U.S. patent application number 11/326576 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for shopping cooler.
Invention is credited to Karen Rachel Beber Futernick.
Application Number | 20070295735 11/326576 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33564650 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070295735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Futernick; Karen Rachel
Beber |
December 27, 2007 |
Shopping cooler
Abstract
A stackable cooler includes a first container member comprising
a bottom and sides enclosing a container space and configured for
insulating the container space. The first container member defines
an opening dimensioned for removably and insulatingly receiving
products into the container space. At least one first hook is
supportively associated with the first container member for hooking
to a support structure with the container member hanging therefrom.
The first hook and first container member are configured for
placing the stackable cooler in a nested association with second
and third stackable coolers that are of similar construction to the
stackable cooler and has second and third container members and
hooks, respectively. In the nested association the first container
member is nested through a second opening in the second container
space of the second container member and nestingly receives the
third container member through the first opening in the first
container space of the first container member.
Inventors: |
Futernick; Karen Rachel Beber;
(Key Biscayne, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP;PATENT DEPARTMENT
1700 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
33564650 |
Appl. No.: |
11/326576 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US04/21856 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
11326576 |
Jan 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
10615872 |
Jul 10, 2003 |
|
|
|
PCT/US04/21856 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/22 20130101;
B65D 21/0233 20130101; B65D 81/3813 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/592.26 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20060101
F25D003/08 |
Claims
1. A stackable cooler, comprising: a first container member
comprising a bottom and sides enclosing a container space and
configured for insulating the container space, the first container
member defining an opening dimensioned for removably and
insulatingly receiving products into the container space; and at
least one first hook supportively associated with the first
container member for hooking to a support structure with the
container member hanging therefrom; wherein the first hook and
first container member are configured for placing said stackable
cooler in a nested association with second and third stackable
coolers that are of similar construction to said first stackable
cooler and that have second and third container members and hooks,
respectively, wherein in the nested association the first container
member is nested through a second opening in the second container
space of the second container member and nestingly receives the
third container member through the first opening in the first
container space of the first container member.
2. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the bottom is
configured and dimensioned for reception within the opening and
container space of the second container member.
3. The stackable cooler of claim 1, further comprising a stop
member extending radially with respect to the first container
opening for limiting the reception into the second container member
when placed in the nested association.
4. The stackable cooler of claim 3, wherein the first container
member is tapered between an upper portion axially adjacent the
opening and the bottom, such that the bottom is narrower than the
upper portion, the stop member comprising the upper portion.
5. The stackable cooler of claim 3, wherein the stop member
comprises a stop ledge for abutting the second container member to
limit the reception therein in the nested association.
6. The stackable cooler of claim 3, wherein the first container
member has an axial height measured from the opening to the bottom
measured at the outside of the first container member, at least
about one third of the axial height being receivable in the second
container member in the nested association.
7. The stackable cooler of claim 6, wherein at least one half of
the axial height is receivable in the second container member in
the nested association.
8. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the first hook is
configured for hooking to a shopping cart.
9. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the first hook extends
axially above the opening in a direction opposite the bottom.
10. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the first hook has a
hooked end opposite from the first container member, the first hook
being configured such that in the nested association the hooked end
is disposed above the second hook of the second container member in
the nested association.
11. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises
a space to receive the hook of the third cooler in the nested
association.
12. The stackable cooler of claim 1, further comprising a lid
associated with the first container member for movement between: a
closed position for closing the opening and substantially blocking
airflow there through; and an open position for uncovering the
opening and in which the lid is configured and positioned for
avoiding interference with the third cooler in the nested
association.
13. The stackable cooler of claim 12, wherein the lid comprises a
flexible flap.
14. The stackable cooler of claim 12, further comprising a lid that
is pivotally and detachably associated with the container
member.
15. The stackable cooler of claim 14, further comprising a hinge
that is configured for pivotally and detachably associating the lid
with the container member.
16. The stackable cooler of claim 1, the container space is sized
to contain at least one and up to four pint containers of ice
cream.
17. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
bottom and sides comprises a double wall for insulating the
container space, and the sides comprise a first wall portion and a
second wall portion, the first wall portion having a first viewable
appearance and being detachably connected with the second wall
portion for enclosing the container space such that the first wall
portion can be replaced with another first wall portion that has a
different viewable appearance.
18. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the side walls
comprise at least a double walled portion having inner and outer
walls defining an opening for receiving a sheet therebetween, the
outer wall being translucent or transparent for viewing the sheet
between the inner and outer walls.
19. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
sides has a translucent or transparent portion for viewing the
contents of the container space.
20. A set of coolers, comprising the first, second, and third
coolers of claim 1.
21. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the hook is of unitary
construction with the container member.
22. The stackable cooler of claim 1, wherein the hook is disposed
along a lateral side of the container member that has a horizontal
width, the hook having a horizontal width that is at least about
25% as wide as the lateral length of said side along which the hook
is disposed.
23. A cooler, comprising a container comprising a bottom and sides
that enclose a container space, the container being configured for
insulating the container space and defining an opening dimensioned
for removably and insulatingly receiving products into the
container space, the container comprising first and second wall
portions that are connected and enclosing the container space,
wherein a first wall portion is attached to a second wall portion
and is at least partially separable therefrom for changing the
appearance of the container.
24. The cooler of claim 23, wherein the first wall portion is
removably separable from the second wall portion.
25. The cooler of claim 23, wherein the connected first and second
wall portions comprise an insulating double wall around the
container space.
26. The cooler of claim 25, wherein the first wall portion
comprises an outer wall, and the second wall portion comprises an
inner wall disposed within the outer wall with the first and second
wall portions connected.
27. The cooler of claim 23, wherein the first wall portion
comprises at least a portion of the side walls and is detachable
from the second wall portion for exposing an opening to the
container space.
28. The cooler of claim 23, wherein the first wall portion is
replaceable with another wall portion to be connected with the
second wall portion, wherein the other wall portion has a different
appearance than the first wall portion.
29. The cooler of claim 23, wherein the first wall portion
comprises an advertisement viewable from outside the container
space.
30. The cooler of claim 23, wherein the first wall portion is
hingedly associated with the second wall portion for pivoting
between a first position adjacent the second wall portion and a
second position at least partially separated therefrom to provide
access to an interwall portion disposed between the first and
second wall portions.
31. The cooler of claim 23, further comprising: at least one first
hook supportively associated with the container for hooking to a
support structure with the container hanging therefrom; wherein the
hook and container are configured for placing the cooler in a
nested association with additional coolers of similar construction
with said container nested through an opening and in the container
space of one of the additional coolers and said container nestingly
receiving the container of another of the additional coolers
through said opening and in said container space.
32. A stackable cooler, comprising: a first container member
comprising a bottom and sides enclosing a container space and
configured for insulating the container space, the first container
member defining an opening dimensioned for removably and
insulatingly receiving products into the container space; and at
least one first hook supportively of unitary construction with the
container member for hooking to a support structure with the
container member hanging therefrom.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of international
patent application PCT/US04/21856, filed Jul. 9, 2004, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/615,872, filed Jul. 10, 2003, the entire content of which
applications is expressly incorporated herein by reference
thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a stackable cooler, and
more particularly to a stackable cooler for thermal isolation of
frozen and refrigerated food items for use with a grocery cart.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Shopping for groceries, including frozen and refrigerated
foods, is a time-consuming task. Refrigerated items removed from a
grocer's refrigerators will immediately begin to warm due to the
higher ambient temperature. The longer a refrigerated item is
exposed to warm air, the more heat it will absorb, and the warming,
thawing, and melting of refrigerated products can be accelerated
when ambient temperatures are high, such as in warm climates and
especially during summer months. Thawing or heating of refrigerated
items can lead to spoilage of the item's contents and possibly
spilled contents. Due to time constraints or the layout of the
supermarket, shoppers often must collect refrigerated items long
before checkout, with the potential of extended exposure to ambient
air. Thermal isolation of the refrigerated items will maintain the
items intended lower temperature. A temporary portable cooler that
can accompany the shopper can thermally isolate selected items and
maintain their intended temperatures.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,361 discloses a cooler for retaining
food items in a refrigerated condition within a grocery cart. The
insulated grocery cart cooler comprises a flexible insulated
container with a flexible top web, flexible bottom webs and
flexible side webs that are parallel. Pocket webs are coupled to
the interior surface of the side webs for each to receive a gel
pack of flexible construction containing a freezable gel.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,943 discloses a container for carrying
grocery bags in automobiles. The container and removable basket are
large enough to contain two standard grocery bags standing upright
next to each other along with cooler packs when it is closed.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,359 discloses a bicycle cooler that is
mountable to the head and handlebar intersection of a conventional
bicycle. A heavy-duty insulated cooler has an attachment assembly
with a pair of arm supports and a foot support to mate with a
portion of the bicycle.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for a stackable cooler that can
be easily transported through a supermarket, such as by a shopping
cart, that will thermally isolate and minimize the rate at which
frozen and refrigerated items increase in temperature.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a portable cooler, such as
for use within a grocery store or a food retailer establishment. A
preferred embodiment of a first stackable cooler has a container
member with a bottom and sides that are configured for enclosing
and insulating a container space, which is preferably sized to
contain at least one and up to four pint containers of ice cream.
