Closure Systems and Insulating Devices Having Closure Systems

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/385,210, filed Oct. 30, 2023, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/481,949, filed Sep. 22, 2021, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/733,107, filed May 2, 2018, entitled “Closure Systems and Insulating Devices Having Closure Systems,” which is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2016/060135, filed Nov. 2, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/249,711, filed on Nov. 2, 2015. This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/479,607, filed on Sep. 8, 2014, titled “Insulating Container” which is now U.S. Pat. No. 9,139,352; U.S. application Ser. No. 14/831,641 filed on Aug. 20, 2015, titled “Insulating Container”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/937,310, filed on Feb. 7, 2014, titled “Insulating Device.” All of the above applications are incorporated herein fully by reference.

The present disclosure relates generally to closure systems and insulated devices or containers having closure systems.

Closure systems exist to close two pieces or sides of material together. In some examples such closure systems open and close an aperture. Many containers, and particularly non-rigid containers composed of materials such as fabric or foams, often include closure systems such as zippers. The closure system may be opened, allowing access to the interior of the closure, or closed, to seal the aperture.

This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to closure systems including waterproof closure systems, durable closure systems, insulated closure systems, serviceable closure systems, locking closure systems, and flexible closure systems. Additionally, aspects of this disclosure relate to containers, such as insulated containers and coolers, have such closure systems. Additional aspects of this invention are described in greater detail below.

In one example, this disclosure provides a closure system. The closure system may include a first flange having a first end, a second end and a first engagement mechanism disposed between the first end and the second end; a second flange having a first end, a second end and a second engagement mechanism disposed between the first end and the second end; the first engagement mechanism configured to engage the second engagement mechanism, and the closure system having an open position wherein first engagement mechanism is substantially disengaged from the second engagement mechanism and a closed position wherein the first engagement mechanism is substantially engaged with the second engagement mechanism; a slider configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism and the second mechanism when moved in a first direction and disengage the first engagement mechanism from the second engagement mechanism when moved in a second direction.

The closure system may be substantially watertight in the closed position. The closure system may be watertight up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure or up to 2 psi to 14 psi above atmospheric pressure.

The first end and the second end of the closure system may comprise a flexible material. Each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may also comprise a flexible material. The closure system may also include at least one resilient member engaged with the first flange and the second flange, wherein the at least one resilient member is configured to bias the closure system open.

Each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may include a hollow portion. The hollow portion of each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may be a vacuum. The hollow portion of each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may be filled with a polymeric foam.

The closure system may also include a shroud configured to substantially cover the entire first engagement mechanism and the entire second engagement mechanism.

One or more parts of the first engagement mechanism may be configured to removably engage the first flange with at least one of: press fitting, snap fit mechanisms or mechanical fasteners, and one or more parts of the second engagement mechanism may be configured to removably engage the second flange with at least one of: press fitting, snap fit mechanisms or mechanical fasteners. The slider may also be configured to removably engage the first and second flange with at least one of: press fitting, snap fit mechanisms or mechanical fasteners.

The closure system may also include a closure indicator configured to indicate the closure system is in a fully closed position.

The first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may each comprise zipper teeth. The first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may each comprise a plurality of rails.

In another example this disclosure provides a container. The container may include an outer shell; an opening extending through the outer shell; and a closure system adapted to substantially seal the opening. The closure system may include a first flange engaged with the container, the first flange having a first end, a second end and a first engagement mechanism disposed between the first end and the second end; a second flange engaged with the container, the second flange having a first end, a second end and a second engagement mechanism disposed between the first end and the second end; the first engagement mechanism configured to engage the second engagement mechanism, and the closure system having an open position wherein first engagement mechanism is substantially disengaged from the second engagement mechanism and a closed position wherein the first engagement mechanism is substantially engaged with the second engagement mechanism; a slider configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism and the second mechanism when moved in a first direction and disengage the first engagement mechanism from the second engagement mechanism when moved in a second direction;

The closure system may be substantially watertight in the closed position. The closure system may be watertight up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure.

Each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may include a hollow portion. The hollow portion of each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may be filled with a polymeric foam.

One or more parts of the first engagement mechanism may be configured to removably engage the first flange with at least one of: press fitting, snap fit mechanisms or mechanical fasteners, and wherein one or more parts of the second engagement mechanism may be configured to removably engage the second flange with at least one of: press fitting, snap fit mechanisms or mechanical fasteners. And the slider may be configured to removably engage the first and second flange with at least one of: press fitting, snap fit mechanisms or mechanical fasteners.

