U.S. patent application number 09/943978 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-06 for cooler.
Invention is credited to Pitcher, Jill, Stanwix, Leslie.
Application Number | 20030042264 09/943978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25480585 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030042264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stanwix, Leslie ; et
al. |
March 6, 2003 |
Cooler
Abstract
A cooler system having improved insulative properties. The
cooler system includes, in various preferred embodiments, thicker
sidewalls having insulative materials with improved thermal
qualities, one or more reflective surfaces, a sealing mechanism to
minimize the leakage of cold air, an insulative apron for
containing cold air around the contents of the cooler, compression
mechanisms for compressing the upper lid against the side walls of
the cooler and many other features to improve the thermal benefit
of the cooler.
Inventors: |
Stanwix, Leslie; (Franktown,
CO) ; Pitcher, Jill; (Franktown, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLENN L WEBB
P.O. BOX 951
CONIFER
CO
80433
|
Family ID: |
25480585 |
Appl. No.: |
09/943978 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.21 ;
62/371; 62/457.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/065 20130101;
F25D 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/592.21 ;
62/371; 62/457.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/38; B65D
083/72; F25D 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An insulated cooler, said cooler comprising: an outer wall
surface on the sides and the bottom of said cooler; an inner wall
surface on the sides and bottom of said cooler; an insulating
material between said outer wall surface and said inner wall
surface; and an upper lid; and sealing mechanism for minimizing the
escape of cold air from said cooler.
2. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler includes: a highly
reflective surface applied to the outer surface of said upper lid
and said outer wall surface on said sides of said cooler.
3. The cooler of claim 2 wherein said highly reflective surface
includes: a reflective surface of eighty-five percent UV rating or
greater.
4. The cooler of claim 2 wherein said highly reflective surface
includes: an adhesive surface for affixing onto said surfaces of
said cooler.
5. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said sealing mechanism includes: a
sealing member extending downward from the lower surface of said
upper lid; and an opposing sealing member extending upward from the
upper surface of said side surfaces of said cooler for mating
engagement said sealing member on said upper lid to minimize the
escape of cold air from said cooler when said upper lid is
closed.
6. The cooler of claim 5 wherein said sealing member of said upper
lid includes: a plurality of contact surfaces, and said opposing
sealing member includes a plurality of contact surfaces for
engaging with said plurality of contact surfaces of said sealing
member of said upper lid.
7. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler includes: a mechanism
for compressing said upper lid against the upper surfaces of said
sides of said cooler.
8. The cooler of claim 7 wherein said mechanism for compressing
said upper lid against the upper surfaces of said sides of said
cooler includes: at least one compression strap; and a mechanism
for tightening said compression strap.
9. The cooler of claim 7 wherein said mechanism for compressing
said upper lid against the upper surfaces of said sides of said
cooler includes: at least one fastener mechanism for tightening
said upper lid against said upper surfaces of said sides of said
cooler.
10. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes: an
insulating apron for covering items contained in said cooler.
11. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes: at
least one light mounted within said cooler.
12. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes: a
drain port; and a bottom surface of said cooler canted towards said
drain port.
13. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes:
about three inches of a lightweight material having an insulation
rating of at least R7 per inch.
14. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes: a
thermometer for monitoring the internal temperature of said
cooler.
15. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes: a
pocket formed of insulated material for holding dry ice; and an
elastic mechanism for compressing said pocket as said dry ice
evaporates.
16. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes: at
least one built in compartment that is externally accessible.
17. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes:
compartments for holding containers.
18. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said cooler further includes:
shelve compartments.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of portable
insulated cooler systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Portable coolers are widely used to store and transport
items in a chilled environment. These coolers are typically of a
"chest" design with thermally insulated plastic or Styrofoam walls,
tops and bottoms. Such coolers are generally effective for only a
relatively short period of time, particularly when exposed to
direct sunlight. Coolers of this type are used not only for
transport and storage of food items for recreational purposes but
also for such uses ranging from food vendors, construction industry
to medical transport of organs, blood, medicine and other critical
items. All of these uses and other uses would greatly benefit from
an insulated cooler system having greatly increased thermal
benefit.
