U.S. patent application number 11/758424 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-11 for chest for cooling and dispensing beverage containers.
Invention is credited to Robert John Falkenberg.
Application Number | 20080302126 11/758424 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40094614 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080302126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Falkenberg; Robert John |
December 11, 2008 |
CHEST FOR COOLING AND DISPENSING BEVERAGE CONTAINERS
Abstract
A cooler for containing beverage cans comprising a chamber
comprising a bottom wall, side walls, a front wall, back wall, top
wall and bottom wall, the top and bottom walls having exterior
complementary mating surfaces, wherein the cooling chamber receives
and stabilizes a plurality of beverage containers and receives ice
adjacent the plurality of containers; at least one
beverage-dispensing opening into the cooling chamber defined by the
front wall, the opening selectively covered by a substantially
transparent beverage-dispensing door, the door moveable between
open and closed positions, wherein the beverage containers are
aligned with the opening and door and viewable through the door in
the closed position, the opening being large enough to permit
access and removal of individual containers through the door in the
open position; and, an ice-loading opening into the cooling chamber
defined by the top wall, the opening selectively covered by an
ice-loading door.
Inventors: |
Falkenberg; Robert John;
(Alpharetta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POWELL GOLDSTEIN LLP
ONE ATLANTIC CENTER FOURTEENTH FLOOR, 1201 WEST PEACHTREE STREET NW
ATLANTA
GA
30309-3488
US
|
Family ID: |
40094614 |
Appl. No.: |
11/758424 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2303/081 20130101;
F25D 2331/805 20130101; F25D 2331/803 20130101; F25D 3/08 20130101;
F25D 11/003 20130101; F25D 16/00 20130101; F25D 2331/809 20130101;
F25D 2303/0843 20130101; F25D 31/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/457.1 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20060101
F25D003/08 |
Claims
1. A cooler for containing and cooling beverage containers,
comprising: a. a cooling chamber comprising a bottom wall, two
opposing side walls, a front wall, a back wall, a top wall and a
bottom wall, the top and bottom walls having exterior complementary
mating surfaces, wherein the cooling chamber receives and
stabilizes a plurality of beverage containers therein and receives
ice adjacent the plurality of beverage containers; b. at least one
beverage-dispensing opening into the cooling chamber defined by the
front wall, the at least one beverage-dispensing opening
selectively covered by a substantially transparent
beverage-dispensing door, the beverage-dispensing door moveable
between open and closed positions, wherein the beverage containers
are aligned with the beverage-dispensing opening and
beverage-dispensing door and viewable through the door in the
closed position, the at least one opening being at least large
enough to permit access and removal of individual beverage
containers through the beverage-dispensing door in the open
position; and, c. at least one ice-loading opening into the cooling
chamber defined by the top wall, the at least one ice-loading
opening selectively covered by an ice-loading door.
2. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising at least one support
platform within the cooling chamber, the at least one support
platform being capable of receiving and stabilizing a carton of
beverage containers, wherein each carton comprises a dispensing
opening and wherein the dispensing opening of each carton is
aligned with the beverage-dispensing opening and
beverage-dispensing door.
3. The cooler of claim 2, further comprising at least two support
platforms and one beverage-dispensing opening and
beverage-dispensing door, wherein each carton comprises a
dispensing opening and wherein the one beverage dispensing-opening
and beverage-dispensing door are sufficiently wide to allow
alignment of the dispensing opening of each carton with the
beverage-dispensing opening and beverage-dispensing door.
4. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising at least two support
platforms, each support platform corresponding with a
beverage-dispensing opening and beverage-dispensing door and
capable of receiving and stabilizing a carton of beverage
containers, wherein each carton comprises a dispensing opening and
wherein the dispensing opening of each carton is aligned with a
beverage-dispensing opening and beverage-dispensing door.
5. The cooler of claim 2, wherein the at least one support platform
is removable from the cooling chamber.
6. The cooler of claim 2, wherein the at least one support platform
is fixedly attached within the cooling chamber.
7. The cooler of claim 2, wherein the at least one support platform
further comprises channels to move melted ice water away from the
carton and beverage containers.
8. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising at least one beverage
container tray within the cooling chamber, the at least one
beverage container tray being capable of receiving and stabilizing
beverage containers loaded therein, wherein each beverage container
tray comprises a dispensing opening aligned with the at least one
beverage-dispensing opening and at least one beverage-dispensing
door.
9. The cooler of claim 8, wherein the at least one beverage
container tray further comprises channels to move melted ice water
away from the beverage container tray and beverage containers.
10. The cooler of claim 8, wherein the at least one beverage
container tray is removable from the cooling chamber.
11. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of beverage
containers comprise cans and/or bottles.
12. The cooler of claim 8, wherein the plurality of beverage
containers comprise bottles.
13. The cooler of claim 2, further comprising at least one beverage
container tray within the cooling chamber, the at least one
beverage container tray being capable of receiving and stabilizing
beverage containers loaded therein, wherein each beverage container
tray comprises a dispensing opening.
14. The cooler of claim 2, further comprising at least one water
reservoir to accommodate melting ice.
15. The cooler of claim 14, wherein the at least one water
reservoir is located beneath the support platform along the bottom
wall of the cooling chamber and is sufficiently sized to hold the
melted ice.
16. The cooler of claim 14, wherein the at least one water
reservoir is behind the support platform and holds the melted ice
away from the plurality of beverage containers.
17. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable
carrying strap, the strap having a length adjustment mechanism
thereon, wherein the cooler may be carried by the strap.
18. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a rigid carrying
handle rotatably disposed on the front wall of the cooler.
19. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
retractable wheels mounted on the bottom wall and a retractable
handle mounted on the front wall.
20. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the top wall and bottom wall
further comprise complementary interfacing surfaces that locate at
least two coolers relative to each other during stacking, wherein
front-to-back movement of the stacked coolers is minimized and
wherein each of the at least one beverage-dispensing doors are
selectively operable in all stacked coolers.
21. The cooler of claim 20, wherein the complementary surfaces
further comprise complementary curvilinear profiles.
22. The cooler of claim 17, wherein the top wall and bottom wall
further comprise complementary interfacing surfaces that locate at
least two coolers relative to each other during stacking, wherein
side-to-side movement of the stacked coolers is minimized and
wherein each of the at least one beverage-dispensing doors are
selectively operable in all stacked coolers.
23. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising at least one
carton-loading opening defined by the front wall, the
carton-loading opening selectively coverable by a carton-loading
door, the carton-loading door moveable between an open and a closed
position, the carton-loading door defining the at least one
beverage-dispensing opening, the beverage-dispensing opening
selectively coverable by a substantially transparent
beverage-dispensing door.
