US 9,408,445 B2 · Soft-sided insulated container with inflatable wall structure

Abstract

A soft-sided insulated container assembly is made of a flexible wall structure that is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. In one variation of the deployed position it resembles a tote-bag; in another variation of folding the deployed position corresponds to a generally box-like shape. The container includes a self-inflating wall structure that has an inner layer or skin, an outer layer or skin, and a resilient, open-cell insulating layer trapped between the two skins. A valve governs the ability to take in or to expel air. The outer layer may be thicker and more robust that the inner layer, the better to resist abrasion or punctures. The inner layer may be reflective. There may be a removable internal liner. That liner may be transparent.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A soft-sided insulated container having an inflatable wall structure, said inflatable wall structure being self-inflating;

said container is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position;
said inflatable wall structure in said deployed position being selectable between
(a) a tote-shaped container configuration and
(b) a cubic container configuration;
said inflatable wall structure, when inflated, forms a peripheral wall having an insulated chamber defined therewithin in which to place objects;
said inflatable wall structure has an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a layer of insulation trapped between said outer membrane and said inner membrane;
said layer of insulation includes an open cell foam captured between said outer membrane and said inner membrane;
said container has an outlet by which to permit said inflatable wall structure to be deflated, and, when said wall structure is deflated, said container is movable to said collapsed position, said collapsed position being a rolled-up position.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Soft-sided insulated container with inflatable wall structure

Life of this patent

Soft-sided insulated container with inflatable wall structure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20