into contact with the corresponding firstmagnetic surface 2126 and secondmagnetic surface 2128 of therear loop member 2116. This closed configuration is depicted in fig. 21B.

Fig. 22 depicts acontainer 2200 with amagnetic closure 2202 according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, thecontainer 2200 may be similar to any of the containers described throughout this disclosure. In another example, thecontainer 2200 may be similar to one or more insulated containers described in U.S. application No. 15/790,926 entitled "insulated container" filed on 2017, 10, 23, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes.

Thecontainer 2200 may include ahousing 2204 constructed from a water impermeable material. Thehousing 2204 may include afront portion 2206, aback portion 2208,side portions 2210 and 2212, and abase portion 2214. In one example, theopening 2216 may be positioned at thetop portion 2218 of thecontainer 2200. However, it is contemplated that themagnetic closure mechanism 2202 may be used in alternative open embodiments for resealably sealing a container similar to thecontainer 2200.

Themagnetic closure mechanism 2202 may include a firstmagnetic strip 2220 coupled to a first side of theopening 2216. Firstmagnetic stripe 2220 may comprise a linear string ofmagnetic elements 2222. In another embodiment, themagnetic stripe 2202 may comprise a single continuous magnetic element or a two-dimensional array of magnetic elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The secondmagnetic strip 2224 may be coupled to a second side of theopening 2216. The firstmagnetic strip 2220 may be magnetically attracted to the secondmagnetic strip 2224 to resealably seal theopening 2216 using magnetic attraction between themagnetic strips 2220 and 2224. Thus, secondmagnetic stripe 2224 may include one or more magnetic elements, similar to firstmagnetic stripe 2220. In one example, the firstmagnetic strip 2220 can be manually separated from the secondmagnetic strip 2224 to convert theopening 2216 from the sealed configuration to the open configuration, as depicted in fig. 22. In one example, each of firstmagnetic strip 2220 and secondmagnetic strip 2224 may be injection molded with rare earth magnets. Thecontainer 2200 may includetabs 2226 to allow a user to manually separate the firstmagnetic strip 2220 from the secondmagnetic strip 2224. The first and second magnetic strips can help create a secure seal that does not break when thecontainer 2200 is dropped from a reasonable height. In addition, the geometry of this sealing method creates insulating spaces to improve thermal performance and eliminate the "thermal bridge" effect.

Fig. 23 depicts acontainer 2300 having amagnetic closure mechanism 2301 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, thecontainer 2300 may be similar to any of the containers described throughout this disclosure, such as thecontainer 2200 of fig. 22. Thecontainer 2300 may include anouter shell 2302. Thehousing 2302 can have anopening 2304 that extends into the storage compartment. Themagnetic closure mechanism 2301 can be configured to resealably seal theopening 2304. Themagnetic closure mechanism 2301 may include a firstmagnetic strip 2306 extending along a longitudinal axis coupled to a first side of theopening 2304. In one example, firstmagnetic strip 2306 comprises a linear string of discrete magnet elements, withmagnets 2308 and 2310, or both examples, spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of firstmagnetic strip 2306. Therail 2312 may extend along a longitudinal axis and may be coupled to a second side of theopening 2304. The secondmagnetic strip 2314 may extend along a longitudinal axis and be slidably coupled to therail 2312. Secondmagnetic stripe 2314 can have a series of magnets similar to firstmagnetic stripe 2306.

In one example, the secondmagnetic strip 2314 is slidably coupled to therail 2312 such that the secondmagnetic strip 2314 can slide relative to therail 2312 with the longitudinal axis of the secondmagnetic strip 2314 parallel to the longitudinal axis of therail 2312. In one example, the series of magnets on firstmagnetic strip 2306 may have an outer surface facing secondmagnetic strip 2314 and having alternating magnetic polarity. Similarly, the series of magnets of secondmagnetic strip 2314 may have an outer surface facing firstmagnetic strip 2306 and having alternating magnetic polarity. In the first configuration, the magnets of the firstmagnetic strip 2306 may be aligned with the magnets of the secondmagnetic strip 2314 having opposite magnetic polarity, and the firstmagnetic strip 2306 may be magnetically attracted to the secondmagnetic strip 2314. In the second configuration, the magnets of the firstmagnetic strip 2306 may be aligned with the magnets of the secondmagnetic strip 2314 having the same magnetic polarity, and the firstmagnetic strip 2306 may be magnetically repelled by the secondmagnetic strip 2314. By sliding the secondmagnetic strip 2314 relative to thetrack 2312, the secondmagnetic strip 2314 can be transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration. Thus, when in the first configuration, themagnetic closure 2301 is in a closed configuration and theopening 2304 is sealed. When in the second configuration, themagnetic closure 2301 is in an open configuration and theopening 2304 is unsealed. Thus, the slidable movement of secondmagnetic stripe 2314 relative to rail 2312 can allow a user to manually separate the magnets from each other with a reduced force than would otherwise be required to pull firstmagnetic stripe 2306 away from secondmagnetic stripe 2314. In one example,arrow 2350 schematically depicts the direction of movement of secondmagnetic stripe 2314 to slide into a closed configuration, whilearrow 2352 schematically depicts the direction of movement of secondmagnetic stripe 2314 to slide into an open configuration.

Themagnetic closure mechanism 2306 can additionally include atab element 2320 that can be used to manually slide or twist the secondmagnetic strip 2314 along theguide track 2312 relative to the firstmagnetic strip 2306. Thetab element 2320 may comprise a fabric loop or a polymer gripping element. However, additional or alternative embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 24A and 24B schematically depict a magnetic closure mechanism similar to that described in connection with fig. 23, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, FIG. 24A schematically depicts amagnetic closure mechanism 2400 having a firstmagnetic strip 2304 and a secondmagnetic strip 2306. The secondmagnetic strip 2306 is configured to slide relative to the firstmagnetic strip 2304. Further, each of the first and secondmagnetic strips 2304 and 2306 includes a series of magnets having alternating magnetic polarity on an outer surface. When in the first configuration of fig. 24A, the firstmagnetic strip 2304 is aligned with the secondmagnetic strip 2306 such that the outer surface of the magnets faces the outer surface of the magnets having opposite magnetic polarity. This first configuration results in an attractive magnetic force between the firstmagnetic strip 2304 and the secondmagnetic strip 2306.

Fig. 24B schematically depicts the firstmagnetic strip 2304 and the secondmagnetic strip 2306 in a second configuration. As depicted in fig. 24B, the secondmagnetic strip 2306 has been moved relative to the firstmagnetic strip 2304 such that the outer surfaces of the first and second magnetic strips that face each other have the same magnetic polarity. This second configuration causes the firstmagnetic strip 2304 to be magnetically repelled by the secondmagnetic strip 2306. Thus, the second configuration depicted in fig. 24B depicts themagnetic closure mechanism 2400 in an open configuration. The container may be held in an open position when the firstmagnetic strip 2304 is repelled by the secondmagnetic strip 2306. This may allow a user to be able to see the contents of the container interior and easily access the contents of the container interior.

Fig. 25 schematically depicts another embodiment of acontainer 2500 having amagnetic closure mechanism 2502 according to one or more aspects described herein. Thecontainer 2500 may be similar to the containers described throughout this disclosure. In one example, thecontainer 2500 is an insulated container. Additionally or alternatively, thecontainer 2500 may have anouter shell 2504 that is substantially water impermeable or waterproof. Although not depicted in fig. 25,housing 2504 may include any of the geometries and/or features of the containers described throughout the present disclosure, and include a front portion, a back portion, side portions, a base portion, and the like. In one embodiment, fig. 25 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a top portion of acontainer 2500 having aninternal storage compartment 2506. Thestorage compartment 2506 may be formed from aliner 2508. Additionally,container 2500 can include one ormore insulation layers 2510 positioned betweenouter shell 2504 andinner liner 2508.

The container may include anopening 2512 that extends into thestorage compartment 2506. As depicted in fig. 25, theopening 2512 is resealable to seal by themagnetic closure mechanism 2502. Accordingly,magnetic closure mechanism 2502 may include a firstmagnetic strip 2514 coupled to the inner surface ofcontainer 2500 on a first side ofopening 2512. In one example, the firstmagnetic stripe 2514 is substantially rigidly coupled to the inner surface of thecontainer 2500. In addition,magnetic closure mechanism 2502 includes a secondmagnetic stripe 2516 having a magneticstripe top side 2518 and a magneticstripe bottom side 2520. The second magneticstripe top side 2518 may be coupled to a second side of theopening 2512, and the second magneticstripe bottom side 2520 may be unattached to thecontainer 2500 so that the secondmagnetic stripe 2516 may bend and pivot relative to the firstmagnetic stripe 2514. Thus, the second magneticstripe top side 2518 may be coupled to thecontainer 2500 via a flexible element, which may comprise a fabric element or a flexible polymer element, among others.

Themagnetic closing mechanism 2502 may additionally include a thirdmagnetic stripe 2522. The thirdmagnetic stripe 2522 may comprise a third magneticstripe top side 2524 and a third magneticstripe bottom side 2526. The third magneticstripe top side 2524 may be coupled to a second side of theopening 2512, and the third magneticstripe bottom side 2526 may not be attached to thecontainer 2500, such that the thirdmagnetic stripe 2522 may bend and pivot relative to the firstmagnetic stripe 2514. Thus, the third magneticstripe top side 2524 may be coupled to thecontainer 2500 by means of a flexible element, which may comprise a textile element or a flexible polymer element, or the like.

