U.S. patent application number 11/918182 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for multi-function cooler apparatus and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNOVATIVE LEISURE PRODUCTS , LLC.. Invention is credited to Patrick McCance.
Application Number | 20100126196 11/918182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39033471 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100126196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCance; Patrick |
May 27, 2010 |
Multi-Function Cooler Apparatus and System
Abstract
A multi-function cooler apparatus and system integrated with one
or more of the following elements: clock/time piece, flashlight,
compass, CD/DVD player, IPOD.RTM., speakers, lantern, computer and
the like. The clock may be mounted in several different ways
(Velcro.RTM., snaps, threads) and may take on various appearances
(round or square). The flashlight may be detachably mounted into
the handle using snaps or Velcro.RTM.. The compass may be mounted
in a similar fashion as the timepiece. Similarly, the cooler and
the lid may take on a variety of configurations in support of the
on-board features.
Inventors: |
McCance; Patrick; (Poweder
Springs, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Woodcock Washburn LLP
Cira Centre, 12th Floor, 2929 Arch Street
Philadelphia
PA
19104-2891
US
|
Assignee: |
INNOVATIVE LEISURE PRODUCTS ,
LLC.
|
Family ID: |
39033471 |
Appl. No.: |
11/918182 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
August 1, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2007/017141 |
371 Date: |
October 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60835222 |
Aug 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/264 ; 62/331;
62/457.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 15/06 20130101;
A45C 15/00 20130101; A45C 15/08 20130101; A45C 11/20 20130101; A45C
13/28 20130101; F25D 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/264 ;
62/457.7; 62/331 |
International
Class: |
F25D 27/00 20060101
F25D027/00; F25D 3/08 20060101 F25D003/08; F25D 31/00 20060101
F25D031/00 |
Claims
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34. A cooler apparatus, comprising: a main body; a lid hingedly
disposed on the main body; and a handle, said handle further
comprising a flashlight.
35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the flashlight is
removable.
36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a
handle clip disposed on the handle.
37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the handle clip
has an open side.
38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the handle clip
further comprises an opening to provide a path for the transmission
of light from a flashlight.
39. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a
timepiece.
40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a
compass.
41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a
music player.
42. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a DVD
player.
43. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the lid further
includes a movable hatch.
44. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the hatch is
slidable along a planar surface.
45. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the hatch is
pivotable.
46. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the hatch covers
a storage recess within the lid.
47. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the hatch is a
video screen.
48. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a
computer.
49. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the lid comprises
a first lid portion and a second lid portion, pivotally connected
to one another and to the main body.
50. The apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the first lid
portion covers a hollow interior of the main body.
51. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50, wherein the second lid
portion covers a storage section within the first lid portion.
52. A cooler system, comprising: a cooler body; a lid removably
connected to the cooler body; a handle having a clip and a
flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being removable
from the clip; means for receiving entertainment electronics; and
means for receiving camping equipment.
53. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising means
for locking the lid.
54. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the hingable
relation of the lid relative to the main body facilitates
rotational movement of the lid within a plane.
55. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising an
insert, said insert defining an organizational tool for receiving
and organizing accessories within the apparatus.
56. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a tray
slidably related to the main body.
57. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a
rechargeable battery pack and a storage compartment therefore.
58. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the lid further
comprises a flap and the main body further comprises a lock ring,
and wherein the lock ring is configured to extend through the flap
of the lid upon closure in a manner to enable a lock to be fastened
therethrough.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] To the full extent permitted by law, the present Patent
Cooperation Treaty Application claims priority to and the benefit
of United States Provisional patent application entitled
"Multi-Function Cooler Apparatus and System," filed on Aug. 3,
2006, on behalf of inventor Patrick McCance, and having assigned
Ser. No. 60/835,222.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
coolers and ice chests and more particularly to a multifunction
cooler apparatus and system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In general, in camping and other outdoor recreational
activities, it is desirable to have a cooler to store food and
other perishables. It is also well-known that during these
activities, it is desirable to bring many other types of equipment
such as standard camping equipment and entertainment equipment. It
is further appreciated that a user can quickly become encumbered
with all of the above-discussed equipment. As such, outdoor
recreational activities can quickly become burdensome by the same
equipment that was intended to contribute to the enjoyment of the
outdoor recreational activities.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] In general, the invention features a cooler integrated with
one or more of the following elements: clock/time piece,
flashlight, compass, CD/DVD player, MP3 player such as an
IPOD.RTM., speakers, and a lamp or lantern. The clock may be
mounted in several different ways (Velcro.RTM., snaps, threads) and
may take on various appearances (round or square). The flashlight
may be detachably mounted into the handle using snaps or
Velcro.RTM., or the flashlight may be permanently installed. The
compass may be mounted in a similar fashion as the timepiece. The
lamp or lantern may be integrally installed within the body, the
lid and/or the handle of the cooler.
[0005] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a cooler
apparatus, including a main body, a lid hingably disposed on the
main body and a removable handle coupled to the main body. The lid
could be lockable, wherein the main body of the cooler apparatus
could include an extension, such as a ring, that could extend
through an aperture in the lid in order to receive a lock
therethrough, thus preventing unauthorized access to the contents
of the cooler apparatus. Additionally, the lid could be rotational,
wherein access to the interior of the cooler could be achieved
without removal of the lid and/or without disturbing the plane of
the lid. Further, the lid could be completely removable, thereby
enabling stacking of a plurality of main bodies for shipping.
[0006] In one implementation, the removable handle is disposed on
the lid.
[0007] In another implementation, the removable handle is disposed
on the main body.
[0008] In another implementation, the removable handle is a
flashlight.
[0009] In another implementation, the removable handle is coupled
to the main body via the lid.
[0010] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
handle clip disposed on the lid.
[0011] In another implementation, the handle clip comprises a first
end and a second end.
[0012] In another implementation, the handle clip has a generally
cylindrical profile.
[0013] In another implementation, the handle clip has an open
side.
[0014] In another implementation, the open side of the handle clip
faces the lid.
[0015] In still another implementation, the open side of the handle
clip faces from the lid.
[0016] In yet another implementation, the second end of the handle
clip includes an opening to provide a path for the transmission of
light from a flashlight.
[0017] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
handle clip having an open side facing the main body.
[0018] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
flashlight disposed in the clip, the light transmitting end of the
flashlight disposed in an opening on one end of the clip.
[0019] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
timepiece disposed on the lid.
[0020] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
time piece disposed on the main body.
[0021] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
compass disposed on the lid.
[0022] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
compass disposed on the main body.
[0023] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
music player disposed on the lid.
[0024] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
music player disposed on the main body.
[0025] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
DVD player disposed on the lid.
[0026] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
DVD player disposed on the main body.
[0027] In another implementation, the lid further includes a
movable hatch disposed on an upper planar surface of the lid.
[0028] In another implementation, the hatch is slidable along the
upper planar surface.
[0029] In another implementation, the hatch is pivotable with
respect to the upper planar surface.
[0030] In another implementation, the hatch covers a storage recess
within the lid.
[0031] In another implementation, the hatch is a video screen.
[0032] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
computer disposed on the lid.
[0033] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a
computer disposed on the main body.
[0034] In another implementation, the lid comprises a first lid and
a second lid, pivotally connected to one another and to the main
body.
[0035] In another implementation, the first lid covers a hollow
interior of the main body.
[0036] In another implementation, the second lid covers a storage
section within the first lid.
[0037] In another aspect, the invention features a cooler system,
including a cooler body, a lid hingably connected to the cooler
body, a handle disposed on the lid having a clip and a flashlight
disposed in the clip, the flashlight being removable from the clip,
the ability to receive entertainment electronics disposed on the
cooler body and the ability to receive camping equipment disposed
on the cooler body.
[0038] In another aspect, the invention features a cooler system
including a cooler body, a lid hingably connected to the cooler
body, a handle disposed on the cooler body having a clip and a
flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being removable
from the clip, the ability to receive entertainment electronics
disposed on the cooler body and the ability to receive camping
equipment disposed on the cooler body.