The container may also include a closure indicator configured to indicate the closure system is in a fully closed position.

The first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may each comprise zipper teeth. The first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may each comprise a plurality of rails.

In another example, this disclosure provides a closure system. The closure system may include, a first flange having a first end, a second end and a first engagement mechanism disposed between the first end and the second end; a second flange having a first end, a second end and a second engagement mechanism disposed between the first end and the second end; the first engagement mechanism configured to engage the second engagement mechanism, and the closure system having an open position wherein first engagement mechanism is substantially disengaged from the second engagement mechanism and a closed position wherein the first engagement mechanism is substantially engaged with the second engagement mechanism; a slider configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism and the second mechanism when moved in a first direction and disengage the first engagement mechanism from the second engagement mechanism when moved in a second direction.

The closure system may be substantially watertight in the closed position up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure. The first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may each comprise a plurality of rails. Each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may comprise a flexible material. Each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism include a hollow portion; and the hollow portion of each of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may be filled with a polymeric foam. One or more parts of the closure system may be configured to be removably engaged with at least one of: press fitting, snap fit mechanisms or mechanical fasteners.

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

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

depict an exemplary container, such as an insulating device that may be configured to keep desired contents stored cool or warm for an extended period of time. The container can generally include an outer shell, a closure, an insulating layer, and an inner liner. As shown in, the inner linerforms a chamber or receptaclefor receiving the desired contents therein. As shown in, various handles, straps, and webs can also be included on the containerfor carrying, holding, or securing the container.

In some embodiments, the container, may be an insulating device configured to keep desired contents stored in the receptaclecool or warm for an extended period of time. In one example, the containercan also be designed to maintain water inside the inner chamber or receptacle, and the containercan be configured to be water “resistant” from the outside in. In other words, containercan be formed “water tight” inside the inner liner, and water cannot leak into the inner linerfrom the outside or out from the inside of the inner linerwhen the closureis in the closed position. A cross-section of an exemplary containeris shown in.

In certain Figures herein the closureis shown and described as attached to a container. The containermay be any suitable size and shape. For example, another exemplary containeris shown inalso having a closure. While the closures are primarily discussed with reference to a container, the closures described herein may be used with any suitable item including for example shirts, jackets, and other apparel items, tents and any other items which may require a closure.

In embodiments discussed herein the containerand particularly the closuremay have many characteristics. For example, the closuremay be safe such that it does not pose any safety concerns from a user's perspective. The closureand container may be safe for the storage of food. The closureand containermay be water tight such that water may not enter or exit the containerthrough the closurewhen the closurein a closed position, and in other embodiments containermay be air tight such that air may not enter or exit the containerthrough the closurewhen the closurein a closed position. Certain manufacturing methods such as radio frequency welding (RF welding) and other techniques described herein may be used to produce water and/or air tight seals. The closureand the containermay be durable such that they rarely break or malfunction. The closureand the containermay be serviceable such that if they do break or malfunction they may be fixed by a user. The closuremay have a smooth operation such that a user may easily open and close the closure. The closuremay be corrosion-resistant such that it does not contain parts that typically rust or oxidize in outdoor environments. The closuremay be abrasion-free such that a user does not experience hand abrasion during use of the closure. The closuremay also close in a way where the user knows for certain that the closure is 100% sealed. This may include an indicator and/or lock system to ensure the closure is in a fully closed position.

In embodiments, the closuremay be customizable or formable such that it may form various shapes including, for example, a U-shape and a shape configured on the perimeter of a container, or partial perimeter of a containeras shown in. The closuremay have a smooth operation and may be lubricant-free such that it does not require lubricant before, during, or after use. For example, the materials used for the closuremay include self-lubricating materials or materials that have low friction. Such materials may include certain polymers, polymers that may include certain additives to reduce friction, low friction polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane, and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In other examples, the closuremay include a coating such as a lubricating paint that may reduce the friction from operation of the closure. Additionally, in some examples, the specific shape of the teeth may assist in making the operation of the closuresmoother.

