U.S. patent application number 12/784409 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for portable cooler.
Invention is credited to Mark Johnson.
Application Number | 20100326123 12/784409 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44992299 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20100326123 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Mark |
December 30, 2010 |
Portable Cooler
Abstract
The portable cooler is a portable refrigeration system for
selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a
beer keg, for example. The portable cooler includes a housing that
defines an open interior region for removably receiving the keg. A
door is pivotally mounted to the housing, providing the user with
selective access to the open interior region. A refrigeration
device is mounted within the housing, adjacent the container, and
may be powered by an external power supply or by rechargeable
batteries, also received within the housing. Wheels are pivotally
mounted to a lower end of the housing, and a handle is mounted to
an upper end of the housing, allowing the user to selectively
transport the housing and keg.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Mark; (Chula Vista,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John Karl Buche;BUCHE & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
875 PROSPECT, SUITE 305
LA JOLLA
CA
92037
US
|
Family ID: |
44992299 |
Appl. No.: |
12/784409 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11773333 |
Jul 3, 2007 |
7735334 |
|
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12784409 |
|
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60818518 |
Jul 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2331/802 20130101;
F25D 31/006 20130101; F25D 2400/38 20130101; F25D 23/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/457.9 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/00 20060101
F25B021/00 |
Claims
1. A portable cooler comprising: a housing with an opening to an
interior region adapted for removably receiving a removable
container therein; an electrically powered refrigeration device for
selectively and adjustably cooling a container received within the
interior region; and a rechargeable battery adapted to power the
refrigeration device.
2. The portable cooler of claim 1 wherein the interior region is
further adapted for removably receiving shelving.
3. The portable cooler of claim 2 wherein the housing features an
aperture adapted to removably receive a plug or a keg tap.
4. The portable cooler of claim 3 wherein the upper surface of the
housing includes a bar.
5. The portable cooler of claim 4 wherein the housing features at
least one seat for positioning a person at the level of the
bar.
6. The portable cooler of claim 1 further comprising a door for
selectively sealing and covering the opening.
7. The portable cooler of claim 1 further comprising at least one
wheel so that the cooler and any received containers may be
selectively and guidedly transported via the wheel(s).
8. (canceled)
9. A transformable cooler comprising: a housing with an opening to
an interior region adapted for removably receiving large
containers, the interior region further adapted for removably
receiving shelving to support small containers received within the
interior region; a door for selectively sealing and covering the
opening; an electrically powered refrigeration device for
selectively and adjustably cooling container(s) received within the
interior region; an aperture at the top of the housing adapted to
removably receive a keg tap or a plug; a rechargeable battery
adapted to power the refrigeration device.
10. The cooler of claim 9 9 further comprising a power adapter,
wherein the power adapter is configured to electrically power an
external device.
11. The portable cooler of claim further comprising at least one
wheel so that the cooler and any received containers may be
selectively and guidedly transported via the wheel(s).
12. The portable cooler of claim 11 adapted to be transported along
the wheel(s) via the force of an automobile.
13. A portable cooler comprising: a housing with an opening to an
interior region adapted for removably receiving a removable
container therein, and wherein the upper surface of the housing
includes a bar; a door for selectively sealing and covering at
least a portion of the opening; an electrically powered
refrigeration device for selectively and adjustably cooling a
container received within the interior region; at least one wheel
so that the cooler and any received containers may be selectively
and guidedly transported via the wheel(s); and a rechargeable
battery adapted to power the refrigeration device.
14. The portable cooler of claim 13 wherein the interior region is
further adapted for removably receiving shelving.
15. The portable cooler of claim 14 wherein the housing features an
aperture adapted to removably receive a plug or a keg tap.
16. (canceled)
17. The portable cooler of claim 13 adapted to be transported along
the wheel(s) via the force of an automobile.
18. The portable cooler of claim 17 wherein said rechargeable
battery may be electronically connected to the electronic system of
the automobile via the trailer hitch receptacle.