[0039] In one implementation, the lid is a rotationally mounted lid
such that access to the interior of the cooler body is accomplished
by swinging the lid away from the cooler body, yet maintaining the
lid within a single plane.
[0040] In another implementation, the lid is a dual lid having a
first lid connection hingably connected to the cooler body and a
second lid section hingably connected to the first lid section.
[0041] In another implementation, the lid is removable from the
cooler body, wherein a plurality of cooler bodies may be nested,
such as to minimize necessary storage and/or shipping space.
[0042] In another implementation, the system further includes a
hatch disposed on the lid.
[0043] In another aspect, the invention features a cooler system
having an on-board storage area inside the lid, wherein, for
example, utensils, fishing tackle, a DVD player, an MP3 player
docking station, and the like may be stored.
[0044] In another aspect, the on-board storage area inside the lid
could be formed as an insert, wherein a plurality of
interchangeable design configurations could be accommodated.
[0045] In another aspect, the on-board storage area could be a
tray, wherein the tray could be slidably related to the cooler
body, and wherein the tray could slide lengthwise from the interior
of the cooler body.
[0046] In still another aspect, the on-board storage area could
provide suitable and accessible storage space for a rechargeable
battery pack, wherein such a pack could be utilized to power and/or
recharge electronic equipment, such as cellular telephones, DVD
players, MP3 players, and the like.
[0047] One advantage of the invention is that a central cooler can
incorporate several types of ancillary equipment.
[0048] Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention
are apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead view of an embodiment of a
multifunction cooler apparatus;
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an the multifunction
cooler apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates an overhead view of the multifunction
cooler apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the exterior lid in an open
position and exposing storage features;
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the multifunction cooler
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a first end view of the multifunction
cooler apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a second end view of the multifunction
cooler apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lid embodiment of
a multifunction cooler apparatus, showing the interior organization
space of an open lid;
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a stacked relationship for a plurality of
multifunction coolers, showing a partial cross-sectional view of a
multifunction cooler apparatus with a plurality of multifunction
coolers stacked therewith;
[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cut-away, perspective view of
the first end of the multifunction cooler apparatus of FIG. 5,
showing the flashlight removed from the handle;
[0058] FIG. 10 illustrates an overhead view of a multifunction
cooler apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0059] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the multifunction cooler
apparatus of FIG. 10;
[0060] FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of the multifunction cooler
apparatus of FIG. 10, showing the flashlight removed from the
handle;
[0061] FIG. 13 illustrates a stacked relationship for a plurality
of multifunction coolers;
[0062] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a multifunction
cooler apparatus according to another alternate configuration of
the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the multifunction cooler
apparatus of FIG. 10, showing the DVD player in an open position;
and
[0064] FIG. 16 illustrates an overhead view of a multifunction
cooler apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] To the full extent permitted by law, the present Patent
Cooperation Treaty Application claims priority to and the benefit
of United States Provisional patent application entitled
"Multi-Function Cooler Apparatus and System," filed on Aug. 3,
2006, on behalf of inventor Patrick McCance, and having assigned
Ser. No. 60/835,222.
[0066] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures,
reference is made first to FIG. 1 that illustrates an overhead view
of an embodiment of a multifunction cooler apparatus 100. FIG. 10
illustrates an overhead view of an alternate embodiment of a
multifunction cooler apparatus 200.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, in a typical embodiment
apparatus 100 includes main body 105 and lid 110, preferably
hingedly disposed on the main body 105 via pivot points 106. Main
body 105 can be a variety of shapes and sizes, typically square,
rectangular, any similar parallelepiped and the like. It is
appreciated that main body 105 has a preferably hollow interior for
receipt of goods to be stored and kept cool. Correspondingly, main
body 105 is typically insulated. Similarly, lid 110 can be any
variety of shapes and sizes and is also preferably insulated. In
general, in the present embodiment, lid 110 is pivotally attached
to main body 105 at pivot points 106, thus allowing lid 110 to open
to the side, exposing the hollow interior without removal of lid
110.