The container defines an opening dimensioned for removably and
insulatingly receiving products into the container space. One or
more hooks are supportively associated with the container member
for hooking to a support structure, such as a cart, with the
container member hanging therefrom. The hook and container member
are configured for placing the stackable cooler in a nested
association with a second and third coolers that are of similar
construction to the first stackable cooler, having container
members and hooks.
[0009] The hooks and container member of the first cooler are
configured for placing this cooler in a stacked and nested
association with the second and third coolers. In the nested
association, the container member of the first cooler is nested
through the opening to the container space of the second cooler,
while nestingly receiving the container member of the third cooler
through the opening to the container space of the first container
member. When nested, the bottom of the first cooler container
member is preferably received within the opening and container
space of the second container member.
[0010] A stop member preferably extends radially from the first
cooler container opening for limiting the reception into the second
container member when placed in the nested association. The
container members are preferably tapered, narrowing from top to
bottom between an upper portion axially near the opening and the
bottom. The stop member can comprise the upper portion or can have
a stop ledge for abutting the second cooler container member.
[0011] The first cooler container member of the preferred
embodiment has an axial height measured from the opening to the
bottom at the outside of the container member. At least about one
third of this axial height of the first cooler is preferably
received in the second cooler container member in the nested
association. More preferably, at least about one half of this axial
height is received therein.
[0012] The hook or hooks of the preferred first cooler extend
axially above the opening in a direction opposite from the bottom.
The hooks of this embodiment have a hooked end disposed opposite or
distally from the first container member, and can be configured
such that in the nested association the hooked end of the first
cooler is disposed above the hook of the second cooler. The opening
can have a space to receive at least a portion of the hook of the
third cooler in the nested association. The hooks can be attached
to the container member or can be of unitary construction with the
container member or a wall or portion of a wall thereof, which
preferably encloses the container space or a space between inner
and outer walls. The portion of the wall is preferably at least
about a quarter of the wall area or a major portion thereof.
[0013] A lid is preferably associated with the container member for
movement between a closed position and an open position. In the
closed position, the lid substantially closes the opening and
substantially blocks airflow therethrough. In the open position,
the lid uncovers the opening, the lid being configured and
positioned for avoiding interference with the second and third
cooler in the nested association. The preferred lid comprises a
flexible flap. A hinge can be provided, for example, to pivotally
and detachably associate the lid with the container member.
[0014] In one preferred embodiment, at least one of the bottom and
sides has a double wall for insulating the container space. The
sides can have a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The
first wall portion can have a first viewable appearance and can be
detachably connected with the second wall portion for enclosing the
container space. In this manner, the first wall portion can be
replaced with another first wall portion that has a different
viewable appearance.
[0015] In another embodiment, the cooler has at least one side wall
outer portion that is hingedly connected to the remaining portions
of the container member which can allow a user to change the
outward appearance of the container member.
[0016] In an embodiment in which the side walls have at least a
double-walled portion with inner and outer walls, an opening for
receiving a sheet can be defined between the inner and outer walls
therebetween, such as in a pocket. The outer wall can be
translucent or transparent for viewing the sheet therein. Also, the
sides can be mode with a translucent or transparent portion for
viewing the contents of the container space.