19. The portable cooler of claim 13 adapted to be transported along
the wheels in the manner of a hand cart.
20. The portable cooler of claim 17 wherein said rechargeable
battery may be electronically connected to a solar panel on said
bar.
21. The portable cooler of claim 17 further comprising a second
door, wherein the second door is configured to selectively seal and
cover at least a second portion of the opening, wherein the second
portion of the opening is different that the portion of the opening
sealed and covered by the door.
22. The portable cooler of claim 11 wherein the external device
includes one of: a blender; a microwave; a television; a radio; or
a video game.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/773,333 (filed Jul. 3, 2007) entitled
"Portable Cooler" and its contents are incorporated by reference.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,333 claims the benefit of
priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/818,518 (filed Jul.
6, 2006).
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of Invention
[0004] The present application relates to a portable cooler, which
is a portable refrigeration system for selectively and adjustably
cooling and transporting a removable container, such as a beer keg,
for example.
[0005] 2. Background
[0006] Large beverage containers, such as beer kegs and the like,
require either large-scale or specially adapted refrigeration
units. Such units are typically mounted within bars or restaurants,
such that the container may be placed in the refrigeration unit and
tapped to dispense the cooled beverage to the patrons. Such
refrigeration units, however, are typically permanently mounted
within the bar or counter of the bar or restaurant, thus allowing
for efficient cooling of the beverage to take place only in the bar
or restaurant.
[0007] Users may desire to cool a beverage container, such as the
exemplary beer keg, in a remote location, and not a bar, restaurant
or other food and drink service establishment. Though a beer keg or
the like may be mounted on a dolly or other transportation device
to transport the keg to the remote location, the specialized
refrigeration unit cannot be transported along with the container
because it is heavy and difficult to maneuver.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The portable cooler is a portable refrigeration system for
selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a
beer keg or a carbonated beverage system, for example. The portable
cooler includes a housing, which defines an open interior region
therein for removably receiving the container. The housing can be
made of any suitable material, including plastic, steel, aluminum
or the like, and may be insulated to prevent refrigeration loss
from or heat transfer into the interior region. An opening is
formed through a front face of the housing, and a door or pair of
doors is pivotally mounted to the housing, providing the user with
selective access to the open interior region. The door or doors
selectively covers and seals the opening formed through the front
face of the housing, and may include latches or the like, for
selectively and releasably locking the door to the housing.
Further, a door handle may be mounted to the door, providing the
user with a gripping device for easily opening and closing the
door. In one embodiment, the housing includes an open upper
portion, allowing the keg, or other container, to project upwardly
therethrough.
[0009] A refrigeration device is mounted within the housing,
adjacent the container, and may be powered by an external power
supply or by rechargeable batteries, also received within the
housing. In certain embodiments, the cooler includes means for is
electrically connecting the refrigeration device to a motor vehicle
cigarette lighter. In other embodiments, the refrigeration device
can be electrically connected through a suitable means to a solar
power unit which may contain a solar cell or photovoltaic panel and
a power storage block.
[0010] In one aspect of this application, the refrigeration device
is a compact unit scaled to cool the beverage container. The
refrigeration device may include refrigeration coils, a compressor
and other conventional refrigeration elements. A control panel may
be mounted on the housing, with the control panel being in
communication with the refrigeration device, allowing the user to
selectively and adjustably control the temperature within the
housing.
[0011] A plurality of wheels are pivotally mounted to a lower end
of the housing, and a handle is mounted to an upper end of the
housing, allowing the user to selectively transport the housing and
container in a controlled manner. The handle is preferably
retractable within the housing. In certain embodiments, a second,
optionally retractable handle is mounted to a lower end of the
housing to facilitate lifting the portable cooler using two hands
or by two persons. In one aspect of this application, the first and
second handles are mounted to the rear of the housing. Further, a
support stand may be pivotally mounted to a rear face of the
housing, allowing the housing to be supported at an angle with
respect to a support surface, such as the floor or the ground.