The closureand the container may be delamination-free such that any laminated or bonded materials, fabrics, or coatings do not separate. The closureand containermay be ultraviolet radiation resistant such that ultraviolet degradation does not occur or is limited when the closureand/or container are exposed to ultraviolet radiation such as sunlight. The closureand/or container may have multiple different color options. The closureand/or container may be sand-proof such that the closurestill functions if exposed to sand and/or soil. The containerand/or closuremay be chemical resistant such that no degradation or limited degradation occurs when the containerand/or closureare exposed to chemicals such as soaps, sunscreens, bug sprays, etc. The closuremay also provide insulating properties which may prevent the closureand/or containerfrom sweating. The closureand/or containermay be flexible such that the closuremay be able to bias open and bias closed. Additionally, the closureand/or containermay be easy to assemble into a finished product, for example, the closuremay include a slider pull which can be attached before or after assembly.

Referring now more particularly to the closure, in one example, the closurecan be substantially waterproof or a barrier to prevent liquid contents from either entering or exiting through the closure. In some embodiments, maintaining the closurein a flat plane can assist in providing a water tight seal, however, in other embodiments the closurecan have any shape and maintain a water tight seal. In one example, the closurecan be a can be watertight up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure during testing with compressed air. However, in other examples, the water tightness of the closurecan be from 5 psi to 9 psi above atmospheric pressure and in other examples, the water tightness of the closurecan be from 2 psi to 14 psi above atmospheric pressure, and in still other examples the water tightness of the closurecan be from 1 psi to 15 psi above atmospheric pressure.

As shown primarily in, the closure assemblycan be a waterproof zipper assembly which can include a slider bodywhich may include a pull-tab.shows a magnified view of the closurethat includes a bottom stopat a bottom endof the closure.shows the top endof the closure. As shown in, the closuremay include teeth or a chain. In one particular example, the waterproof zipper assembly can be constructed with plastic or other non-metallic teethand in other examples the teethmay be metallic. In other examples, the closure may seal without using teeth or chain and may include different engagement mechanisms. For example, the closuremay include a zip lock type sealing mechanism comprising a plurality of rails as shown inand as will be described in more detail below.

In another example, as shown in a cross-sectional view in, the closurecan include interlocking portionsthat when pulled together create a watertight seal as described above. The closureshown inmay also include a tightening device. The tightening devicemay include two or more linkagesincluding one or more pivot points. The linkages may also be connected to flangesandwhich are connected to the interlocking portions. As shown in, the linkages may be pushed down causing the linkagesto straighten which causes the interlocking portionsto pull together which may create a watertight and/or airtight seal.

Returning now to, as shown schematically, primarily in, the closurecan be provided with a first flangeand a second flange, which can in some embodiments form waterproof zipper tape. In some embodiments, and as shown in, the closurecan be attached directly to the containerusing the first flangeand the second flangeof the closure. In one example, the first flangeand the second flange, can be RF welded to the container. In other embodiments, the containercan be attached to the closureby polymer welding or adhesive. Polymer welding includes both external and internal methods. External or thermal methods can include hot gas welding, hot wedge welding, hot plate welding, infrared welding and laser welding. Internal methods may include mechanical and electromagnetical welds. Mechanical methods may include spine welding, stir welding, vibration welding, and ultrasonic welding. Electromagnetical methods may include resistance, implant, electrofusion welding, induction welding, dielectric welding, RF (Radio Frequency) welding, and microwave welding. The welding can be conducted in a flat or horizontal plane or in other three dimensional shapes. As a result, a rugged watertight seam can be created that prevents water or fluids from escaping from or into the inner chamberof the container.

The connection between the closureand the containerprevents water or any other fluid from penetrating the seam at pressure up to 7 psi above atmospheric pressure. The container, therefore, can be inverted or submerged in water and leakage is prevented both into and out of the internal chamber. In one example, the containercan be submerged under water to a depth of about 16 feet before water leakage occurs. However, this depth could range from about 11 feet to 21 feet or 5 feet to 32 feet before any leakage occurs.

As discussed above, the closuremay be constructed in such a way that it is delamination-free such that any laminated or bonded materials, fabrics, or coatings of the closuredo not separate. For example, the closure teethor other engagement mechanism may be assembled to the respective flangesandin such a way that the teethor other engagement mechanism are restrained from separating from the flangesand. Advantageously, such constructions methods may allow for increased water resistance of the closure.

In one example, the teethor other engagement mechanism and the flangesandmay be made of weldable material such as certain types of thermoplastic polyurethane. The teethor other engagement mechanism and the respective flangesandmay be welded together forming a bond between the teethor other engagement mechanism and the respective flangesand. This bond may be watertight and/or airtight as described above.