24. The cooler of claim 23, wherein the carton-loading opening
defines at least two beverage-dispensing openings, each
beverage-dispensing opening covered by a substantially transparent
and independently operable beverage-dispensing door.
25. The cooler of claim 2, wherein the at least one support
platform has a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is
adjustably raised above the front end at an incline angle.
26. The cooler of claim 25, wherein the incline angle is adjustably
greater than or equal to zero degrees.
27. The cooler of claim 8, wherein the at least one beverage
container tray has an adjustable incline angle that is great than
or equal to zero degrees.
28. The cooler of claim 2, wherein the at least one support
platform has a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is
raised above the front end at an incline angle that is fixed.
29. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a DC power source and
a Peltier junction powered by the DC power source, the Peltier
junction being operatively in communication with the cooling
chamber.
30. The cooler of claim 1, further wherein the Peltier junction is
incorporated into a mode of powered transportation selected from
the group consisting of automobile, truck, boat, train, and
airplane, the Peltier junction in fluid communication with the
cooling chamber.
31. A cooler for containing and cooling beverage containers
comprising: a. a cooling chamber defined by a bottom wall, two
opposing side walls, a front wall, a back wall, a top wall and a
bottom wall, the top and bottom walls having exterior complementary
mating surfaces, wherein the cooling chamber receives and
stabilizes a plurality of beverage containers therein and receives
ice adjacent the plurality of beverage containers; b. at least one
carton-loading opening defined by the front wall, the
carton-loading opening selectively coverable by a carton-loading
door, the carton-loading door moveable between an open and a closed
position; c. at least one beverage-dispensing opening into the
cooling chamber defined by the at least one carton-loading door,
the at least one beverage-dispensing opening selectively covered by
a substantially transparent beverage-dispensing door, the
beverage-dispensing door moveable between open and closed
positions, wherein the beverage containers are viewable through the
beverage-dispensing door in the closed position, the at least one
opening being at least large enough to permit access and removal of
individual beverage containers through the beverage-dispensing door
in the open position; d. at least one ice-loading opening into the
cooling chamber defined by the top wall, the at least one
ice-loading opening selectively covered by an ice-loading door; e.
at least one removable support platform within the cooling chamber,
the at least one support platform being capable of receiving and
stabilizing a carton of beverage containers, the at least one
support platform comprising channels to move melted ice away from
the carton and beverage containers, wherein the at least one
support platform comprises a front end and a rear end, wherein the
rear end is raised above the front end at an incline angle, the
incline angle being greater than or equal to zero degrees; and, f.
at least one water reservoir beneath the support platform
sufficiently sized to hold the melted ice moved by the support
platform channels.
32. A cooler for containing and cooling beverage containers,
comprising: a. a cooling chamber defined by a bottom wall, two
opposing side walls, a front wall, a back wall, a top wall and a
bottom wall, the top and bottom walls having exterior complementary
mating surfaces, wherein the cooling chamber receives and
stabilizes a plurality of beverage containers therein and receives
ice adjacent the plurality of beverage containers; b. at least one
carton-loading opening defined by the front wall, the
carton-loading opening selectively coverable by a carton-loading
door, the carton-loading door moveable between an open and a closed
position; c. at least one beverage-dispensing opening into the
cooling chamber defined by the at least one carton-loading door,
the at least one beverage-dispensing opening selectively covered by
a substantially transparent beverage-dispensing door, the
beverage-dispensing door moveable between open and closed
positions, wherein the beverage containers are viewable through the
beverage-dispensing door in the closed position, the at least one
opening being at least large enough to permit access and removal of
individual beverage containers through the beverage-dispensing door
in the open position; d. at least one ice-loading opening into the
cooling chamber defined by the top wall, the at least one
ice-loading opening selectively covered by an ice-loading door; e.
at least one removable support platform within the cooling chamber,
the at least one support platform being capable of receiving and
stabilizing a carton of beverage containers, the at least one
support platform comprising channels to move melted ice water away
from the carton and beverage containers, wherein the at least one
support platform comprises a front end and a rear end, wherein the
rear end is raised above the front end at an incline angle, the
incline angle being greater than or equal to zero degrees; f. at
least one removable beverage container tray within the cooling
chamber, the at least one beverage container tray receiving and
stabilizing bottles loaded therein, wherein each beverage container
tray comprises a dispensing opening aligned with the at least one
beverage dispensing opening and at least one beverage-dispensing
door; g. at least one water reservoir beneath the support platform
sufficiently sized to hold the melted ice water moved by the
support platform and at least one beverage container tray channels;
and, h. complementary interfacing surfaces on the top wall and
bottom wall of the cooler that locate at least two coolers relative
to each other during stacking, wherein the interfacing of the
complementary surfaces minimizes front-to-back and/or side-to-side
movement of the stacked coolers and wherein each of the at least
one beverage-dispensing doors are selectively operable in all
stacked coolers.
33. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a removable tray
comprising a base, a rear wall, a front wall, and at least one
vertical panel.
34. The cooler of claim 33, further comprising a first side wall
and a second side wall.
35. The cooler of claim 33, wherein said at least one vertical
panel is adjustable and may be repositioned within said tray.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a cooler chest and more
particularly to a cooler chest having a can or bottle dispensing
structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many types of cooler chests are known in the art. Such
chests may include some cooling means, typically ice, for cooling
beverage containers, e.g., cans or bottles. Some include a
mechanism for dispensing individual cooled containers. Often, the
beverage containers are packaged together and are removed from
their cardboard packaging, generally a 12-can or 24-can carton or
bottle packaging, prior to placement in the cooler. The removal of
the cardboard packaging is required because the typical cooler
chests require ice to be poured generally into the ice chest, on
top of the beverage containers. Under these conditions, cardboard
packaging, restricts access to the cans or bottles, becomes wet,
and deteriorates within the cooler compartment.
[0003] Typical cooler chests also permit potentially contaminated
ice and water within the cooler compartment of the chest to contact
or cover the beverage containers, resulting in health concerns to
the user. Further, the containers are dripping wet after removal
from these cooler chests, a condition that, in addition to the
health risk involved, is generally aesthetically undesirable,
particularly in indoor use situations. In the case of bottles with
paper labels, the label tends to separate from the bottle or
dissolve when wet, making identification of the contents
difficult.
[0004] Typical cooler chests also provide access to the contents
through the top of the cooler. In order to facilitate
identification of and access to the beverages inside, users often
place the cooler chest on the ground outdoors or on the floor
indoors. This can result in concerns about sanitation, pests, and
unwanted easy access to young children.
