U.S. patent application number 15/461811 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-20 for portable containers having multiple variable compartments.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fit & Fresh, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert J. Fisher, JR., Courtney E. Nicholls.
Application Number | 20180265256 15/461811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63521005 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180265256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fisher, JR.; Robert J. ; et
al. |
September 20, 2018 |
PORTABLE CONTAINERS HAVING MULTIPLE VARIABLE COMPARTMENTS
Abstract
Portable carrying devices are provided with multiple variable
compartments. Included are a shaped container having a bottom panel
and side panels arranged according to a shaped container perimeter,
along with a shaped insert having a perimeter wall that lies within
the shaped container perimeter. The shaped insert has a plurality
of movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert,
the shaped insert further including one or more living hinge
portions. This shaped insert, including its perimeter wall, movable
dividers and the living hinge portion, is of a unitary structure;
and the shaped insert is within and removable from the shaped
container.
Inventors: |
Fisher, JR.; Robert J.;
(Providence, RI) ; Nicholls; Courtney E.;
(Cranston, RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fit & Fresh, Inc. |
Indianapolis |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63521005 |
Appl. No.: |
15/461811 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2013/026 20130101;
B65D 25/08 20130101; A45C 11/20 20130101; B65D 25/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/06 20060101
B65D025/06; B65D 1/22 20060101 B65D001/22; B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02; A47G 23/04 20060101
A47G023/04; B65D 81/05 20060101 B65D081/05; B65D 51/24 20060101
B65D051/24 |
Claims
1. A portable container device having multiple variable
compartments, comprising: a. a shaped container component having a
bottom panel and upstanding side panels, the upstanding side panels
being arranged according to a shaped container perimeter; b. a
shaped insert component having an insert perimeter wall sized and
shaped to lie closely within the shaped container perimeter; c. the
shaped insert component having a plurality of movable panels within
the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert
component further including at least one living hinge portion; d.
the shaped insert component, including all of the insert perimeter
wall, the movable panels and each living hinge portion, is of a
unitary structure; and e. the shaped insert component is within and
removable from the shaped container component.
2. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the shaped insert component is flexible and is molded as a
unitary structure whether as one piece from one polymer or
co-molded from multiple polymers.
3. The portable container device in accordance with claim 2,
wherein the shaped insert component is unsecured to the shaped
container component bottom panel or side panels.
4. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the movable panels comprise movable and flexible dividers
sized and structured to vary between an extended position and a
collapsed position, whereby the extended position results in
delineation of a first compartment of a first size and shape, and
whereby the collapsed position results in formation of a second
compartment of a second size and shape, the first size and shape
and the second size and shape being different from each other.
5. The portable container device in accordance with claim 4,
wherein the shaped insert component comprises a number of
compartments delineated by the flexible and movable dividers, and
the number of compartments reduces when at least one of the
flexible and movable dividers is in the collapsed condition.
6. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the shaped insert component is made of a flexible polymeric
material.
7. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the unitary structure of the shaped insert component
comprises a divider make of a plurality of the movable panels, a
first of the living hinge portions and a second of the living hinge
portions, each of the first and second living hinge portions being
between the movable divider and the perimeter wall.
8. The portable container device in accordance with claim 7,
wherein the unitary structure of the shaped insert component
comprises a divider made of a plurality of panels at least one of
the movable dividers and a third of the living hinge portions, the
movable divider has a first section and a second section, the first
divider section being between the first living hinge portion and
the third living hinge portion, and the second divider section
being between the second living hinge portion and the third living
hinge portion.
9. The portable container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
living hinge portion is a portion of the shaped insert component
and has a wall thickness less than a wall thickness of the shaped
insert component adjacent to the living hinge portion.
10. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the shaped insert component is made of silicone, and
wherein the shaped container component is made of a material less
flexible than the material of the shaped insert component.
11. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the shaped container component has an open top with a
recessed inside surface, and the portable container device further
includes a lid that selectively opens or closes the open top, and
the lid includes at least one refrigerator pack selectively
securable to the recessed inside surface of the lid.
12. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
further including a ridge within the bottom panel of the shaped
container component, and the ridge aligns with a bottom edge of at
least one of the movable panels and provides a barrier against
movement of material across the bottom edge of the movable
panels.
13. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the portable container device is a food storage and
transport container, and the movable panels are sized and
structured to vary between an extended position and a collapsed
position, whereby the extended position results in delineation of a
first compartment of a first size and shape, and whereby the
collapsed position results in formation of a second compartment of
a second size and shape, the first size and shape and the second
size and shape being different from each other, and the first
compartment accommodates a food item or container for a food item
of a given size while the second compartment accommodates a food
item or a container for a food item of a size greater than the
given size.
14. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the shaped container component includes a tray component,
the tray component supports the shaped insert component, and the
tray component is within a base component that accommodates in size
and shape the tray component, the base component having an
obstruction to prevent complete movement of the tray within the
base component, a lid selectively opens and closes the base
component, and the tray component is removable from the base
component and the shaped insert component is removable from the
tray component when unobstructed by the lid.
15. The portable container device in accordance with claim 14,
wherein the base component has a bottom wall and a sidewall, the
sidewall having the shelf that spaces the tray component from the
bottom wall of the base component to delineate an open volume
within the base component and below the tray component.
16. A portable container device having multiple variable
compartments, comprising: a. a shaped container component having a
bottom panel and upstanding side panels, the upstanding side panels
being arranged according to a shaped container perimeter; b. a
shaped insert component having an insert perimeter wall sized and
shaped to lie closely within the shaped container perimeter; c. the
shaped insert component having a plurality of movable and flexible
dividers that extend from the perimeter wall of the shaped insert
component, the shaped insert component further including a medial
living hinge portion and two end living hinge portions at the
respective locations where the dividers extend from the perimeter
wall of the shaped insert component; d. the shaped insert
component, including all of the insert perimeter wall, the movable
and flexible dividers and each living hinge portion, is of a molded
unitary structure; e. the movable and flexible dividers are sized
and structured to vary between an extended position and a collapsed
position, whereby the extended position results in delineation of a
first compartment of a first size and shape, and whereby the
collapsed position results in formation of a second compartment of
a second size and shape, the first size and shape and the second
size and shape being different from each other; and f. the shaped
insert component is within and removable from the shaped container
component and is unsecured to the shaped container component.
17. The portable container device in accordance with claim 16,
wherein the shaped insert component comprises a number of
compartments delineated by the flexible and movable dividers, and
the number of compartments reduces when at least one of the
flexible and movable dividers is in the collapsed condition.
18. The portable container device in accordance with claim 16,
wherein the unitary structure of the shaped insert component
comprises a divider make of a plurality of the movable panels, a
first of the living hinge portions and a second of the living hinge
portions, each of the first and second living hinge portions being
between the movable divider and the perimeter wall; and wherein the
unitary structure of the shaped insert component comprises a
divider made of a plurality of panels at least one of the movable
dividers and a third of the living hinge portions, the movable
divider has a first section and a second section, the first divider
section being between the first living hinge portion and the third
living hinge portion, and the second divider section being between
the second living hinge portion and the third living hinge
portion.
19. A portable container device having multiple variable
compartments, comprising: a. the portable container device is a
food storage and transport container and has a lid; b. a shaped
container component having a bottom panel and upstanding side
panels, the upstanding side panels being arranged according to a
shaped container perimeter; c. a shaped insert component having an
insert perimeter wall sized and shaped to lie closely within the
shaped container perimeter; d. the shaped insert component having a
plurality of movable and flexible dividers that extend from the
perimeter wall of the shaped insert component, the shaped insert
component further including a medial living hinge portion and two
end living hinge portions at the respective locations where the
dividers extend from the perimeter wall of the shaped insert
component; e. the shaped insert component, including all of the
insert perimeter wall, the movable and flexible dividers and each
living hinge portion, is of a molded unitary structure; f. the
movable and flexible dividers are sized and structured to vary
between an extended position and a collapsed position, whereby the
extended position results in delineation of a first compartment of
a first size and shape, and whereby the collapsed position results
in formation of a second compartment of a second size and shape,
the first size and shape and the second size and shape being
different from each other; g. the shaped insert component is within
and removable from the shaped container component and is unsecured
to the shaped container component; and h. the first compartment
accommodates a food item or container for a food item of a given
size while the second compartment accommodates a food item or a
container for a food item of a size greater than the given
size.
20. The portable container device in accordance with claim 19,
wherein the shaped container component includes a tray component,
the tray component supports the shaped insert component, and the
tray component is within a base component that accommodates in size
and shape the tray component, the base component having an
obstruction to prevent complete movement of the tray within the
base component, the lid selectively opens and closes the base
component, and the tray component is removable from the base
component and the shaped insert component is removable from the
tray component when unobstructed by the lid.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0001] The present subject matter relates to portable container
devices that are capable of transporting various items of differing
sizes and types. More particularly, the present subject matter
relates to portable containers having multiple compartmented
volumes, which compartmented volumes and their respective shapes
are variable depending on particular needs of the user.
