Collapsible shipping cooler

Abstract

Systems and methods for a collapsible shipping cooler are described herein. The shipping cooler can be changeable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The shipping cooler can comprise a base, a collapsible insulation assembly positioned partially within the base, a collapsible body coupled to the base, at least one divider configured to couple to the collapsible body, and a lid coupled to the collapsible body opposite the base. The collapsible insulation assembly can comprise a set of insulation walls that are at least partially movable and an inner chamber within the set of insulated walls. The collapsible body can be positioned around a portion of the collapsible insulation assembly when in the expanded configuration. The at least one divider can removably couple to one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls of the collapsible insulation assembly when the shipping cooler is in the expanded configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cooler apparatus, comprising:
 a base;   a collapsible insulation assembly comprising (1) a first insulation portion positioned within the base when the cooler apparatus is in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, (2) a second insulation portion proximate the first insulation portion, (3) a set of insulated walls that are at least partially movable, and (4) an inner chamber within the set of insulated walls;   a collapsible body coupled to the base and configured to be positioned around the second insulation portion of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   at least one divider configured to removably couple to one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, the at least one divider dividing the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into at least a first inner chamber and a second inner chamber when removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration; and   a lid coupled to the collapsible body opposite the base when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.   
     
     
         2 . The cooler apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls comprise a first insulated wall portion and a second insulated wall portion separated by an insulation hinge;   the first insulated wall portion and the second insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls are substantially planar with one another when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   the second insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is configured to be folded into the inner chamber when the cooler apparatus is in the collapsed configuration; and   the first insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is sized differently than the first insulated wall portion of any other insulated wall of the set insulated walls such that the insulation hinge of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is offset from the insulation hinge of an adjacent insulated wall of the set of insulated walls.   
     
     
         3 . The cooler apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible body comprises:
 a set of body walls, each body wall of the set of body walls (1) extending from a first end of the collapsible body to a second end of the collapsible body, and (2) comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion of each body wall of the set of body walls (a) are substantially planar with one another when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, and (b) interface one another on two first opposing body walls of the set of body walls when the cooler apparatus is in the collapsed configuration;   a central hinge on each body wall of the set of body walls positioned between the first body portion and the second body portion; and   one or more angled hinges on two second opposing body walls of the set of body walls, each angled hinge of the one or more angled hinges on each second opposing body wall of the two second opposing body walls (1) extending from one of the first body end or the second body end to the central hinge of the second opposing body wall and (2) being not parallel to the central hinge of the second opposing body wall when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         4 . The cooler apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one divider comprises a divider hinge positioned between a first divider portion and a second divider portion;   the at least one divider is movable between a first divider configuration and a second divider configuration;   when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration and when the at least one divider is removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls, (1) the at least one divider is in the first divider configuration, and (2) the first divider portion and the second divider portion are substantially planar with one another; and   when the cooler apparatus is in the collapsed configuration, (1) the at least one divider is in the second divider configuration, (2) the at least one divider fits within the inner chamber and within the base, and (3) the first divider portion interfaces the second divider portion when the at least one divider is in the second divider configuration.   
     
     
         5 . The cooler apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls comprise a plurality of holes positioned at a plurality of distances from a bottom of the collapsible insulation assembly; and   the at least one divider comprises at least one biased pin, wherein the at least one biased pin is configured to engage with at least one hole of the plurality of holes on the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls to (1) removably couple the at least one divider to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration and (2) divide the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into the at least the first inner chamber and the second inner chamber when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         6 . The cooler apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider comprises:
 at least two insulated dividers configured to removably couple to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, the at least two insulated dividers dividing the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into the first inner chamber, the second inner chamber, and a third inner chamber when the at least two insulated dividers are removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls and when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         7 . The cooler apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the collapsible body further comprises a frame, wherein the lid is coupled to the frame of the collapsible body;   the cooler apparatus further comprises:
 a removable plastic seal coupled to the frame, the removable plastic seal separating the lid from the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly; 
 a label holder hingedly coupled to an outer surface of the lid and movable between a first position covering a first portion of the lid and a second position covering a second portion of the lid; and 
 a tracking system, the tracking system comprising: (1) one or more temperature sensors configured to determine and record a first temperature in the first inner chamber and a second temperature in the second inner chamber, (2) a location tracking device configured to determine and record a location of the cooler apparatus, and (3) a communication device configured to wirelessly transmit the first temperature, the second temperature, and the location; 
   each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls comprises a numbered tab distal to the base when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   the at least one divider comprises (1) a divider hinge positioned between a first divider portion and a second divider portion, and (2) a pull tab positioned proximate the divider hinge;   the base is substantially rigid; and   the lid is substantially rigid.   
     