[0003] Typical portable coolers presently are of a chest design
with a hinged upper lid or small soft sided bags. The insulation
material is normally polyurethane or polystyrene material, up to
two inches thick on the walls and one seven/eighths on the upper
lid. Basically, the coolers presently available are typically boxes
having one to two inches of insulation material. These coolers tend
to have a removable tray, handles and a drain port. The industry
standard color for at least the lids is white. These coolers tend
to be effective for only short periods of time depending on the
amount of time in direct sunlight and the outside ambient
temperature and the amount of coolant and or ice.
[0004] The soft bag coolers are typically flexible PVC lined bags
with a small amount of foam insulation. Also available are drink
holders that have a small amount of neoprene or foam insulation
into which a drink can be inserted.
[0005] There are more complex cooling systems, but these tend to be
expensive and difficult to transport and maintain.
[0006] There presently is a need for a cooler that has improved
thermal benefit to enable stored items to maintain their
temperature and still be affordable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides an affordable cooler system
that greatly increases the thermal benefit over existing coolers.
The cooler of a preferred embodiment of the present invention can
be produced in a variety of sizes and shapes for use not only for
recreational users but for such diverse markets as medical
transport, military, floral, fishing industry, military, catering,
recreational vehicles, boating, food delivery, tail-gating,
golfing, special events, sporting events and many other uses.
[0008] The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a
cooler having increased insulative properties by using thicker
sidewalls with insulation material having greater thermal
insulation ratings. In a preferred embodiment, the cooler includes
side walls having a three inch cavity filled with expanded foam
polyurethane have a rating of R7 or greater per inch.
[0009] Another feature provided in some preferred embodiments of
the present invention is the use of highly reflective vinyl
surfaces. In one preferred embodiment, the cooler uses vinyl
surfaces having a reflective rating of 85% UV or greater. The vinyl
surfaces may be applied onto the surfaces by adhesives.
[0010] Some preferred embodiments use unique "tooth" designs on the
upper surfaces of the side walls with a mating "tooth" on the lower
surface of the upper lid. This "tooth" design minimizes the leakage
of cold air from the interior of the cooler. In one preferred
embodiment, the tooth design provides four continuous points of
contact around the periphery of the cooler. Other embodiments
provide differing number and types of continuous points of
contact.
[0011] Compression mechanisms are also provided in some preferred
embodiments to compress the upper lid against the upper surfaces of
the side walls to further minimize the leakage of cold air from the
interior of the cooler. These compression mechanisms can include
the use of compression straps, along with cam operated buckles.
Another type of compression mechanism that can be used either alone
or in combination with the tooth design and/or the compression
straps include the use of buckles, snaps or other types of
fasteners that pull the upper lid into engagement with the upper
surfaces of the side walls.
[0012] Another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention includes an insulative apron formed of an insulated foam
material with or without a reflective surface and waterproof
lining. The insulative apron may include rounded or split corners
to enable it to be tucked around the contents of a cooler to trap
the cold air around those contents. Other features that the apron
may include are beveled edges, pockets for certain items, a
thermometer, and a fastener, such as hook and loop fasteners, to
enable it to be secured to the upper lid when not in use in order
to add insulation to the upper lid.
[0013] Dry ice pockets may be included in preferred embodiments of
the present invention for the convenient use of dry ice. These dry
ice pockets include an overlapping wrap bound by an elastic band to
maintain compression of the wrap around the dry ice as it
evaporates.
[0014] The cooler of a preferred embodiment may also use pour
bottles having a layer of insulation foam. Water or other liquids
may be pre-frozen in the pour bottles that are then used to chill
the cooler and for dispensing the liquid as needed.
[0015] Battery powered lights may also be mounted within the cooler
to enable their use in dark environments. Also, clips or hook and
loop fasteners similar those used with the apron may be
incorporated to enable flashlights to be clipped into the
cooler.