Description of Related Art
[0002] Portable container devices are widely used to store and
transport any variety of products. Such devices include portable
containers, each of which may be sized and shaped to provide volume
adequate to hold items generally corresponding to the volume of
each container. When multiple items are desired to be transported
at one time, it often is necessary to use differently sized
individual portable containers depending on the items. For example,
when the items are foods, particularly non-packaged foods, the size
and shape of the food items and thus of the containers needed to
contain the food items can vary from day to day depending on
dietary needs and tastes of the user, requiring owning, cleaning
and storing a variety of container sizes and shapes.
[0003] Some portable containers are of a type that have multiple
compartments in the same portable container, which multiple
compartments are intended to divide the total volume of the
portable container into smaller volumes in order to accommodate
differently sized items. Particularly concerning portable food
transport container devices, the present disclosure has recognized
these types of portable container devices do not exhibit
flexibility in configuration, shape and/or volume to quickly
accommodate food item sizes and shapes that vary depending on
different intended uses of the portable container device.
SUMMARY
[0004] There are several aspects of the present subject matter
which may be embodied separately or together in the devices and
systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be employed
alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter
described herein, and the description of these aspects together is
not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the
claiming of such aspects separately or in different combinations as
set forth in the claims appended hereto.
[0005] In some embodiments, the portable devices of the present
disclosure are shaped container components, each having a bottom
panel and upstanding side panels, the upstanding side panels being
arranged according to a shaped container perimeter that is desired
for the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped
insert component having an outside perimeter wall sized and shaped
to lie closely within the shaped container perimeter, the shaped
insert having a plurality of flexible and movable dividers within
the outside perimeter wall of the shaped insert component, the
shaped insert component further including one or more living hinge
portions. Features of these shaped inserts include being of a
unitary structure, for example being formed as a one piece unit,
and being removable from the shaped container, for example being
not attached to the shaped container.
[0006] The present disclosure includes the advantageous features of
a portable device having a shaped container component with a bottom
panel and upstanding side panels providing a shaped container
inside perimeter that is desired for the particular portable
device. Also included is a shaped insert component having an
outside perimeter wall sized and shaped to fit closely within the
shaped container perimeter, the shaped insert component having a
plurality of flexible and movable dividers within its perimeter
wall, the shaped insert component further including one or more
living hinge portions, including a medial hinge portion between
hinge panels and end living hinge portions by which the panels
flexibly transition to the rest of the shaped insert component.
These shaped insert components are of an integrally manufactured
structure, for example being formed as a one piece unit, or being
manufactured in accordance with a co-molding process joining
different polymers. The integral shaped insert component is
removable from the shaped container component and without any means
of connection between the insert and the shaped container
components.
[0007] In one aspect, a container device for storing and/or
transporting items, especially a variety of food items of differing
sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use is
provided. The container device is intended to be portable and
usually easily transportable to without significant strength being
required. Container devices of this type have a shaped container
component having an internal volume of a perimeter that is suitable
for the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped
insert component having an external perimeter wall sized and
configured to be positioned for transport within the perimeter wall
of the shaped container component, the shaped insert component
having a plurality of flexible and movable dividers within the
perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert further
including a medial living hinge for each divider joining adjacent
flexible panels, with a living hinge on either end of the dividers
movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed
configuration. These shaped insert components are of a unity
structure, for example being formed as a unit, either as one piece
of polymer or of co-molded polymers formed into a unit that is
intended to be used in tact, even if constructed from differing
polymers such that, in use, no components of the shaped insert are
removed from or added to the insert.
[0008] In another aspect, a container device for storing and/or
transporting items, especially a variety of food items of differing
sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use, is
provided. The container device is intended to be portable and
usually easily transportable to without significant strength being
required. Container components of this type of device have an
internal volume and shaped container perimeter that is required for
the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped insert
component having an exterior perimeter wall sized and configured to
be positioned for transport within the shaped container component
internal perimeter, the shaped insert component having a plurality
of flexible and movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the
shaped insert, the shaped insert further including a medial living
hinge portion for each divider joining adjacent flexible panels,
with a living hinge portion on either end of the dividers movable
between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration.
The dividers delineate a given volume therewithin when in an
extended configuration. By operation of their flexibility and the
living hinge portions, a collapsed configuration is easily achieved
by operation of which that given volume is, in effect, made
accessible for joining with other interior volume portions of the
shaped insert.