[0068] It is understood that in other embodiments, lid 110 can be
disposed on main body 105 in a variety of other ways. For example,
lid 110 can alternately be connected to main body 105 in a slidable
and/or rotational configuration (not shown), wherein, for example,
lid 110 could be slidably mounted within rails or track members to
facilitate lengthwise or crosswise movement relative to main body
105. Further, rotational movement of lid 110 could be facilitated
via alternate hinges, wherein lid 110 could swing outwardly from
main body 105 in an arc defined within a single plane. Each such
alternate lid configuration would facilitate access to the interior
compartment of main body 105 without necessitating a disturbance of
the plane of lid 110. Further, each such alternate lid
configuration could allow for complete removal of lid 110, or could
simply allow for a limited range of movement relative to main body
105. That is, lid 110 could be removable from main body 105 such
that a plurality of main bodies 105 of a plurality of apparatus 100
could be nested or stacked together. Such a configuration
advantageously minimizes storage and/or shipping requirements.
[0069] Typically, and preferably, apparatus 100 further includes
handle 115 coupled to main body 105. In one implementation, handle
115 is disposed main body 105. In another implementation, as
discussed further below, handle 115 is disposed on lid 110. In
general, handle 115 can also be coupled to main body 105 via lid
110. In a typical embodiment, handle 115 comprises removable
flashlight 120, which in FIGS. 1-6 is disposed on main body
105.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 9, handle 115 is
preferably and generally disposed on an upper end of main body 105.
Handle 115 typically includes first end 126 and second end 127. In
a typical embodiment, handle 115 has a generally cylindrical
profile and is generally tubular between ends 126, 127. In a
typical implementation, flashlight 115 is slidably and removably
retained within handle 115, therefore enabling full functionality
of handle 115 for apparatus 100, wherein first end 126 permits
removal of flashlight 120.
[0071] It is also understood that flashlight 115 could be
integrally formed in the handle 115, lid 110 or main body 105,
wherein the arrangement could be such that operation of flashlight
115 from such integral formation would enable the beam to exit from
apparatus 100, as apparatus 100 is repositioned to the desired
point to be lighted thereby. Additionally, handle 115, instead of
retaining flashlight 120 via a tubular structure, could be
clip-like, as further described hereinbelow.
[0072] As shown in the Figures, several embodiments of apparatuses
100, 200, 300 are illustrated. It is appreciated that the
apparatuses 100, 200, 300 can include a variety of types of
equipment, including entertainment equipment and useful and/or
otherwise desirable camping equipment. In one embodiment, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 14, the apparatuses 100, 200, 300 can include
timepiece 150, preferably disposed on lid 110. Timepiece 150 can be
any variety of watch, clock and the like, both digital and analog,
that can be powered by battery, electrical outlet, solar source and
the like. In one implementation, timepiece 150 can be disposed on
main body 105. In another implementation, timepiece 150 can be
disposed on lid 110.
[0073] In another embodiment, apparatuses 100, 200, 300 can include
compass 160. In one implementation, compass 160 can be disposed on
main body 105. In another implementation, compass 160 can be
disposed on lid 110, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 14.
[0074] In another embodiment, apparatuses 100, 200, 300 can include
music player 170, as shown in FIG. 14. Music player 170 can be any
type of music player now understood or any type of music players
that may be developed. For example, music player 170 can include
but is not limited to audio tapes players, compact (CD) players,
MP3 players such as an IPOD.RTM. and the like. Music player 170 can
further be a docking station for an insertable player such as one
of the above-mentioned music players, or any other suitable player.
Such a docking station can include, for example, speakers, ports to
transmit music data and power outlets. In one implementation, music
player 170 can be disposed on main body 105, as shown in FIG. 14.
In another implementation, music player 170 can be disposed on lid
110 (not shown).