[0005] Typical cooler chests do not provide easy access to the last
few beverage containers. Often users have to roll up their sleeve
and reach deep into ice water to fish out the last beverage
container.
[0006] Other prior art cooler chests attempt to solve some of the
problems caused by immersing beverage containers in ice and water
by incorporating one or more shelves into the cooler compartment to
physically separate beverage containers from the ice and water
therein. However, since the ice and the beverages are separated, it
will take longer for the beverages to cool. Moreover, such cooler
chests do not allow segregation of various types or brands of
containers for easy identification and access of the desired
beverage. Similarly, distinguishing and selecting brands is made
difficult in non-shelf cooler chests because the beverage
containers are individually placed within the cooler chest and then
covered with ice and water.
[0007] Typical cooler chests only allow examining, distinguishing
and selecting contents after the user has opened the lid. Opening
the cooler chest lid warms the interior of the cooler chest, speeds
the melting of the ice and reduces the overall effectiveness of the
cooler chest.
[0008] Known cooler chests also generally require a large
footprint. This problem cannot be resolved through stacking of such
coolers since most current designs do not provide for stable
stacking of coolers. Moreover, examination and removal of contents
from coolers on the bottom of the stack is very difficult since
these coolers have top-opening lids.
[0009] With the advent of so-called "fridge pack" cartons, wherein
beverage cans are pre-loaded into packages that maximize efficiency
of shelf space within refrigerators and facilitate dispensing of
cans stored therein, it would be desirable to have a cooler chest
that accommodates such cartons and improves upon the dispensing
characteristics of the cartons. These known cartons contain cans in
rows or layers, wherein the cans are stored on their sides so that
the cans may roll toward a dispensing opening at a top end of the
carton. Thus, removal of one can from the upper row(s) therein
urges the remaining cans within the carton to move forward toward
the opening to facilitate dispensing. This dispensing mechanism is
reasonably effective until less than one row or layer of cans
remains within the carton. At this stage, the user must either
reach inside the carton to access cans that have not moved toward
the dispensing opening, or tip the fridge pack forward to cause the
remaining cans to roll toward the opening. It would be similarly
desirable to provide a cooling and dispensing mechanism for
bottles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a portable cooler chest that
allows intimate contact between ice and one or more cartons of
beverage containers, e.g., cans and bottles. The cooler may
accommodate at least one carton, making use of the original
packaging. Alternatively, individual bottles or cans may be loaded
into a removable beverage container tray which is then placed into
the cooler. Space is preferably provided around the sides, back and
top of the beverage containers to promote placement of ice around
the carton(s) and/or beverage containers stabilized within
removable beverage container tray(s), and to promote circulation of
cool air over and around the beverage containers. An ice-loading
door is provided to facilitate loading the carton(s) and adding ice
to the cooler chamber. The support platform(s) and/or removable
beverage container tray(s) may be configured to allow melted ice to
flow into a water reservoir(s) located beneath the support platform
during normal use and during transport. The support platform(s)
and/or removable beverage container tray(s) may be tilted or
inclined from back to front to facilitate access to the beverage
container through a see-through beverage-dispensing door that
allows the user to readily identify the beverage brand or type.
Optional raised surfaces on top and/or bottom of the cooler, with
complementary mating recesses in the bottom and/or top of the
cooler allow locatable mating and stable stacking of coolers,
preventing side-to-side and/or front-to-back movement when stacked.
Alternatively, complementary curves on the top and bottom of the
cooler further facilitate locatable mating and stacking of coolers,
preventing front-to-back movement when stacked.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a portable
cooler chest that accommodates one or more 12-can or 18-can cartons
and/or a plurality of cans and/or bottles received within removable
beverage container tray(s) for cans or bottles.
[0012] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a portable
cooler chest that maximizes ice contact with the 12-can or 18-can
carton(s) and/or cans or bottles received within removable beverage
container tray(s).
[0013] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a portable
cooler chest that allows ease of dispensing of cans from the 12-can
or 18-can cartons(s) and/or dispensing of cans and/or bottles from
a removable beverage container tray, while minimizing loss of cold
air within the cooler chest.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a portable
cooler chest that allows easy identification of the beverage
brand(s) or types contained within the cooler without opening the
cooler.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a portable
cooler chest that allows for stable stacking of two or more cooler
chests containing one or more brand and/or type of beverage while
allowing the user to see and access the beverages contained
therein.
[0016] Another aspect of the invention is a carrying handle placed
in such a way to facilitate carrying a loaded cooler without
spilling any water or disrupting the alignment of the beverage
carton(s) for dispensing. The handle is also designed so it does
not interfere with stacking or dispensing of the beverage
containers.
[0017] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of
embodiments of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like
reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout
the figures of which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention with a carton at least partially filled
with beverage containers.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention with loaded 12-can carton
received within the cooling chamber and ice on either side of the
carton of beverage containers.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective of the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention with all access doors sealed and illustrating
the adjustable carrying strap in stored and transport/carrying
positions.
[0022] FIG. 4A is a side cutaway view of the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention showing one illustrative
embodiment of a tilting mechanism.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a side cutaway view of the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention showing a second illustrative
embodiment of a tilting mechanism.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention comprising capacity for two cartons of
beverage containers.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention showing two cartons, at least partially filled
with beverage containers, received within the cooling chamber and
ice on both sides of each carton.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention having two cartons at least partially filled
with beverage containers received within the cooling chamber, ice
surrounding each side of the cartons and all access doors
sealed.
[0027] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention showing several coolers stacked.
[0028] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention and illustrating the bottom structure for
facilitating positive and stable stacking capability.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the stackable nature of
embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a tray
fittable within the cooler.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a tray
fittable within the cooler.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, one exemplary embodiment of a
cooler 10 of the present invention comprises opposing upright front
and rear walls 12, 13 (rear wall 13 being more in FIG. 4A), each
wall 12, 13 having an interior surface and an exterior surface,
opposing side upright side walls 14, 15, each wall 14, 15 having an
interior surface and an exterior surface, a top wall 16 and a
bottom wall 18, top wall 16 (shown in FIG. 4A) and bottom wall 18
each having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A cooling
chamber 20 is defined by the interior surfaces of front and rear
walls 12, 13, side walls 14, 15, top wall 16 and bottom wall
18.
[0033] The front wall 12 defines a carton-loading opening 22
coverable by a carton-loading door 24 that may be selectively
opened and closed. Opening 22 and door 24 are sized to allow
addition/removal of cartons 25 of beverage containers 27.