[0017] The container space can have a first wall portion that is at
least partially separable from a second wall portion and
replaceable to change the appearance of the container. The
connected first and second wall portions can form an insulating
double wall around the container space. In one embodiment, the
first wall portion includes an outer wall, and the second wall
portion includes an inner wall disposed within the outer wall where
the first and second wall portions are connected. In one
embodiment, the first wall portion includes at least a portion of
the side walls and can be made detachable from the second wall
portion to expose an opening to the container space. The first wall
portion connected with the second wall portion can optionally be
replaceable with another wall portion. Advantageously, the other
wall portion that replaces the first wall portion can have a
different appearance than the first wall portion. The appearance
can include, for instance, an advertisement viewable from outside
the container space with the lid closed.
[0018] The invention thus provides a container that, in a preferred
embodiment, can be conveniently provided in a stack near a
refrigerated aisle in a supermarket and used by consumers to keep
their products cool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of stacked coolers constructed according to the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view thereof in stacked and
nested association;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the cooler;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an inner container
member thereof;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an outer container
member thereof;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an inside perspective view of a removable wall of
another embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a container
member for attachment with the wall of FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a cooler
constructed according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a cooler with a hinged portion of a container wall;
[0028] FIGS. 10 and 11 are top and side views, respectively, of
another embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment, showing
the assembly of the lid; and
[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of
stacked coolers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a stackable
cooler 50 includes a first container member 51 with walls that
enclose a container space 57. The container member 51 and container
space 57 are preferably configured for thermally insulating any
products contained therein. The walls of the container member 51
include a bottom 52 and sides 53-56, which cooperatively enclose
the container space 57. The container member 51 also defines a
first opening 61 leading to the container space 57. The opening 61
of the embodiment shown is dimensioned for removably receiving the
products, as well as for removably receiving other coolers in the
container space 61, as described below.
[0032] In this embodiment, the bottom 52 is generally rectangular
and the sides 53-56 are generally rectilinear, preferably
trapezoidal. The sides 53-56 are tapered in width from top to
bottom and also inwardly with respect to the container space 57.
The taper of the container member 51 is selected to allow the
cooler 50 to be nested with other coolers of similar configuration.
Thus, bottom 52 is preferably smaller in planform than the first
opening 61 to allow passage of the bottom 52 and a portion of the
tapered sides 53-56 through the opening 61 of another similarly
dimensioned container member, such as of container members 81,101.
Alternative container members and their walls can have other
suitable shapes, including square, conical, oval, and round shapes,
and the taper of the container member can alternatively have a
constant taper, as in FIG. 1, or other nestable taper
configurations, including a varying smooth or stepped taper of
varying horizontal cross-section.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the first cooler 50 is in a stacked and
nested association with second and third coolers 100,80. The first
container member 51 is configured and dimensioned for reception
within second opening 86 and container space, preferably with the
bottom 52 and at least a portion of the sides 53-56 of the first
container member 51 received therein. In the nested association,
the first container member 51 can also nestingly receive a third
container member 101 through the opening 61 and in the first
container space 57. Additional coolers can be nested within the
upper most cooler 100 through opening 161 in nested and stacked
association. Cooler 80 can also be nested below into an additional
cooler through the opening of the additional cooler.
[0034] The preferred taper of the container member 51 to allow the
nesting extends between an upper portion 30 axially adjacent to the
opening 61 and the bottom 52, such that the bottom 52 is narrower
than the upper portion 30. The tapered sides 53-56 can have a
generally smooth and continuous taper or can be stepped to provide
for the nested reception of one container portion in another. In
the embodiment of FIG. 2, the sides 53-56 and the bottom 52 are
disposed preferably at an angle .alpha. that is greater than about
90.degree., more preferably greater than about 95.degree., and most
preferably greater than about 100.degree.. Angle .alpha. is
preferably less than about 150.degree., more preferably less than
about 120.degree., still more preferably less than about
110.degree.. In a preferred embodiment, angle .alpha. is about
between 100.degree. and 105.degree..