[0009] In an additional aspect, a container device for storing
and/or transporting items, especially a variety of food items of
differing sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use,
is provided. The container is intended to be portable and usually
easily transportable without significant effort or risk. Container
devices of this type have a shaped container component with an
internal volume having a perimeter that is useful for the
particular portable device. Also included is a shaped insert
component having an external perimeter wall sized and configured to
be positioned for transport within the shaped container perimeter,
the shaped insert having a plurality of flexible and movable
dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped
insert further including a medial living hinge portion for each
divider joining adjacent flexible panels, with a living hinge
portion on either end of the dividers movable between an extended
configuration and a collapsed configuration. The dividers delineate
a given volume therewithin, and cast a given footprint, when in an
extended configuration. The bottom of the shaped container has one
or more ridges that generally coincide with the given footprint of
the dividers to provide a barrier to movement of material and/or
items into or out of the given volume associated with that divider.
By operation of their flexibility and the living hinge portions, a
collapsed configuration is easily achieved by operation of which
that given volume is, in effect, made accessible for joining with
other interior portions of the shaped insert component.
[0010] In yet an added aspect, a container device for storing
and/or transporting items, especially a variety of food items of
differing sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use,
is provided. The container device is of a type or style and size
that is designed to be portable and usually easily transportable to
without significant strength being required of the user. Container
devices of this type have a tray component with a shaped perimeter
that is desired for the particular portable device, the tray being
gravity mountable within the shaped container component upon
engagement with an obstruction that spaces the bottom of the tray
component from the bottom of the shaped container component,
thereby providing an open volume beneath the tray. Also included is
a shaped insert component having a perimeter wall sized and
configured to be positioned for transport within the shaped
container perimeter, the shaped insert component having a plurality
of movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert,
the shaped insert further including a medial living hinge portion
for each divider joining adjacent flexible panels, with a living
hinge portion on either end of the dividers movable between an
extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The dividers
delineate a given volume therewithin when in an extended
configuration. By operation of their flexibility and the living
hinges, a collapsed configuration is easily achieved by operation
of which that given volume is, in effect, made accessible for
joining with other interior portions of the shaped insert.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of an embodiment of a
portable container device according to the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded generally perspective view of the
embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is another side elevational view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an underside generally perspective view of the lid
portion of the portable container of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the insert
component as illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are generally perspective views
illustrating different configurations or positions of dividers
illustrated in the FIG. 1 embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a generally perspective view of another embodiment
of a portable container device according to the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded generally perspective view of the
embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an underside generally perspective view of the
lid portion of the portable container of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through the insert
component as illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0022] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and 12F are generally
perspective views illustrating different configurations or
positions of dividers illustrated in the FIG. 8 embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a generally perspective view of a further
embodiment of a portable container device according to the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 14 is an exploded generally perspective view of the
embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 13;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
13;
[0026] FIG. 16 is another side elevational view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 17 is an underside generally perspective view of the
lid portion of the portable container of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
[0028] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are generally perspective views
illustrating different configurations or positions of dividers
illustrated in the FIG. 13 embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a generally perspective view of an additional
embodiment of a portable container device according to the present
disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 20 is an exploded generally perspective view of the
embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
19;
[0032] FIG. 22 is another side elevational view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 23 is an underside generally perspective view of the
lid portion of the portable container of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20;
[0034] FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and 24E are generally perspective
views illustrating different configurations or positions of
dividers illustrated in the FIG. 19 embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a generally perspective view of an added
embodiment of a portable container device according to the present
disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 26 is an exploded generally perspective view of the
embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 25;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
25;
[0038] FIG. 28 is another side elevational view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 25;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the lid of the FIG. 25
embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a generally perspective view of the insert unit
component illustrated in FIG. 26; and
[0041] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view through the insert unit
component as illustrated in FIG. 26.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of certain features,
which may be embodied in various forms and combinations. For
example, some of the various components that are illustrated as
being separate pieces external of other components are not to be
limited as such, it being understood some, most or all of the
separate pieces can be engineered to be included as a unit of
components internal to the product, which unit has or units have
multiple functional elements and still be in accordance with the
present disclosure. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein
are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for
the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled
in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually
any appropriate manner.
[0043] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable container device
disclosed herein, generally designated as 101. Device 101 as
illustrated includes a shaped container component 102, a shaped
insert component 103 and a lid component 104 that selectively opens
and closes the shaped container 102, exposing both the shaped
insert 103 and a tray 105 when the lid is removed from the shaped
container, allowing removal and placement of the shaped insert and
tray within the shaped container. Lid component 104 can contain, at
its underside inside surface, one or more freezer packs 109 that
are releasably secured to the lid 104 by any suitable approach,
such as illustrated clip 110 and/or tight engagement between
freezer pack holes 110a and lid pegs 110b. The freezer pack assists
in avoiding having the contents of the container device be
subjected to temperatures higher than best for the contents stored
within the container device, especially the contents in the upper
portions of the container device having one or more freezer packs
inside the lid.