[0075] In another embodiment, the apparatuses 100, 200, 300 can
include a digital video (versatile) disc (DVD) player 180, wherein
exemplary implementations of DVD player 180 are discussed further
below with respect to FIGS. 10 and 15. In one implementation, DVD
player 180 can be disposed on main body 105 (not shown). In another
implementation, DVD player 180 can be disposed on lid 210, as shown
in FIGS. 10 and 15. FIG. 16 also illustrates a view of another
alternate embodiment of a multifunction cooler apparatus 400,
wherein DVD player 180 is incorporated.
[0076] FIGS. 3 and 7 illustrate views of embodiments of a
multifunction cooler apparatus 100, showing organization features
defined in lid 110. Additionally, lid 110 could be formed to
include a flap (not shown), wherein the flap could extend over a
ring (not shown) extending outwardly from main body 105. In such
manner, a securing device, such as a padlock or cross-bar member
may be extended through the ring, thereby preventing unauthorized
access to the interior contents of apparatus 100.
[0077] Similar to as described above, typical apparatuses 200, 300,
400 include main body 105 and lid 110, 210, 410, respectively,
hingedly disposed on the main body 105 via pivot points 106. Main
body 105 can be a variety of shapes and sizes, typically square,
rectangular, any similar parallelepiped and the like. Similarly,
lid 110 can be any variety of shapes and sizes and is also
insulated. In general, in the present embodiment, lid 110 is
pivotally attached to main body 105 at pivot points 106, which
allows lid 110 to open to the side as illustrated in FIG. 3. It is
understood that in other embodiments, lid 110 can be disposed on
main body 105 in a variety of other ways, including being fully
removable.
[0078] It is appreciated that main body 105 has a hollow interior
for receipt of goods to be stored and kept cool. This hollow
interior also facilitates stacking or nesting of main body 105 in
order to minimize storage and/or shipping space requirements,
especially when lid 110 is entirely removable. Further, main body
105 is typically insulated. Main body 105 can include wheels 108
for efficient transport (exemplarily depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4-6)
and conventional handle 107 (FIGS. 2 and 7) as a primary hold for a
user during transport and carrying. An extendable handle 109 could
also be included in order to facilitate transport, wherein such
handle 109 could be pivotal, as shown, or could be telescopic or
otherwise extendable according to any suitable means. As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 13, each apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400 is preferably
dimensioned with components arranged in a manner to facilitate
stacking arrangement of a plurality of apparatus for shipping
and/or storage.
[0079] Additionally, feet 104 can be disposed on main body 105, as
shown in FIG. 2, in order to enhance balance and secure positioning
during use of apparatus 100, wherein feet 104 could be adapted for
height adjustment features in order to adapt to varying terrain.
Further, drain 103 could be defined in main body 105 in order to
facilitate removal of water and/or other fluids from the interior
thereof.
[0080] Typically, apparatuses 100, 200, 300, 400 further include
removable flashlight 120 relatedly coupled to main body 105. In one
implementation, removable flashlight 120 is disposed on handle 115,
and in another, on lid 110. In yet another implementation,
removable flashlight 120 is disposed on the main body 105. In
general, removable flashlight 120 can also be related to main body
105 via lid 110.
[0081] In a typical embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10-13, removable
flashlight 120 is related to main body 105. Main body 105 thus can
further include handle 115 with handle clip 125 generally disposed
thereon. Referring still to FIGS. 10-13, and now also to FIG. 14,
handle clip 125 typically includes first end 126 and second end
127. In atypical embodiment, handle clip 125 has a generally
cylindrical profile and is generally separated into two distinct
detached ends 126, 127. In the implementation shown in FIG. 14, for
example, flashlight 120 is placed into handle clip 125 and
functions as a handle for apparatus 300.
[0082] Typically, apparatus 200 further includes removable
flashlight 120 coupled to main body 105 via handle 115. In one
implementation, handle clip 125 is generally and centrally disposed
on handle 115, such that when handle 115 is pivotally extended into
a carrying position, handle clip 125 is on an upper end thereof.
