U.S. patent application number 09/920559 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-06 for insert for an insulated container.
Invention is credited to McQueen, John.
Application Number | 20030024932 09/920559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25443954 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030024932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McQueen, John |
February 6, 2003 |
Insert for an insulated container
Abstract
An insert for a container having a rectangular inner cavity is
detachably positioned inside the cavity to form an inscribed wall
with rounded inner surface. The insert is a rectangular sheet of
flexible resilient material that unrolls inside the cavity due to a
spring action of the material to cover the straight corners of the
cavity. A reinforcing plate secured to the sheet helps retain the
flexible plastic sheet in an upright position inside the
cavity.
Inventors: |
McQueen, John; (New Orleans,
LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS S. KEATY
KEATY PROFESSIONAL LAW CORP.
2140 WORLD TRADE CENTER
NO. 2 CANAL STREET
NEW ORLEANS
LA
70130
US
|
Family ID: |
25443954 |
Appl. No.: |
09/920559 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3823
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/14; B65D
035/14; B65D 090/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An insert for a container having a generally rectangular cavity
defined by a container inner wall, the insert comprising a flexible
resilient body forming an inscribed wall when detachably positioned
inside the container cavity.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said inscribed wall has no
straight corners.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said body has vertical dimensions
substantially equal to or smaller than vertical dimensions of said
container.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said body has longitudinal
dimensions that are smaller than peripheral dimensions of said
container inner wall.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said body assumes and retains a
vertical orientation inside said cavity.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said body comprises a generally
rectangular sheet with opposing first and second vertical edges,
and a reinforcing plate secured along a first vertical edge.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said reinforcing plate has plate
edges cut on a taper to facilitate forming of a flush connection
between the sheet and the reinforcing plate when said body is
positioned in said cavity.
8. The device of claim 6, further comprising a means for releasable
securing of the second vertical edge of said sheet to the
reinforcing plate.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein said securing means comprises a
pair of compression members clamping the second vertical edge to
the reinforcing plate at the upper and lower portions of said
second vertical edge.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein each of said compression member
comprises a generally U-shaped body having a first leg, a second
leg and a middle connecting part, and wherein a tightening screw is
inserted through the second leg to extend between the first leg and
the second leg to contact said sheet and said plate when said
compression member is placed on said body.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein said inscribed wall has rounded
portions substantially covering straight corners of the container
cavity.
12. An insert for a container having a generally rectangular cavity
defined by a container inner wall, the insert comprising a flexible
resilient body detachably positionable in said container cavity to
form an inscribed wall covering straight corners of said
cavity.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein said body has vertical
dimensions substantially equal to or smaller than vertical
dimensions of said cavity and longitudinal dimensions that are
smaller than peripheral dimensions of said container inner
wall.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein said body comprises a generally
rectangular sheet with opposing vertical edges and a reinforcing
plate fixedly secured along a first vertical edge of said sheet,
said reinforcing plate having plate edges that are cut on a taper
to form a flush connection between said sheet and said plate when
the body is positioned in said container.
15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a means for
releasable securing a second vertical edge of said sheet to said
reinforcing plate, said securing means comprising a pair of
compression members clamping upper and lower portions of said sheet
and said second vertical edge.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein each of said compression
members comprises a generally U-shaped body having a first leg, a
second leg and a middle connecting part, and wherein a tightening
screw is inserted through the second leg to extend between the
first leg and the second leg to contact said body when said
compression member is placed on said body.
17. The device of claim 12, wherein said body assumes and retains a
vertical orientation inside said cavity, forming an inscribed wall
with no straight corners.