[0044] This shaped container component 102 illustrated embodiment
further features a shelf or obstruction member 106 having the
function of a stop whereby the tray 105 is prevented from resting
on the bottom wall 107 of the shaped container component 102,
providing for an open volume 108 suitable for storing particularly
bulky items within the closed portable container device. Inasmuch
as this volume is farthest removed from the freezer pack or packs
(if provided), such items can be of the type that are not
temperature-sensitive. Shelf, obstruction or stop can take the form
of a wall portion of reduced perimeter size, or wall indent located
substantially the full horizontal perimeter of the shaped
container, as generally shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4.
[0045] Alternatively, the shelf, obstruction or stop can be at a
location along the sidewall of the shaped container but not be
present along the full horizontal perimeter. In that case, the
shelf, obstruction or stop will have an upper surface that has a
height corresponding to the location along the sidewall that
prevents downward movement of the tray 105 and/or shaped insert 103
below the desired horizontal perimeter footprint that allows the
designed-for open volume 108 when the tray and/or shaped insert are
positioned within the shaped container. For example, such a shelf
or stop can be a pillar running between the bottom wall and the top
of the horizontal perimeter desired location along a non-indented
sidewall at this location. Further, one or more such pillars can be
spaced apart along the horizontal perimeter desired location.
Further, the shelf, obstruction or stop can take the form of a
protrusion from the container inner sidewall that does not extend
downwardly to any significant degree as a pillar but instead is
spaced above the bottom wall of the container for from about 2
percent to about 90 percent of the typically non-indented sidewall
length between the bottom wall and the desired horizontal perimeter
height.
[0046] The tray component 105 illustrated in this embodiment has a
floor or bottom panel 111 and upstanding side panels providing a
tray perimeter wall 112. In this embodiment, the edge of the
outside surface of the bottom panel engages the shelf, obstruction
or stop consistent with disclosure herein. Further, in this
embodiment, the shaped insert component 103 has a perimeter wall
113. The outside surface of the insert perimeter wall 113, in this
illustrated approach, is of a perimeter size less than the inside
perimeter size of the side panels 112 of the tray 105. When
maximizing the volume for the insert is desired, the difference
between this external insert perimeter size and this external tray
perimeter size will be very small, just enough to provide
horizontal spacing therebetween to allow for removal of the insert
from the tray when desired for cleaning or the like. Typical such
horizontal spacing is between about one and about ten
millimeters--this is average spacing, it being appreciated that
spacing between these two components will typically vary from side
to side depending on the orientation of the portable container.
[0047] Shaped insert component 103 illustrated in FIG. 6 has its
perimeter wall 113 that extends throughout the perimeter of the
insert component, for example being uninterrupted throughout the
perimeter of the shaped insert. Insert 113 has one or more flexible
and movable dividers. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 has
two dividers 114a and 114b. In this particular embodiment, each
divider has two panels 115a and 115b for divider 114a and two
panels 116a and 116b of divider 114b, the panels being positioned
on either side of a living hinge portion 117 and a living hinge
portion 118, respectively. Further in this embodiment, each divider
114a, 114b extends from the perimeter wall 113 by a pair of edge
living hinge portions 119a, 119b and 121a, 121b, respectively. The
dividers are movable and flexible. This flexibility is due to one
or both of being made of a relatively flexible material such as
silicone and/or the presence of living hinge portions of the insert
component, irrespective of material out of which the dividers are
constructed.
[0048] The shaped insert 103 is a unitary structure; for example,
all of the dividers, panels and living hinges that are present are
molded as one piece, or otherwise made to be of one-piece
construction. It will be noted, with this arrangement, the shaped
insert is removable as a single unit from the component within
which it is designed to rest at times when the portable container
device is fully assembled. The shaped insert component can be
therefore removed as a whole unit for cleaning or other reasons
desired by the user. There is no need to be concerned about
misplacing or failure in construction of any components of the
insert discussed herein and that provides multiple compartments
varying in shape and volume, examples of which are discussed
herein, without requiring any assembly, separate storage or
disassembly.
[0049] Further, there is no need to attach the shaped insert
component to the tray component or container component within which
it rests. Because the shaped insert is a single unit, it stays in
place during normal use, and its operation or functioning is not at
all dependent on connection of any part of the shaped insert to any
other surface or component of the portable container. This function
is further facilitated by the robustness of the shaped insert
component, including its continuous perimeter sidewall that helps
hold the shaped insert in position without any type of attachment
material or members.
