Insulated Cooler Bag and Method of Making and Using the Same

Abstract

Insulated cooler bags are disclosed. Methods of making and using insulated cooler bags are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/293,306 filed on Jan. 8, 2010, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to insulated cooler bags. The present invention is further directed to methods of making and using insulated cooler bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exists a need in the art for insulated cooler bags that provide one or more of the following features: (1) a dry storage component in combination with one or more wet storage components, (2) a combination of cooler bag materials that enables vapor permeability, but not water permeability, into desired dry storage areas of the cooler bag, and (3) a lightweight construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery of insulated cooler bags. The disclosed insulated cooler bags provide one or more of the following features: (1) a dry storage component in combination with one or more wet storage components, (2) a combination of cooler bag materials that enables vapor permeability, but not water permeability, into desired dry storage areas of the cooler bag, and (3) a lightweight construction.

In one exemplary embodiment, the insulated cooler bags of the present invention comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) an outer shell layer comprising (or consisting essentially of, or consisting of) an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another; and at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising (or consisting essentially of, or consisting of) an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

In another exemplary embodiment, the insulated cooler bags of the present invention comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) an outer shell layer comprising (or consisting essentially of, or consisting of) an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another; at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising (or consisting essentially of, or consisting of) an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material; closure devices operatively adapted to provide access into the at least one inner compartment and first and second wet storage compartments; at least one insulative material between the outermost bag surface and the inner bag surface; and one or more carrying straps, wherein (i) a first portion of the inner compartment wall material and the first portion of the inner bag surface form the first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment, (ii) a second portion of the inner compartment wall material and the second portion of the inner bag surface form the second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment, (iii) the inner bag surface comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a vapor and liquid impermeable material, and (iv) the vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a continuous film optionally reinforced with fibrous material.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the insulated cooler bags of the present invention comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) an outer shell layer comprising (or consisting essentially of, or consisting of) an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another; at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising (or consisting essentially of, or consisting of) an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material; first and second intermediate walls positioned on opposite sides of the at least one inner compartment; closure devices operatively adapted to provide access into the at least one inner compartment and first and second wet storage compartments; at least one insulative material between the outermost bag surface and the inner bag surface; and one or more carrying straps, wherein (i) the first intermediate wall and the first portion of the inner bag surface form the first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment, (ii) the second intermediate wall and the second portion of the inner bag surface form the second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment, (iii) each of the first and second intermediate walls comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) vapor and liquid impermeable material, (iv) the inner bag surface comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a vapor and liquid impermeable material, and (v) the vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a continuous film optionally reinforced with fibrous material.

The present invention is further directed to methods of making insulated cooler bags. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of making an insulated cooler bag comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) forming one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material; and configuring the one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material into the insulated cooler bag. The step of forming one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material may comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) one or more steps including, but not limited to, forming an outermost bag layer, forming an inner bag layer, forming an insulative layer to be positioned between the outermost bag layer and the inner bag layer, forming one or more intermediate wall layers, and forming an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material. The step of configuring the one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material into the insulated cooler bag may comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) one or more steps including, but not limited to, assembling an outermost bag layer and an inner bag layer so as to position an insulative layer between the outermost bag layer and the inner bag layer; forming a bag with the configured layers so that first and second portions of the outermost bag layer surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag layer surface face one another; optionally positioning one or more intermediate wall layers between opposing (i.e., facing) first and second portions of the inner bag layer surface of the bag; and positioning at least one inner compartment between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

The present invention is even further directed to methods of using insulated cooler bags. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of using an insulated cooler bag comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) providing an insulated cooler bag as disclosed herein to a user. In some exemplary embodiments, the step of providing comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) offering for sale the insulated cooler bag.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary insulated cooler bag of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts another side view of the exemplary insulated cooler bag of FIG. 1 along direction X shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary insulated cooler bag of FIG. 1 along line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein the exemplary insulated cooler bag has a first internal configuration;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary insulated cooler bag of FIG. 1 along line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein the exemplary insulated cooler bag has a second internal configuration;

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary insulated cooler bag of FIG. 1 along line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein the exemplary insulated cooler bag has a third internal configuration;

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the exemplary insulated cooler bag of FIG. 1 along direction X shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a view of an exemplary inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material; and

FIG. 8 depicts a view of exemplary first and second intermediate walls, wherein at least a portion of the first and second intermediate walls comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To promote an understanding of the principles of the present invention, descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention follow and specific language is used to describe the specific embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the use of specific language. Alterations, further modifications, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention discussed are contemplated as would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

The present invention is directed to insulated cooler bags. The present invention is also directed to methods of making insulated cooler bags. The present invention is further directed to methods of using insulated cooler bags.

A description of exemplary insulated cooler bag components is provided below.

I. Insulated Cooler Bags

The insulated cooler bags of the present invention may comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) a number of individual components. A description of individual components and combinations of individual components is provided below.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 comprises an outer shell layer 11 comprising an outermost bag surface 12, optional carrying strap 13, optional label (or card insertion area) 14, and optional drain 15.

FIG. 2 depicts another side view of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 of FIG. 1 along direction X shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 comprises outer shell layer 11 comprising outermost bag surface first portion 12, outermost bag surface second portion 13 on an opposite side of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10, outermost bag surface third portion 17 of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 between outermost bag surface first portion 12 and outermost bag surface second portion 13, and exemplary closure devices (e.g., zippers) 16, 26 and 36 positioned along a top surface 18.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 of FIG. 1 along line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 has a first internal configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 comprises outer shell layer 11 comprising outermost bag surface first portion 12; outermost bag surface second portion 13 on an opposite side of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10; an inner bag surface 20, wherein first and second portions 22 and 23 of inner bag surface 20 face one another; at least one inner compartment 30 positioned between first and second portions 22 and 23 of inner bag surface 20, the at least one inner compartment 30 comprising an inner compartment wall material 38, wherein at least a portion of inner compartment wall material 38 comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89; and exemplary closure devices (e.g., zippers) 16, 26 and 36 positioned along a top surface 18.

In this exemplary embodiment, inner compartment 30 comprises a pocket-like configuration positioned between first and second portions 22 and 23 of inner bag surface 20. A first portion 85 of inner compartment wall material 38 and first portion 22 of inner bag surface 20 form a first wet storage compartment 70 positioned along one side of inner compartment 30, and a second portion 87 of inner compartment wall material 38 and second portion 23 of inner bag surface 20 form a second wet storage compartment 72 positioned along an opposite side of inner compartment 30.

Desirably, at least a portion of closed end 52 of inner compartment 30 is positioned above a lower portion 24 of inner bag surface 20 so that wet storage compartments 70 and 72 are in fluid communication with one another as shown in FIG. 3. Although not shown in FIG. 3, a portion of closed end 52 may be attached to lower portion 24 of inner bag surface 20 to stabilize the position of inner compartment 30 within exemplary insulated cooler bag 10.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 of FIG. 1 along line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 has a second internal configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 comprises outer shell layer 11 comprising outermost bag surface first portion 12; outermost bag surface second portion 13 on an opposite side of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10; an inner bag surface 20, wherein first and second portions 22 and 23 of inner bag surface 20 face one another; at least one inner compartment 30 positioned between first and second portions 22 and 23 of inner bag surface 20, the at least one inner compartment 30 comprising an inner compartment wall material 38, wherein at least a portion of inner compartment wall material 38 comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89; and exemplary closure devices (e.g., zippers) 16, 26 and 36 positioned along a top surface 18.

In this exemplary embodiment, first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 are positioned on opposite sides of inner compartment 30, wherein first intermediate wall 32 and first portion 22 of inner bag surface 20 form first wet storage compartment 70 positioned along one side of inner compartment 30, and second intermediate wall 39 and second portion 23 of inner bag surface 20 form second wet storage compartment 72 positioned along an opposite side of inner compartment 30, wherein each of first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 comprise vapor and liquid impermeable material 89.

Desirably, each of first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 have an opening therein, positioned above a lower portion 24 of inner bag surface 20, so that wet storage compartments 70 and 72 are in fluid communication with one another (although not shown in FIG. 4).

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 of FIG. 1 along line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 has a third internal configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 are positioned on opposite sides of inner compartment 30, which is in the form of a pocket positioned between first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39, wherein first intermediate wall 32 and first portion 22 of inner bag surface 20 form first wet storage compartment 70 positioned along one side of inner compartment 30, and second intermediate wall 39 and second portion 23 of inner bag surface 20 form second wet storage compartment 72 positioned along an opposite side of inner compartment 30. In this exemplary embodiment, each of first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 and inner compartment wall material 38 at least partially comprise vapor and liquid impermeable material 89.

Desirably, at least a portion of closed end 52 of inner compartment 30 is positioned above a lower portion 24 of inner bag surface 20 and each of first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 have an opening therein, positioned above a lower portion 24 of inner bag surface 20, so that wet storage compartments 70 and 72 are in fluid communication with one another (although not shown in FIG. 5). Although not shown in FIG. 5, a portion of closed end 52 may be attached to lower portion 24 of inner bag surface 20 to stabilize the position of inner compartment 30 within exemplary insulated cooler bag 10.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 of FIG. 1 along direction X shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 may comprise one or more closure devices including, but not limited to, closure device 16 operatively adapted to provide access into inner compartment 30, and closure devices 26 and 36 operatively adapted to provide access into first and second wet storage compartments 70 and 72. Suitable closure devices may include, but are not limited to, zippers, hook/loop material, snaps, buttons, a ZIP-LOCK™ feature, or any combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, each of closure devices 16, 26 and 36 comprises a zipper.

In a further exemplary embodiment, closure device 16 is operatively adapted to move in a first direction M to provide access into inner compartment 30 (i.e., to be in an “open” position), while each of closure devices 26 and 36 is operatively adapted to move in a second direction N, opposite the first direction M, to provide access into first and second wet storage compartments 70 and 72 (i.e., to be in an “open” position).

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments, inner compartment wall material 38 and/or each of first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 may comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89. In some exemplary embodiments, substantially all of inner compartment wall material 38 comprises (or consists essentially of, or consists of) vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89. In other exemplary embodiments, inner compartment wall material 38 comprises vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 and further comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material. FIGS. 7-8 depict various configurations comprising both vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 and a vapor and liquid impermeable material.

As shown in FIG. 7, exemplary inner compartment wall material 38 comprises vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 surrounded by a vapor impermeable, liquid impermeable material 98. In this exemplary embodiment, inner compartment wall material 38 comprises a continuous vapor and liquid impermeable material 98 having one or more areas 97 therein with each of the one or more areas comprising vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89. In other exemplary embodiments (not shown), inner compartment wall material 38 comprises a continuous vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 having one or more areas therein with each of the one or more areas comprising vapor and liquid impermeable material (e.g., a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 in the form of a film or film/fabric laminate with one or more areas coated with a vapor and liquid impermeable material, or a continuous vapor and liquid impermeable material with one or more areas, such as patches, of a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 in the form of a film or film/fabric laminate positioned within openings through the continuous vapor and liquid impermeable material).

FIG. 8 depicts a view of exemplary first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39, wherein at least a portion of first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89. As shown in FIG. 8, exemplary first (or second) intermediate wall 32 (or 39) comprises vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 surrounded by vapor impermeable, liquid impermeable material 98. In this exemplary embodiment, first (or second) intermediate wall 32 (or 39) comprises a continuous vapor and liquid impermeable material 98 having one or more areas 97 therein with each of the one or more areas comprising vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89. In other exemplary embodiments (not shown), first (or second) intermediate wall 32 (or 39) comprises a continuous vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 having one or more areas therein with each of the one or more areas comprising vapor and liquid impermeable material (e.g., a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 in the form of a film or film/fabric laminate with one or more areas coated with a vapor and liquid impermeable material, or a continuous vapor and liquid impermeable material with one or more areas, such as patches, of a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 in the form of a film or film/fabric laminate positioned within openings through the continuous vapor and liquid impermeable material).

In any of the disclosed embodiments, vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 may comprise any vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material in the form of a single layer or a combination of layers. For example, in some embodiments, vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89 may comprise a film optionally reinforced with fibrous material. Desirably, the film optionally reinforced with fibrous material comprises a continuous film without any apertures therein.

Suitable vapor permeable, liquid impermeable film materials include, but are not limited to, polyolefins such as polyethylene (such as low density polyethylene) (LDPE), and polypropylene, ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (i.e., diisocyanates and short chain diols) polyamide thermoplastic elastomers a polymer/polymer composite combining polydimethyl siloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in an interpenetrating polymer network (i.e., a film that is a physical blend of two polymers), a copolyester of glycol (1,2-ethanediol) and a mixture of dicarboxylic acids made of the Eastman Company and is known as #14766, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 further comprising at least one drain 15. Drain 15 comprises a drain opening 150 extending thru outer shell layer 11 from an outermost bag surface portion to inner bag surface 20. The one or more drains 15 and drain openings 150 are operatively adapted to drain first wet storage compartment 70, second wet storage compartment 72, or both first wet storage compartment 70 and second wet storage compartment 72.

Exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 desirably comprises inner bag surface 20, wherein inner bag surface 20 comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material. It should be understood that any vapor and liquid impermeable material may be used to form inner bag surface 20. Desirably, the vapor and liquid impermeable material provides a soft, deformable surface. Suitable vapor and liquid impermeable materials include, but are not limited to, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 also desirably comprises at least one insulative material between outermost bag surface 11 and inner bag surface 20. In addition, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 desirably comprises at least one insulative material within each of the first and second intermediate walls 32 and 39 (i.e., in locations other than possible areas of vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material 89). Suitable insulative materials include, but are not limited to, air, foam, a cellular layer, fibrous material, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, exemplary insulated cooler bag 10 may further comprise one or more carrying straps 13. Typically, the one or more carrying straps 13 are each attached to outermost bag surface 11.

In one exemplary embodiment, the insulated cooler bag of the present invention comprises an outer shell layer comprising an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another; at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material; closure devices operatively adapted to provide access into the at least one inner compartment and first and second wet storage compartments; at least one insulative material between the outermost bag surface and the inner bag surface; and one or more carrying straps, wherein: (i) a first portion of the inner compartment wall material and the first portion of the inner bag surface form the first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment, (ii) a second portion of the inner compartment wall material and the second portion of the inner bag surface form the second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment, (iii) the inner bag surface comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material, and (iv) the vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material comprises a continuous film optionally reinforced with fibrous material.

In another exemplary embodiment, the insulated cooler bag of the present invention comprises an outer shell layer comprising an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another; at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material; first and second intermediate walls positioned on opposite sides of the at least one inner compartment; closure devices operatively adapted to provide access into the at least one inner compartment and first and second wet storage compartments; at least one insulative material between the outermost bag surface and the inner bag surface; and one or more carrying straps, wherein: (i) the first intermediate wall and the first portion of the inner bag surface form the first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment, (ii) the second intermediate wall and the second portion of the inner bag surface form the second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment, (iii) each of the first and second intermediate walls comprise vapor and liquid impermeable material, (iv) the inner bag surface comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material, and (v) the vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material comprises a continuous film optionally reinforced with fibrous material.

II. Methods of Making Insulated Cooler Bags

The present invention is further directed to methods of making insulating cooler bags. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of making an insulated cooler bag comprises forming one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material; and configuring the one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material into the insulated cooler bag.

In some embodiments, the step of forming one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material may comprise one or more steps including, but not limited to, forming an outermost bag layer, forming an inner bag layer, forming an insulative layer to be positioned between the outermost bag layer and the inner bag layer, forming one or more intermediate wall layers, and forming an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

In some embodiments, the step of configuring the one or more layers of insulated cooler bag material into the insulated cooler bag may comprise one or more steps including, but not limited to, assembling an outermost bag layer and an inner bag layer so as to position an insulative layer between the outermost bag layer and the inner bag layer; forming a bag with the configured layers so that first and second portions of the outermost bag layer surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag layer surface face one another; optionally positioning one or more intermediate wall layers between opposing (i.e., facing) first and second portions of the inner bag layer surface of the bag; and positioning at least one inner compartment between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

III. Applications/Uses

The present invention is further directed to methods of using the disclosed insulated cooler bags.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method of using an insulated cooler bag comprises providing an insulated cooler bag as disclosed herein to a user. In some exemplary embodiments, the step of providing comprises offering for sale the insulated cooler bag.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method of using an insulated cooler bag comprises cooling or keeping cool one or more food items (or any other item to be kept cool) positioned within at least one inner compartment of the insulating cooler bag. The method may further comprise incorporating one or more pieces of ice (or other cold-producing materials) within one or more wet storage compartments of the insulated cooler bag; and incorporating the one or more food items (or any other item to be kept cool) into the at least one inner compartment of the insulating cooler bag so as to cool the one or more food items (or any other item to be kept cool).