18. A method of facilitating formation of a wall with no straight
corners inside a generally rectangular cavity, comprising the steps
of: providing a flexible resilient generally rectangular body
having opposing vertical edges; positioning said body inside said
cavity; and allowing said body to unfold, thereby forming an
inscribed wall in said cavity, said wall covering straight corners
of said cavity while defining a rounded inner surface.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said body assumes and retains a
vertical orientation in said cavity.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said body comprises a
rectangular sheet and a reinforcing plate secured to said sheet
along a first vertical edge of the sheet, said body having vertical
dimensions substantially equal to or smaller than vertical
dimensions of said cavity and longitudinal dimensions that are
smaller than peripheral dimensions of a wall defining said
cavity.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of
providing a pair of compression members and positioning said
compression members at upper and lower portions of a second
vertical edge of said sheet and an edge of the reinforcing plate to
ensure a flush connection between the second vertical edge and the
reinforcing plate.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein each of said compression
members comprises a generally U-shaped body with a tightening
screw.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to containers, and more particularly,
to containers having rectangular inner cavities with straight
corners.
[0002] Box-shaped containers have been used for ages for retaining
any type of items, from food to supplies, to living creatures. One
variation of the rectangular container is an insulated container
designed to keep perishable items in a relatively cool environment.
Such containers are widely used in an industrial environment, in
everyday life, with a list of items contained in the insulated
containers being virtually limitless.
[0003] The insulated containers are also widely used by fishermen
for keeping the fish below ambient temperature while the fisherman
is outdoors and has no access to a refrigerator or freezer.
Virtually all fishermen carry some type of a cooler or ice chest to
the fishing site for storing the caught fish.
[0004] When fishing for a relatively large fish, such as in the
ocean, many sportsmen prefer to use live bait. This live bait may
be small fish, such as croakers, and other similar live creatures.
When the live bait is used, it is essential to keep the bait in a
lively condition so that it can attract bigger fish with its
movement in the water.
[0005] The fishing supply shops sell containers that resemble a
cylinder with a deep well wherein the live bait is deposited. It
was observed that many small fish, such as croakers, while swimming
in a conventional insulated container with a rectangular cavity,
tends to "bump" into a corner, while attempting to swim in a circle
around the interior periphery of the wall. While such occasional
"bumps" would hardly harm the bait, it was observed that a repeated
contact with the hard wall causes the small fish to injure itself,
which is an undesirable result.
[0006] Additionally, the ideal constant flow of water through the
fish gills is not attained when the fish is "stuck" in a corner
while constantly bumping into the corner. It is preferred that the
container be free from sharp edges and protrusions in order to
minimize a chance of injury to live bait.
[0007] The reason for the rounded wall of the special container is
an attempt to prevent the live bait from getting into the corner or
repeatedly touching the container wall. The well-shaped bait
containers are relatively expensive and from this point of view are
less desirable to a recreational fisherman. Many fishermen use
simple round buckets to store and transport the live bait. When the
ambient temperature rises-the live bait may be adversely
affected.
[0008] The present invention contemplates provision of an insert
for a container having rectangular cavity that can be used for
retrofitting existing rectangular-shaped containers, as well to
provide an attachment for new containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide an insert for a container that facilitates forming of an
inner wall without straight corners.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
insert for an insulated container that can be used as an attachment
for new containers, as well as for retrofitting conventional
insulated containers.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an insert for an insulated container that is easy to use and
inexpensive to manufacture.
[0012] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved through a provision of a removable insert that is
temporarily placed in the inner cavity of the container and form an
inscribed wall inside the cavity. The insert covers the straight
corners of a conventional container cavity, while forming a rounded
wall with no straight corners.
[0013] The insert is formed from a flexible resilient sheet having
a generally rectangular configuration. The sheet is strong enough
to retain its vertical orientation inside the container even when
the container cavity is filled with water. The vertical dimensions
of the sheet are substantially equal to or smaller than vertical
dimensions of the container inner wall, while longitudinal
dimensions are smaller than peripheral dimensions of the container
inner wall.
[0014] To position the insert inside the container, the user places
the sheet vertically in the cavity and allows the sheet to unroll
under the spring action of the material and touch the container
inner wall in some areas. At the same time, the sheet forms rounded
surfaces that cover straight corners of the cavity.