Alternatively the opening 22 may be sized so that cartons 25 can be
loaded or removed when both the carton loading door 24 and the ice
loading door 32 are both open. Thus, when door 24 is opened, the
cooling chamber 22 may be accessed and a user may load and/or
unload beverage container cartons 25 therefrom. The user may also
access individual beverage containers 27 through the opened
carton-loading door 24, though the energy efficiency of this access
mechanism is less than optimal.
[0034] The carton-loading door 24 may define a beverage-dispensing
opening 26 coverable by a beverage-dispensing door 28 that may be
selectively opened and closed. The beverage-dispensing opening 26
and door 28 are sized to allow a user to access and remove the
beverage containers, e.g., cans and/or bottles, held within the
cooling chamber 20. Alternatively, a single opening may be defined
by the front wall 12, the single opening covered by a door that may
be opened and closed by a user to add or remove cartons 25 and/or
beverage containers 27.
[0035] The cooler top wall 16 defines an ice-loading opening 30
coverable by an ice-loading door 32 that may be opened to allow
access to the cooling chamber 20 for adding ice to the chamber 20
and/or adding and/or removing beverage cartons 25 or beverage
containers 27 therefrom.
[0036] The carton-loading opening 22 and door 24,
beverage-dispensing opening 26 and door 28, and ice-loading opening
30 and door 32 are illustrated as generally rectangular in shape,
though other configurations, shapes and sizes will be apparent to
those skilled in the art; each equivalent is within the scope of
the present invention. The cooler 10 and its components may be made
of any suitable materials having sufficient strength, rigidity,
durability and insulative qualities, as appropriate, such as, but
not limited to, plastic, insulated corrugated cardboard, metal, and
the like.
[0037] The term carton 25 as used herein is defined as comprising a
pre-packaged container, such as, but not limited to, the fridge
pack, capable of containing and dispensing a plurality of beverage
containers 27 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Beverage container 27 is
not limited to cans and may comprise cans, bags, box, bottles or
other container shapes. In the case of beverage cans, the carton 25
preferably contains 8, 10, 12, 18, and/or 24 beverage cans, of any
volume, but preferably 12 or 16 ounce (or similar size and shape)
cans. The beverage containers 27 of FIG. 1 (and in more detail in
FIG. 4A) are illustrated as cans packaged on their side in two
rows, an upper row and a bottom row and wherein the width of the
packaging accommodates a single can with a depth of 6 cans/row.
Alternative configurations may provide a depth that accommodates up
to 6 cans and a height of up to 4 cans. Possible configurations of
12-can cartons include, but are not limited to, 2.times.6 (2 rows
with 6 cans/row); 2.times.4 (2 rows with 4 cans/row); 3.times.4 (3
rows with 4 cans/row). Possible configurations of 18-can cartons
include, but are not limited to, 3.times.6 (3 rows with 6
cans/row). Possible configurations of 24-can cartons include, but
are not limited to, 4.times.6 (4 rows with 6 cans/row). Alternative
carton configurations are possible and are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0038] Presently, cartons 25 are typically manufactured from
cardboard and designed with a dispensing opening 29 at a top end.
Thus, removal of one beverage container 27 from the upper row(s)
therein urges the remaining container within the carton 25 to move,
e.g., roll, forward toward the opening 29 to facilitate dispensing
through the dispensing opening 29. This dispensing mechanism is
reasonably effective until less than one row or layer of beverage
containers 27 remains within the carton 25. At this stage, the user
must either reach inside the carton 25 to access containers 27 that
have not moved toward the dispensing opening 29, or tip the carton
24 forward to cause the remaining beverage containers 27 to roll
toward the opening 29. The present invention may urge the beverage
containers 27 toward dispensing opening 29 to facilitate viewing,
access and removal of the containers 27 from the cartons 25 held
within the cooling chamber 20. Other carton configurations provide
dispensing aspects at the bottom corner (older 12-pack designs) or
mid-end wall (18-packs) to facilitate dispensing similar to that
described above.
[0039] Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, the ice-loading door
32 and carton-loading door 24 are illustrated in the open position.
A base 33 is illustrated forming a floor within the cooling chamber
20. A particular problem with pre-packaged cardboard cartons 25 is
that they tend to expand and form wave-like structures when wet,
particularly in the space between adjacent cans, which may impede
the movement of beverage containers 27 that are intended to be
urged forward according to various embodiments of the invention.
The glue joints in the cartons may also weaken or fail if the
cartons are left in standing water. To address these problems, base
33 preferably allows melting ice water to flow through apertures
33A, thus the base 33 is illustrated as perforated. Alternatively,
the base 33 may include slots to facilitate water from the melting
ice to move away from the cardboard carton 25 as will be discussed
further below. The base 33 may alternatively comprise a generally
rigid mesh or lattice grid to allow melted water to drain away from
the carton 25. Alternatively, the base 33 may be of a solid unitary
construction and mounted within the cooling chamber 20 at a slight
incline, wherein the base 33 includes a plurality of raised
regions, e.g., bumps molded into the base 33 surface upon which
carton 25 rests, thus allowing melted water to run down the base 33
below the carton 25 and ultimately be channeled away from the
carton 25.
[0040] Preferably, though not mandatorily, a support tray 34 (shown
partially in FIG. 1 and more fully in FIG. 5 as part of a two-tray
configuration) may be disposed within the cooling chamber 20 and
resting on or attached to the base 33. The support tray 34 includes
a base 36 and raised edges 38 to receive and stabilize a beverage
carton 25 and/or removable beverage container tray, as described
above, therein for cooling and/or transport. Alternatively, the
carton may also be located in a recessed area on the support tray
rather than being retained by raised edges, this way a can or
bottle tray which is wider than the carton could be placed on the
support tray without being elevated by the raised edges. In
alternate embodiments, carton 25 and/or beverage container tray may
be placed within the cooling chamber 20 without a support tray 34,
using base 33 to support and stabilize the carton 25. In such
alternate embodiments, base 33 may, as discussed above, have raised
surfaces or holes upon which carton 25 is supported, thus allowing
melted ice water to flow underneath carton 25, that is, between
carton 25 and the non-raised surface portion of base 33. Various
embodiments comprise support tray 34 and/or beverage container tray
being permanently installed or attached within the cooling chamber
20 by means well known in the art or, alternatively, these
structures may be removable to facilitate cleaning of the cooling
chamber 20, support tray 34 and/or beverage container tray as well
as loading of the beverage container tray with individual cans
and/or bottles.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates the first exemplary embodiment of the
cooler 10 of the present invention with a carton 25 or one
embodiment of the removable beverage container tray filled with
beverage containers 27 and supported within the cooling chamber 20.