In another example, the teethor other engagement mechanism may be integrally formed with the respective flangeand. In some embodiments, the teethor other engagement mechanism may be injection molded as an integral piece with the respective flangeor. In such an embodiment, the teethor other engagement mechanism and the flangesandmay be made of a thermoplastic polymer or other suitable material.

As briefly described above, in another example and as shown in, the engagement mechanismcan comprise a plurality of rails. Similar to the embodiment shown in, the closurecan be provided with a first flangeand a second flange, which can in some embodiments form waterproof zipper tape. Each flangeandcan include a plurality of rails. As shown in, the first flangemay have three rails and the second flangemay have two rails, however, any number of railsmay be used. Additionally, as shown in, one or more of the rails may include a barbwhich may assist in creating a seal between the two flangesand

As described above, the railsmay be integrally formed with the respective flangeand. In some embodiments, the railsor other engagement mechanism may be injection molded as an integral piece with the respective flangeor. In such an embodiment, the railsor other engagement mechanism and the flangesandmay be made of a thermoplastic polymer or other suitable material.

The closureshown inmay also include a slider. The slider may be configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism and the second mechanism when moved in a first direction and disengage the first engagement mechanism from the second engagement mechanism when moved in a second direction. As described in more detail below the sliderand other portions of the closuremay be removably engaged.

Closure embodiments described herein are not limited to a straight closureas shown for example in. For example, in some embodiments the teeth, rails, or other engagement mechanism and flange elementsandmay be molded into a semi-circular shape, three sides of a rectangular shape, a shape which follows a perimeter a the container or any other suitable shape. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the teeth, rails, or other engagement mechanism need not be uniform as in a typical zipper. For example, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous for a single closureto have teethhaving different sizes. This may be helpful, for example, where the closure turns a corner.

In still other embodiments, the teeth, rails, or other engagement mechanism and both flange elementsandcan be molded in a single integral piece. Such a configuration may provide a tight seal in the closure. In such a configuration, a removable slider, as discussed in more detail below, may be placed on the teeth to complete the closure.

In still another example, the teeth, railsor other engagement mechanism and the respective flangesandmay be integrally formed using an extrusion process. In such an embodiment, the flange and teeth portion may first be extruded using standard extrusion techniques. In one example, after the extruded piece exits the extrusion machine, the teethmay be stamped or cut using a die or other similar device.

As discussed above, the closureand/or containermay be flexible such that the closuremay be able to bias open and bias closed. As shown for example in, a container having a closureis shown in an open position. In some embodiments, the closuremay include elements which allow the closure to bias open. For example, in some embodiments, the closureat the bottom endand the top endmay be made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, this flexible material may be the same or different than the material used to make the flangesand. In some embodiments this may allow the closureto open at the endsandto an angle of at least 45 degrees and may remain in an open position.

In other embodiments the closuremay include a spring or other resilient member that may bias the closure open. In some embodiments the spring or other resilient member may be located at the endsandto bias the closureopen. In still other embodiments, a spring or resilient member may be located on the containerto bias the closure open when the closureis unzipped.

In still other embodiments, certain parts of the closureincluding the teethand/or flangesandmay be manufactured of flexible or stretchable material. Advantageously this may allow the closure to deform while staying sealed. Additionally, this may allow for the closure to be shaped in any different shapes as described above.

In some embodiments, as described above, the closureand/or containermay provide insulating properties which may prevent the closureand/or containerfrom sweating. In some embodiments, the closure, or portions of the closureincluding the teeth, rails, or other engagement mechanism and/or flangesand, may include materials or additives that may increase the insulative properties of the closure.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in, the closure(including the teeth, rails, or other engagement mechanism and flangesand) may include portionswhich are filled with a polymeric foam, such as a polyurethane foam which may increase the insulative properties of the closure. In other embodiments, as shown for example in, the closureor portions of the closure, including the teeth, rails, or other engagement mechanism and the flangesand, may be formed with internal hollow areas. In some embodiments, the hollow areasmay include a core reinforcing structure and/or may be in a vacuum which may also increase the insulative properties of the closure.

In still other embodiments, the closureor portions of the closure, including the teeth, rails, or other engagement mechanism and the flangesand, may be formed with additives that may increase the insulative properties of the closure. These additives may include vacuum insulated micro-spheres, micro-spheres, and foaming agents.

In still other examples, as shown in, the closuremay include a shroud or cover on the insideand/or outsideof the closure. The shroud may cover portions or all of the closureto provide additional insulation. The shroud,may be attached on one side to the containeror to the flange,. In some examples the shroud may be made of neoprene or another similar material.