[0012] These and other features of this application will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a portable
cooler according to the present application.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the portable cooler according to
the present application.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable cooler according to
the present application.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the portable cooler according to
the present application.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side, partial cut-away view of the portable
cooler according to the present application.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an environmental, perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of the portable cooler according to the
present application.
[0019] FIGS. 7A-D show various views of an alternative embodiment a
portable cooler according to the present application. FIG. 7A is a
front view of the alternative embodiment the portable cooler. FIG.
7B is a top view of the portable cooler viewed from the front. FIG.
7C is a side view of the alternative embodiment the portable
cooler. FIG. 7D is a rear view of the alternative embodiment the
portable cooler.
[0020] FIGS. 8A-E show various views of an alternative embodiment
of a portable cooler according to the present application. FIG. 8A
is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the portable
cooler with a removable keg tap provided thereto. FIG. 8B is the
portable cooler of FIG. 8A with the removable keg tap disassembled
therefrom. FIG. 8C is a top view of the portable cooler of FIG. 8B.
FIG. 8D is the portable cooler of FIG. 8C with a plug provided
thereto for replacing the removable keg tap. FIG. 8E is a front
view of the portable cooler of FIG. 8D with its doors ajar exposing
shelving installed therein.
[0021] FIGS. 9 and 9A are respectively a front and top view of an
alternative embodiment of a portable cooler according to the
present application.
[0022] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present application discloses a portable cooler 10. The
portable cooler 10 maybe a portable refrigeration system for
selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a
beer keg, for example. It should be understood that the portable
cooler 10 may be utilized for the cooling and transportation of any
container received therein, and that the beer keg 26, illustrated
in FIG. 1, and the carbonated beverage system illustrated in FIG. 6
are for exemplary purposes only. Further, the portable cooler 10
may be sized, contoured and constructed from materials dependent
upon the needs and desires of the user, and further dependent upon
the size, contour and nature of container being stored and
transported within cooler 10.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the portable cooler 10 may include a
housing 14 that defines an open interior region 16 therein, for
removably receiving the keg 26, carbonated beverage system 60, or
any other suitable container. In one embodiment, housing 14
suitably has a substantially cylindrical contour, however, as
described above, housing 14 may be sized, contoured and constructed
from suitable materials dependent upon the needs and desires of the
user.
[0025] In one aspect of the disclosed embodiment, housing 14 is
constructed from steel, particularly stainless steel. In another
aspect of the disclosed embodiment, housing 14 is constructed from
aluminium, any other suitable metal, mixtures or alloys thereof.
The metal may be anodized, galvanized, coated or treated in a
manner suitable to protect the surfaces thereof. In certain
embodiments, housing 14 may have a single wall construction. In
other embodiments, double or triple wall construction may be
used.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the present application further
contemplates that housing 14 may be insulated, such as by wrapping,
coating or encasing it in an insulating material 11, as shown in
FIG. 6. The insulating material can be any material suitable for
preventing heat transfer to the housing and/or preventing
refrigeration loss. Suitable insulating materials according to the
present disclosure include but are not limited to urethanes,
polystyrenes, polyesters, epoxies, and natural or synthetic
rubbers, which may for example, be foamed, expanded or
extruded.
[0027] In certain embodiments, housing 14 comprises plastic. The
entire housing 14 may be made of plastic or similar material, for
example in a molded, extruded or fabricated form. In other
embodiments, housing 14 may comprise multiple layers, such as an
inner layer of steel or other metal, with or without an insulating
layer, which is encased or coated in plastic, rubber or other
resilient material. According to certain non-limiting aspects of
this embodiment, the coating may serve the purpose of protecting or
enclosing the inner and/or insulating layers. In other aspects the
coating can be decorative and/or provide a surface on which brand
information and/or instructions can be applied. Furthermore, the
outer layer, where used, may be textured to provide slip resistance
to facilitate handling.