[0015] A reinforcing plate is fixedly attached to one vertical edge
of the insert. The reinforcing plate facilitates retaining of the
insert in a vertical orientation inside the container and minimizes
a possibility of the insert bending or collapsing when water is
poured into the container. The edges of the reinforcing plate are
cut on a taper to form a flush connection between the reinforcing
plate and the insert sheet. Free vertical edges of the sheet are
folded behind the reinforcing plate and secured, if desired, at
their upper and lower portions by a compression member, such as for
example a clamp. Tight engagement between the contacting edges of
the insert and the reinforcing plate facilitates creation of a
substantially protrusion-free oval-shaped insert.
[0016] The insert may be used for retrofitting insulated container,
box-shaped containers and other similar enclosures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein
[0018] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an insert in accordance
with the present invention positioned in a conventional insulated
container.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the insert placed
in a conventional container.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of the insert showing a reinforcing
plate.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a compression clamp used
with the insert of the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10
designates a conventional insulated container having an outer
peripheral wall 12 and an inner peripheral wall 14. The inner wall
14 defines an insulated cavity with four straight corners 16, 18,
20, and 22. An insulated material is inserted between the outer
wall 12 and the inner wall 14 to retain the temperature inside the
cavity in a relatively stable condition, be it hot or cold,
depending on the needs of the user.
[0023] An insert in accordance with the present invention is
designated by numeral 30. The insert 30 is comprised of a generally
rectangular sheet of flexible, resilient material, for instance
polystyrene that can be transparent or opaque. The vertical
dimensions of the insert 30 are substantially equal to or smaller
than the height of the sidewall 24 of the container 10. The
longitudinal dimensions of the insert 30 are substantially equal to
or smaller than the peripheral dimensions of the wall 14.
[0024] When placed inside the inner cavity of the container 10, the
insert 30 forms a rounded inscribed wall, which becomes the inner
wall of the container. An inner surface 32 of the insert 30 is
smooth with no ridges or snags. The insert 30, when placed in the
rectangular container 10 forms a well 34 having a generally oval
cross-section. If the insert 30 is placed in a square cavity, the
insert will naturally assume a circular cross-section.
[0025] To further ensure a proper position of the insert 30 inside
the container 10, a reinforcing plate 42 is secured to one vertical
edge 36 of the sheet 30, extending along the entire length of the
edge 36. The reinforcing plate is glued or otherwise fixedly
secured to the edge 36. The reinforcing plate 42 increases
structural resistance of the sheet 30 to the movement of water
inside the container 10. The first vertical edge 36 is cut on a
taper. The reinforcing plate 42 is tapered at its outermost edges
44, 45, creating a more smooth connection between the edges 36 and
38 and the reinforcing plate 42.
[0026] The rectangular sheet of the insert 30 is placed in the
container 10 and allowed to expand, due to its flexible resilient
characteristics, forcing portions of the insert 30 to spring
outwardly and contact the inner wall 14 of the container 10 in a
manner shown in FIG. 1. The free vertical edges 36 and 38 of the
insert 30 can be secured in an overlapping juxtaposed position
against the back of the reinforcing plate 42, as shown in phantom
lines in FIG. 3, or they may be simply moved together in an
abutting relationship to each other.
[0027] Optional compression clips 40 (shown in detail in FIG. 4)
can be provided for securing the vertical edges of the insert 30 at
the top and lower portions thereof where the edge 38 contact the
reinforcing plate 42. A top compression clip 40 is shown in FIG. 1.
The clips 40 further ensure a flush connection between the edge 38
and the plate 42. It has been found that the clips 40 are
sufficient to retain the sheet 30 and the reinforcing plate 42 in a
close proximity to each other, preventing their separation.
[0028] The insert 30, when positioned inside the container 10
blocks off the straight corners 16, 18, 20, and 22 and prevents the
live bait from reaching the corners or bumping against the inner
wall 14. The live bait tends to swim along the wall 32 without
contacting the wall. The continuous movement of the live bait in
the well 34 prevents trapping of the baitfish in the corners of the
conventional container and retains its vitality, which is necessary
for attracting bigger fish.