While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. An insulated cooler bag comprising:

an outer shell layer comprising an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another; and

at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

2. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, wherein substantially all of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

3. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, wherein the inner compartment wall material further comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material.

4. The insulated cooler bag of claim 3, wherein the inner compartment wall material comprises a continuous vapor and liquid impermeable material having one or more areas therein with each of the one or more areas comprising vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material.

5. The insulated cooler bag of claim 3, wherein the inner compartment wall material comprises a continuous vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material having one or more areas therein with each of the one or more areas comprising vapor and liquid impermeable material.

6. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the inner compartment wall material and the first portion of the inner bag surface form a first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment, and a second portion of the inner compartment wall material and the second portion of the inner bag surface form a second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment.

7. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, further comprising first and second intermediate walls positioned on opposite sides of the at least one inner compartment, wherein the first intermediate wall and the first portion of the inner bag surface form a first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment, and the second intermediate wall and the second portion of the inner bag surface form a second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment, wherein each of the first and second intermediate walls comprise vapor and liquid impermeable material.

8. The insulated cooler bag of claim 7, wherein the first wet storage compartment and the second wet storage compartment are in fluid communication with one another.

9. The insulated cooler bag of claim 8, further comprising at least one drain opening extending thru the outer shell layer, the at least one drain opening being operatively adapted to drain the first wet storage compartment, the second wet storage compartment, or both the first wet storage compartment and the second wet storage compartment.

10. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, wherein the inner compartment wall material forms a pocket surrounded by the inner bag surface.

11. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, wherein the inner bag surface comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material.

12. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, wherein the vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material comprises a film optionally reinforced with fibrous material.

13. The insulated cooler bag of claim 12, wherein the film comprises a continuous film without any apertures therein.

14. The insulated cooler bag of claim 6, further comprising closure devices operatively adapted to provide access into the first and second wet storage compartments.

15. The insulated cooler bag of claim 14, wherein each of the closure devices comprises a zipper.

16. The insulated cooler bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one insulative material between the outermost bag surface and the inner bag surface.

17. The insulated cooler bag of claim 7, further comprising at least one insulative material within each of the first and second intermediate walls.

18. The insulated cooler bag of claim 17, wherein the at least one insulative material comprises air, foam, a cellular layer, fibrous material, or any combination thereof.

19. An insulated cooler bag comprising:

an outer shell layer comprising an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another;

at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material;

closure devices operatively adapted to provide access into the at least one inner compartment and first and second wet storage compartments;

at least one insulative material between the outermost bag surface and the inner bag surface; and

one or more carrying straps,

wherein:

a first portion of the inner compartment wall material and the first portion of the inner bag surface form the first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment,

a second portion of the inner compartment wall material and the second portion of the inner bag surface form the second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment,

the inner bag surface comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material, and

the vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material comprises a continuous film optionally reinforced with fibrous material.

20. An insulated cooler bag comprising:

an outer shell layer comprising an outermost bag surface and an inner bag surface, wherein first and second portions of the outermost bag surface are on opposite sides of the bag, and first and second portions of the inner bag surface face one another;

at least one inner compartment positioned between the first and second portions of the inner bag surface, the at least one inner compartment comprising an inner compartment wall material, wherein at least a portion of the inner compartment wall material comprises a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material;

first and second intermediate walls positioned on opposite sides of the at least one inner compartment;

closure devices operatively adapted to provide access into the at least one inner compartment and first and second wet storage compartments;

at least one insulative material between the outermost bag surface and the inner bag surface; and

one or more carrying straps,

wherein:

the first intermediate wall and the first portion of the inner bag surface form the first wet storage compartment positioned along one side of the at least one inner compartment,

the second intermediate wall and the second portion of the inner bag surface form the second wet storage compartment positioned along an opposite side of the at least one inner compartment,

each of the first and second intermediate walls comprise vapor and liquid impermeable material,

the inner bag surface comprises a vapor and liquid impermeable material, and the vapor permeable, liquid impermeable material comprises a continuous film optionally reinforced with fibrous material.