[0028] As shown, the housing 14 may have an open upper portion,
allowing the keg 26 or other container to project upwardly
therethrough when the keg 26 is received within the housing 14.
Alternatively, housing 14 may include a closed upper portion 28,
allowing for complete coverage of the keg 26. The contouring and
configuration of the housing 14 are dependent upon the needs and
desires of the user. This skilled artisan will appreciate that the
size of any opening in housing 14 may be adapted as required to
accommodate the keg 26, carbonated beverage system 60, other
container or any fittings thereon. In certain embodiments, the
housing may be fitted with a tap 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D,
nozzle, dispensing gun or other device for connecting to the keg
26, carbonated beverage system 70 or other container to
conveniently dispense a beverage contained therein. In certain
other embodiments, the housing 14 may be externally configured to
removably receive a tap 70 or a plug 21 and correspondingly
internally configured to removably receive a keg 26 or shelving 22
as discussed in greater detail below.
[0029] An opening may suitably be formed through a front face of
the housing 14, providing access to the open interior region 16,
and a door 18 may preferably be pivotally mounted to the housing
14. Door 18 is preferably secured to housing 14 by hinges 20, or by
any other suitable means for pivotal attachment. Door 18 provides
the user with selective access to the open interior region 16. The
door 18 selectively covers and seals the opening formed through the
front face of the housing 14, and may include latches 28 or the
like, for selectively and releasably locking the door 18 to the
housing 14. In certain embodiments (best depicted in FIGS. 7A
through 9), a set of double doors 19 may be used in place of a
single door, each independently hinged and independently operable.
The present application contemplates that double doors 19 may allow
partial access to the keg 26, carbonated beverage system 60 or
other container, while minimizing exposure to the exterior
environment.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the Figures,
latches 28 engage corresponding recesses 30, formed in the outer
surface of housing 14, however, it should be understood that any
suitable means for releasably securing and locking door 18 may be
utilized. As shown, an annular thermal seal 15 may be secured to
the upper edges of both the door 18 and the housing 14. Annular
seal 15 may be formed from rubber or any other suitable flexible
and thermally insulative material. Seal 15 further acts to support
and secure keg 26, when the keg 26 is received within housing
14.
[0031] As best shown in FIG. 2, a door handle 40 may be mounted to
the door 18, providing the user with a gripping device for easily
opening and closing the door 18. Further, a control panel 42 may be
mounted to door 18, as shown, providing the user with selective
control over the temperature and operation of the refrigeration
system (to be described in greater detail below). Control panel 42
may alternatively be mounted to any suitable portion of housing
14.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, a refrigeration system is suitably
mounted within the housing 14, adjacent the keg 26, for selective
and controlled cooling thereof. The refrigeration system may be
powered by an external power source, such as a standard household
AC electrical source, via power cord 22 (shown in FIG. 1), or may
alternately be powered by batteries 50, which may be rechargeable,
also received within the housing 14. In one embodiment, the
refrigeration system may be adapted to run on a gasoline, diesel or
other engine, such as a portable generator or a motor vehicle
engine. Conveniently, power cord 22 may be adapted to include a
plug 21 that is sized and shaped to be received in a cigarette
lighter receptacle or trailer hitch receptacle of the motor vehicle
to electrically connect the refrigeration system to a power source
of the motor vehicle via the cigarette lighter receptacle or
trailer hitch receptacle as respectively shown in the alternative
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9.
[0033] In yet another embodiment of the portable cooler 10, the
refrigeration system is electrically connected to a solar power
unit, which may be a portable solar powered unit. The solar power
unit will typically comprise at least one solar cell or
photovoltaic panel which receives light from an external source
such as the sun. The electrical power generated by the one or more
solar cells is provided to a power storage block, which may include
one or more batteries or other power storage device(s). A
controller and/or inverter block may be coupled to the power
storage block. The controller and/or inverter block may include an
inverter to convert the power received from the power storage block
to an appropriate power signal for the refrigeration unit.