Handle clip 125 typically has a generally cylindrical profile,
wherein flashlight 120 is placed therein, retaining functionality
of handle 115 for apparatus 100, irrespective of the inclusion or
removal of flashlight 120 from handle clip 120. Handle clip 125
removably secures flashlight 120 in place, preferably via
resilient, snap-in arrangement.
[0083] As described, handle clip 125 generally has a cylindrical
profile, and is typically a half-pipe with the open end of the
half-pipe profile facing away from lid 110 and main body 105, as
shown in FIGS. 10-13. It is appreciated that handle clip 125 does
provide a clipping effect on flashlight 120. Therefore, during
movement of apparatus 200, flashlight 120 remains clipped into
handle clip 125, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Since handle clip 125
can face upward as described, flashlight 120 can sit directly in
handle clip 125 and still transmit light. Furthermore, with handle
clip 125 defined as a single integral piece without a detached
first and second end 126, 127, when a user engages apparatus 200,
an upward force can be placed directly onto handle clip 125 without
engaging and applying a force directly to flashlight 120.
[0084] Alternately, as described and shown in FIG. 14, handle clip
125 generally has a cylindrical profile, and is a half-pipe with
the open side of the half-pipe profile facing toward main body 105.
With the half-pipe profile facing main body 105, placement of
flashlight 120 into handle clip 125 provides an efficient handle
for apparatus 300. In general, with flashlight 120 placed into
handle clip 125, when a user grasps flashlight 120 (essentially
becoming removable handle 115), the user can apply a force on
apparatus 300 which causes handle clip 125 to apply a force on
flashlight 115, which provides the user a secure hold on apparatus
100.
[0085] Referring still to FIG. 14, second end 127 of handle clip
125 includes opening 128 to provide a path for the transmission of
light from a flashlight 120. Therefore, the light transmitting end
of the flashlight 120 is typically disposed in opening 128 on one
end 127 of handle clip 125. In this way, when the user grasps
apparatus 300 via removable flashlight 120, the user can face
opening 128 in the direction in which user is facing or walking and
can illuminate flashlight 120 to provide light while walking or
otherwise engaging in an activity that may require the user to
illuminate an area while holding apparatus 100. Even if the
selected embodiment does not result in the light facing in the same
direction in which the user is facing or walking when transporting
apparatuses 100, 200, 300, 400, the immediately surrounding are can
be illuminated, and the user can still have flashlight 120 readily
available if needed to provide light while walking or otherwise
engaging in an activity that may require the user to illuminate an
area while holding apparatus 100. In the presently described
embodiments, handle clip 125 is a single integral piece, typically
U-shaped and pivotally connected to main body 105.
[0086] In a further alternate, apparatus 200 could be formed such
that handle 115 could be generally tubular, and without handle clip
125, (not shown) wherein flashlight 120 could slide within handle
115 in a removable fashion, such that light could be transmitted
essentially from within or proximate the upper end of handle
115.
[0087] As shown in the Figures, several embodiments of apparatuses
100, 200, 300, 400 are illustrated, wherein it is appreciated that
a variety of types of equipment may be included, such as
entertainment equipment and useful and/or otherwise desirable
camping equipment. In one embodiment 400, shown in FIG. 15, lid 410
further includes a movable hatch 190 disposed on an upper planar
surface of the lid. In general, hatch 190 can be slidable along the
upper planar surface of lid 110 as shown by directional arrows A in
FIG. 16. In another implementation, a portion of lid 110 can be
pivotable with respect to the upper planar surface of lid 110, such
as shown in FIGS. 3 and 15. Thus, in certain implementations, hatch
190 and/or other defined portions and/or sub-regions of lid 110 can
cover a storage recess 191 within lid 110. As shown in FIG. 15,
video screen 192 can be disposed in hatch 190. Video screen 192 can
be a display for DVD player 180 or a laptop computer (not shown) or
any other device requiring a video screen such as a gaming console
and the like.