[0035] Bottom 52 and sides 53-56 are preferably constructed from a
material and with a configuration to provide sufficient strength
and rigidity to substantially maintain their shape during nesting
and also when hung and full of products. Preferably bottom 52 and
sides 53-56 are configured to provide the container member 51 as a
substantially rigid structure to prevent its collapsing. Suitable
materials for the container member 51 include high-density
polyethylene and polystyrene. The material can be opaque or
alternatively translucent or transparent. In one embodiment, the
material of construction is translucent or transparent at least in
areas selected to allow viewing of the contents in the container
space 57. One preferred container member 51 has unitarily formed,
single-walled sides 53-56 and bottom 52, while other embodiments
have sides 53-56 and bottom 52 that are double walled, such as to
improve insulation of the container space 57.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, the stackable cooler 50 can
include hanging members for attaching the container member 51 to a
support structure, such as a shopping cart, so that the container
member 51 hangs therefrom. Preferably, hanging members include
hooks 58,59 that are preferably associated with the container
member 51, for hooking to the support structure. The hooks 58,59
can be affixed to the container member 51, preferably to one of the
sides 53-56, such as by adhesives or fasteners 66. Hooks 58,59 are
preferably connected to one of the longer sides 54,56, but can be
connected to one or more of the short sides 53,55 and/or long sides
54,56. In the embodiment shown, the hooks 58,59 are attached to one
of the sides 53-56 in pairs evenly spaced along one of the sides
53-56. Preferably the hooks 58,59 are made of a resilient metal,
such as stainless steel, but can additionally or alternatively be
made of other materials suitable for securely hanging the container
member 51 to a support structure, such as a hard plastic. Hooks
58,59 can be coated to increase friction or prevent scratching, and
some of the preferable coatings include vinyl or rubber.
[0037] The hooks 58,59 in the preferred embodiment have a first
terminus portion 68 configured to hook to the grating structure of
a shopping cart. The terminus portion 68 is thus preferably located
distally from the container member 51. The hooks 58,59 also have a
second terminus portion 88 that is located proximally to the
container member 51, preferably attached thereto, but which may be
of unitary construction therewith. The first terminus portion 68
preferably points generally downward. The first and the second
terminus portions 68,88 cooperatively define an opening 5
therebetween and are connected by an intermediate portion 60 that
is preferably curved. The opening 5 is dimensioned for receiving a
portion of the support structure, such as a bar of the shopping
cart, so that the intermediate hook portion 60 can support a full
cooler member 51 hanging therefrom.
[0038] The hooks 58,59 extend vertically above the opening 61 of
the container member 51 in a direction opposite from the bottom 52.
In the nested association, the uppermost portions of hooks 58,59
and the first terminus portion 68 thereof are disposed at a
sufficient height to clear or prevent interference with the hooked
end of terminus portion 68 of the cooler 80 nested below. The hooks
58,59 preferably extend above the container opening by less than
about the height of the container members, and preferably by less
than about half the height of the container member. The hooks 58,59
and/or the container members preferably have nesting features, such
as concavities 62 to nestingly receive portions of the hooks 58,59,
such as the bases thereof at the second terminus portion 88. Other
parts of the hooks, such as the first termini, may be nestingly
associated with each other or with other parts of the coolers.
[0039] In other embodiments, the coolers are stacked with differing
or alternating hook orientations for each subsequently stacked
cooler. In this arrangement, the first set of hooks faces one
direction and the subsequent set of hooks faces another direction
or even the opposite direction, while allowing the coolers to nest
substantially horizontally.
[0040] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5, container member 70
has an inner container wall member 71 and an outer container wall
member 72 joined at connecting surfaces 74 and 75. The inner and
outer wall members 71,72 can be abutting, but preferably define an
interwall space 73 therebetween. The space 73 can allow for greater
insulating properties by trapping a layer of gas, such as air,
between the container space 57 and the exterior of the container
member 70. The space 73 can be filled with insulating materials,
such as polyurethane foam or argon, to enhance the insulating
properties of the container member 70. The inner and outer wall
members 71,72 of this embodiment can include connectors, such as a
series of pegs 76 and holes 77 positioned along respective
connecting surfaces 74,75, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The
connectors can be configured for releasably or permanently holding
the wall members 72,71 together, and are sufficiently strong to
remain attached with the container space 57 full.
