Abstract: A lid for an insulated container comprises a flexible gasket configured to facilitate a seal between the lid and an inner wall of the insulated container, and further configured to expand into an interior compartment of the insulated container responsive to a vacuum developing in the interior compartment. A diaphragm chamber is situated opposite the flexible gasket from the interior compartment when the lid is fully engaged with the insulated container. One or more air channels couple the diaphragm chamber to an exterior of the lid. The development of a vacuum in the interior compartment of the insulated container draws a force on the flexible gasket, thereby reducing pressure in the diaphragm chamber. The negative pressure in diaphragm chamber is back-filled with external air, which enters the lid via the air channels. The lid may then be removed without excessive vacuum forces.

Abstract: An insulated container assembly, comprises a container body, including an inner wall and an outer wall coupled at a top of the container body and separated by a vacuum gap, and a lid that is reversibly attachable to the container body. The lid includes a vacuum insert; and a sleeve encompassing the vacuum insert, the sleeve configured to facilitate attachment of the lid to the container body, and further configured to generate a seal between the vacuum insert and the inner wall of the container body such that a base of the vacuum insert is exposed to a central cavity of the container body when the lid is fully attached to the container body. In this way, the entire central cavity may be surrounded by vacuum insulation, thus improving the thermal properties of the insulated container assembly.

Abstract: A lid for an insulated container comprises a flexible gasket configured to facilitate a seal between the lid and an inner wall of the insulated container, and further configured to expand into an interior compartment of the insulated container responsive to a vacuum developing in the interior compartment. A diaphragm chamber is situated opposite the flexible gasket from the interior compartment when the lid is fully engaged with the insulated container. One or more air channels couple the diaphragm chamber to an exterior of the lid. The development of a vacuum in the interior compartment of the insulated container draws a force on the flexible gasket, thereby reducing pressure in the diaphragm chamber. The negative pressure in diaphragm chamber is back-filled with external air, which enters the lid via the air channels. The lid may then be removed without excessive vacuum forces.

Abstract: An insulated container assembly, comprises a container body, including an inner wall and an outer wall coupled at a top of the container body and separated by a vacuum gap, and a lid that is reversibly attachable to the container body. The lid includes a vacuum insert; and a sleeve encompassing the vacuum insert, the sleeve configured to facilitate attachment of the lid to the container body, and further configured to generate a seal between the vacuum insert and the inner wall of the container body such that a base of the vacuum insert is exposed to a central cavity of the container body when the lid is fully attached to the container body. In this way, the entire central cavity may be surrounded by vacuum insulation, thus improving the thermal properties of the insulated container assembly.

Abstract: A primary storage or support unit adapted to rest on a floor or be supported above the floor. The unit pivotally mounts a flat work panel which can be moved into a horizontal orientation where it serves as a desk or table or moved into a vertical orientation where it serves as part of a display and/or a cover for the storage unit. The work panel pivotally carries a utility member which supports the panel when it is horizontal and which frames intelligence on the work panel when it is vertical and serves as a display.