Ice 40 is shown placed on both sides of the carton 25 to chill
and/or maintain the temperature of the beverages. The
carton-loading door 24 and beverage-dispensing door 28 are
illustrated in a closed position, while the ice-loading door 32 is
shown in an open position. Closing the ice-loading door 32 will
seal the cooling chamber 20 in the illustrated embodiment.
[0042] The carton-loading door 24 comprises an upper edge 42 and a
lower edge 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower edge 44 is
pivotably, preferably hingedly, attached to the front wall 12 of
the cooler 10 such as, but not limited to, at least one hinge or a
set of pins on either side of the door 24 disposed within apertures
in the front panel 12 or other means well known in the art. Thus,
the upper edge 42 of the carton-loading door 24 may be disengaged
from the front wall 12 and pivoted open as shown in FIG. 1 to allow
cartons 25 to either be loaded into the cooling chamber 20 or
removed therefrom. The carton-loading door 24 is pivoted into a
closed position as in FIGS. 2 and 3 by pivoting the door 24 toward
the front wall 12. Alternatively, the hinging mechanism may be
located on the upper edge 42 of the carton-loading door 24 wherein
the lower edge 44 of the door 24 is capable of pivoting away from
the front wall 12 of the cooler 10 and into an open position.
Additional alternative embodiments may comprise one or more
side-hinged door(s) 24 that swings open on one side to allow access
to the cooling chamber. For example and without limitation, two
side-hinged doors 24 may be arranged in a French door arrangement
well known to those skilled in the art. This alternative embodiment
minimizes the space required to accommodate the wide swing
necessary if a single door 24 is used.
[0043] The beverage-dispensing opening 26 comprises a top edge 46
and a bottom edge 48 and is coverable by a beverage-dispensing door
28. The beverage-dispensing door 28 comprises a top edge 50 and a
bottom edge 52 and is defined by the carton-loading door 24 as is
best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The beverage-dispensing door top
edge 50 is pivotably, preferably hingedly, attached to the
beverage-dispensing opening top edge 48 by means well known in the
art (see the discussion hereinabove with respect to the door 24
pivoting mechanisms for exemplary mechanisms). A recess 54 may be
provided below the beverage-dispensing door 28 on the bottom edge
48 of the beverage-dispensing opening 26 to assist the user in
gripping the beverage-dispensing door 28 and in pivoting the
beverage-dispensing door 28 into the open position. When the
beverage-dispensing door 28 is in the open position, the user may
access beverage containers 27 located either within a carton 25 or
a removable support tray as described hereinabove. Alternative
embodiments of the beverage-dispensing door 28 may comprise
locating the pivoting mechanism on the bottom edge 48 of the
beverage-dispensing opening 26 so that the user opens the
beverage-dispensing door from the top edge 46. Further alternative
embodiments may comprise the beverage-dispensing door 28 having the
pivoting mechanism located on the side so that the door 28 may be
swung open and closed.
[0044] The beverage-dispensing door 28 is preferably substantially
transparent and aligned with the dispensing opening 29 within the
carton 25 so that the user may see the type of beverage that is
contained within the cooler without having to actually open the
cooler 10 to examine the contents.
[0045] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the ice-loading door
32 comprises a front edge 55, a rear edge 56, right and left sides
57, 58 and a top surface 59. In one preferred embodiment, the rear
edge 56 is pivotably, preferably hingedly, attached to the cooler
top wall 16 by means well known in the art and discussed
hereinabove.
[0046] The open ice-loading door 32 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
may be moved into the closed position of FIG. 3 by pivoting the
door 32 about the hinged attachment toward and engaging the cooler
top wall 16, sealing the carton 24 and/or removable beverage
container tray, beverage containers 27 and ice 40 within the
cooling chamber 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the front edge
55 of the ice-loading door 32 engages the upper edge 42 of the
carton-loading door 24 when both doors 24, 32 are in the closed
position. Preferably, a closure mechanism is used to maintain the
ice-loading door 32 securely in the closed position to prevent
opening during transport. Such securing closure mechanisms may
include, without limitation, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, hasp
and lock, detents, and the like. Alternatively, the door 32 can
friction fit into the top wall 16 and opening 30.
[0047] The closed ice-loading door 32 of FIG. 3 may be opened by
disengaging first the front edge 50 of the door 32 from the cooler
top wall 16. The ice-loading door 32 is then pivoted up and away
from the top wall 16 from the closed position illustrated in FIG. 2
and into the open position as shown in FIG. 1. As may be best seen
in FIG. 3, the front edge 55 of the ice-loading door 32 may
comprise a recess 61, to assist the user in gripping and raising
the ice-loading door 32 from the closed, engaged position to the
open position. When the ice-loading door 32 is open as in FIG. 1,
ice may be loaded into the cooler chamber 20. Additionally,
beverage carton(s) 25, removable beverage container tray(s) and/or
beverage containers 27 may be added to, or removed from, the
cooling chamber 20 through the ice-loading door 32.
[0048] Various alternative exemplary embodiments of the present
invention may eliminate the carton-loading opening 22 or
carton-loading door 24 as it is illustrated in the Figures. In such
alternate embodiments, the ice-loading door 32 may be used to add
and/or remove ice and/or water, carton(s) 24, removable beverage
container tray(s) and/or beverage containers. Alternatively, the
beverage-dispensing opening 26 and door 28 may be wide enough to
allow for access to two or more cartons 25, removable beverage
container trays and/or beverage containers, including, e.g., long
neck bottles. Moreover, alternative embodiments of the present
invention may comprise the beverage-dispensing door top edge 50
being hingedly or pivotably attached to the ice-loading door top
edge 55.
[0049] FIGS. 1-3 further illustrate an adjustable carrying strap 60
for transport of the cooler 10. The carrying strap 60 has an
adjustment mechanism 62, e.g., a buckle, as is well known in the
art for lengthening or shortening the strap 62. The carrying strap
62 is illustrated as attached to the exterior side walls 14, 15 of
the cooler 10 by rotatable connectors 64, well known to the skilled
artisan, that allow the strap 62 to be rotated a full 360 degrees
around the cooler 62, as shown in FIG. 3 in phantom. This allows a
user to carry the cooler 10 using the carrying strap 62, either by
hand or over the shoulder, and then store the carrying strap 62 by
adjusting its length to a stored position as illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 3. Alternatively, a rigid plastic carrying handle may be used
in place of, or in addition to, the carrying strap 62. A rigid
plastic carrying handle may swing down so as to not obstruct the
user's access to the beverages contained within the cooler.
[0050] Alternative transport methods and mechanisms may include
retractable transport wheels mounted on the bottom wall 18,
substantially adjacent the rear wall 13 for rolling transport of
the cooler 10. A retractable or telescoping handle may be provided
on or near the front wall 12 to facilitate such rolling transport.
Alternatively, the carrying strap 60 may be used for rolling
transport. Other equivalent transport methods and mechanisms will
readily present themselves to those skilled in the art; each such
equivalent is within the scope of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 4A provides a cutaway view of one exemplary embodiment
of a support platform 34 supporting and stabilizing a carton 25,
and/or beverage container tray, as described hereinabove as well as
structural details of one exemplary embodiment of the cooler 10 of
the present invention. In this instance, a 12-can carton 25 is
provided. The support platform 34 stably rests upon the base 33.
Prevention and/or minimization of movement of the support platform
34 and the optional removable beverage container tray (if present)
is desirable, particularly during transport of cooler 10. The
support platform 34 may comprises a base 36, raised edges 38, a
rear containment wall 39 and at least one rear support member(s) 37
to hold and stabilize carton 25 and/or removable beverage container
tray during transport. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A,
two such support members 35 are shown extending from rear
containment wall 39 to a position adjacent the interior surface of
cooler back wall 13. Thus, during transport, support platform 34 is
maintained substantially in the position illustrated, allowing
melted ice water to move from water reservoir(s) R into water
reservoir(s) R' while keeping pre-packaged cardboard carton 25,
and/or the beverage containers 27 held within the removable
beverage container tray substantially dry.
[0052] One exemplary embodiment of the support members is
illustrated in FIG. 4A as adjustably supported upon at least one,
and preferably several, pins 35 received within the interior
surface of rear wall 13. The pin 35 may be permanently fixed on
interior surface of rear wall 13 or, alternatively, may be
removably adjustable. Alternatively, a fixed support ledge, or the
equivalent, may be molded on the interior surface of rear wall 13.
Thus, base 33 may be level or may tilted or inclined slightly
relative to a horizontal plane 70 (shown as a dashed line), thus
creating an incline angle a which may be greater than or equal to
zero degrees. This incline angle a is transferred to the support
platform 34, with the rear end 68 of the support platform 34 being
raised slightly higher than the front end 66. Ultimately, the
incline angle a is transferred to the beverage containers 27 held
therein to facilitate dispensing.
[0053] Alternative support mechanisms will be known to the skilled
artisan, for example, include, but are not limited to, adjustable
brackets mounted to the interior surface(s) of side 14, 15 and/or
rear 13 walls may be used to elevate base 33 and/or the rear end 68
of the support platform 34, wherein removal of the support
mechanism allows base 33 and/or support platform 34 to become
substantially level, i.e., an incline angle a of substantially zero
degrees. The support platform 34 may comprise a fixed angle a
wherein, as discussed above, a molded support ledge, or the
equivalent, may be provided along the rear wall 13. Each such
alternative embodiment is within the scope of the present
invention.
[0054] Alternatively, the curvature of the bottom wall 18 of the
cooling chamber 20 may be used to create the incline angle a. In
this embodiment, the bottom wall 18 comprises a front curve 72 and
a rear curve 74 wherein the peak of the rear curve 74 may be used
as a pivot point for the support platform 34 and/or the base 33
when installed within the cooling chamber 20. The tilt or incline
angle a, as described above, thus created is transferred to the
carton 25 received thereon and, in turn, to the cans 27 within the
inclined carton 25. Thus, the cans 27 within the inclined carton 27
are urged forward toward the beverage-dispensing door 28 to
facilitate viewing and dispensing of cans 27 through the
beverage-dispensing door via the dispensing opening 29. The
curvilinear profile of the bottom wall and/or the interior
dimensions of the cooling chamber 20 in this alternative embodiment
may be modified to provide a greater incline angle a for the
support platform 34. For example, and without limitation, the
cooling chamber 20 may be lengthened by increasing the length of
side walls 14, 15, thus allowing greater space between the front
end 66 and the rear end 68 of the support platform 34 and the front
wall 12 and rear wall 13, respectively, of the cooling chamber in
various embodiments to provide additional room for the support
platform 34 to rotate into the inclined position, with an angle a.
Moreover, the degree of curvature of the front curve 72 and/or the
rear curve 74 of the bottom wall 18 may be modified to facilitate
increasing incline angle a. Bottom wall 18 may also allow melted
ice water to move from water reservoir(s) R into water reservoir(s)
R' while keeping pre-packaged cardboard carton 25, and/or the
beverage containers 27 held within the removable beverage container
tray substantially dry.
[0055] Another alternative exemplary embodiment is illustrated in
FIG. 4B, wherein at least one vertical support member 76 is
provided to elevate the rear end 68 of the support platform 34
relative to the front end 66. The support member(s) 76 may be
attached or molded either to the support platform 34 or to the
interior surface of bottom wall 18 of the cooling chamber 20 or may
be removably securable to provide stability to the support platform
34 during use and transport. As may be appreciated by those skilled
in the art, the support members 76 may be provided at various
lengths in order to provide the support platform 34 with the
desired incline angle a to provide the beverage containers 27
contained thereon to urge forward with the desired force.
Alternative exemplary embodiments of the present invention may
comprise support member(s) 76 that are retractable, rotatable or
otherwise movable to allow the support platform 34 to become
substantially level, i.e., with incline angle a of substantially
zero degrees.
[0056] As best illustrated by FIGS. 4A and 4B, various exemplary
embodiments of the present invention provide for at least one
reservoir region R between the bottom wall 18 of the cooling
chamber 20 and the support platform 34. The reservoir region(s) R
accumulate melted water from the ice, keeping the water away from
the cardboard carton 25 and/or beverage containers 27.
Additionally, an alternative embodiment of the present invention
may include a transport reservoir R' provided within the cooling
chamber 20 and defined at least partially by rear wall 13 and
bottom wall 18. Transport reservoir R' thus provides a space within
the cooler having sufficient volume to accommodate the ice and
melted water held within a loaded, or partially loaded, cooling
chamber 20 during transport, either carrying transport using the
carrying strap 60 or rolling transport, or other equivalent method
as discussed above. In this manner, the carton 25 and/or beverage
containers 27 contained within the cooling chamber 20 are kept
substantially dry during transport. Alternatively, the cooler 10
may be constructed without the wall 39 so that the beverage
containers 27 may be positioned proximate to the back wall 13 when
the cooler 10 is carried in a vertical manner.
[0057] In addition, various exemplary embodiments of the present
invention comprise space between the support platform 34 and the
interior surfaces of side walls 14, 15, respectively, of the
cooling chamber 20. Providing space on either side of the support
platform 34 allows ice 40 to be added within the space and adjacent
the carton 25, removable beverage container tray and/or beverage
containers received within the support platform 34. Moreover, when
the ice-loading door 32 is closed, preferably a space exists
between the top of the carton 25 and/or removable beverage
container tray and the ice-loading door 32. Such construction
facilitates a continuous circulation of air through the cooling
chamber 20 while maximizing cooling efficiency by locating ice 40
directly adjacent the carton 25, removable beverage container tray
and/or beverage containers.
[0058] Alternative exemplary embodiments may comprise a perforated
separator (not shown in the Figures) manufactured from molded
plastic, metal, or other equivalent material, separating the ice 40
and the carton 25 and/or removable support tray while still
allowing air circulation therethrough.
[0059] The support platform 34 may be configured to assist in
removing water from the base 36 where the carton 25 is received and
supported. As noted above in connection with the discussion of base
33, a particular problem with cardboard cartons 25 is that they
tend to expand and form wave-like structures when wet, which may
impede the movement of beverage containers 27 that are intended to
be urged forward according to various embodiments of the present
invention. To resolve this problem, the support platform 34 may be
perforated or comprise slots or the like that may work in
combination with base 33 to facilitate water from the melting ice
to move away from the cardboard carton 25 and into reservoir(s) R.
The support platform 34 may also comprise a mesh material to allow
melted water to drain away from the carton 25 and into reservoir(s)
R. Alternatively, the support platform base 36 may be of a solid
unitary construction, wherein the base 36 comprises a plurality of
raised regions, e.g., bumps molded into the base surface, upon
which the carton 36 rests, allowing melted water to run beneath the
carton 25, following the incline angle a of the support platform
and 34 into the reservoir(s) R. The angle a may also be increased
to overcome the resistance of the wave-like structure formed in the
bottom of wet cartons due to expansion of the cardboard, increasing
the angle will urge the containers forward over the waves. In
various embodiments, the melted water will drain into the
reservoir(s) R via base 33 as discussed above. Various equivalent
mechanisms for keeping the carton 25 substantially dry will present
themselves to the skilled artisan; each equivalent is within the
scope of the present invention.
[0060] Coolers according to various embodiments of the present
invention may accommodate at least one carton 25 as described and
defined above. Alternate embodiments may comprise two or more
cartons 25 and/or removable beverage support platforms 34. One such
exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 wherein two
support platforms 34A and 34B are provided. Thus, the width of the
cooling chamber 20, ice-loading opening 30, ice-loading door 32 and
carton-loading opening 22 and carton-loading door 24 may be
increased to accommodate the second support platform 34. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that more than one support
platform 34 may be accommodated within a single cooling chamber 20
in this manner through various methods. For example, and without
limitation, a plurality of support platforms 34 may be provided
side-by-side. The illustrated embodiment provides a single
carton-loading door 24, the carton-loading door 24 defining two
beverage-dispensing openings 26, each coverable by an independently
operable beverage-dispensing door 28 to allow selective access to
the beverages contained within. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that an equivalent alternative may comprise two
carton-loading openings 22, each coverable by independently
operable carton-loading doors 24, wherein each door 24 defines a
beverage-dispensing opening 26 coverable by independently operable
beverage-dispensing doors 28. Alternatively, one carton-loading
opening 22 and door 24 and one beverage-dispensing opening 26 and
door 28 may be provided to a user to access containers of various
sizes such as long neck bottles, wherein the beverage dispensing
opening 26 and door is sufficiently wide to allow access to the
beverages contained within the cooler 10. More alternatively, a
single beverage-dispensing opening 26 and door 28 may be provided
and defined by the front wall 12, wherein the beverage-dispensing
opening 26 and door are sufficiently wide so as to allow access to
one or more cartons 25 and/or removable beverage support platforms
34. Still more alternatively, a single carton-loading opening 22
and door 24 may be provided, wherein the opening 22 and door 24 are
sufficiently wide so as to allow access to the beverages contained
within the cooler 10.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 6, two cartons 25 are illustrated received
into and stabilized by individual support platforms 34 as described
hereinabove. Ice 40 is placed on each side of the loaded cartons 34
to provide optimal cooling for the beverage containers 27 contained
within each carton 34. Alternate, less optimal designs may provide
for the cartons 25 to be placed adjacent each other, without a
space therebetween for ice 40. Alternative embodiments further
comprise a perforated separator between the ice 40 and the cartons
25 as described above. Such design alternatives are within the
scope of the present invention. Moreover, this embodiment may
comprise at least one carton 25 and/or at least one removable
beverage container support tray. FIG. 7 illustrates the cooler
containing two fully loaded beverage cartons 25 in a closed, sealed
configuration.
[0062] Various embodiments of the present invention comprise
structures that facilitate positive locating and stable stacking of
two or more coolers 10 as illustrated in FIG. 8A. Complementary
structures on the exterior top wall 16 and the exterior bottom wall
18 of the cooler 10 may be used to facilitate locating coolers 10
for stable stacking and prevention and/or minimization of
front-to-back and/or side-to-side movement of coolers 10 within a
stack.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiments, the ice-loading door top
surface 59 comprises a substantially flat middle section 80 with
curvilinear lateral sections 82 on both sides of the flat middle
section 80. The curvilinear lateral sections 82 have curvilinear
profiles that match the curvilinear profile of the top wall 16 of
the cooler 10. The top surface 59 further comprises raised exterior
faces 84, the exterior faces 84 adjacent the flat middle section 80
and the curvilinear lateral sections 82 and having a substantially
vertical and flat profile in the illustrated embodiment.
[0064] The exterior surface of bottom wall 18 comprises a middle
section 88 having a substantially flat section 90 to allow
complementary mating with the flat middle section 80 of the
ice-loading door top surface 59 and a curvilinear section 92 to
allow complementary mating with the cooler top wall 16 in stacked
configurations. The exterior surface of bottom wall 18 further
comprises curvilinear lateral portions 94 adjacent each side of the
middle section 88. Each curvilinear lateral portion 94 further
comprises a curvilinear lower surface 96 and a raised interior face
98, the interior face 98 having a substantially vertical and flat
profile in the illustrated embodiment. In practice, the interior
faces 98 and the exterior faces 84 have complementary profiles,
allowing located mating and stabilizing of stacked coolers 10, thus
the interior faces 98 and the exterior faces 84 may have a variety
of complementary shapes and profiles as will be readily apparent to
the skilled artisan.
[0065] Thus, when stacking a cooler 10 upon another cooler 10, the
coolers may be located in a stable position by use of one or more
of the elements described above. In one aspect, the raised interior
faces 98 engage and mate with the raised exterior faces 84 to
prevent side-to-side movement of the stacked coolers relative to
each other. In another aspect, the curvilinear lateral sections 82
of the ice-loading door top surface 59 engage and mate with the
curvilinear cooler top wall 16 to prevent front-to-back movement of
the stacked coolers relative to each other.
[0066] Those skilled in the art will recognize various alternative
and equivalent complementary mating structural configurations to
prevent and/or minimize unwanted front-to-back and/or side-to-side
movement of stacked coolers 10 relative to other coolers 10 within
the stack. Each equivalent is within the scope of the present
invention.
[0067] As discussed above, the location of the carton-loading door
24 and beverage-dispensing door 28 allow a user to view the
beverages contained within the cooling chamber 20 and the
carton-loading door 24 may be opened in any of the illustrated
coolers in the stack to allow removal of empty cartons and/or
addition of full cartons. Moreover, the beverage-dispensing door 28
may be opened as shown in FIG. 8A to allow the user to easily
access the desired beverage from any of the stacked coolers 10.
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the two-carton embodiment may
comprise a slightly different ice-loading door 32 configuration
than the one-carton embodiment does in order to allow positive and
stable stacking of mixtures of one-carton and two-carton coolers.
The top surface 59 of the ice-loading door 32 in the two-carton
configuration comprises, as with the one-carton embodiment
discussed above, a substantially flat middle section 80 with
curvilinear lateral sections 82' on both sides of the flat middle
section 80. The curvilinear lateral sections 82' have curvilinear
profiles that match the curvilinear profile of the top wall 16 of
the cooler 10. The top surface 59 further comprises raised exterior
faces 84, the exterior faces 84 adjacent the flat middle section 80
and the curvilinear lateral sections 82 and having a substantially
vertical and flat profile in the illustrated embodiment. The
curvilinear lateral sections 82' of the two-carton embodiment are
wider than the curvilinear lateral sections 82 of the one-carton
embodiment. Thus, using the two-carton embodiment as the base of a
stack, either a two-carton embodiment or a one-carton embodiment
may be matingly located and stably stacked thereon. As illustrated
in FIG. 9, this allows two-carton coolers to be stacked upon one
another as well as one-carton coolers to be stacked upon two-carton
coolers. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the
invention as described is not limited to two-carton coolers and may
be expanded in various embodiments to accommodate more than two
cartons using the principles described herein.
[0069] The above discussion contemplates the use of ice or ice
packs or the equivalent to provide a cooling environment for the
beverages contained within the cooling chamber. An alternative
exemplary embodiment and method may comprise the use of a Peltier
junction thermoelectric cooling device as is well known in the art.
A Peltier junction device may be incorporated into the cooler
chamber by methods well known to the skilled artisan, with
connection to an external power source, e.g., 12 volt DC. Thus,
various embodiments of the present invention may be used within
means of powered transportation including, inter alia, an
automobile, truck, boat, train, airplane or any other mode of
powered transportation. In addition, the cooler of the present
invention may be used to cool beverages in any environment where an
external 12 volt DC, or other voltage, power source is available.
Thus, various embodiments of the present invention may comprise
cooling provided by a Peltier junction device that is incorporated
within an automobile, truck, boat, train, airplane or other mode of
powered transportation simply by providing a connection device in
fluid communication between the Peltier junction device and the
cooler 10.
[0070] In operation and in certain of the exemplary embodiments
described hereinabove, an empty cooler 10 may be opened by pivoting
the ice-loading door 32 away from the cooler top wall 16. This
allows the user to place a carton 25 of beverage containers 27
within the cooling chamber 20 where the carton 25 is received and
stabilized by a support platform 34 or a removable beverage support
tray. Alternatively, individual beverage containers may be placed
within the removable beverage support tray. The user may then add
ice 40 to either side of the stabilized beverages and then close
the ice-loading door 32 to seal the cooling chamber 20. The cooler
10 may be transported to a destination by use of the carrying strap
60 which may be lengthened or shortened by use of the adjustment
buckle 62. When the destination has been reached, the length of the
carrying strap 60 may be appropriately adjusted to allow storage of
the strap 60 behind the cooler 10. The user may stack one or more
cooler chests in a stable configuration.
[0071] Beverages may be viewed through the beverage-dispensing door
28 which may be opened by a user in order to access and remove the
desired beverage container 27 from the cooling chamber 20. Since
the beverages are held within the cooling chamber 20 preferably at
an incline, removal of one beverage container 27 results in the
remaining containers 27 to be urged forward and toward the
beverage-dispensing door 28. When all beverage containers 27 have
been removed, the carton-loading door 24 or alternatively, the
ice-loading door 32 may be opened to remove the empty carton 25
and/or beverage support tray and fresh beverage containers 27
added.
[0072] As an alternative to the known pre-packaged cardboard carton
25, the present invention may optionally incorporate a removable
and reusable beverage container tray that allows loading,
preferably stackable loading, of beverage containers 27 as
described above, but instead of a cardboard construction as with
the well-known carton 25, the removable beverage container tray may
be comprised of plastic or other water-resistant or water-proof
material well known to those skilled in the art. One exemplary
embodiment of a removable beverage container tray 100, shown in
FIG. 10, may receive individual cans and/or bottles loaded therein
by the user, preferably in a stacked configuration as discussed
above with regard to the carton 25. The tray 100 may have a base
102 for supporting the loaded and stacked beverage containers 27,
e.g., cans or bottles, side walls 104, 106, attached and
substantially perpendicular to the base 102, rear wall 108 and a
front wall 110 The front wall 110 may preferably be angled for
easier insertion and removal of beverage containers 27.
[0073] A variation of the tray 100 may be a tray 200, shown in FIG.
11, which includes a base 202, front wall 204, rear wall 206 and at
least one partition 208 (FIG. 11 showing two partitions 108 and 110
as an exemplary embodiment). The partitions may be adjustable to
accommodate different width beverage containers 27.
[0074] An alternative embodiment of the removable beverage
container tray may comprise an S-type beverage dispenser known in
the industry (e.g., available from The Container Store
[www.containerstore.com] or Amazon [www.amazon.com]), which may be
particularly advantageous for moving a loaded beverage dispenser
from a refrigerator to the cooler 10. Those skilled in the art will
readily recognize many equivalents for such a removable and
reusable beverage container tray, each of which is within the scope
of the present invention.
[0075] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples described above, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention. Various
modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures
to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily
apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present
invention is directed upon review of the present specification.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof are shown by way of example in
the drawings and described in detail herein. It should be
understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
All patents, applications and publications referred to herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
* * * * *