[0041] In an embodiment with separable container wall members
71,72, the appearance of the cooler 70 can be altered by exchanging
one of the wall members with another wall member of a different
appearance. Preferably, the outer wall member 72 is exchanged with
a similarly configured outer wall member that has a different outer
appearance. This interchangeability can allow for changing and
replacing advertisements or logos on the outer container wall 72.
The preferred container walls 71,72 are each formed with four sides
and a bottom of unitary construction, but can be assembled from
different pieces and in different shapes. Preferably, the sides,
bottom, and portions thereof are associated to limit or
substantially prevent airflow into and out of the container
space.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, a first outer container wall
member with three sides can be formed unitarily with each other and
with the bottom. A second outer container wall member with one side
can be formed that is removable and replaceable from the first
outer container wall member for changing the viewable appearance of
the container member. The container can have fasteners or other
connecting members positioned along mutual connecting surfaces
between the first and second outer wall members for fastening the
first and second outer wall members with the inner wall members. In
other embodiments, any combination of portions of the wall members
can be made removable from the remaining portion of the container
member. For example, a container member can be formed with both
long container sides formed integrally with the bottom, while the
short container sides are removable or at least partially separable
therefrom.
[0043] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, container
member 28 comprises a removable side 31. The removable side 31 can
include an inner wall member 32 and an outer wall member 33 that
can define a space 34. The side 31 can be attached to the container
member 28 by connecting members such as pegs 35 and holes 36 or
fasteners located on the mutual contact area 39 between side 31 and
container member 28. In this embodiment, the hooks 58,59 are
preferably located on an opposite side of the container member 28
from the removable side 31, although they can be on any portion of
the cooler in alternative embodiments.
[0044] The preferred removable side 31 can comprise a transparent
or translucent outer wall 33 to allow viewing of an outer facing
surface of the inner wall 32 or the contents of the interwall space
34. The removable side 31 can be exchanged for similarly configured
sides with a different viewable appearance. As shown in FIG. 6,
side 31 can comprise a sheet 41 that can be placed between the
inner 32 and outer wall 33. The sheet can display advertisements or
logos and is preferably viewable from the outside of container
member 28. This arrangement can allow the grocer to display
advertisements, specials, services and upcoming events. The sheet
41 can be substantially the same size or smaller than the side 31.
Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the removed portion of
the sidewall reveals a side opening to the container space, which
is covered when the removed portion is replaced with the same or
another portion.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a hinged portion 44 of
the outer wall of container member 29 is hingedly connected to the
container member 29 by hinge 43 to allow a user to gain access to
an interwall space 45 between the inner wall and outer wall. The
hinged portion 44 is preferably kept shut by clasp 42 or other
suitable member. Suitable hinges 43 include, for example, pinned
hinges and living hinges, or other types. The hinged portion 44 is
shown as a part of one of the side walls, but may alternatively be
another part of the container member 29. An alternative hinged
portion may include a portion extending along more than one side or
may comprise an entire side with the hinge disposed at a corner of
the container portion, between side walls. Preferably, the hinged
portion 44 opens to reveal the region between the inner and outer
container walls, facilitating replacement of a sheet therein that
can be seen from the outside of the container member 27, such as
through a window in the hinged portion. The inserted sheet can
preferably be slid into the interwall space in an area beyond that
facing the hinged portion 44. This embodiment has hooks 58,
although some embodiments of the invention can be made without
hooks or with removable hooks
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 2, the container member 51
preferably includes a stop member 99 to limit the reception of one
cooler into the next in the nested association. The stop member 99
preferably extends radially with respect to the first container
opening 61 for limiting the reception of the first container member
51 into the second container member 81 when placed in the nesting
association. The stop member 99 of this embodiment has a lower face
21 that abuts an upper face 22 of the lower container member 81.
The stop member 99 preferably extends and protrudes from at least
one of the sides 53-56. Preferably, a pair of stop members 99 is
located on each of the lateral sides 53,55 of the container member
51, which are preferably shorter than the front and back sides
54,56 thereof, and are evenly spaced along the width of the sides
53,55. The preferred height of the stop member 99 is selected so
that about one half or less of an axial height 19 of the container
51 protrudes above the adjacent container 81 in which it is nested,
as shown in FIG. 2. More preferably the height of the stop member
99 is selected so that about one third or less of the axial height
19 protrudes above the adjacent container 81, more preferably less
than about one fourth or less of the axial height 19 protrudes, and
most preferably less than about one eighth and more than about one
tenth of the container member 51 protrudes above the adjacent
container member 81 in which it is nested. In other embodiments,
stop members 99 are disposed singularly or multiply on all four
sides 53-56. Shorter or taller stop members 99 may be used
depending upon the desired stacking association. Alternatively, the
stop member 99 can circumscribe the container opening 61. In other
embodiments the stop member can comprise a circumferential lip or
edge capable of abutting a portion of the upper face 22 of a
vertically inferior adjacent container. In the embodiment of FIG.
6, the stop member 84 comprises a portion of the outer wall of the
container member that is larger than the container opening to stop
insertion therein. Preferably, however, the stop member is
configured to reduce or substantially prevent jamming of the
container member in an adjacent container member in which it is
nestingly received.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper portions 30 of the container
members 81,51 have handle portions 24,26, respectively, for
assisting a user to grasp and handle the cooler 50. Handle portions
24,26 can be formed as recesses in the upper portion 30 of
container member 51, as recesses in the upper portion 30 of
container member 81, or as protrusions that are preferably formed
on opposite sides of the container member and centered upon each
short side 53,55. The handle portions 24,26 preferably are
laterally accessible by a user from the lateral sides 53,55 while
the coolers 80,50,100 are in the nested association. In alternative
embodiments, handle portions 24,26 can be formed on the longer
sides 56,54.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, side wall 25 has a lateral face 23 from
which a lifting lip 18 extends, which is configured as a handle
portion for assisting a user to grasp and handle the cooler 50.
Lifting lip 18 is preferably formed as a continuous lip
circumscribing the opening 61. Lip 18 can alternatively be formed
as a discontinuous protrusion extending radially outward at
preselected locations, and preferably proximal to the upper face 22
of the lateral face 23.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 2, the container space 57 is
preferably sized and configured to hold supermarket refrigerated
products. Preferably, the container space 57 is configured and
dimensioned to hold between one pint-size ice cream container and
four quart-size ice cream containers. Preferably, between two and
four pint-size or between one and two quart-size ice cream
containers can be contained therein with the lid closed. In one
embodiment, the container space 57 can hold one or two six-packs of
beer cans, such as 12 or 16 oz cans. The container member 51 is
preferably between about 5 and 10 inches high and is preferably
between about 4 and 9 inches deep in a vertical, axial direction.
The base is preferably between about 6 to 9 inches in length and
between about 5 and 8 inches wide. Larger and smaller embodiments
are possible depending upon the intended use. Other sizes can be
configured to hold at least one and up to four one-half gallon
containers of ice cream.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred stackable cooler 50 has a
lid 8 associated with the container member 51 for movement between
a closed position and an open position. For clarity, the lids 8 of
the nested coolers are not shown in FIG. 2. The lid 8 of each
cooler can comprise a flap 6, which in the closed position is
dimensioned to cover the opening 61 so as to minimize or
substantially block air flow into and from the container space 57.
The flap 6 is shown in the open position in FIG. 1. By minimizing
air flow, the exposure of the contents of the container member 51
to the atmosphere will be minimized and will retard the warming of
the contents. The flap 6 is preferably constructed of a flexible
material, such as rubber, or can be constructed of vinyl, neoprene,
or other suitable material. Alternatively, the flap can be of
generally rigid construction to substantially prevent flexing
during normal use or stacking, but this lid preferably is hinged or
movably mounted to the container portion to move out of a position
in which it would interfere with another cooler nested with the
container portion to which the lid is hinged.
[0051] The flap 6 can pivot freely between the open and closed
positions by way of hinge 4, which in the embodiment shown is a
living hinge made of the material of the remainder of the lid 8.