In the closed configuration depicted in fig. 25, the secondmagnetic stripe 2516 can be configured to magnetically couple to the firstmagnetic stripe 2514 inside thestorage compartment 2506. Additionally, when in the closed configuration depicted in fig. 25, the thirdmagnetic stripe 2522 may be configured to magnetically couple to the firstmagnetic stripe 2514 on an outer surface of thehousing 2504 of thecontainer 2500.

FIG. 26 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of amagnetic closure 2600, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is contemplated thatmagnetic closure 2600 can be used with any of the closures and/or containers described throughout this disclosure. Themagnetic closure 2600 can include twomagnetic strips 2602a and 2602b, which can be configured to magnetically couple to each other to seal the opening of the container. Each ofmagnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may include a single continuous magnetic element, a series of discrete magnetic elements, or an array of magnetic elements. Further, the magnetic element may comprise a permanent magnet, or a metallic material magnetically attracted to the magnet.

Each ofmagnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may include one or moremagnetic elements 2604 encapsulated with ashell material 2606.Shell material 2606 can include one or more polymers, alloys, ceramics, or fiber reinforcements, among others. Additionally, themagnetic coupling surfaces 2608a and 2608b of the respectivemagnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may have a planar geometry. In another embodiment, themagnetic strips 2602a and 2602b may each be formed of a contiguous magnetic material such that theplanar surfaces 2608a and 2608b are themselves magnetic.

Fig. 27 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of amagnetic closure 2700 according to one or more aspects described herein. It is contemplated thatmagnetic closure 2700 may be used with any of the closures and/or containers described throughout this disclosure.Magnetic closure 2700 can include twomagnetic strips 2702a and 2702b, which can be configured to magnetically couple to one another to seal the opening of the container. Each ofmagnetic strips 2702a and 2702b can comprise a single continuous magnetic element, a series of discrete magnetic elements, or an array of magnetic elements.

Each ofmagnetic strips 2702a and 2702b may include one or moremagnetic elements 2704 encapsulated with ashell material 2706.Shell material 2706 can include one or more polymers, alloys, ceramics, or fiber reinforcements, among others. Additionally, themagnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b of the respectivemagnetic strips 2702a and 2702b can have a non-planar geometry. In certain examples, themagnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b can have interlocking or complementary geometries. Further, themagnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b can have an undulating, corrugated, serrated, wavy, or zig-zag surface geometry. Additionally, the surface geometry of themagnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b can be irregular or regular surface features (such as undulations, corrugations, serrations, waves, or zig-zag, etc.). Advantageously, the non-planar surface geometry of themagnetic coupling surfaces 2708a and 2708b can reduce or prevent the sliding of themagnetic strips 2702a and 2702b relative to each other. This, in turn, may increase the strength and/or efficacy of the magnetic seal formed by the magnetic attraction betweenmagnetic strips 2702a and 2702 b. In another embodiment,magnetic strips 2702a and 2702b can each be formed of a contiguous magnetic material such thatnon-planar surfaces 2708a and 2708b are themselves magnetic. In one example, themagnetic strips 2702a and 2702b can be formed by injection molding or extrusion molding. The interlocking geometry ofmagnetic strips 2702a and 2702b can prevent seal failure.

Fig. 28 depicts another example container including a magnetic closure mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein. Thecontainer 2800 may be implemented as an insulated container having astorage compartment 2802 that is resealable by ahinge cover 2806. Thecontainer 2800 may be similar to one or more containers described in U.S. application No.15/261,407 entitled "thermal insulation apparatus and method for forming an insulation apparatus," filed on 9/2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes. Thelidding closure 2804 may use a combination of an internal magnetic closure mechanism and an external zipper mechanism to resealably seal thestorage compartment 2802. In one example, the combination closure may be similar to the closure of fig. 6, including anexternal zipper assembly 614 in combination with internalmagnetic strips 606 and 608. In one example, themagnetic strips 606 and 608 may be injection molded TPU with embedded rare earth magnets. The magnets help provide alignment and sealing forces for the closure member. The geometry of themagnetic strips 606 and 608 can create a secure seal that remains intact when dropped from a reasonable height. Also, the geometry of such seals creates insulating spaces to improve thermal performance and eliminate the "thermal bridge" effect. An additional tab on the front portion allows for an opening point for theclosure 2806. In addition, thetab 2808 andcontainer 2800 may be provided with one or more mating features to prevent accidental opening of the closure.

Fig. 29 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of a closure mechanism of acontainer 2800, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the closure mechanism includes azipper assembly 604 and internalmagnetic strips 606 and 608. Themagnetic strips 606 and 608 may be magnetically coupled to each other with or without thezipper assembly 604 in the closed configuration. Thus, themagnetic strips 606 and 608 can be used to resealably seal thecover 2804 to thestorage compartment 2802, wherein thezipper assembly 604 further enhances such sealing when positioned in the closed configuration.

Fig. 30 depicts another embodiment of acontainer 3000 according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, fig. 30 depicts thecontainer 3000 in a closed configuration, while fig. 31 depicts thesame container 3000 in an open configuration (partially open configuration). In the depicted example, thecontainer 3000 includes ahousing 3002. Thehousing 3002 may be partially or completely water-tight, air-tight, and/or sealed to substantially or completely prevent dust or other materials from entering and/or escaping from thecontainer 3000. For example, thehousing 3002 may be constructed of one or more layers of material to form a partially or fully water impermeable barrier. In this regard, thehousing 3002 may be formed of any material or construction method described throughout this disclosure and/or may be constructed using any material or technique described in U.S. application No. 15/261704 filed 2016, 9, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes. Further,housing 3002 may be implemented as a substantially deformable structure constructed from a flexible material.

Thehousing 3002 may be implemented with a substantially cubical lower geometry and includes afront portion 3004, aback portion 3006, afirst side portion 3008 and asecond side portion 3010. Thehousing 3002 may additionally include abase portion 3012. Thebase portion 3012 may be formed of the same material or materials as theportions 3004, 3006, 3008, and/or 3010, or may include additional or alternative materials to provide additional durability and/or wear resistance to the base portion of thecontainer 3000. In addition, thehousing 3002 includes atab 3014 that extends from theback portion 3006. As depicted in fig. 30, theflap 3014 is configured to be fastened to thefront portion 3004 by way offasteners 3016. Thefastener 3016 may be implemented as a hook that is rotatably coupled to astrap 3018 that extends from alower edge 3020 of theflap 3014. Additionally or alternatively,fasteners 3016 may include one or more magnetic cleats, side release buckles, one or more snap closures, hook and loop fasteners, one or more magnetic fasteners, or the like. Further, it is contemplated that thefastener 3016 is rotatably coupled to thewebbing loop 3022 or another region of thefront portion 3004 of thehousing 3002 and is configured to be removably coupled to thestrap 3018. Thefastener 3016 can also be configured to removably couple to an aperture that provides an anchor point and extends through a portion of thehousing 3002. The aperture may have any geometry and may be formed by any manufacturing process (such as laser cutting, punching, stamping) or may be formed from one or more material portions that are coupled to one another to form the aperture. Additionally, thehousing 3002 may use more than one hole or channel as part of a closure mechanism for removably coupling theflap 3014 to thefront portion 3004. Furthermore, these one or more holes or channels may be reinforced with a rigid reinforcing element (washer, plug, tube, etc.). Thefastener 3060 may be configured to removably fasten to thewebbing ring 3022. Further, thewebbing loop 3022 may form one of a series ofwebbing loops 3024 coupled to thefront portion 3004 of thehousing 3002. In one example, the series ofwebbing loops 3024 can be coupled to at least a portion of thefront portion 3004, thebase portion 3012, and/or theback portion 3006 of thehousing 3002.

Thecontainer 3000 additionally includes a carryinghandle 3026 coupled to theback portion 3006 of thehousing 3002. Alternatively, the carryinghandle 3026 may be coupled to theflap 3014. Thehandle 3026 may be formed from a flexible webbing material and may include an inner liner encapsulated between two or more outer layers of webbing material. However, additional or alternative handle embodiments may be used with thecontainer 3000 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is contemplated that thecontainer 3000 may include one or more additional or alternative handles, loops, and webbing loops for attaching various items, such as straps (shoulder straps), security buckles, dry bags, keys, storage boxes, and the like. The ring may be a D-ring and a shoulder strap (not shown) may be connected to the D-ring to facilitate carrying thecontainer 3000. The insulation may also include side, front and/or rear handles, pockets, tethers and D-rings anywhere on the outer surface of thehousing 3002. The pocket may be sized to receive a key, phone, purse, etc., and may be formed to be waterproof. The pouch may also include a waterproof zipper to prevent the contents therein from becoming wet.

Additionally, thehousing 3002 may also include a plurality of reinforced areas and/or patches configured to structurally support a handle (e.g., handle 3026), a strap, and a loop of webbing (e.g., webbing 3022). It is contemplated that the various elements of the containers described throughout this disclosure, includingcontainer 3000, may be joined together using one or more joining techniques, including sewing, gluing, riveting or welding (e.g., RF fabric welding), and the like.