[0088] In one embodiment, lid 110 can be composed of two lid
portions, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. First lid portion 111 and
second lid portion 112 are typically pivotally connected to one
another and to main body 105. In a typical implementation, first
lid portion 111 covers a hollow interior of main body 105 and
second lid portion 112 covers a storage section 191 within first
lid portion 111, thus second lid portion 112 relatedly defining
hatch 190. Turn locks or snap locks (not shown) can lock lid
portions 111, 112 with respect to one another.
[0089] In general, the recesses 191 within first lid portion 111
can have a variety of uses, functions and form factors. Recesses
191 can be used to store picnic equipment such as utensils, grill
utensils, plates, table cloths, spices/condiments napkins and the
like. Recesses can further include any of the entertainment
equipment as described above, either integrally connected or
removable. A separate pop-up section can include a video screen
similar to as described above, and similar to as depicted in FIG.
15.
[0090] Therefore, in the embodiments described above, a cooler
system is provided including a cooler body, a lid hingably
connected to the cooler body, a handle disposed on the lid having a
clip and a flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being
removable from the clip, the ability to receive entertainment
electronics disposed on the cooler body and the ability to receive
camping equipment disposed on the cooler body. A cooler system is
also provided, including a cooler body, a lid hingably connected to
the cooler body, a handle disposed on the cooler body having a clip
and a flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being
removable from the clip, the ability to receive entertainment
electronics disposed on the cooler body and the ability to receive
camping equipment disposed on the cooler body. In a typical
implementation, the lid is a dual lid having a first lid connection
hingably connected to the cooler body and a second lid section
hingably connected to the first lid section. The cooler systems can
also include a hatch disposed on the lid.
[0091] In an alternate embodiment, apparatus 100 could be provided
with an on-board light, such as a lamp or lantern, in addition to
or in lieu of flashlight 110. It will be appreciated that such
on-board light can be embedded in the cooler body, the lid of the
cooler, and/or the handle, wherein upon operation, light may
emanate therefrom.
[0092] Additionally, flashlight 115 may be alternately defined as a
permanent and/or detachable component of the cooler body and/or the
lid.
[0093] Further, the storage area inside the lid can be formed as a
dedicated, permanent storage area for various items, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, tailgating utensils, fishing tackle box
components, or the box itself, DVD player, MP3/IPOD docking
station, or the like. Or the storage area can be provided with
optional inserts wherein the manufacturer may provide various
options for selectable organization and storage of goods.
[0094] Additionally, the storage tray within the lid could be
defined within an exterior access port, such that slidable removal
from the interior cooler compartment is facilitated in order to
access the items stored within the storage tray without opening the
cooler itself.
[0095] Moreover, in another alternate embodiment, apparatus 100
could include a storage compartment for a rechargeable battery
pack, wherein such a rechargeable battery pack could enable
on-board, remote recharge of electronic goods, such as cellular
telephones, DVD players, MP3 players, and the like.
[0096] According to a variety of alternate embodiments, clock 150
and/or compass 160 could be removably mounted in several different
ways (Velcro.RTM., snaps, threads) and may take on various
appearances (round or square). Further, such means of attachment
could also be utilized for flashlight 120 in lieu of, or in
addition to, clip 125.
[0097] As discussed, the attachment arrangement for lid 110 can
vary for different embodiments. For example, it is anticipated that
lid 110 could be hingedly disposed on the main body for traditional
upward rotation, or that lid 110 could be hingedly disposed on the
main body for slidable rotation within a single plane relative to
the upper edge of main body 105. Further, any of such
configurations could be lockable. Such lockable configurations can
serve to further facilitate the definition of handle 115 within lid
110, maintaining closure of apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400 during
transport.
[0098] Lastly, with respect to the various embodiments of apparatus
100, it is intended that the various configurations and sizes
thereof are dimensioned in order to allow for stacking during
shipping, thereby enabling minimized space requirements and
decreased shipping costs per unit through increased capacity per
shipment.
[0099] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative
embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted
by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are
exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,
and modifications may be made within the scope of the present
invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a
certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of
the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments
of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are
used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes
of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to
the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by
the following claims.
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