[0016] The cooler of a preferred embodiment may also include
externally accessible compartments and inserts such as a cutting
board to improve the convenience of the cooler. The cooler may also
include horizontal and vertical grooves for shelves and/or cooler
compartmentalization.
[0017] Other features that may be included in a cooler of the
present invention includes a large port drain with a screw cap, a
lower surface of the internal shell canted towards the drain port
to enable drainage without the necessity of tipping the cooler,
hand grips molded into the external shell, stainless steel hardware
for strength and durability, axle and wheels with a tow handle for
larger sizes, a soft plastic or aluminum tag with adhesive mounting
for identification purposes and other convenient features.
[0018] Other preferred embodiments of the present invention include
quick wraps usable with beverage packs, individual beverages and
for individual frozen or cold food items.
[0019] These and other features will be evident for the ensuing
detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments along with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the cooling system of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side cut-away view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
showing the lid and a portion of the upper surface of the lower
shell.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the compression strap of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of the compression strap of FIG.
3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of the buckle system of embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view a preferred embodiment of the
insulative apron of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the dry
ice pocket of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a side view of the dry ice pocket of FIG. 7.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
lighting system of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cut-away view of a preferred embodiment of the
shelves-compartmentalization of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the cutting board--compartments of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flat view of a quick-wrap cooler for use with
beverage packs.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a flat view of a quick-wrap for an individual
beverage bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. It is to be expressly understood that
the descriptive embodiments are provided herein for explanatory
purposes only and is not meant to unduly limit the claimed
inventions. The preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes an insulated cooling system for use in transporting and/or
storing items in a chilled environment. This preferred embodiment
can be in any variety of shapes and sizes as may be desired by a
user. It is also to be expressly understood that the claimed
inventions include not only various combinations of the features
discussed herein but may also include each feature individually in
separately claimed inventions not requiring the other disclosed
features.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, cooler 10 is
in the design of a chest. Cooler 10 includes a durable outer
surface including sides 12, 14, 16, 18, bottom 20 and upper lid 22.
One example of the material for the durable outer surface is three
millimeter thick ABS plastic, but other durable materials may be
used as well. Handles 24, 26 are formed in opposing sides 12, 16.
The handles 24, 26 are, in a preferred embodiment, molded into the
side surfaces 12, 16 of the cooler. In other embodiments, the
handles may be attached.
[0035] Upper lid 22, in this preferred embodiment, is pivotally
mounted to the rear surface 18 by living hinges, hinges, retaining
strips or other pivoting mechanisms. Alternatively, upper lid 22
can be separate from the sides of the chest altogether. The upper
lid may also include side grips to assist in opening the upper lid.
Latches 28, 30, discussed in greater detail below, secure the upper
lid to the chest. In the preferred embodiment, the hardware for the
cooler 10 are formed of a durable material, such as stainless
steel.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the cooler 10 includes a soft
durable tag, formed of soft aluminum, plastic or other materials.
The tag is either permanently affixed to the cooler, or includes an
adhesive surface to affix onto the cooler. The tag is able to be
permanently marked by a sharp object with markings, such as a name,
to permanently identify the owner of the cooler.
[0037] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 1, straps 32, 34 compress the upper lid against
the side walls to prevent cold air from leaking out of the cooler.
Cam buckles 36, 38 assist in the compression of the upper lid
against the side walls. A drain port 40 is formed in the lower
section of side wall 12 to periodically drain melted water from the
cooler. The drain port 40 may be closed with a screw cap, plug or
other type of enclosure.