[0029] Although the insert 30 is a "wrap around" insert, water may
still penetrate under the wall of the insert and seep into the
corners 16-22 of the container 10. The water creates a wave action
when the container 10 is transported. The wave action tends to
deform or displace the insert 30 from a position it acquired when
placed in the container 10.
[0030] It is, therefore, preferred that the sheet, from which the
insert 30 be made from a material thick enough to help the insert
30 retain its shape and position even when the container 10 is
exposed to wave action or swinging motion. During tests it was
determined that thickness of about 0.03 inches of the polystyrene
material is sufficient to help retain the shape of the insert
positioned in the container 10. Coupled with the reinforcing plate
42, stable position of the insert 30 inside the container 10 is
provided.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 4, the compression member 40 is
illustrated in more detail. The compression member 40 comprises a
generally U-shaped body having a first leg 46 and a second leg 48
connected by a rounded connecting middle portion 50. A tightening
screw 52 is inserted through the second leg 48, extending between
the legs 46 and 48. The inwardly extending part 54 of the screw 52
contacts the insert 30 and brings the edge 38 into a flush
engagement with the plate 42.
[0032] When properly placed in the container 10, the insert 30
demonstrates a substantially protrusion free inner wall 32. The
fish swimming "in circles" along the wall 32 does not encounter
sharp edges or protrusions that would injure the fish. The insert
30, therefore, ensures viability of the bait during fishing. The
constant movement of the bait inside the confines created by the
insert 30 help keep the movement of water through the gills of the
small fish, further increasing live conditions of the bait.
[0033] It is envisioned that the inert 30 may not reach the top 26
of the container 10 as long as the insert is above the water level.
It is also envisioned that an air-circulating pump may be placed on
one of the walls of the container 10 to extend into the well 34
formed by the insert 30 and facilitate circulation of air into the
created well. The clip 40 may be a conventional fastener, clamp, or
any other type of compression fitting that can retain the edges of
the insert 30 in an overlapping or abutting relationship to each
other. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment
that may be modified by the manufacturer to proportionally fit the
insert 30.
[0034] In operation, the user rolls up the insert 30 into a tight
cylinder and places it inside the container 10. The user then
releases its grip on the rolled up insert 30 to allow the insert 30
to expand and spring itself into the oval or circular shape
depending on the interior configuration of the container 10 and
block off the corners of the container. The user then moves the
edge 38 behind the plate 42 and positions the clips 40 on both the
top and bottom edge of the sheet 30 and secures the vertical edge
38 to the plate 42.
[0035] If the insert 30 has longitudinal dimensions greater than
the expected periphery of the inner wall 14 of the container 10,
the vertical edges 36 and 38 may be caused to overlap to some
distance. The overlapping edges may remain in their position even
without the use of a compression fitting 40. It is preferred though
that the compression member 40 be used at the top and bottom of the
sheet 30 to ensure a flush connection. Alternatively, the user may
cut to sheet to reduce its longitudinal dimensions and make a
better fit to accommodate a particular container.
[0036] The insert 30 presents a considerable improvement over
conventional bucket-type non-insulated containers that are used by
fishermen to transport live bait to a fishing site. The water
temperature in such a bucket may rise considerably, especially in
hot weather, which will adversely affect the survival
characteristics of the live bait. The insert 30 can be easily
removed from the container 10 for cleaning and stored away when not
needed, as a rolled up cylinder or just a flat sheet.
[0037] The insert 30 may be also used to retrofit a boat,
particularly the live well structure available on some of the
boats. The thickness of the wall of 0.03 inches is, of course,
exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention to a particular value of the sheet thickness. It is
envisioned that several types of flexible resilient material may be
used provided they can retain their shape under the force of water
that is moving inside the container and tends to displace or warp
the surface of the insert. So long as the wall of the insert 30 is
relatively rigid, the thickness of the wall can be modified
depending on the material used.
[0038] Many other changes and modifications can be made in the
design of the present invention without departing of the spirit
thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention
be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *