U.S. patent application number 12/207135 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler.
Invention is credited to Christine M. Court.
Application Number | 20100059199 12/207135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41798196 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100059199 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Court; Christine M. |
March 11, 2010 |
Combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler
Abstract
The technology described herein provides a combination beverage
cooler and car seat cooler for simultaneously cooling food,
beverages, and the like and cooling an unoccupied car seat. The
combined cooler includes an insulated container having a back panel
and a front panel opposite one another, a left side panel and a
right side panel opposite one another and extended between the back
and front panels, the back, front, left, and right panels
integrally formed with a bottom panel, thereby defining an interior
cavity for receipt of an at least one item to cool, and a sealable
lid being sealable with the back, front, left, and right panels and
hingedly connected to the rear panel and an insulated cover for
thermally protecting an unoccupied car seat, the cover having a
flexible thermal barrier and being foldably attached to the
insulated container to provide a combined beverage cooler and car
seat cooler.
Inventors: |
Court; Christine M.;
(Marietta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROSE LAW LLC
112 NORTHBROOKE TRACE
WOODSTOCK
GA
30188
US
|
Family ID: |
41798196 |
Appl. No.: |
12/207135 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/46 ;
220/592.16; 220/592.2; 297/180.11; 62/457.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2303/082 20130101;
B60N 2/5607 20130101; F25D 2331/801 20130101; F25D 3/08 20130101;
A47C 7/742 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/46 ;
220/592.2; 220/592.16; 62/457.7; 297/180.11 |
International
Class: |
F28F 7/00 20060101
F28F007/00; B65D 81/38 20060101 B65D081/38; B65D 81/00 20060101
B65D081/00; F25D 3/08 20060101 F25D003/08; A47C 7/72 20060101
A47C007/72 |
Claims
1. A combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler, comprising: an
insulated container having a back panel and a front panel opposite
one another, a left side panel and a right side panel opposite one
another and extended between the back and front panels, the back,
front, left, and right panels integrally formed with a bottom
panel, thereby defining an interior cavity for receipt of an at
least one item to cool, and a sealable lid being sealable with the
back, front, left, and right panels and hingedly connected to a top
of the rear panel; and an insulated cover for thermally protecting
an unoccupied car seat, the cover having a flexible thermal barrier
and being foldably attached to the insulated container to provide a
combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler.
2. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
further comprising: a pocket disposed within the lid, back, front,
left, or right panels of the insulated container to receive a
cooler ice pack with which to cool the beverage cooler; and a
pocket disposed with an underside of the unfolded insulated cover
to receive a cover ice pack with which to cool the car seat
cooler.
3. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
wherein the insulated cover for thermally protecting an unoccupied
car seat further comprises a lower seat cover and an upper seat
cover, each foldably disposed upon a side of the insulated
container.
4. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 3,
wherein the lower seat cover and an upper seat cover are each
foldably attached to the insulated container and held in position
with a hook-and-loop fastener.
5. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 3,
wherein the lower seat cover and an upper seat cover are foldably
attached to the insulated container and held in position with a
zipper.
6. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 3,
wherein the lower seat cover and an upper seat cover are detachable
from the insulated container.
7. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
further comprising: a fastener configured to hold the insulated
cover to the car seat.
8. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
wherein the insulated cover is water-resistant.
9. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat cover each further
comprise a plurality of pockets disposed with an underside of the
unfolded insulated cover to receive a plurality of cover ice packs
with which to cool the car seat cooler.
10. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat cover are attached
to the insulated container with hook-and-loop fasteners and are
detachable from the insulated container.
11. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat cover are attached
to the insulated container with zipper fasteners and are detachable
from the insulated container.
12. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
wherein the insulated cover for thermally protecting an unoccupied
car seat comprises a plurality of layers.
13. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 12,
wherein one of the plurality of layers is a reflective layer to
provide additional insulation and reflect heat.
14. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 3,
wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat cover are
configured to be unfolded and operatively be placed over a car seat
base, back, head rest, and arm rests to provide thermal protection
to the unoccupied car seat.
15. The combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler of claim 1,
further comprising: a carrying strap disposed upon the insulated
container to facilitate transportability of the combined beverage
cooler and car seat cooler, the carrying strap being operatively
adjustable.
16. A method for cooling an unoccupied car seat, the method
comprising: utilizing an insulated container having a back panel
and a front panel opposite one another, a left side panel and a
right side panel opposite one another and extended between the back
and front panels, the back, front, left, and right panels
integrally formed with a bottom panel, thereby defining an interior
cavity for receipt of an at least one item to cool, and a sealable
lid hingedly connected to a top of the rear panel and an insulated
cover for thermally protecting an unoccupied car seat, the cover
having a flexible thermal barrier and being foldably attached to
the insulated container to provide a combined beverage cooler and
car seat cooler; placing the insulated container in the unoccupied
car seat; and unfolding the insulated cover from the insulated
container and covering the unoccupied car seat to thermally protect
the car seat; wherein the insulated container and the insulated
cover together form a combined beverage cooler and car seat
cooler.
17. The method for cooling an unoccupied car seat of claim 16,
wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat cover each further
comprise a plurality of pockets disposed with an underside of the
unfolded insulated cover to receive a plurality of cover ice packs
with which to cool the car seat cooler, the method further
comprising: inserting a plurality of cover ice packs into each of
the lower seat cover and the upper seat cover.
18. The method for cooling an unoccupied car seat of claim 16,
wherein the insulated cover for thermally protecting an unoccupied
car seat further comprises a lower seat cover and an upper seat
cover, each foldably disposed upon a side of the insulated
container; and wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat
cover are configured to be unfolded and operatively placed over a
car seat base, back, head rest, and arm rests to provide thermal
protection to the unoccupied car seat; the method further
comprising: unfolding the lower seat cover from the combined
beverage cooler and car seat cooler; covering the car seat base;
unfolding the upper seat cover from the combined beverage cooler
and car seat cooler; covering the seat back, head rest, and arm
rests of the car seat; and unfolding both the lower seat cover and
the upper seat cover such that the insulated container remains in
the car seat to provide additional cooling.
19. The method for cooling an unoccupied car seat of claim 16,
wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat cover are
detachable from the insulated container; the method further
comprising: detaching the lower seat cover from the insulated
container; and detaching the upper seat cover from the insulated
container; wherein the insulated container is utilized as a
portable beverage cooler.
20. The method for cooling an unoccupied car seat of claim 16,
further comprising: folding, upon completion of use of the combined
beverage cooler and car seat cooler, over the car seat the
insulated cover up to the insulated container; and attaching the
folded insulated cover to the insulated container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The technology described herein relates generally to the
fields of car seat covers and food and beverage coolers. More
specifically, this technology relates to systems and methods for
simultaneously cooling food, beverages, and the like and cooling an
unoccupied car seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Automobile car seats, strollers, and the like can endure
significant heating due to the extreme heat buildup from continued
sunlight upon the seat surfaces. The resultant overheated seat,
straps, and buckles can result in burns or discomfort to an infant
or child.
[0003] Various seat covers are known in the art. Related patents
known in the art include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,244,
issued to Holmgren et al. on Aug. 29, 2006, discloses a thermal
protection apparatus and method for a child car seat. U.S. Pat. No.
5,833,309, issued to Schmitz on Nov. 10, 1998, discloses a child
car seat temperature control device and method. U.S. Pat. No.
4,899,693 issued to Arnold on Feb. 13, 1990, discloses a cooled pet
bed. U.S. Pat. No. 1,593,066, issued to Gaston on Jul. 20, 1926,
discloses a self-cooling seat. U.S. Pat. No. 2,041,919, issued to
Gaston on May 26, 1936, discloses a covering for seats or cushions.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,004,106, issued to Gaston on Jun. 11, 1935,
discloses a seat or cushion. U.S. Pat. No. D513,146, issued to
Griffin on Dec. 27, 2005, discloses the ornamental design for a car
seat cooling blanket. U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,276, issued to Lindsay on
Nov. 29, 1977, discloses a cooling seat. U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,738,
issued to Wilson on Jul. 10, 1984, discloses a protective device
for a vehicle seat, seat back, and steering wheel. U.S. Pat. No.
5,150,945, issued to Aupperlee et al. on Sep. 29, 1992, discloses a
vehicular child seat cover. U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,139, issued to
Rieger on My 3, 1994, discloses a seat cover. U.S. Pat. No.
5,549,354, issued to Rosen on Aug. 27, 1996, discloses a reflective
seat shield for use with infant restraining devices. U.S. Pat. No.
6,655,736, issued to Arenas on Dec. 2, 2003, discloses a
retractable seat protection cover. U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,551, issued
to Arenas on Dec. 9, 2003, discloses a retractable seat protection
cover.
[0004] Related published patent applications known in the art
include the following: U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2004/0075311, filed by Linder and published on Apr. 22, 2004,
discloses a chair with a cooling pocket. U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2003/0057750, filed by Blackler and published on
Mar. 27, 2003, discloses a car seat cooler. U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2004/0075310, filed by Wang and published on Apr.
22, 2004, discloses a heatproof car seat arrangement. U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2006/0175878, filed by Pontes and
published on Aug. 10, 2006, discloses a seat cushion. U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2007/0102079, filed by Billock and
published on May 10, 2007, discloses a heat reflective cover for an
infant or child car seat.
[0005] The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state
of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a
view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor
in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the
patentability of the technology described herein. It is
respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and
other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when
considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a combination beverage cooler and car seat cooler
for simultaneously cooling food, beverages, and the like and
cooling an unoccupied car seat.
[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein
provides a combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler. The
combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler includes an insulated
container having a back panel and a front panel opposite one
another, a left side panel and a right side panel opposite one
another and extended between the back and front panels, the back,
front, left, and right panels integrally formed with a bottom
panel, thereby defining an interior cavity for receipt of an at
least one item to cool, and a sealable lid being sealable with the
back, front, left, and right panels and hingedly connected to a top
of the rear panel and an insulated cover for thermally protecting
an unoccupied car seat, the cover having a flexible thermal barrier
and being foldably attached to the insulated container to provide a
combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler.
[0008] The combined cooler also includes a pocket disposed within
the lid, back, front, left, or right panels of the insulated
container to receive a cooler ice pack with which to cool the
beverage cooler and a pocket disposed with an underside of the
unfolded insulated cover to receive a cover ice pack with which to
cool the car seat cooler. The combined cooler also includes a
fastener configured to hold the insulated cover to the car seat.
The combined cooler also includes a carrying strap disposed upon
the insulated container to facilitate transportability of the
combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler, the carrying strap
being operatively adjustable.
[0009] In various embodiments, the insulated cover for thermally
protecting an unoccupied car seat further includes a lower seat
cover and an upper seat cover, each foldably disposed upon a side
of the insulated container. The lower seat cover and an upper seat
cover are each foldably attached to the insulated container and
held in position with a hook-and-loop fastener. Alternatively, the
lower seat cover and an upper seat cover are foldably attached to
the insulated container and held in position with a zipper. The
lower seat cover and an upper seat cover are detachable from the
insulated container. The insulated cover is water-resistant.
[0010] The lower seat cover and the upper seat cover can each
further include a plurality of pockets disposed with an underside
of the unfolded insulated cover to receive a plurality of cover ice
packs with which to cool the car seat cooler. The lower seat cover
and the upper seat cover are attached to the insulated container
with hook-and-loop fasteners and are detachable from the insulated
container. Alternatively, the lower seat cover and the upper seat
cover are attached to the insulated container with zipper fasteners
and are detachable from the insulated container. The insulated
cover for thermally protecting an unoccupied car seat can include a
plurality of layers. One of the plurality of layers can be a
reflective layer to provide additional insulation and reflect heat.
The lower seat cover and the upper seat cover are configured to be
unfolded and operatively be placed over a car seat base, back, head
rest, and arm rests to provide thermal protection to the unoccupied
car seat.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described
herein provides a method for cooling an unoccupied car seat. The
method includes utilizing an insulated container having a back
panel and a front panel opposite one another, a left side panel and
a right side panel opposite one another and extended between the
back and front panels, the back, front, left, and right panels
integrally formed with a bottom panel, thereby defining an interior
cavity for receipt of an at least one item to cool, and a sealable
lid hingedly connected to a top of the rear panel and an insulated
cover for thermally protecting an unoccupied car seat, the cover
having a flexible thermal barrier and being foldably attached to
the insulated container to provide a combined beverage cooler and
car seat cooler, placing the insulated container in the unoccupied
car seat, and unfolding the insulated cover from the insulated
container and covering the unoccupied car seat to thermally protect
the car seat. The insulated container and the insulated cover
together form a combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler.
[0012] The lower seat cover and the upper seat cover each further
include a plurality of pockets disposed with an underside of the
unfolded insulated cover to receive a plurality of cover ice packs
with which to cool the car seat cooler. The method also includes
inserting a plurality of cover ice packs into each of the lower
seat cover and the upper seat cover.
[0013] The insulated cover for thermally protecting an unoccupied
car seat further comprises a lower seat cover and an upper seat
cover, each foldably disposed upon a side of the insulated
container; and wherein the lower seat cover and the upper seat
cover are configured to be unfolded and operatively placed over a
car seat base, back, head rest, and arm rests to provide thermal
protection to the unoccupied car seat. The method also includes
unfolding the lower seat cover from the combined beverage cooler
and car seat cooler, covering the car seat base, unfolding the
upper seat cover from the combined beverage cooler and car seat
cooler, covering the seat back, head rest, and arm rests of the car
seat, and unfolding both the lower seat cover and the upper seat
cover such that the insulated container remains in the car seat to
provide additional cooling.
[0014] The lower seat cover and the upper seat cover are detachable
from the insulated container. The method can further include
detaching the lower seat cover from the insulated container and
detaching the upper seat cover from the insulated container. Thus,
the insulated container is utilized as a portable beverage
cooler.
[0015] The method can further include folding, upon completion of
use of the combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler, over the
car seat the insulated cover up to the insulated container and
attaching the folded insulated cover to the insulated
container.
[0016] Advantageously, the technology described herein provides a
combination beverage cooler and car seat cooler for simultaneously
cooling food, beverages, and the like and cooling an unoccupied car
seat without the need for separate devices.
[0017] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the technology in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before
explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described
herein.
[0019] Further objects and advantages of the technology described
herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of
a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The technology described herein is illustrated with
reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers
denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively,
and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a combined beverage
cooler and car seat cooler, according to an embodiment of the
technology;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, an
unfolding step of the lower seat cover and an ice pack pocket;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 2, illustrating, in particular, the
insertion or removal of an ice pack;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 3, illustrating, in particular, an
additional unfolding step of the lower seat cover;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 4, illustrating, in particular, an
additional unfolding step of the lower seat cover;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 5, illustrating, in particular, an
additional unfolding step of the lower seat cover;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 6, illustrating, in particular, an
additional unfolding step of the lower seat cover;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, an unzipped
beverage cooler lid and ice pack storage pocket and cooled contents
within;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a side view of the combined beverage cooler
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the stored lower
seat cover and a stored upper seat cover;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the
unfolded lower seat cover and the unfolded upper seat cover;
and
[0031] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the combined beverage
cooler depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the
unfolded lower seat cover and the unfolded upper seat cover as
placed over an unoccupied child car seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this
technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of
other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0033] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a combination beverage cooler and car seat cooler
for simultaneously cooling food, beverages, and the like and
cooling an unoccupied car seat.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of a
combined beverage cooler and car seat cooler 10 (hereinafter
combined cooler 10) is shown. The combined cooler 10 includes an
insulated container 16 having a back panel and a front panel
opposite one another and a left side panel and a right side panel
opposite one another and extended between the back and front
panels. The back, front, left, and right panels are integrally
formed with a bottom panel, thereby defining an interior cavity
(FIG. 8, element 52) in which to place items to cool. The insulated
container 16 forms a small, portable food and beverage cooler.
Cooled items can include, for example, drinks, snacks, and the
like. One or more ice packs can be placed into the insulated
container to cool the enclosed items.
[0035] The combined cooler 10 includes a sealable lid 14 being
sealable with the back, front, left, and right panels of the
insulated container 16 and hingedly connected to a top of the rear
panel. The lid can be sealed to the insulated container 16 by a
zipper 20, or like sealing means. The combined cooler 10 also
includes a carrying strap 12. The carrying strap 12 is mounted upon
the lid 14 or the insulated container 16 to facilitate
transportability of the combined cooler 10. The carrying strap 12
is operatively adjustable. The sealable lid 14 can include an
inside pocket to receive a cooler ice pack.
[0036] The combined cooler 10 includes an insulated cover 18 for
thermally protecting an unoccupied car seat. As shown, the
insulated cover 18 is folded and maintained in a folded position
with cover strap 22. The insulated cover 18 includes a flexible
thermal barrier. The insulated cover 18 is foldably attached to the
insulated container 16 to provide a combined cooler 10. The cover
strap 22 can be fabricated to include hook-and-loop fasteners to
secure the insulated cover 18 to the insulated container 16.
Alternatively, a zipper (not shown) can be utilized to secure the
insulated cover 18 to the insulated container 16 once is has been
folded.
[0037] The insulated container 16 and lid 14 can be fabricated from
known materials that provide for both cooling and insulation. The
insulated cover 18 can be fabricated from known materials and can
include multiple layers to provide additional thermal protection.
The insulated cover 18 can include a reflective layer to provide
additional insulation to reflect heat. The insulated container 16
and the insulated cover 18 are fabricated from water-resistance
materials and can be, for example, a fabric material.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2 a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. In addition to the elements shown and
described in FIG. 1, an ice pack pocket 24 is shown. The insulated
cover 18 can include a pocket 24 to receive a cover ice pack.
Additionally, the insulated cover 18 can include multiple pockets
24 to receive multiple ice packs. As shown, the cover strap 22 is
lifted such that the insulated cover 18 is released and unfolded in
direction 26, for example.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3 a front perspective view of the
combined cooler is shown. In addition to the elements shown and
described in FIG. 2, the insertion or removal of an ice pack 50 is
shown in a directional movement 28. The ice pack 50 is inserted
through opening 30 of the ice pack pocket 24. Location of the ice
pack pocket 24 (or multiple ice pack pockets) can vary on the
insulated cover 18. Location of the opening 30 about the ice pack
pocket 24 can vary.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. As shown, insulated cover 18 is a
lower seat cover 18, to cover a lower portion of a car seat,
stroller, or the like. In addition to the elements depicted in FIG.
3, an additional unfolding step 32 of the lower seat cover 18 is
shown, illustrating the outward extendibility of the lower seat
cover 18 away from the insulated container 16.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. In addition to the elements depicted
in FIG. 4, an additional unfolding step 34 of the lower seat cover
18 is shown, further illustrating the outward extendibility of the
lower seat cover 18 away from the insulated container 16.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. In addition to the elements depicted
in FIG. 5, an additional unfolding step 36 of the lower seat cover
18 is shown, further illustrating the outward extendibility of the
lower seat cover 18 away from the insulated container 16.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 7, a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. In addition to the elements depicted
in FIG. 6, an additional unfolding step 38 of the lower seat cover
18 is shown, further illustrating the outward extendibility of the
lower seat cover 18 away from the insulated container 16.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8, a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. The combined cooler 10 is illustrated
with lid 14 in an open position, the zipper 20 in an unzipped
position, and the lower seat cover 18 in an unfolded and extended
position. Various food and drink items are placed within the cavity
52 of the insulated container 16. One or more ice packs can be
placed with the cavity to cool the various food and drink items
stored within.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 9, a side view of the combined cooler
10 is shown. In addition to the elements previously depicted, an
upper seat cover 42 and a lower seat cover 18 are shown in stored
position. In this embodiment, the combined cooler 10 includes both
the upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat cover 18 for coverage of
an entire top surface of a car seat, stroller, or the like. Upper
seat cover 42 is folded and maintained in position adjacent the
insulated container 16 with upper cover strap 40. Lower seat cover
18 is folded and maintained in position adjacent the insulated
container 16 with lower cover strap 22. As shown, the combined
cooler 10, with both the upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat
cover 18 are easily carried with carrying strap 12.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 10, a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. The combined cooler 10 is shown with
both the upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat cover 18 unfolded
and fully extended. In at least one embodiment, for example, the
upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat cover 18 are detachable from
the insulated container 16. By way of example, the upper seat cover
42 and the lower seat cover 18 can be removably attached to the
insulated container 16 with hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, or
the like. The upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat cover 18 can
include multiple ice pack pockets in various locations. As shown,
the upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat cover 18 attach
generally to an exterior surface of the base of the insulated
container; however, as will be apparent to those with ordinary
skill in the art, attachment can be made to various and alternative
components of the insulated container 16. By way of example, the
upper seat cover 42 can attached to a top of the back panel.
Additionally, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art, the size of the upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat cover
18 can vary. By way of example, various configurations can be
utilized for car seats, strollers, and so forth.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 11, a front perspective view of the
combined cooler 10 is shown. The combined cooler 10 is shown with
both the upper seat cover 42 and the lower seat cover 18 unfolded
and fully extended to cover a car seat. The unoccupied car seat
base 46, back 48, and arm rests 44 are covered by the upper seat
cover 42 and the lower seat cover 18 for thermal protection.
[0048] Although this technology has been illustrated and described
herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific
examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform
similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
invention and are intended to be covered by the following
claims.
* * * * *