[0038] Reflective surfaces 42 are secured to the side walls 12, 14,
16, 18 and upper lid 22. The reflective surfaces 42, in the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, are formed from a
highly light diffractive film, such as PRISMcal.RTM. or
GENaration.TM. films, manufactured by FLEXcon, Spencer, Mass. These
films were originally designed for decals. In the preferred
embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, these highly light-diffractive
films are effective at reflecting direct sunlight in order to
reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the cooler. These films
include surface diffraction gratings that split white light into a
rainbow of colors and add a colorful shine to the cooler. These
films are affixed to the surfaces of the cooler by adhesives. It is
to be expressly understood that other reflective surfaces may be
used as well in order to reduce the heat absorption by the cooler.
Preferably, the reflective surfaces have a eighty-five percent UV
(ultraviolet) reflective capacity or greater.
[0039] The cooler 10 also includes inner side walls 44 spaced from
the outer side walls 12, 14, 16, 18. In the preferred embodiment,
the inner side walls are spaced approximately three inches from the
outer side walls. The cavity formed from this spacing is filled
with high density urethane. This increased thickness and use of
high density urethane greatly improves the cooling retention and/or
thermal benefit of the cooler. The upper lid 22 is also filled with
high density urethane, preferably in a three inch cavity between
the inner and outer surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the
cavity is filled with a highly expansive, R7 per inch or greater
spray polyurethane insulation. It is to be understood that other
insulation materials may be used as well.
[0040] The inner bottom surface of the cooler 10, in the preferred
embodiment, is canted slightly downwardly toward the drain port 40.
The drain port 40 may include a plug to prevent leakage when not
desired. The canted bottom surface enables drainage of melted ice
without the necessity of tipping the cooler and upsetting the
contents.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
cooler 10 includes a unique sealing mechanism to minimize the
leakage of cold air from the cooler. As shown in a cross-section
view of the cooler 10 in FIG. 2, the upper surfaces 50 of the side
walls 12, 14, 16, 18 of the cooler 10 include an engaging seal
member 52. In this preferred embodiment, the engaging seal member
52 includes a first angular surface 56 extending upwardly at an
angle from the outer lip 54. An upper ridge surface 58 extends
parallel to the lip portion 54 and connected between first surface
56 and second angular surface 60 extending downwardly at an angle
to form a "tooth" member. The second angular surface 60 ends in a
substantially "v" shaped groove 62. An inner lip portion 64 extends
from the groove 62.
[0042] The upper lid 22 includes an opposing sealing member 70 that
includes corresponding lip portion 72, inwardly extending angular
first surface 74, a recess surface 76, a downwardly extending
angular surface 78, and a substantially "v" shaped tooth 80. These
features engage in a mating relationship with seal member 50 of the
upper surfaces 50 of the side walls of the cooler. This engagement
minimizes the escape of cold air from inside the cooler 10 to the
outside. This greatly improves the thermal benefit of the cooler
10.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the seal member 52 of the side
walls and the opposing seal member 70 engage in at least four
points of contact around the entire circumference of the cooler. It
is to be expressly understood that the seal members 52, 70 can be
designed in other embodiments with more or less points of contact.
This feature is designed to increase the sealing capability beyond
the use of flat or minimally engaging surfaces. Other embodiments
are also included in the present invention. For example, a rubber
seal, gasket or other types of seals could be used as well between
the upper lid and the side walls of the cooler.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
cooler 10 includes compression straps 32, 34. The compression
straps may be affixed directly onto the cooler 10, inserted in
grooves formed on and/or in the outer surfaces of the cooler, or
simply secured around the cooler. The compressions straps, in a
preferred embodiment are formed of nylon but may include other
materials as well. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the compression
straps 32, 34 include cam buckles 36, 38. It is to be understood
that other types of fasteners for the straps may be used as well.
These cam buckles 36, 38 provide a mechanical advantage to enable
the straps 32, 34 to be secured tightly to further force the upper
lid 22 against the side walls of the cooler 10. These straps are
usable particularly with the seal members 52, 72 as discussed
above, but may be used with non-sealing coolers. The straps 32, 34
and buckles 36, 38 also securely lock the upper lid to prevent
accidentally opening and/or spillage of the contents of the
cooler.