The flap 6 is preferably maintained in the closed position by
resalable fastener, such as a snap and button or a hook and loop
type fastener, such as Velcro.RTM.. One half 5 of the fastener is
preferably located on the distal end of the flap 6 while the other
half 7 is located in a corresponding area of the upper face 22. In
the open position the flap 6 is configured to avoid interference
with the vertically neighboring coolers while stacked in the nested
association. The flap 6 can alternatively be hinged from the
lateral face 23 of container member 51. Preferably, the flap 6 is
arranged to swing clear of the upper face 22 so as to allow the
stacked coolers 80,50,100 to nest substantially level while in the
nested association.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of a cooler
has a lid 90 that includes at least two hinged lid panels 92 that
are pivotably connected, preferably by a hinge 94, which extends
generally along the longest width of the lid 90 or is another
direction. A lid hinge 96 connects one of the lid panels 92,
preferably along one of the long sides of the container portion 98.
In the open position, the lid panels 92 can be folded against each
other and against the side of the container portion 98. Magnets 91
or other releasable fastening members are preferably used to retain
the lid panels in the desired positions. The hinge 94 or bottom
facing edges of the lid panels 92 can be configured as a stop
member to limit the extent of nesting with adjacent containers. The
side walls shown has a generally vertical a lower tapered and
sloped portion 93, and a generally vertical portion 95 above the
portion of the container member that is to nest in an adjacent
cooler. The height of the vertical portion is preferably about half
of the narrow width of the top, such that the vertical portion
substantially matches the narrow width of each of the lid panels
92, or the longest of the lid panels 92.
[0053] The embodiment of FIG. 12 has a single hook 102 that is of
unitary construction with at least part of the container member
104, such as at least a portion or all of one wall thereof. The
single hook 102 is preferably disposed on one of the longer sides
of the container member 104, and preferably extends at least about
25%, more preferably at least about 50%, and most preferably at
least about 70% of the length of the side on which it is disposed.
In other embodiments, narrower single hooks can be used, and
alternatively, several hooks of unitary construction with a part or
all of the container member can be employed.
[0054] One or more openings, such as slits 106, are preferably
defined in the container member 104, or alternatively on the hook
or hooks. The slits 106 preferably face upwardly and have an open
interior preferably generally parallel to the container wall. The
slits 106 are preferably configured and dimensioned to receive tabs
108 or other protrusions of lid 110 to provide an attachment member
for the lid 110 and container member 104. The tabs 108 are
preferably slideably received in the slits 106 to allow the lid 110
to be easily replaced, so that a lid carrying an advertisement or
another display can readily be replaced with another lid carrying a
different advertisement or display. Alternatively, the tabs and
slit can be configured to resist or prevent removal therefrom in a
more permanent attachment, such as by placement is a snap-fit
association of securing by another method. The tabs 108 are
connected to hinges 112, which pivotally associate the tabs 108
with a lid portion 114.
[0055] Other alternative connections can be used to removably
connect the lid portion 114, preferably pivotally, to the container
member 104. For instance, the protrusions can be provided on the
container member or hook(s), with the openings associated with the
lid. In one embodiment, the hinge is fixed to the container member
and detachably associated with the lid.
[0056] Preferably on the outside of the container member 104,
transparent pockets 116,118 are provided. Elongated openings
120,122 on at least one side of the pockets 116,118 are provided to
receive sheets 124, shown in phantom lines, or other object into
the pockets 116,118 for display on the cooler exterior. Opening 120
is disposed on a lateral side of pocket 116, while opening 122 is
disposed on an upper side of pocket 118. A pocket may be provided
on other portions of the cooler as well, such as on the lid. An
exterior pocket member can be provided, or the pocket can be
provided between inner and outer walls of the container member.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 13, the embodiment shown includes coolers
126 stacked in a nested association. Slots 106 are provided on a
side of the cooler opposite from the hooks 128, which are molded as
a unitary part with the container member 130. Tabs 108 of the
hinges 112 are received in the slots 106. The hinges of this
embodiment are affixed to the lid 114, but in other embodiments all
or part of the hinges can be made of unitary construction with the
lid or container member.
[0058] Stop members 132 are provided as an extension of a rim 134
protruding horizontally around the open top of the container
members 132. The stop members 132 of the upper cooler abut the rim
134 of the lower cooler, which protrudes to the substantially the
same horizontal location as the stop members 132.
[0059] While illustrative embodiments of the invention are
disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous
modifications and other embodiments can be devised by those skilled
in the art. For example, inventive coolers can be made without
hooks but with replaceable wall portions or with transparent walls
to display advertising or other viewable material within the walls.
Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come
within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *