Backpack collapsible coolers

Abstract

A collapsible backpack cooler includes a base, a collapsible portion, a back portion, and one or more straps configured for use by a user in securing the collapsible backpack cooler to their back. The collapsible backpack cooler is configured to allow the collapsible backpack cooler to transition between an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration having a reduced volume as compared to the expanded configuration.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for configuring a cooler after use, the cooler comprising a back, a base connected to a bottom of the back proximate a proximal end of the back such that a distal end of the base is rotatable upwardly toward a top of the back, the base between the proximal end and the distal end defining a bottom of the cooler, and a collapsible portion that extends from the distal end of the base to the back, and that at least partially surrounds an interior space of the cooler, the collapsible portion being configured to collapse along its entire extent between the base and the back when the distal end of the base rotates upwardly toward the top of the back, the method comprising rotating the distal end of the base upwardly toward the top of the back and collapsing the collapsible portion whereby a volume of the cooler is reduced. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the collapsible portion comprises a flexible elastomeric silicone membrane that includes a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend when the cooler transitions from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the back comprises a pocket. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the cooler includes a lining. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the lining is an anti-microbial lining. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the base is curved along an extent between the proximal end of the base and the distal end of the base. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising shoulder straps attached to the back of the cooler. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the shoulder straps are configured to be detached from the back. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the shoulder straps extend between the top of the back and the bottom of the back. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising a handle attached to the top of the back. 
     
     
         31 . A method for configuring a cooler after use, the cooler comprising a back, a base connected to a bottom of the back proximate a proximal end of the back such that a distal end of the base is rotatable upwardly toward a top of the back, the base between the proximal end and the distal end being curved and defining a bottom of the cooler, and a collapsible portion that extends from the distal end of the base to the back, and that at least partially surrounds an interior space of the cooler, the collapsible portion being configured to collapse between the base and the back when the distal end of the base rotates in a direction toward the top of the back, the method comprising rotating the distal end of the base upwardly toward the top of the back and collapsing the collapsible portion whereby a volume of the cooler is reduced. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising one or more straps attached to the back and configured for attaching the cooler onto the back of a person. 
     
     
         33 . A method for configuring a cooler after use, the cooler comprising a back, a base connected to a bottom of the back proximate a proximal end of the back such that a distal end of the base is rotatable upwardly toward a top of the back, the base between the proximal end and the distal end defining a bottom of the cooler, and a collapsible portion that extends from the distal end of the base to the back, and that at least partially surrounds an interior space of the cooler, the collapsible portion comprising a flexible elastomeric silicone membrane having a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend when the distal end of the base rotates upwardly toward the top of the back, the method comprising rotating the distal end of the base upwardly toward the top of the back and collapsing the collapsible portion whereby a volume of the cooler is reduced. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising one or more straps attached to the back and configured for attaching the cooler onto the back of a person. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the cooler includes a lining. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the cooler includes an anti-microbial lining. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the base is curved along an extent between the proximal end of the base and the distal end of the base.