Insulated container including ultraviolet and/or infrared blocking films

Abstract

An insulated container having a protective film for reducing the penetration of infrared or ultraviolet rays into the insulated container, and/or improving insulation characteristics of the insulated container. In an embodiment, the film is provided inside a void between an inner liner and an exterior shell for the insulated container.

1 . An insulated container, comprising:
 an inner liner;   an exterior shell; and   a protective film positioned between the inner liner and the exterior shell, the film providing at least partial blocking of ultraviolet rays.   
   
   
       2 . The insulated container of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one panel mounted between the exterior shell and the liner, said at least one panel comprising first and second faces facing the exterior shell and the liner, respectively, and wherein the protective film is attached to at least one of the first and second faces of said at least one panel. 
   
   
       3 . The insulated container of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one panel is positioned against the inner liner. 
   
   
       4 . The insulated container of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one panel extends around a perimeter of the liner. 
   
   
       5 . The insulated container of  claim 2 , further comprising expanded insulation between the panel and at least one of the exterior shell and the liner. 
   
   
       6 . The insulated container of  claim 5 , wherein the expanded insulation extends between the panel and the exterior shell and between the panel and the liner. 
   
   
       7 . The insulated container of  claim 2 , wherein the protective film is attached on both of the first and second faces. 
   
   
       8 . The insulated container of  claim 1 , wherein the film comprises at least one of aluminum film, Mylar film, and aluminized polyethylene. 
   
   
       9 . An insulated container, comprising:
 an inner liner;   an exterior shell; and   a protective film positioned between the inner liner and the exterior shell, the film providing at least partial blocking of infrared rays.   
   
   
       10 . The insulated container of  claim 9 , further comprising at least one panel mounted between the exterior shell and the liner, said at least one panel comprising first and second faces facing the exterior shell and the liner, respectively, and wherein the protective film is attached to at least one of the first and second faces of said at least one panel. 
   
   
       11 . The insulated container of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one panel is positioned against the inner liner. 
   
   
       12 . The insulated container of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one panel extends around a perimeter of the liner. 
   
   
       13 . The insulated container of  claim 10 , further comprising expanded insulation between the panel and at least one of the exterior shell and the liner. 
   
   
       14 . The insulated container of  claim 13 , wherein the expanded insulation extends between the panel and the exterior shell and between the panel and the liner. 
   
   
       15 . The insulated container of  claim 10 , wherein the protective film is attached on both of the first and second faces. 
   
   
       16 . The insulated container of  claim 9 , wherein the film comprises at least one of aluminum film, Mylar film, and aluminized polyethylene. 
   
   
       17 . An insulated container, comprising:
 an inner liner;   an exterior shell; and   a protective film positioned between the inner liner and the exterior shell, the film slowing heat transfer from the exterior shell to the inner liner.   
   
   
       18 . The insulated container of  claim 17 , further comprising at least one panel mounted between the exterior shell and the liner, said at least one panel comprising first and second faces facing the exterior shell and the liner, respectively, and wherein the protective film is attached to at least one of the first and second faces of said at least one panel. 
   
   
       19 . The insulated container of  claim 18 , wherein said at least one panel is positioned against the inner liner. 
   
   
       20 . The insulated container of  claim 18 , wherein said at least one panel extends around a perimeter of the liner. 
   
   
       21 . The insulated container of  claim 18 , further comprising expanded insulation between the panel and at least one of the exterior shell and the liner. 
   
   
       22 . The insulated container of  claim 21 , wherein the expanded insulation extends between the panel and the exterior shell and between the panel and the liner. 
   
   
       23 . The insulated container of  claim 18 , wherein the protective film is attached on both of the first and second faces. 
   
   
       24 . The insulated container of  claim 17 , wherein the film comprises at least one of aluminum film, Mylar film, and aluminized polyethylene.