[0050] Also, the shaped insert component is constructed of flexible
and/or bendable material that facilitates its operation. Such
materials, for example, include silicone, so-called thermoplastic
rubber ("TPR"--natural or synthetic), block polymers and co-molded
polymers. Examples of co-molded polymers include silicone molded to
or over polyamide walls, polyamides including nylons, or other
polymers that provide a compatible and less costly base for
silicone or other materials.
[0051] Concerning operation of the shaped insert component 103 that
is illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made
to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D. FIG. 7A depicts essentially the same
configuration or positioning as in FIG. 6, wherein both of the
dividers 114a, 114b are in an extended position or condition. In
this particular embodiment, the extended positions provide four
compartments of substantially equal volume. FIG. 7B illustrates the
configuration option at which one of the dividers 114b remains in
the extended position or condition, while the other divider 114a
has been moved to its collapsed position or condition. This opens
up an L-shaped volume that is approximately three times the volume
of the remaining volume delineated by the divider 114b in the
extended position or condition. This illustrates volume variation
possible with the multiple compartment manipulation possible by the
present disclosure. FIG. 7C illustrates essentially the same
condition as FIG. 7B, except divider 114b is collapsed while
divider 114a is extended. FIG. 7D shows both dividers 114a and 114b
in their respective collapsed condition or position, opening up a
maximum volume 123, which is approximately four times the volume
delineated by either divider when in its extended configuration,
position or condition.
[0052] FIG. 8 depicts another, or second, embodiment of a portable
container device disclosed herein, generally designated as 131.
Device 131 as illustrated includes a shaped container component
132, a shaped insert component 133 and a lid component 134 that
selectively opens and closes the shaped container 132, exposing the
shaped insert 133 when the lid is removed from the shaped
container, allowing removal and placement of the shaped insert
directly within the shaped container 132. Lid 134 can contain, at
its underside inside surface, one or more freezer packs 139, six
being illustrated, that typically are releasably secured to
underside of the lid 134 by any suitable approach, such as
illustrated clips 140 and/or abutment or abutments 135. The
abutments can be provided in order to cooperate with other
components such as the illustrated clips in order to releasasbly
secure each freezer pack in place at a location where the cooling
provided by same helps to maintain freshness for food items within
the volume locations provided by positioning of the shaped insert
133 within the shaped container 132.
[0053] This shaped container 132 illustrated embodiment further
features an optional ridge 136 (FIG. 9) of the bottom panel 137 of
the shaped container 132. The ridge is in the shape of the divider
of the shaped insert 133. For example, in FIG. 9, four flexible and
movable dividers 144a, 144b, 144c and 144d are part of the shaped
flexible insert 133, and four ridges 136 (two visible in FIG. 9)
are included and positioned such that--when the insert is within
the shaped container, each ridge is closely within the shape of the
bottom edge portion of each divider. The outline shape of the ridge
is slightly less than the outline shape of the bottom edge portion
of the divider and provides an extra barrier for preventing
movement of material or items across the bottom edge of the
divider, whether into or out of the divider when in its expanded
orientation or position. The ridge or ridges 136, when provided,
can be of various types, including a raised bead, an indent within
the surface of the bottom panel 137, or combinations of structures
that reduce the chance of movement of material or items across the
ridge. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the ridges have
a rectangular, e.g. square, shape to generally correspond to the
footprint of its corresponding divider and insert walls adjacent
the divider, when in the extended configuration, as seen in several
of the embodiments noted herein.
[0054] The shaped container 132 illustrated in this embodiment, in
addition to the floor or bottom panel 137 has upstanding side
panels 138 providing a tray perimeter wall. In this embodiment, the
shaped insert 133 has a perimeter wall 143. The outside surface of
the insert perimeter wall 143, in this illustrated approach, is of
a perimeter size less than the inside perimeter size of the side
panels 138 of the shaped container 132. When maximum volume
determined by the insert and adjoining panels of the insert
perimeter wall 143 is desired, the difference between this insert
outside perimeter size and this shaped container inside perimeter
size will be very small, just enough to provide horizontal spacing
therebetween to allow for removal of the insert from the shaped
container when desired for cleaning or the like. Typically, such
horizontal spacing is between about one millimeter and about ten
millimeters--this being an approximation of average spacing that
might vary depending on the orientation of the portable container
device when in use.
[0055] Shaped insert component 133 illustrated in FIG. 11 has its
perimeter wall 143 extending throughout the perimeter, for example
being uninterrupted throughout the perimeter of the shaped insert.
The four dividers 144a, 144b, 144c and 144d in the embodiment shown
in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 each has two panels 145a and 145b for divider
144a, two panels 146a and 146b of divider 144b, two panels 147a and
147b for divider 144c, and two panels 148a and 148b for divider
144d. The respective panels are each positioned on either side of
an internal living hinge 149a, 149b, 149c, 149d, respectively.
Further in this embodiment, each divider 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d
projects from the perimeter wall 143 by a pair of edge living hinge
portions 150 of the shaped insert component. Shaped insert 133
further has an internal open volume 151. When all of the dividers
are in their respective extended orientations or positions as
illustrated in FIG. 11, the internal open volume is delineated by a
combination of divider panels 145a, 146a, 147a and 148a, together
with portions of the interior of the perimeter wall 143 that lies
between one of the living hinge portions of divider panel 145a and
147a and one of the living hinge portions of divider panel 146a and
148a.
[0056] The shaped insert component 133 of this and of other
embodiments set out herein is a unitary structure; for example, all
of the dividers, panels and living hinges that are present are
molded as one piece, otherwise made to be of one-piece
construction. It will be noted, with this arrangement, the shaped
insert is removable as a single unit from the component within
which it is designed to rest at times when the portable container
is fully assembled. The shaped insert can be therefore removed as a
whole unit for cleaning or other reasons desired by the user. There
is no need to be concerned about misplacing or failure in
construction of any components of the insert discussed herein and
that provides multiple compartments varying in shape and volume,
examples of which are discussed herein, without requiring any
assembly, separate storage or disassembly.
[0057] Further, there is no need to attach the shaped insert
component 133 of this or other embodiments set out herein to the
shaped container within which it rests. Because the shaped insert
is a single unit, it stays in place during normal use, and its
operation or functioning is not at all dependent on connection of
any part of the shaped insert to any other surface or component of
the portable container. This single-component structure is further
facilitated by the robustness with moderate flexibility of the
shaped insert, including its continuous perimeter sidewall that
helps hold the shaped insert in position, and this is accomplished
without any type of attachment material or members.
[0058] Also, the shaped insert component 133 is constructed of
flexible and/or bendable material that facilitates its operation.
As noted in correction with the first embodiment, examples of these
materials include silicone, synthetic TPR, natural TPR, block
polymers and co-molded polymers. Examples of co-molded polymers
suitable for construction of the shaped insert component include
silicone molded to or over structural parts of nylon, polyamides,
or other polymers that provide a compatible and less costly base
for silicone or other materials.
[0059] Concerning operation of the shaped insert 133 that is
illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made to
FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and 12F. Here, FIG. 12A depicts
essentially the same configuration or positioning as in FIG. 9 and
FIG. 11, wherein all four of the dividers are in an extended
position, configuration or condition. In this particular
embodiment, the extended positions provide five volumes, four of
which are of substantially equal volume, with the fifth volume
being internal fixed open volume 151. The size of internal open
volume 151 can vary as desired. In this second embodiment as
illustrated in the drawings, the internal open volume 151 is larger
in volume size than are the other four open volumes, but the volume
also could be smaller or substantially equal to two of the four
open volumes, or substantially equal to one of the smaller
volumes.
[0060] FIG. 12B illustrates the configuration option at which one
of the dividers 144c has been moved to its collapsed position or
condition, while the other three dividers remain in their extended
position or condition. This opens up an L-shaped volume 152 that
adds one of the extended divider delineated volumes to interior
open volume 151. FIG. 12C illustrates an extended rectangular
volume 153 that is achieved by collapsing both of dividers 144b and
144c, while dividers 144a and 144d remain extended. FIG. 12D
illustrates and extended L-shaped volume 154 where divider 144a
remains extended, and the other three dividers are in their
respective collapsed condition or position. FIG. 12E illustrates a
maximum volume 155 that is achieved when all four of the dividers
are collapsed. FIG. 12F illustrates a staggered open volume 156
that is achieved when diagonally positioned dividers are collapsed
(144c and 144d) while the other two diagonally positioned dividers
144a and 144b are extended. These different configurations
illustrate volume variation possible with the multiple compartment
manipulation possible by the present disclosure.
[0061] Lid component 134 of the second embodiment has a structure
that typically also is a suitable option for all of the embodiments
of the disclosure. A channel 141 is shown in FIG. 10 running the
periphery of the inside of the lid, the channel being positioned
and configured to receive an upstanding skirt 142 of the shaped
container. The shaped container and the main body of the lid are
typically made of a generally rigid polymer, such a polypropylene
and other polymers that are durable and resistant to cracking yet
are readily receptive to decorative enhancement. In the
particularly illustrated embodiment, the channel 141 is formed by
space designed to be present between an outer perimeter face 157 of
the relatively rigid lid main body and an outer perimeter lid seal
158 made of a material softer than that of the face 157, for
example a TPR or thermoplastic polymer. When this approach is used,
the outer perimeter face 157 and the outer perimeter seal 158 are
co-molded together. The difference in hardness and/or flexibility
between the outer perimeter face 157 and the seal 158 assists in
close fitting between the channel 141 and the upstanding skirt 142
of the shaped container 132.
[0062] The embodiment of FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG.
17 and FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, the "third" embodiment, is a
modification of the second embodiment. Portable container device
171 has a shaped container component 172, a shaped flexible and
unitary insert component 173 and a lid component 174. This
illustrates an arrangement with two adjacent flexible and movable
dividers 175a, 175b along one side of the shaped insert component
173, and optional ridges 176 are illustrated in the bottom panel of
the shaped container. Lid 174 is shown in FIG. 17 holding two
freezer packs 177 by a suitable releasable securement arrangement
such as those illustrated herein.
[0063] Concerning operation of the shaped insert 173 that is
illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made to
FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C. FIG. 18A depicts essentially the same
configuration or positioning as in FIG. 14, wherein both of the
dividers 175a, 175b are in an extended position or condition. In
this particular embodiment, the extended positions provide two
compartments of substantially equal volume and a volume within
which no dividers are present. FIG. 18B illustrates the
configuration option at which one of the dividers 175a remains in
the extended position or condition, while the other divider 175b
has been moved to its collapsed position or condition. This opens
up an L-shaped volume that includes the volume within which no
dividers are present, whether extended or collapsed. FIG. 18C
illustrates the condition at which both dividers 175a and 175b in
their respective collapsed condition or position, opening up a
maximum volume 159.
[0064] The embodiment of FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG.
23 and FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and 24E, the "fourth" embodiment,
is a modification of the first embodiment. Portable container
device 181 has a shaped container component 182, a shaped flexible
and unitary insert component 183, a lid component 184 and a tray
component 185 resting on a shelf 186. A single freezer pack 187 is
shown releasable secured to the underside of the lid 184. This
fourth embodiment illustrates an arrangement with four adjacent
flexible and movable dividers 188a, 188b, 188c and 188d, each
having a medial living hinge 189a, 189b, 189c and 189d, such that
their respective medial living hinges very closely spaced from each
other to leave a narrow open channel therebetween to allow access
to the dividers and particularly to the medial living hinges.
[0065] Concerning operation of the shaped insert 183 that is
illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made to
FIGS. 248A, 248B, 24C, 24D and 24E. Of this grouping, FIG. 248A
depicts essentially the same configuration or positioning as in
FIG. 20, wherein all four of the dividers 188a, 188b, 188c and 188d
are in an extended position or condition. In this particular
embodiment, the extended positions provide four compartments of
substantially equal volume which generally totals the volume of the
shaped insert 183. FIG. 24B illustrates the configuration option at
which one of the dividers 188d is collapsed while the other three
remain in their respective extended positions or conditions. FIG.
24C shows two of the dividers, 188b and 188d, collapsed, forming a
volume approximately twice that of the volume delineated by any of
the dividers. FIG. 24D illustrates when three of the dividers are
collapsed, and this opens up an L-shaped volume that includes the
volume within which three dividers are collapsed. FIG. 24E
illustrates the condition at which all dividers are in their
respective collapsed conditions or positions, opening up a maximum
volume 190.
[0066] The embodiment of FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG.
29, FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, the "fifth" embodiment, comprises a
portable container device 191 having a shaped container component
192, a shaped flexible and unitary insert component 193 and a lid
component 194. This illustrates an arrangement with two spaced,
corner located flexible and movable dividers 195a, 195b within and
an integrally manufactured along with the rest of the shaped insert
193. One of the volumes defined by one of the dividers and adjacent
inside wall portions of the shaped insert is configured and sized
to closely accommodate a storage container component 196 when that
divider is in its extended condition or configuration. Variations
in open volume sizing and shape are available generally in
accordance with the principals and features descried in connection
with other embodiments.
[0067] It will be understood that the embodiments described above
are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of
the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations
of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For
these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above
description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is
understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof
including as combinations of features that are individually
disclosed or claimed herein.
* * * * *