     
         8 . A method, comprising:
 providing a base;   providing a collapsible insulation assembly comprising (1) a first insulation portion positioned within the base when the cooler apparatus is in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, (2) a second insulation portion proximate the first insulation portion, (3) a set of insulated walls that are at least partially movable, and (4) an inner chamber within the set of insulated walls;   providing a collapsible body covering configured to couple to the base and configured to be positioned around a second insulation portion of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   coupling a collapsible body frame to the collapsible body covering;   providing at least one divider configured to removably couple to one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, the at least one divider dividing the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into at least a first inner chamber and a second inner chamber when removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration; and   providing a lid configured to couple to the collapsible body frame opposite the base when the cooler apparatus is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the collapsible insulation assembly comprises a set of insulated walls, each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls comprising a first insulated wall portion and a second insulated wall portion separated by an insulation hinge;   the first insulated wall portion and the second insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls are substantially planar with one another when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   the second insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is configured to fold inwardly relative to the first insulated wall portion when the cooler apparatus is in the collapsed configuration; and   the first insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is sized differently than the first insulated wall portion of any other insulated wall of the set insulated walls such that the insulation hinge of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is offset from the insulation hinge of an adjacent insulated wall of the set of insulated walls.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the collapsible body covering comprises:
 a set of body walls, each body wall of the set of body walls (1) extending from a first end of the collapsible body covering to a second end of the collapsible body covering, and (2) comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion of each body wall of the set of body walls (a) are substantially planar with one another when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, and (b) interface one another on two first opposing body walls of the set of body walls when the cooler apparatus is in the collapsed configuration;   a central hinge on each body wall of the set of body walls positioned between first body portion and the second body portion; and   one or more angled hinges on two second opposing body walls of the set of body walls, each angled hinge of the one or more angled hinges on each second opposing body wall of the two second opposing body walls (1) extending from one of the first body end or the second body end to the central hinge of the second opposing body wall and (2) being not parallel to the central hinge of the second opposing body wall when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the at least one divider comprises a divider hinge positioned between a first divider portion and a second divider portion;   the at least one divider is movable between a first divider configuration and a second divider configuration;   when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration and when the at least one divider is removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls, (1) the at least one divider is in the first divider configuration, and (2) the first divider portion and the second divider portion are substantially planar with one another; and   when the cooler apparatus is in the collapsed configuration, (1) the at least one divider is in the second divider configuration, (2) the at least one divider fits within the inner chamber and within the base, and (3) the first divider portion interfaces the second divider portion when the at least one divider is in the second divider configuration.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls comprise a plurality of holes positioned at a plurality of distances from a bottom of the collapsible insulation assembly; and   the at least one divider comprises at least one biased pin, wherein the at least one biased pin is configured to engage with at least one hole of the plurality of holes on the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls to (1) removably couple the at least one divider to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration and (2) divide the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into the at least the first inner chamber and the second inner chamber when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one divider comprises:
 at least two insulated dividers configured to removably couple to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, the at least two insulated dividers dividing the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into the first inner chamber, the second inner chamber, and a third inner chamber when the at least two insulated dividers are removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls and when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the method further comprises:
 providing a removable plastic seal configured to couple to the collapsible body frame, the removable plastic seal separating the lid from the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly; 
 providing a label holder configured to hingedly couple to an outer surface of the lid and movable between a first position covering a first portion of the lid and a second position covering a second portion of the lid; and 
 providing a tracking system, the tracking system comprising: (1) one or more temperature sensors configured to determine and record a first temperature in the first inner chamber and a second temperature in the second inner chamber, (2) a location tracking device configured to determine and record a location of the cooler apparatus, and (3) a communication device configured to wirelessly transmit the first temperature, the second temperature, and the location; 
   each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls comprises a numbered tab distal to the base when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   the at least one divider comprises (1) a divider hinge positioned between a first divider portion and a second divider portion, and (2) a pull tab positioned proximate the divider hinge;   the base is substantially rigid; and   the lid is substantially rigid.   
     
     
         15 . A method of assembling a cooler apparatus, comprising:
 inserting a first insulation portion of a collapsible insulation assembly into a base, wherein (1) the first insulation portion is positioned within the base when the cooler apparatus is in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and (2) the collapsible insulation assembly comprises a second insulation portion proximate the first insulation portion, a set of insulated walls that are at least partially movable, and an inner chamber within the set of insulate walls;   coupling a collapsible body toward the base, the collapsible body configured to be positioned around a second insulation portion of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   removably coupling at least one divider to one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls of the collapsible insulation assembly when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, the at least one divider dividing the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into at least a first inner chamber and a second inner chamber when removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration; and   coupling a lid to the collapsible body opposite the base.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the collapsible insulation assembly comprises a set of insulated walls, each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls comprising a first insulated wall portion and a second insulated wall portion separated by an insulation hinge;   the first insulated wall portion and the second insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls are substantially planar with one another when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   the second insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is configured to fold inwardly relative to the first insulated wall portion when the cooler apparatus is transitioned from the expanded position to the collapsed configuration; and   the first insulated wall portion of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is sized differently than the first insulated wall portion of any other insulated wall of the set insulated walls such that the insulation hinge of each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls is offset from the insulation hinge of an adjacent insulated wall of the set of insulated walls.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the collapsible body comprises:
 a set of body walls, each body wall of the set of body walls (1) extending from a first end of the collapsible body to a second end of the collapsible body, and (2) comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion of each body wall of the set of body walls (a) are substantially planar with one another when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration, and (b) interface one another on two first opposing body walls of the set of body walls when the cooler apparatus is in the collapsed configuration;   a central hinge on each body wall of the set of body walls positioned between first body portion and the second body portion; and   one or more angled hinges on two second opposing body walls of the set of body walls, each angled hinge of the one or more angled hinges on each second opposing body wall of the two second opposing body walls (1) extending from one of the first body end or the second body end to the central hinge of the second opposing body wall and (2) being not parallel to the central hinge of the second opposing body wall when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the at least one divider comprises a divider hinge positioned between a first divider portion and a second divider portion;   the at least one divider is movable between a first divider configuration and a second divider configuration;   when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration and when the at least one divider is removably coupled to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls, (1) the at least one divider is in the first divider configuration, and (2) the first divider portion and the second divider portion are substantially planar with one another; and   when the cooler apparatus is transitioned from the expanded position to the collapsed configuration, (1) the at least one divider is in the second divider configuration, (2) the at least one divider fits within the inner chamber and within the base, and (3) the first divider portion interfaces the second divider portion when the at least one divider is in the second divider configuration.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls comprise a plurality of holes positioned at a plurality of distances from a bottom of the collapsible insulation assembly; and   the at least one divider comprises at least one insulated divider comprising at least one biased pin, wherein the at least one biased pin is configured to engage with at least one hole of the plurality of holes on the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls to (1) removably couple the at least one divider to the one or more insulated walls of the set of insulated walls when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration and (2) divide the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly into the at least the first inner chamber and the second inner chamber when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the method further comprises:
 coupling a removable plastic seal coupled to a frame of the collapsible body, the removable plastic seal separating the lid from the inner chamber of the collapsible insulation assembly; 
 hingedly coupling a label holder to an outer surface of the lid and movable between a first position covering a first portion of the lid and a second position covering a second portion of the lid; and 
 coupling a tracking system to the cooler apparatus, the tracking system comprising: (1) one or more temperature sensors configured to determine and record a first temperature in the first inner chamber and a second temperature in the second inner chamber, (2) a location tracking device configured to determine and record a location of the cooler apparatus, and (3) a communication device configured to wirelessly transmit the first temperature, the second temperature, and the location; 
   each insulated wall of the set of insulated walls comprises a numbered tab distal to the base when the cooler apparatus is in the expanded configuration;   the at least one divider comprises (1) a divider hinge positioned between a first divider portion and a second divider portion, and (2) a pull tab positioned proximate the divider hinge;   the base is substantially rigid; and   the lid is substantially rigid.