[0045] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cooler 10
also may include buckles 28, 30. These buckles, as shown in greater
detail in FIG. 5, are secured to the front panel 14 and upper lid
22 of the cooler 10. The clasp 80 of the buckles 28, 30 engage over
catch members 82. The rotation of member 84 downward locks the
upper lid into compressed engagement with the upper surfaces of the
side walls. Preferably, the buckles 28, 30 are recessed into the
front panel and upper lid 22 of the cooler. It is to be expressly
understood that these buckles can be used with or without the
compression straps and with or without the use of seal members 52,
70. Other types of fasteners may be used as well, such as snaps,
straps, clamps, etc.
[0046] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
cooler 10 also includes an insulated apron 90. Apron 90 is formed
from one-half inch thick EVA foam in this embodiment, although
other insulative materials and sizes may be used as well.
Preferably, although not essential, a reflective surface may be
applied onto one surface of the apron. Also, the apron 90 should,
in the preferred embodiment be waterproof to protect against ice,
melted ice and other liquids. The apron 90 is of slightly larger
dimensions than the inner dimensions of the cooler 10. Preferably,
the upper edges 92 of the apron are beveled, as shown in FIG. 2.
The beveled edges 92 engage against the angled tooth 82 of the seal
member 70 of the upper lid. Apron 90 also includes hook and loop
securing fabric 94 on its upper surface for engagement with the
upper lid 22. In the preferred embodiment, the apron 90 also
includes pockets 96 for insertion of a thermometer, ice, dry ice,
utensils, and other items. Handles may also be formed on the apron
90 as well. In other embodiments of the apron 90, the apron may be
formed of vinyl, polyester, plastic or other materials. The apron
may also include doubled or weighted edges to enable the apron to
be tucked around the contents more efficiently. Also, as shown in
FIG. 6, the apron may include rounded edges having a slit 98 to
allow overlap of the corner edges to enhance tucking the apron
around the cooler contents. The apron can be pushed down against
the cooler contents and fit tightly against the internal sidewalls
of the cooler to capture the cold air against the contents. When
not in use, the apron 90 may be attached to the underside of the
upper lid 22 by the hook and loop fasteners to increase
insulation.
[0047] The cooler may also include a plastic encased thermometer to
ensure the proper temperature of the cooler. This thermometer may
be left loose in the cooler, tucked into a pocket in the apron or
stored in a compartment formed inside the cooler.
[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the cooler 10 includes dry ice
pockets 120, shown in FIG. 7. These dry ice pockets may be formed
in the inner surface of the cooler 10, formed in the apron 90 or
created as a separate item. The dry ice pockets 120 include an
outer elastic band 122 that pulls outer flap of the pocket over the
inner pocket. As the dry ice inside the pocket 120 evaporates, the
elastic band 122 pulls the outer flap to form a smaller pocket. The
pocket 120 may include side pleats 124 as shown in FIG. 8 that
further enhances the compression of the pocket 120. This
compression minimizes the evaporation of the dry ice thus improving
the cooling life of the dry ice. The pocket may also include a
reflective surface as well to reduce the evaporation of the dry
ice.
[0049] The cooler 10 also includes, in a preferred embodiment, pour
bottles with a layer of insulating foam around for the bottle. This
allows the bottles and their contents to be pre-frozen as an
internal coolant for the cooler as well as for drinking water.
[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the cooler 10 of the
present invention includes one or more battery powered, switch
operated lights, such as lights 100, 102, 104, 106 shown in FIG. 9.
These lights enable access into the cooler 10 even in dark
environments. In an alternative embodiment, the cooler 10 includes
clips or hook and loop fasteners into which small flashlights be
held.
[0051] Cooler 10, in another preferred embodiment, includes grooves
formed horizontally and/or vertically in the inner surfaces of the
cooler 10. Shelves can be inserted into the horizontal grooves
while separators can inserted in the vertical grooves. This
provides compartment separation for the cooler to isolate the
contents. The cooler may also include tubs, trays, racks or other
structures that can be held in the grooves.
[0052] Cooler 10 may also include an axle and wheels permanently
affixed to the bottom surface of the cooler or grooves that enable
an axle and wheels to be snapped onto as needed. The cooler 10 may
also include a pull-out handle or strap to tow the cooler.
[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the cooler 10 includes a
built-in cutting board insert 120 as shown in FIG. 10 on the upper
lid 22. The upper lid 22 may also include a built in compartment
126 having an upper lid 128. The compartment 126 is useful for
storing utensils, paper goods and other items that do not need to
be a chilled environment. The compartment can be accessed
externally without opening the internal contents of the cooler.
[0054] Another alternative preferred embodiment is illustrated in
FIG. 12. This cooler is intended for use as an individual cold
purchased drink wrap. The drink wrap cooler 200 is formed of a
flexible foam insulation material, such as expanded foam, neoprene,
etc. This drink wrap cooler includes a reflective surface, such as
discussed above, on the external side of the cooler. Edge surfaces
202 include a strip of adhesive tape with a removable protective
paper edge. Fold lines 210 may be perforated. The size and shape of
the cooler is variable to accommodate typical six-pack sizes of
beverage cans or bottles, twelve-pack sizes, single serving sizes
of cans or bottles, etc. The rectangular, six-pack size is
illustrated in FIG. 12, but the claimed invention is not intended
to be limited to this particular size and shape.
[0055] In use, the beverage pack is placed in the middle of the
cooler wrap 200. Short edge is folded up around the top of the pack
within one long edge folded to meet over the top. The adhesive
strip 202 is used to connect the two edges and seal the corners at
the same time. This is repeated for each side and edge until all
four edges are taped together. The handle 212 will meet tightly
across the middle top of the pack and is inserted through handle
holes 214, 216. In smaller sizes, the cooler 200 will use adhesive
strips above and below the opening of the handle 204 to attach to
each other. In the larger sizes, one flap will fold over the
existing pack handle using an adhesive strip to secure it in place
and another adhesive strip along the edge to secure the remaining
corner.
[0056] Other embodiments of the wrap cooler include eliminating the
handles. The edges completely fold over the top with an adhesive
strip on one flat situated on the top to enclose the cooler around
the beverage. The wrap cooler can also include fitted and precut
holes for beverage box handles. Another embodiment uses pre-made
cooler wraps with pre-adhered, stitched or hook and loop fasteners
on the edges as a slip-on cover. Another embodiment uses hook and
loop fasteners in lieu of the adhesive strips. Advertising may also
be applied to the external surfaces and flaps of the wrap
coolers.
[0057] Another embodiment of the wrap cooler is illustrated in FIG.
13. The wrap cooler 300 is intended for use with single cylindrical
containers, such as a wine bottle. The wrap cooler 300, formed of
materials as discussed above, includes slits 320, 322, 324 cut into
the bottom of the wrap cooler at intervals 302, 304, 306, 308. One
section 308 includes an adhesive tab 310 (or hook and loop
fasteners) as well as tabs 312, 314 along the length of the cooler
and tabs 316, 318 at the ends of the pull around wraps at the top
of the wrap cooler. The bottle is placed in the middle so the
bottom of the bottle is at the top of the slits. Each slit is
folded over the bottom of the bottle. The two middle tabs 312, 314
are secured around the bottle. The top arms 326, 328 are wrapped
around the bottle and secured. An alternative embodiment simply
engages about substantially the entire outer surface of a bottle or
box with an elastic fit to account for handles, or other features
on the bottle or box.
[0058] Individual wrap coolers, in another preferred embodiment,
are also designed for use with frozen or cold food, such as ice
cream, Popsicles, etc. Pockets may be created to wrap such
items.
[0059] It is to be expressly understood that the descriptive
embodiments are provided for explanatory purposes and are not meant
to limit the claimed inventions. Also, the claimed inventions may
include one or more of the descriptive features and their
equivalent structures either singly or in various combinations of
one another.
* * * * *