Fig. 31A depicts another view of thecontainer 3000 of fig. 30. Specifically, fig. 31A depicts thecontainer 3000 in a partially open configuration such that thefastener 3016 has been disengaged from thewebbing 3024 to expose anopening 3030 into an interior storage compartment within thecontainer 3000. Thecontainer 3000 includes a closure mechanism similar to theclosure mechanism 2100. As depicted, the closure mechanism integrated into thecontainer 3000 is in a partially open configuration such that thehinges 3032 and 3034 are partially extended. When fully extended, the perimeter of theopening 3030 may be substantially linear in geometry. In alternative embodiments, thecontainer 3000 and theopening 3030 may have other geometries. For example, opening 3030 may be implemented with circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and/or octagonal opening geometries. It is further contemplated that opening 3030 may be implemented with any polygonal geometry. Additionally or alternatively, theopening 3030 can be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry of the opening 3030 (or of other components of the container 3000) can be deformed from one shape to one or more different shapes. Thus,container 3000 includes bothfasteners 3016 and a folding magnetic closure mechanism similar toclosure mechanism 2100. The folding magnetic closure mechanism is integrated into theperimeter 3038 of theopening 3030, as described in further detail with respect to fig. 32.

Fig. 31B depicts thecontainer 3000 in another configuration, such that the magnetic closure mechanism formed around theopening 3030 is in a closed configuration, and theflap 3014 remains in an open configuration, with thefastener 3016 disengaged from thefront portion 3004 of thehousing 3002.

Fig. 32 schematically depicts acontainer 3000 having a folding magnetic closure mechanism integrated into theperimeter 3038 of theopening 3030. Thus, fig. 32 schematically depicts internal elements that are not visible on the exterior or interior surface of thecontainer 3000.

The folded magnetic closure mechanism withincontainer 3000 may be referred to as foldedmagnetic loop 3040 and may be substantially similar to foldedmagnetic loop 2100. The foldedmagnetic loop 3040 can include afront loop member 3042 that extends linearly, curvilinearly, or otherwise along an upper edge of thefront portion 3004 of thehousing 3002. Thefront loop member 3042 may extend between afirst end 3044 and asecond end 3046. Thefront loop member 3042 may be formed from a flexible polymer material in which themagnetic elements 3048 are embedded. Themagnetic element 3048 may include a single magnet or a series of individual magnet elements. Themagnetic element 3048 may be magnetized as a permanent magnet or may be magnetically attracted to a separate magnet. Themagnetic element 3048 may face the rear of theopening 3030.

Therear loop member 3050 of the foldedmagnetic loop 3040 may extend between thefirst end 3052 and thesecond end 3054. Similar to thefront loop member 3042, therear loop member 3050 may be formed of a flexible polymer material withmagnetic elements 3056 embedded therein. Themagnetic element 3056 may be similar to themagnetic element 3048.Magnetic element 3056 may face the front ofopening 3030.

The foldedmagnetic loop 3040 may include a firstside loop member 3060 that extends along a first side of theopening 3030. The firstside loop member 3060 may be hingedly coupled to afirst end 3044 of thefront loop member 3040 and hingedly coupled to afirst end 3052 of therear loop member 3050. The firstside loop member 3060 additionally includes acentral hinge 3034 that separates the firstmagnetic element 3062 from the secondmagnetic element 3064. Similarly,magnetic elements 3062 and 3064 may be similar tomagnetic elements 3048 and 3056.

Thefold magnet loop 3040 also includes a secondside loop member 3070 that extends along a second side of theopening 3030. The secondside hoop member 3070 may be hingedly coupled to thesecond end 3046 of thefront hoop member 3042 and hingedly coupled to thesecond end 3054 of therear hoop member 3050. The secondside loop member 3070 additionally includes acentral hinge 3032 that separates the firstmagnetic elements 3072 from the secondmagnetic elements 3074.Magnetic elements 3072 and 3074 may be similar tomagnetic elements 3048, 3056, 3062, and 3064. In addition,magnetic elements 3048, 3056, 3062, 3064, 3072, and 3074 may be embedded in the flexible substrate. Further, the flexible substrate may form a portion of thecollar members 3042, 3050, 3060, and 3070.

In one embodiment, in addition tohinges 3032 and 3034, the hinges at ends 3044, 3046, 3052, and 3054 can comprise living hinge structures that include flexures constructed of one or more polymers, metals, or alloys. Additionally or alternatively, any of the hinge elements may comprise any mechanical hinge mechanism comprising separate hinge elements rotatably coupled to each other.

When in the fully open configuration, the foldedmagnet collar 3040 positions thefront collar member 3042, therear collar member 3050, the firstside collar member 3060, and the secondside collar member 3070 in a substantially straight or curved configuration. When folded, thecentral hinge 3034 of the firstside loop member 3060 hinges the first and secondmagnetic elements 3062, 3064 of the firstside loop member 3060 into contact with one another.

When folded, thecenter hinge 3032 of the secondside collar member 3070 hinges the first and secondmagnetic elements 3072, 3074 of the secondside collar member 3070 into contact with each other. In addition, when themagnetic loop 3040 is folded, themagnetic element 3048 is in contact with and magnetically coupled to themagnetic element 3056.

In one embodiment, themagnetic ring 3040 may substantially seal theopening 3030 when folded into a closed configuration such that the opening is substantially watertight. In another embodiment, themagnetic ring 3040 may be configured to close theopening 3030, but not form a water-tight or air-tight seal.

In one example, theflap 3014 can include a reinforcedpolymer sheet 3080. In one embodiment, thepolymer plate 3080 may include one or more magnetic elements such that when theflap 3014 is folded over theopening 3030 and thefastener 3016 is removably coupled to thewebbing 3024, thereinforcement plate 3080 is also magnetically coupled to the magnetic loop 3040 (e.g., to the magnetic element 3048).

Fig. 33 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view through thevessel 3000 according to one or more aspects described herein. As depicted, thecontainer 3000 is in an open configuration. As depicted, thecontainer 3000 includes aliner 3100. Theliner 3100 may be formed from one or more flexible synthetic or natural materials, or a combination thereof, and may be water permeable or water impermeable. Thefoam layer 3102 may be enclosed between theouter shell 3004 and theinner liner 3100. The foam layer may extend around all of the sidewalls of thecontainer 3000 or portions thereof. Further, thefoam layer 3102 may have any foam layer thickness, and any foam material type or combination thereof may be used. In one embodiment, thefoam layer 3102 may be used to provide protection for one or more contents stored within thecontainer 3000. Additionally or alternatively, thefoam layer 3102 may include an insulating material configured to provide insulation to reduce heat transfer between the internal storage compartment of thecontainer 3000 and the external environment.

Fig. 34 schematically depicts a close-up view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of fig. 33. Specifically, fig. 34 depicts one embodiment of a configuration for forming acontainer 3000. Specifically, thebonding material 3106 may be used to couple theinner layer 3100, thefoam layer 3102, thestiffener 3080, and thehousing 3004 to each other and to thelower edge 3020 of theflap 3014. In one example, thehandle stiffener 3130 may be used to provide structural support when thecontainer 3000 is held by thehandle 3056. Thus, thehandle reinforcement 3130 may be formed as a polymeric plate or structural member encapsulated between theouter shell 3002 and theinner liner 3100.

In one embodiment, thefoam layer 3102 is stitched to thehousing 3002. However, thecontainer 3000 may use additional or alternative construction methods. For example, thefoam layer 3102 may be stitched to theinner liner 3100, or may be free floating between theinner liner 3100 and theouter shell 3002.

Fig. 35 schematically depicts a portion of acontainer 3000. In particular, fig. 35 depicts astrap 3018 and afastener 3016, which are further described with respect to the cross-sectional view of fig. 36. Thus, FIG. 36 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view through thecontainer 3000 in the direction of arrows B-B in FIG. 35. As shown, thestrap 3018 may be coupled to theflap 3014 by abonding material 3106. Thestrap 3018 may be formed from a single length of material that is doubled over itself when sewn at thebonding material 3106. Theseelements 3150 schematically depict the locations of the seams that are sewn to form thestrip 3018.

Fig. 37 depicts a front elevation view of acontainer 3000 according to one or more aspects described herein. Fig. 38 schematically depicts a rear elevation view of acontainer 3000 according to one or more aspects described herein. Fig. 39 depicts an end view of acontainer 3000 according to one or more aspects described herein.

Fig. 40A-40C depict side, front, and back views of acontainer 4000 according to one or more aspects described herein.Hook fasteners 4000 may be used in place offasteners 3016 as previously described. Thus, thehook fastener 4000 may be configured to be rotatably coupled to thestrap 3018 and to be detachably coupled to thewebbing loop 3022. Advantageously, in one example, thehook fastener 4000 includes multiple elements that reduce the likelihood of thefastener 4000 inadvertently disengaging from thewebbing loop 3022. It is contemplated that thehook fastener 4000 may additionally be used in a variety of alternative fastening scenarios.

Thehook fastener 4000 may be constructed of any material or combination of materials. In one particular example, thehook fastener 4000 can be formed from aluminum, steel, titanium, a polymer (it is contemplated that any polymer or combination of polymers can be used), or ceramic, among others.Hook fastener 4000 includes twoapertures 4002a and 4002b that extend throughhook fastener 4000 fromfront surface 4004 to backsurface 4006. The twoorifices 4002a and 4002b have an elongated geometry and rounded ends. In one example, a strip formed from webbing material (such as strip 3018) passes through bothapertures 4002a and 4002b to form a non-removable coupling (strip 3018 is not intended to be removed from hook fastener 4000). This non-detachable coupling allows thehook fastener 4000 to pivot relative to thestrap 3018. Advantageously, using a combination of twoapertures 4002a and 4002b can reduce the tendency of thestrap 3018 to rotate within the channel of the two apertures about the z-axis, depicted schematically asaxis 4008 c. Rather, thehook fastener 4000 is limited to rotation relative to thestrip 3018 about an x-axis, schematically depicted asaxis 4008 a.

Additionally, thehook fastener 4000 includes athird aperture 4010 in which the loop ofwebbing 3022 is configured to be received and retained. Theopening 4012 extends from a side of thehook fastener 4000 into thethird aperture 4010.Angled barbs 4014 extend fromopenings 4012 into the passage ofapertures 4010. Further, thelower wall 4016 of theaperture 4010 is stepped down from the end of theinclined barb 4014 by means of astep 4018. Theupper wall 4020 of theaperture 4020 is substantially equal to or lower than the apex 4022 of theangled barb 4014. Upperangled surface 4024 is substantially parallel to the angled geometry ofangled barbs 4014 and helps guidewebbing loop 3022 into or out of the passage oforifice 4010.

Thehook fastener 4000 has a curved geometry, as depicted in fig. 40A. It is contemplated that the radius of curvature or radii associated with the depicted geometry of thehook fastener 4000 may have any value without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Afirst thickness 4026 and asecond thickness 4028 that is less than thefirst thickness 4026 of thehook fastener 4000. It is contemplated that thefirst thickness 4026 and thesecond thickness 4028 can be average thicknesses that can vary over the geometry of thehook fastener 4000. Further, thefirst thickness 4026 and thesecond thickness 4028 may have any value without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, thehook fastener 4000 includes a recessedchannel 4030 that extends between thefirst end 4032 and thesecond end 4034. The recessedchannel 4030 is configured to prevent thewebbing ring 3022 from being inadvertently removed from theaperture 4010. In one example, the recessedchannel 4030 and theend wall 4032 extending in the z-direction 4008c above the surface of the recessedchannel 4030 prevent a strap or webbing portion (e.g., the webbing ring 3022) from inadvertently sliding out of theopening 4012. In this regard, the relative height at which theinclined barbs 4014 extend above the recessedchannel 4030 is depicted in fig. 41 in a three-dimensional view of thehook fastener 4000.

Fig. 42 depicts an embodiment of amagnetic clamp plate 4200 according to one or more aspects described herein. In one limitation, themagnetic clamp plate 4200 may be used as a replacement for thehook fastener 4000 or thehook fastener 3016. In one example, themagnetic clamp plate 4200 includes afirst portion 4202 configured to be magnetically coupled to asecond portion 4204. Further, in one example, thefirst portion 4202 can be configured to be coupled to thestrap 3018 and thesecond portion 4204 can be configured to be coupled to a region of thefront portion 3004 of thehousing 3002. In an alternative example, thefirst portion 4202 of themagnetic clamp plate 4200 may be coupled to thetab 3014. Similarly, thesecond portion 4204 may be coupled to a series ofwebbing loops 3024 and so on. It is contemplated that the first andsecond portions 4202, 4204 may be coupled to the described regions or other structures of thevessel 3000 using any fixation method and/or technique. For example, the first andsecond portions 4202, 4204 may be glued, sewn, riveted, sewn, or clamped into or onto various or other structures of thecontainer 3000 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 43 depicts an end view of amagnetic clamp plate 4200 according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, themagnetic clamping plate 4200 has a geometry configured to prevent thefirst portion 4202 from being inadvertently magnetically separated from thesecond portion 4204. For example, themagnetic clamping plate 4200 includes ahook structure 4302 configured to prevent thefirst portion 4202 from shearing off thesecond portion 4204 along thex-axis 4308 a. In one example, the wedge-shaped geometry of themagnetic clamping plate 4200 facilitates intentional and manual separation of thefirst portion 4202 from thesecond portion 4204. Specifically, a user can pivot thefirst portion 4202 away from thesecond portion 4204 by pulling thefirst end 4306 of thefirst portion 4202 away from thesecond portion 4204 substantially along the y-axis 4308b and/or pushing thesecond end 4310 of thefirst portion 4202 toward thesecond portion 4204 substantially along the y-axis 4308b (along the negative y-axis 4308 b).

Fig. 44 depicts a view of thesecond portion 4204 of themagnetic splint 4200 when removed from thefirst portion 4202. In one example, thesecond portion 4204 includes amagnetic surface 4402 configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding surface on thefirst portion 4202. In addition, themagnetic surface 4402 includes geometric features configured to align and facilitate retention of the first portion relative to thesecond portion 4204 when the first andsecond portions 4202, 4204 are magnetically coupled to one another. In one example, thesecond portion 4204 includes anelongated protrusion 4404 extending across a portion of themagnetic surface 4402. In addition,second portion 4204 includes arecess 4406 that extends into the structure ofsecond portion 4204 belowsurface 4402.

Fig. 45 depicts a view of thefirst portion 4202 of themagnetic splint 4200. In one example, thefirst portion 4202 includes amagnetic surface 4502 configured to magnetically couple to a correspondingmagnetic surface 4402 on thesecond portion 4204. In addition, themagnetic surface 4502 includes geometric features configured to align and facilitate retention of the first portion relative to thesecond portion 4204 when the first andsecond portions 4202, 4204 are magnetically coupled to one another. In one example, thefirst portion 4202 includes anelongated recess 4504 that extends across a portion of themagnetic surface 4502 and is configured to receive theelongated protrusion 4404. In addition,second portion 4204 includes aprotrusion 4506 extending from the structure ofsurface 4502 that is configured to be received intorecess 4406 ofsecond portion 4204.

Fig. 46 depicts a front view of an exemplaryinsulated container 4610 that may be configured to keep the contents cold or warm for an extended period of time. Theinsulated container 4610 may include similar elements as described in U.S. patent 10143282 filed on 3/6/2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes. Fig. 47 depicts a rear view of theinsulated container 4610, and fig. 48 depicts a side view of theinsulated container 4610. Theinsulated vessel 4610 generally includes anouter shell 4612 defining afront portion 4630, aback portion 4702,side portions 4802, and abase portion 4622. In one example, thefront portion 4630,rear portion 4702, andside portions 4802 may be collectively referred to as a sidewall of thevessel 4610. Thecontainer 4610 additionally includes anopening 4614 located at a top portion of theflap 4640. Thus, theflap 4640 is configured to extend between a top of thehousing 4630 and theopening 4614. Theopening 4614 is configured to provide a resealable access point into the storage compartment of thevessel 4610. This storage compartment is shown in more detail in fig. 50 ascompartment 5012. Theopening 4614 may be sealed by any of the closure mechanisms described throughout this document. In one example, opening 4614 includes the elements described with respect to fig. 13D. Thus, opening 4614 includes afront side 4810 and aback side 4812.Seam 1324, as described with respect to fig. 13D, may be coupled to afront side 4810 ofopening 4614, andseam 1328, as described with respect to fig. 13D, may be coupled to aback side 4812 ofopening 4614. Accordingly, opening 4614 may be resealably sealed by first and secondmagnetic strips 1320, 1322, whereby top edges of first and secondmagnetic strips 1320, 1322 are coupled to respective front andback sides 4810, 4812 ofopening 4614. The bottom edges of firstmagnetic strip 1320 and secondmagnetic strip 1322 are not attached to the inner surface ofcontainer 4610 and are depicted asloose ends 1342 and 1330.Opening 4614 may additionally include a pull tab 4670 configured to be manually pulled to pullfront side 4810 and backside 4812 away from each other to openopening 4614.

As shown in fig. 46, various handles, straps, and webbing (e.g., 4616, 4618, 4620) may also be included on theinsulated container 4610 for carrying, holding, or securing theinsulated device 4610. In this regard, thehousing 4612 may also include a plurality of reinforced areas or patches (e.g., 4640a-4640c) configured to help structurally support optional handles or straps (e.g., 4616, 4618, 4620). The handles or straps (e.g., 4616, 4618, 4620, 4730) and other attachments may be sewn, glued, welded or riveted to, or attached to the primary structure of theinsulated container 4610 using any other attachment method or combination of methods.

Fig. 46 further depicts abase 4622 and abase support ridge 4624. Thebase support ridges 4624 may provide structural integrity and support to the insulating device 4610 (also referred to as an insulated container 4610) when the insulatingdevice 4610 is placed on a surface. In one example, theinsulated container 4610 may additionally include apull tab 4740 that may be configured to be manually gripped to pry open a magnetic strip of a magnetic closure of theopening 4614.

Fig. 50 schematically depicts a cross-sectional side view of thethermal isolation device 4610. In one example, theliner 5010 forms a chamber, receptacle, orstorage compartment 5012 for receiving and storing contents therein. Theinsulation 4610 includes aninner liner 5010, aninsulation layer 5014, and anouter housing 4612. As shown in fig. 50, aninsulation layer 5014 may be located between theliner 5010 and thehousing 4612 and may be formed as a foam insulation to help maintain the internal temperature of thestorage compartment 5012 for storing contents for which cold or warm keeping is desired. The insulatinglayer 5014 may also be located between theinner liner 5010 and theouter housing 4612 and may not be attached to theinner liner 5010 or theouter housing 4612 such that it floats between theinner liner 5010 and theouter housing 4612. In one example, theinner liner 5010 and theouter housing 4612 may be connected at thetop portion 5030 of theinsulation 4610 such that theinsulation 5014 may freely float in the pocket formed by theinner liner 5010 and theouter housing 4612.

In this example, the inner layer orliner 5010 can be formed from a firstliner sidewall portion 5010a and abottom liner portion 5010 b. The first linerside wall portion 5010a and thebottom liner portion 5010b can be secured together by, for example, welding to form thecompartment 5012. In one example, thecompartment 5012 can be a "dry bag" or vessel for storing contents. In one example, after the first linerside wall portion 5010a and thebottom liner portion 5010b are secured or joined together, a tape (such as a TPU tape) can be placed over the seams joining the sections of thestorage compartment 5012. The tape seals the seam formed between the first linerside wall portion 5010a and thebottom liner portion 5010b to provide an additional barrier to prevent liquids from entering thecompartment 5012 or flowing out of the compartment. Thus, theliner 5010 may retain the liquid in thecompartment 5012 of theinsulation 4610 or may prevent the liquid contents from entering thecompartment 5012 of theinsulation 4610. However, it is also contemplated that theliner 5010 can be formed as a one-piece, unitary structure that can be secured within thehousing 4612.

Fig. 51 schematically depicts aninsulation layer 5014. The insulatinglayer 5014 can be formed from a first orupper portion 5102, a second orbase portion 5104. It is contemplated that thethermal insulation layer 5014 can be formed of any insulating material. The insulating material may comprise EVA foam and/or any other foam material having any density and/or insulating value/characteristic, and so forth.

Theinsulated container 4610 may include twohandles 4620 connected to afront side 4630 of theinsulated container 4610 and arear side 4702 of theinsulated container 4610. In one example, shoulder straps may be attached to attachment rings 4650 a-b. Theinsulated container 4610 additionally includes side handles 4616 to facilitate carrying theinsulated container 4610. Additionally, the webbing formed as thecollar 4618 may be stitched to or otherwise attached to the straps of thehandle 4620. Thecollar 4618 may be used to attach an item (e.g., a snap, a waterproof bag) to theinsulated container 4610. In one example, the carryinghandle 4620, side handles 4616 andattachment points 4618 may be constructed from nylon webbing. Other materials may include polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema fibers, Kevlar fibers, cotton, leather, plastic, rubber or rope, and the like.

In one example, rings 4650a-D may be acetal D rings. The attachment rings 4650a-d may be constructed from one or more polymers, metals, ceramics, glasses, alloys, or combinations thereof. In certain particular examples, the attachment rings 4650a-d may be constructed of polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema fibers, and Kevlar fibers, cotton, leather, plastic, rubber, or rope. The attachment rings 4650a-D may include other shapes, sizes, and configurations besides the "D" shape depicted. Examples include circular rings, square rings, rectangular rings, triangular rings, or rings having multiple connection points.

In one example, the closure for sealing theopening 4614, as well as the closure as described with respect to fig. 13D in one example, may be substantially waterproof or water-tight and prevent or reduce liquid from entering and/or exiting theinsulated container 4610. In addition,flap portion 4640 may be folded tofurther seal opening 4614.

Theflap portion 4640 may have afront side 4645 and arear side 4643. Further, in one embodiment, theflap portion 4640 may be configured to fold such that thetop flap portion 4641a folds over the bottom flap portion 4641 b. When folded, thetop flap portion 4641a may be removably coupled to the bottom flap portion 4641b via a secondary closing mechanism. In one example, both thetop flap portion 4641a and the bottom flap portion 4641b may include magnetic elements (e.g., permanent magnets and magnetic material) embedded in thecontainer 4610 along thelength 4690 of theflap portion 4640. In one example, a single magnetic strip may be embedded in one or more of thetop flap portion 4641a and the bottom flap portion 4641b and extend along at least a portion of thelength 4690. Additionally or alternatively, a series of one or more discrete magnetic elements may be embedded in one or more of the top andbottom flap portions 4641a, 4641b and extend along at least a portion of thelength 4690. In other embodiments, hook and loop fasteners or other fastener types may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to magnetic fasteners to removably couple the top andbottom flap portions 4641a and 4641b to one another.

Fig. 49 schematically depicts aninsulated container 4610. Specifically, fig. 49 schematically depicts aninternal reinforcement plate 4902 that may be positioned withinflap portion 4640. In one example, thereinforcement plate 4902 may extend along at least a portion of thelength 4690. It is contemplated thatplate 4902 may have anyheight 4904 andlength 4906. Further, it is contemplated thatplate 4902 may be positioned at anydistance 4908 from the top edge ofopening 4614. In one example,plate 4902 may be constructed of ABS material having a thickness in the range of 1mm to 10 mm. However, additional or alternative materials and/or thicknesses may be used to formplate 4902 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one example,panel 4902 may be configured to define a line along whichflap portion 4640 is configured to fold. Thus, the fold line may be proximate to the lower edge 4920 ofpanel 4902.

In another embodiment,flap portion 4640 may be configured to fold around lower edge 4920 ofplate 4902. Further, thetop flap portion 4641a may be held in the folded configuration by buckles and straps that extend across the top of thecontainer 4610 between theback portion 4702 and thefront portion 4630. Thestrap 4750 and thebuckle 4752, which may be coupled to the carryinghandle 4620, may be used to maintain thetop flap portion 4641a in the folded configuration when removably coupled to a corresponding buckle coupled to the carryinghandle 4620 on thefront portion 4630 of thevessel 4610.

Fig. 52 depicts twomagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 that can be used to form a magnetic closure of theopening 4614. In particular,magnetic strips 5202 and 5204 can be used as a substitute formagnetic strips 1320 and 1322 described with respect to the closure mechanism of fig. 13D. As previously described, the closure mechanism of fig. 13D may be used to resealably seal theopening 4614. In one embodiment, bothmagnetic strips 4202 and 4204 include a series of discrete permanent magnets retained within magnet slots, withslots 5204a-c being examples of larger series of slots. In one example, magnets rigidly attached in the slot 5204 may be oriented such that adjacent magnets have opposite polarities facing outward. For example, for magnets positioned withinexemplary slots 5204a-c, a magnet withinslot 5204a may have its northpole facing strip 5203, a magnet within slot 5204b may have its southpole facing strip 5203, and a magnet withinslot 5204c may have its northpole facing strip 5203, etc. It is contemplated that themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 can be coupled to thefront side 4810 and theback side 4812 using any securing method, technique, and/or process. It is further contemplated that the magnets attached within theslots 5204a-c may be constructed of any material without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, thepull tab 4740 may extend from one of themagnetic strips 5202 or 5203. In an alternative embodiment, each of themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 may include a pull tab, similar topull tab 4740. In yet another embodiment, thepull tab 4740 may not be attached to one of themagnetic strips 5202 or 5203. In such embodiments, thepull tab 4740 may alternatively be coupled to one or both sides of theopening 4614. For example, one ormore pull tabs 4740 may be coupled to one or both of thefront side 4810 and theback side 4812 and may not form part of themagnetic strip 5202 or themagnetic strip 5203. In yet another example, theinsulated container 4610 may be implemented without one ormore tabs 4740.

Fig. 53 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203. In one example, themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 may be constructed from TPU. However, it is contemplated that combinations of polymers, metals, alloys, or the like may be used to construct themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203. Fig. 53 depicts twoexemplary magnet slots 5204e and 5204d, which are opposite each other and configured to be retained to a magnet element. In one example, when magnetically coupled to each other,buffer layers 5302a and 5302b separate magnets positioned withinslots 5204d and 5204 e. It is contemplated that thesebuffer layers 5302a and 5302b can be implemented at any thickness value.

In another embodiment, themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 can be implemented without thebuffer layers 5302a and 5302b such that the magnets retained within theslots 5204d and 5204f are positioned proximate to each other when magnetically coupled to each other. In yet another example, thebuffer layers 5302a and 5302b may be formed of alternative material types to the remaining structures of themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 54 schematically depicts an alternative embodiment of themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203. Thus, in addition to the alternating polarity of the magnets retained within each of themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203, themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 can be aligned with each other using thefins 5402. Thefins 5402 may have any geometry that facilitates proper alignment of themagnetic strips 5202 and 5203 with respect to each other.

Fig. 55 depicts theinsulated container 4610 in a folded configuration with aflap portion 4640. In one example, theflap portion 4640 is held in the depicted folded configuration by thebuckles 4752a and 4752b and thestrap 4750.

Fig. 56A-56B schematically depict cross-sectional views of theinsulated container 5600 in respective expanded and collapsed configurations. Theinsulated container 5600 is similar to theinsulated container 4610 and includes anopening 5602 that is resealable sealed by amagnetic closure 5604 similar to that described with respect to theinsulated container 4610. Further, themagnetic closure element 5604 can be similar to the magnetic closure element described with respect to fig. 13D.Enhancement plate 5606 may be similar toenhancement plate 4902. Thus, thereinforcement panel 5606 forms a fold line about which theflap portion 5608 is configured to fold. Thus, theflap portion 5608 may be similar to theflap portion 4640. Fig. 56B schematically depicts insulatedcontainer 5600 in a collapsed configuration, and indicates where reinforcingplates 5606 form a secondary seal atlocation 5620 that may further enhance the water-and/or air-tight properties of the primary seal formed bymagnetic closure 5604 atlocation 5622.

The primary seal of theinsulated container 4610 formed by the magnetic closure of theopening 4614 and the secondary seal formed by the folding of theflap portion 4640 may combine to make theinsulated container 4610 substantially water and/or air tight. In certain particular examples, theinsulated container 4610 may be configured to retain water (ice and melted ice) without or with a reduced amount of water leaking from theinterior compartment 5012 through theopening 4614 to the outside environment. In certain particular examples, theinsulated container 4610 may be configured to be positioned with its sides (e.g.,front side 4630 or rear side 4702) and/or in a downward facing orientation (with theopening 4614 facing downward), and the container may be configured to prevent or substantially reduce the egress of water held within theinterior compartment 5012 when held in one of these positions for an extended period of time. In certain particular examples, theinsulated container 4610 may be configured to allow less than 5%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the water (or combination of water and ice) contained within theinternal compartment 5012 to leak through theopening 4614 when theopening 4614 of the insulated container is held upside down on the following slope for at least 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour: 90 degrees (i.e., upside down), 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, or 0 degrees (i.e., the container is held on itsside 4630 or 4702).

In one embodiment, a container may include an outer shell formed of a water impermeable material having a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may further have: an opening at the top of the container, the opening extending into the storage compartment; and a closing mechanism. The closure mechanism may also include a first magnetic strip coupled to the inner surface of the front portion at the front edge of the opening. Additionally, the closure mechanism may include a second magnetic strip coupled to the inner surface of the back portion at the rear edge of the opening. Further, the closure mechanism may include a flap portion extending from the back portion over the rear edge of the opening, wherein the first fastener element is coupled to the flap portion. The second fastener element can be coupled to the outer surface of the front portion. Thus, the first magnetic strip may be magnetically attracted to the second magnetic strip to resealably seal the opening, and the housing may be configured to fold to removably couple the first fastener element to the second fastener element.

In one example, a first magnetic strip on a second magnetic strip may be hingedly coupled at respective front and rear edges of the opening.

In another example, at least one of the first and second magnetic strips may be hingedly coupled at respective front and rear edges of the opening.

In yet another example, the first fastener element may be removably coupled to the second fastener element by hook and loop fasteners.

Further, the first fastener element and the second fastener element can include a magnet.

The container may additionally include an internal pocket coupled to the internal rear surface of the back portion.

The container may additionally include an interior zipper pocket coupled to the interior front surface of the front portion.

The container may additionally have a strap coupled to the back portion of the outer shell that may be used to removably couple the container to an external structure. In one example, the outer structure may be an insulated container.

In another example, the container may be constructed of two or more sub-panels welded together. For example by RF welding.

In another embodiment, the container may include a front case, a front frame extending around an inner periphery of the front case, a rear frame extending around an inner periphery of the rear case, and hinged to the front frame at a bottom surface. The container may further include a closure mechanism configured to resealably seal the rear shell to the front shell. The closure mechanism may additionally include a front magnetic strip extending around at least a first portion of the front frame and a rear magnetic strip extending around at least a first portion of the rear frame. Additionally, the closure mechanism may include a zipper extending around at least the second portion of the front frame and the second portion of the back frame.

In one example, the front frame and the rear frame may be constructed of one or more elastomers.

In another example, the front and rear magnetic strips may be encapsulated within channels within the respective front and rear frames.

In yet another example, the closure mechanism may further include a zipper slot formed when the front magnetic strip is magnetically coupled to the rear magnetic strip.

The zipper may further comprise a retractable zipper strip coupled to at least the second portion of the front frame and the second portion of the back frame.

Further, when the zipper is closed, the retractable coupling of the zipper strips with at least the second portions of the front and rear frames can exert a compressive force that urges the front and rear magnetic strips toward each other.

In another example, at least one of the front and rear cases has two or more sub-panels welded together.

The container may further comprise a pull tab configured to provide a gripping surface to manually disengage the front magnetic strip from the rear magnetic strip.

Additionally, the front and rear magnetic strips may each have a plurality of magnetic elements.

In one embodiment, a container may include an outer shell formed of a water impermeable material and having a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may further include an opening at the top of the container, the opening extending into the storage compartment. When fully open, the opening may have a substantially rectilinear geometry, having a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side. The container may also include a closure mechanism having a folded magnetic loop that is foldable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to seal the opening.

The folded magnetic loop may have a front loop member that extends linearly or otherwise between the first and second ends of the front portion of the opening. The front annular ring member may also have a protrusion extending toward the rear of the opening and a first magnetic surface facing the rear of the opening. The front ring member may also include a second magnetic surface spaced apart from the third magnetic surface by a protrusion. The folded magnetic loop may additionally include a rear loop member extending linearly or otherwise between the first and second ends of the open rear portion. The rear annular ring member may have a protrusion extending toward the front of the opening and a first magnetic surface facing the front of the opening. The rear ring member may also have a second magnetic surface spaced apart from the third magnetic surface by a protrusion.

In addition, the folded magnetic girdle may have a first side girdle member extending along a first side of the opening and being hinged to a first end of the front girdle member and a first end of the rear girdle member. The first side loop member may further comprise a central hinge separating the first magnetic element from the second magnetic element. The second side loop member may extend along a second side of the opening. The second side of the opening may be hinged to the second end of the front and rear girdle members. The second side loop member may further comprise a central hinge separating the first magnetic element from the second magnetic element.

The front loop member, the rear loop member, the first side loop member and the second side loop member may be positioned in a substantially linear configuration when the opening is fully open. When folded, the central hinge of the first side loop member hinge may hinge the first and second magnetic elements of the first side loop member into contact with each other. In addition, the hinged attachment of the first side loop member to the first end of the front loop member and the first end of the rear loop member may hinge the first and second magnetic elements of the first side loop member into contact with the second magnetic surface of the front loop member and the second magnetic surface of the rear loop member.

When folded, the central hinge of the second side loop member may hinge the first and second magnetic elements of the second side loop member into contact with each other, and the hinged attachment of the second side loop member to the second ends of the front and rear loop members may hinge the first and second magnetic elements of the second side loop member into contact with the third magnetic surfaces of the front and rear loop members.

When folded, the central hinge of the first side loop member and the central hinge of the second side loop member may hinge the first and second magnetic surfaces of the front loop member and the respective first and second magnetic surfaces of the rear loop member into contact with each other.

In one example, the storage compartment of the container is an insulated container.

In another example, the storage compartment of the container includes a liner.

The container may include an insulating layer between the outer shell and the inner liner that provides insulation to the storage compartment.

The insulation layer may float between the inner liner and the outer shell of the container.

The insulation layer may be attached to at least one of the liner and the outer shell.

The outer shell of the container may be formed from two or more sub-panels welded together.

When positioned in a closed configuration, the closure mechanism of the container may be substantially waterproof and airtight.

In another embodiment, a container may include an outer shell formed of a water impermeable material and having a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may also have an opening at the top of the container that extends into the storage compartment. The container may also include a closure mechanism having a first magnetic strip extending along the longitudinal axis and attached to the first side of the opening, and the first magnetic strip may have a first magnet and a second magnet spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The closure mechanism may also include a second magnetic strip extending along the longitudinal axis. The second magnetic strip may have a first magnet and a second magnet spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The closure mechanism may also include a rail extending along the longitudinal axis and coupled to the second side of the opening. The second magnetic strip is slidably attached to the rail such that the second magnetic strip is slidable relative to the rail, wherein a longitudinal axis of the second magnetic strip is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rail. The first and second magnets of the first magnetic strip may have respective first and second outer surfaces with opposite magnetic polarities. The first and second magnets of the second magnetic strip may have respective first and second outer surfaces with opposite magnetic polarities such that the first and second outer surfaces of the first magnetic strip face the first and second outer surfaces of the second magnetic strip. When in the first configuration, the first and second magnets of the first magnetic strip may be magnetically attracted to the first and second magnets of the second magnetic strip. When the second magnetic strip is positioned in a second configuration relative to the first magnetic strip, the first and second magnets of the first magnetic strip may be aligned with magnets of the same polarity on the first magnetic strip such that the second magnetic strip is magnetically repelled by the first magnetic strip.

In another example, the second magnetic strip may move relative to the first magnetic strip by a motion other than sliding (such as rotating, pivoting, folding, etc.).

In one embodiment, a container may include an outer shell formed from a water impermeable material and having a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may also have an opening at the top of the container that extends into the storage compartment. The container may also include a closure mechanism having a first magnetic strip attached to an inner surface of the container on a first side of the opening. The second magnetic stripe may have a second magnetic stripe top side and a second magnetic stripe bottom side, such that the second magnetic stripe top side is attached to the second side of the opening and the second magnetic stripe bottom side is unattached to the housing. The closure mechanism may further include a third magnetic stripe having a third magnetic stripe top side and a third magnetic stripe bottom side, such that the third magnetic stripe top side is coupled to the second side of the opening and the third magnetic stripe bottom side is not connected to the housing. The second magnetic strip may be configured to magnetically attach to the first magnetic strip inside the compartment, and the third magnetic strip may be configured to magnetically attach to the first magnetic strip on the outer surface of the container.

In one embodiment, a container may include an outer shell formed from a water impermeable material and having a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may also have an opening at the top of the container that extends into the storage compartment. The container may also include a closure mechanism having a first magnetic strip extending along a first longitudinal axis and attached to a first side of the opening. The first magnetic strip may have a first outer surface having an undulating surface geometry. The closure mechanism may also include a second magnetic strip extending along the first longitudinal axis, and the second magnetic strip may have a second outer surface having an undulating surface geometry complementary to and configured to magnetically attach to the first outer surface of the first magnetic strip.

In one example, the first outer surface or the second outer surface may be magnetized.

In another example, the first outer surface or the second outer surface may comprise a non-magnetic housing material at least partially enclosing the magnetic material.

In one embodiment, a container may include an outer shell formed from a water impermeable material and having a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may also have an opening at the top of the container that extends into the storage compartment. The container may also include a closure mechanism having a first magnetic strip attached to the inner surface of the front portion at the front edge of the opening. The closure mechanism may also include a second magnetic strip attached to the inner surface of the back portion at the rear edge of the opening. Additionally, a third magnetic strip may be attached to a flap portion that extends from the back portion over the rear edge of the opening. Further, a magnetic panel may be attached to an outer surface of the front portion. The first magnetic strip may be magnetically attracted to the second magnetic strip and the third magnetic strip may be magnetically attracted to the magnetic panel to resealably seal the opening. The housing may be configured to fold to removably couple the third magnetic element to the magnetic panel.

In one embodiment, a container may include: a housing defining a first sidewall; a liner forming a storage compartment; a thermal insulation layer positioned between the outer shell and the inner liner; and an opening allowing access to the storage compartment. The container may also include a closure that seals the opening. The closure is substantially waterproof when the container is in any orientation. The closure may include a lid assembly having a handle and a reinforcement layer that is more rigid than the inner liner, insulation layer and outer shell. The closure may further include an external closure mechanism extending around at least a portion of the lid assembly and an upper edge of the opening. The closure may also include an internal closure mechanism having an upper magnetic strip extending along at least a portion of the lid assembly and a lower magnetic strip extending along at least a portion of the upper edge of the opening.

The housing of the container may further include a second sidewall and a third sidewall, and the opening may extend through the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the third sidewall.

The container may be in the form of a cube.

The inner liner and outer shell of the vessel may form a joint including a gas vent.

The housing of the container may include one or more handles and the discharge port may be formed adjacent to the location of the one or more handles.

The closure of the container may be substantially waterproof and prevent liquid from flowing out of the opening when the insulation is completely filled with water and dropped from a distance of six feet.

The outer shell of the container may define a bottom wall extending in a first plane such that the liner may be secured to the outer shell on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

The liner may be formed from a first piece and a second piece, and the first piece may be joined to the second piece by a weld defining a seam. The seam may be covered with seam tape.

The inner liner of the container may be formed by injection molding.

The external closure mechanism may be a zipper including a zipper pull. The zipper may be substantially waterproof.

The container may also include a body assembly.

The lid assembly and the body assembly may form an inner liner, an insulating layer, and an outer shell of the container.

The closure assembly may include at least a portion of the insulating layer of the container.

The insulation layer may float between the inner liner and the outer shell.

The insulation layer may be attached to the inner liner or the outer shell.

In one example, a container may include an outer shell formed of a water impermeable material and including a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may additionally include a series of webbing loops attached to the outer surface of the front portion. The housing may additionally include an opening at the top of the container that extends into the storage compartment. When fully open, the opening may have a substantially straight geometry. In alternative embodiments, the openings may have other geometries, or combinations of geometries. For example, the openings may be implemented with circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and/or octagonal opening geometries. It is further contemplated that the openings may be implemented with any polygonal geometry. Additionally or alternatively, the opening may be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry of the opening (or the geometry of other elements of the container) may be deformed from one shape to one or more different shapes. Thus, the opening may have a front, a back, a first side, and a second side. The housing may additionally have a closure mechanism configured to close the opening into the storage compartment. Thus, the closure mechanism may include a flap that extends from the back portion of the shell over the opening. The closure mechanism may also include a hook fastener element attached to the flap and rotatable relative to the flap. The hook fastener elements may be configured to be removably attached to a loop of webbing in a series of loops of webbing that are attached to the front portion of the housing. The closure mechanism may additionally include a folding magnetic loop designed to fold between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The opening can be sealed by folding the magnetic ring. The folded magnetic loop may additionally include a front loop member extending between the first and second ends of the front portion of the opening. The front ring member may have a magnetic surface facing the open rear. The folded magnetic loop may further include a rear loop member extending between the first end and the second end of the rear portion of the opening, the rear loop member having a magnetic surface facing the front portion of the opening. The fold magnet loop may also include a first side loop member extending along a first side of the opening and hingedly attached to a first end of the front loop member and a first end of the rear loop member. The first side loop member may further comprise a central hinge separating the first magnetic element from the second magnetic element. The fold magnet loop may also include a second side loop member extending along a second side of the opening and hingedly attached to a second end of the front loop member and a second end of the rear loop member. The second side loop member may further comprise a central hinge separating the first magnetic element from the second magnetic element. The front loop member, the rear loop member, and the first and second side loop members may be positioned in a substantially linear configuration when the opening is fully open. In alternative embodiments, the opening may have other geometries, or combinations of geometries, when fully open. For example, the openings may be implemented with circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and/or octagonal opening geometries. It is further contemplated that the openings may be implemented with any polygonal geometry. Additionally or alternatively, the opening may be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry of the opening (or the geometry of other elements of the container) may be deformed from one shape to one or more different shapes. When folded, the central hinge of the first side loop member is hinged and the first and second magnetic elements of the first side loop member may contact each other. Similarly, when folded, the central hinge of the second side loop member hinges and the first and second magnetic elements of the second side loop member may contact each other. When the center hinge of the first side loop and the center hinge of the second side loop are folded, the magnetic surface of the front loop member contacts and magnetically couples to the magnetic surface of the rear loop member.

In one example, a container may include an outer shell formed of a water impermeable material and including a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The housing may additionally include an opening at the top of the container that extends into the storage compartment. When fully open, the opening may have a substantially straight geometry. In alternative embodiments, the opening may have other geometries, or combinations of geometries, when fully open. For example, the openings may be implemented with circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and/or octagonal opening geometries. It is further contemplated that the openings may be implemented with any polygonal geometry. Additionally or alternatively, the opening may be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry of the opening (or the geometry of other elements of the container) may be deformed from one shape to one or more different shapes. Thus, the opening may have a front, a back, a first side, and a second side. The housing may additionally have a closure mechanism configured to close the opening into the storage compartment. Thus, the closing mechanism may comprise a folded magnetic loop designed to be folded between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The opening can be sealed by folding the magnetic ring. The folded magnetic loop may additionally include a front loop member extending between the first and second ends of the front portion of the opening. The front ring member may have a magnetic surface facing the open rear. The folded magnetic loop may further include a rear loop member extending between the first end and the second end of the rear portion of the opening, the rear loop member having a magnetic surface facing the front portion of the opening. The fold magnet loop may also include a first side loop member extending along a first side of the opening and hingedly attached to a first end of the front loop member and a first end of the rear loop member. The first side loop member may further comprise a central hinge separating the first magnetic surface from the second magnetic surface. The fold magnet loop may also include a second side loop member extending along a second side of the opening and hingedly attached to a second end of the front loop member and a second end of the rear loop member. The second side loop member may further comprise a central hinge separating the first magnetic surface from the second magnetic surface. The front loop member, the rear loop member, and the first and second side loop members may be positioned in a substantially linear configuration when the opening is fully open. In alternative embodiments, the opening may have other geometries, or combinations of geometries, when fully open. For example, the openings may be implemented with circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and/or octagonal opening geometries. It is further contemplated that the openings may be implemented with any polygonal geometry. Additionally or alternatively, the opening may be described as having a curvilinear geometry, and the geometry of the opening (or the geometry of other elements of the container) may be deformed from one shape to one or more different shapes. When folded, the central hinge of the first side loop member is hinged and the first and second magnetic surfaces of the first side loop member may contact each other. Similarly, when folded, the central hinge of the second side loop member is hinged and the first and second magnetic surfaces of the second side loop member may contact each other. When the center hinge of the first side loop and the center hinge of the second side loop are folded, the magnetic surface of the front loop member may be in contact with and magnetically coupled to the magnetic surface of the rear loop member.

In one example, an insulated container may include an outer shell defining a sidewall and a base. The housing may have a front portion, a back portion, side portions, and a base portion. The insulated container may additionally include an inner liner forming a storage compartment, the inner liner having a front portion and a rear portion. An insulation layer may be positioned between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulation layer providing insulation to the storage compartment. An opening in the top of the container may extend into the storage compartment, the opening having a front side and a rear side. The insulated container may also have a flap portion that extends between the top of the outer shell and the opening. The flap may further have an internal reinforcement aperture extending along at least a portion of the flap portion, the internal reinforcement aperture being configured to define a line along which the flap is folded. The insulated container may further include a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism may include a first magnetic stripe having a first magnetic stripe top edge and a first magnetic stripe bottom edge, the first magnetic stripe top edge attached to the front side of the opening and the first magnetic stripe bottom edge extending into the storage compartment and unattached to the liner. The closure mechanism may additionally include a second magnetic stripe having a second magnetic stripe top edge and a second magnetic stripe bottom edge, such that the second magnetic stripe top edge is coupled to the back side of the opening and the second magnetic stripe bottom edge extends into the storage compartment and is unattached to the liner. The first magnetic strip is configured to magnetically couple to the second magnetic strip to resealably seal the opening. When folded, the flap portion may be configured to provide a secondary seal of the opening.

In another example, the flap portion is formed of the same material as the housing.

The flap portion may be held in the folded position by a buckle coupled to the front and back portions of the housing.

The flap portion may be held in the folded position by magnets embedded in the side walls of the flap portion.

The flap portion may be held in the folded position by magnetic clamping plates attached to regions of the flap portion and regions on the housing.

The flap portions may be held in the folded position by hook and loop fasteners.

The first and second magnetic strips may be hingedly coupled to respective front and back sides of the opening.

The housing may include two or more sub-panels welded together.

The insulated container may further comprise a pull tab attached to at least one of the first and second magnetic strips.

When the opening is sealed by the magnetic strip and the folded flap, the insulated container is configured to allow less than 0.1% of the liquid stored in the storage compartment to leak when the insulated container is held in an inverted orientation for 15 minutes.

When the opening is sealed by the magnetic strip and the folded flap, the insulated container is configured to allow less than 0.01% of the liquid stored in the storage compartment to leak when the insulated container is held in an inverted orientation for 15 minutes.

The 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 an example of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the disclosure. 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 disclosure.

Claims (20)

Translated fromChinese

1.一种隔热容器，其包括：1. An insulated container comprising:外壳，所述外壳限定侧壁和基部，所述外壳具有前部部分、背部部分、侧面部分和基部部分；a housing, the housing defining a side wall and a base, the housing having a front portion, a back portion, a side portion, and a base portion;内衬，所述内衬形成储存隔室，所述内衬具有前部部分和后部部分；an inner liner forming a storage compartment, the inner liner having a front portion and a rear portion;隔热层，所述隔热层定位在所述外壳与所述内衬之间，所述隔热层为所述储存隔室提供隔热；an insulating layer positioned between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment;开口，所述开口在所述容器的顶部，延伸到所述储存隔室中，所述开口具有前侧和后侧；an opening at the top of the container extending into the storage compartment, the opening having a front side and a rear side;门襟翼片部分，所述门襟翼片部分在所述外壳的顶部与所述开口之间延伸，所述门襟翼片部分进一步包括内部增强板，所述内部增强板沿所述门襟翼片部分的至少一部分延伸并且被构造成限定一条线，所述门襟翼片沿所述线折叠；a flap flap portion extending between the top of the housing and the opening, the flap flap portion further including an interior reinforcement panel along the flap at least a portion of the flap portion extends and is configured to define a line along which the door flap flap is folded;闭合机构，所述闭合机构进一步包括：a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism further comprising:第一磁条，所述第一磁条具有第一磁条顶部边缘和第一磁条底部边缘，其中所述第一磁条顶部边缘联接到所述开口的所述前侧并且所述第一磁条底部边缘延伸到所述储存隔室中且未附接到所述内衬；以及a first magnetic strip having a first magnetic strip top edge and a first magnetic strip bottom edge, wherein the first magnetic strip top edge is coupled to the front side of the opening and the first magnetic strip a bottom edge of the magnetic strip extends into the storage compartment and is not attached to the liner; and第二磁条，所述第二磁条具有第二磁条顶部边缘和第二磁条底部边缘，其中所述第二磁条顶部边缘联接到所述开口的所述后侧并且所述第二磁条底部边缘延伸到所述储存隔室中且未附接到所述内衬，A second magnetic strip having a second magnetic strip top edge and a second magnetic strip bottom edge, wherein the second magnetic strip top edge is coupled to the rear side of the opening and the second magnetic strip the bottom edge of the magnetic strip extends into the storage compartment and is not attached to the liner,其中所述第一磁条被构造成磁性地联接到所述第二磁条以可再密封地密封所述开口，并且wherein the first magnetic strip is configured to be magnetically coupled to the second magnetic strip to resealably seal the opening, and其中当折叠时，所述门襟翼片部分被构造成提供所述开口的二次密封。Wherein, when folded, the flap portion is configured to provide a secondary seal of the opening.2.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分由与所述外壳相同的材料形成。2. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the flap portion is formed of the same material as the outer shell.3.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分借由联接到所述外壳的所述前部部分和所述外壳的所述背部部分的带扣保持在折叠位置。3. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the door flap portion is held in a folded position by a buckle coupled to the front portion of the outer shell and the back portion of the outer shell .4.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分借由嵌入所述门襟翼片部分的所述侧壁中的磁体保持在折叠位置。4. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the flap portion is held in a folded position by magnets embedded in the side walls of the flap portion.5.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分借由钩环紧固件保持在折叠位置。5. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the flap portion is held in the folded position by hook and loop fasteners.6.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，其中所述第一磁条和所述第二磁条被铰接地联接到所述开口的相应的前侧和后侧。6. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic strips are hingedly coupled to respective front and rear sides of the opening.7.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，其中所述外壳包括焊接在一起的两个或更多个子面板。7. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises two or more sub-panels welded together.8.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，所述隔热容器进一步包括拉片，所述拉片联接到所述开口的所述前侧或所述后侧中的至少一者。8. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising a pull tab coupled to at least one of the front side or the rear side of the opening.9.根据权利要求1所述的隔热容器，其中当所述开口由所述磁条和折叠的门襟翼片密封时，在所述隔热容器以倒置取向保持至少10分钟的情况下，所述开口允许泄漏的盛放在所述储存隔室内的液体少于0.5％。9. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the insulated container is held in an inverted orientation for at least 10 minutes when the opening is sealed by the magnetic strip and the folded flap flap, The opening allows leakage of less than 0.5% of the liquid contained in the storage compartment.10.一种隔热容器，其包括：10. An insulated container comprising:外壳，所述外壳限定侧壁和基部，所述外壳具有前部部分、背部部分、侧面部分和基部部分；a housing, the housing defining a side wall and a base, the housing having a front portion, a back portion, a side portion, and a base portion;内衬，所述内衬形成储存隔室，所述内衬具有前部部分和后部部分；an inner liner forming a storage compartment, the inner liner having a front portion and a rear portion;隔热层，所述隔热层定位在所述外壳与所述内衬之间，所述隔热层为所述储存隔室提供隔热；an insulating layer positioned between the outer shell and the inner liner, the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment;开口，所述开口在所述容器的顶部，延伸到所述储存隔室中，所述开口具有前侧和后侧；an opening at the top of the container extending into the storage compartment, the opening having a front side and a rear side;门襟翼片部分，所述门襟翼片部分在所述外壳的顶部与所述开口之间延伸；a flap portion extending between the top of the housing and the opening;闭合机构，所述闭合机构进一步包括：a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism further comprising:第一磁条，所述第一磁条具有第一磁条顶部边缘和第一磁条底部边缘，其中所述第一磁条顶部边缘联接到所述开口的所述前侧并且所述第一磁条底部边缘延伸到所述储存隔室中且未附接到所述内衬；以及a first magnetic strip having a first magnetic strip top edge and a first magnetic strip bottom edge, wherein the first magnetic strip top edge is coupled to the front side of the opening and the first magnetic strip a bottom edge of the magnetic strip extends into the storage compartment and is not attached to the liner; and第二磁条，所述第二磁条具有第二磁条顶部边缘和第二磁条底部边缘，其中所述第二磁条顶部边缘联接到所述开口的所述后侧并且所述第二磁条底部边缘延伸到所述储存隔室中且未附接到所述内衬，A second magnetic strip having a second magnetic strip top edge and a second magnetic strip bottom edge, wherein the second magnetic strip top edge is coupled to the rear side of the opening and the second magnetic strip the bottom edge of the magnetic strip extends into the storage compartment and is not attached to the liner,其中所述第一磁条被构造成磁性地联接到所述第二磁条以可再密封地密封所述开口，并且wherein the first magnetic strip is configured to be magnetically coupled to the second magnetic strip to resealably seal the opening, and其中当折叠时，所述门襟翼片部分被构造成提供所述开口的二次密封。Wherein, when folded, the flap portion is configured to provide a secondary seal of the opening.11.根据权利要求10所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分进一步包括内部增强板，所述内部增强板沿所述门襟翼片部分的至少一部分延伸并且被构造成限定一条线，所述门襟翼片沿所述线折叠。11. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the door flap portion further comprises an interior reinforcement panel extending along at least a portion of the door flap portion and configured to define a strip line along which the door flap is folded.12.根据权利要求11所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分由与所述外壳相同的材料形成。12. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the flap portion is formed of the same material as the outer shell.13.根据权利要求11所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分借由联接到所述外壳的所述前部部分和所述外壳的所述背部部分的带扣保持在折叠位置。13. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the door flap portion is held in a folded position by a buckle coupled to the front portion of the outer shell and the back portion of the outer shell .14.根据权利要求11所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分借由嵌入所述门襟翼片部分的所述侧壁中的磁体保持在折叠位置。14. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the flap portion is held in a folded position by magnets embedded in the side walls of the flap portion.15.根据权利要求11所述的隔热容器，其中所述门襟翼片部分借由钩环紧固件保持在折叠位置。15. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein the flap portion is held in the folded position by hook and loop fasteners.16.根据权利要求10所述的隔热容器，其中所述第一磁条和所述第二磁条被铰接地联接到所述开口的相应的前侧和后侧。16. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the first and second magnetic strips are hingedly coupled to respective front and rear sides of the opening.17.根据权利要求10所述的隔热容器，其中所述外壳包括焊接在一起的两个或更多个子面板。17. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the outer shell comprises two or more sub-panels welded together.18.根据权利要求10所述的隔热容器，其进一步包括拉片，所述拉片联接到所述开口的所述前侧或所述后侧中的至少一者。18. The insulated container of claim 10, further comprising a pull tab coupled to at least one of the front side or the rear side of the opening.19.根据权利要求10所述的隔热容器，其中当所述开口由所述磁条和折叠的门襟翼片密封时，在所述隔热容器以倒置取向保持至少10分钟的情况下，所述开口允许泄漏的盛放在所述储存隔室内的液体少于1％。19. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the insulated container is held in an inverted orientation for at least 10 minutes when the opening is sealed by the magnetic strip and the folded door flap, The opening allows leakage of less than 1% of the liquid contained in the storage compartment.20.根据权利要求10所述的隔热容器，其中当所述开口由所述磁条和折叠的门襟翼片密封时，在所述隔热容器以倒置取向保持至少15分钟的情况下，所述开口允许泄漏的盛放在所述储存隔室内的液体少于0.5％。20. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the insulated container is held in an inverted orientation for at least 15 minutes when the opening is sealed by the magnetic strip and the folded door flap, The opening allows leakage of less than 0.5% of the liquid contained in the storage compartment.

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