Optionally, the photovoltaic units may be selectively positionable
at a plurality of angles in order to optimally receive sunlight. In
one embodiment, the solar powered unit or photovoltaic panel
thereof, is adapted for mounting on the roof of a motor vehicle.
According to this embodiment, the positioning of the photovoltaic
panels may be optionally adjustable by any suitable means, such as
mechanical, hydraulic, electronic or the like. In another aspect of
this embodiment, the photovoltaic panels are mounted in a fixed
position, but can be positioned to receive sunlight by manually
moving the photovoltaic unit itself or, e.g., moving the motor
vehicle upon which the photovoltaic panels are mounted.
[0034] The refrigeration system may be a conventional refrigeration
system, including one or more refrigeration coils 52 in
communication with a compressor motor 54, or the like. As used
herein, terms "refrigeration system" and "refrigeration device" are
interchangeable. It should be understood that refrigeration coils
52 and compressor motor 54 are shown for exemplary purposes only,
and that any suitable user-controllable and actuatable
refrigeration system may be utilized. In certain embodiments, the
refrigeration system is a compact and/or lightweight unit suitably
sized to fit within or about the housing 14, including but not
limited to high efficiency refrigeration systems. Optionally, one
or more components of the refrigeration system (e.g., the
refrigeration coils 52) may be mounted on the exterior of the
cooler. As noted above, control panel 42 is mounted on the housing
14, with the control panel 42 being in communication with the
refrigeration system, allowing the user to selectively and
adjustably control the temperature within the housing 14.
[0035] A plurality of wheels 24 are pivotally mounted to a lower
end of the housing 14, allowing the housing 14 to be transported to
any desired location. Though shown as having two such wheels 24 in
the Figures, it should be understood that this is for exemplary
purposes only, and any desired number of wheels may be pivotally
mounted to the lower end of housing 14. Additionally, a handle 12
is mounted to an upper end of the housing 14, providing the user
with a grip for the transport of the housing 14 and container 26 in
a controlled manner. The handle 12 is preferably retractable within
the housing 14, and is positioned in the vertical direction (as
indicated by the directional arrow in FIG. 5). As best shown in
FIG. 2, handle 12 preferably includes a pair of side supports 36,
and a central gripping member 34. In certain embodiments, a second,
optionally retractable handle is mounted to a lower end of the
housing to facilitate lifting the portable cooler using two hands
or by two persons. In one aspect of the application, the first and
second handles are mounted to the rear of the housing. In certain
embodiments, the lower handle may also serve as a foot-actuated
titling device for titling the cooler 10 relative to the support
surface during transport. The skilled artisan will appreciate that
certain embodiments of the cooler may more easily wheeled in a
tilted position similar to the operation of a hand truck. In
certain other embodiments, the cooler may have a separate
foot-actuated titling means attached to the lower portion of the
cooler 10, such as on the rear face or bottom of the housing 14,
below handle 12 and positioned at a height suitable for titling the
cooler using foot action while grasping handle 12.
[0036] Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a support stand 44 may
be pivotally mounted to a rear face of the housing 14, allowing the
housing 14 to be supported at an angle with respect to a support
surface, such as the floor or the ground. Support stand 44 may
include a pair of side support members 46 that support a crossbar
48. A proximal end of each side support member 46 can be pivotally
joined to the rear face of housing 14, by hinges or the like, with
the distal ends of side support members 46 being secured to
opposite ends of crossbar 48. Additionally, a pair of upper
supports 13 may be mounted to the rear face of housing 14, allowing
the cooler 10 to be positioned horizontally on a support surface,
such as the ground or floor. Supports 13 cooperate with support
stand 44 which, in its deployed position, allows for either the
horizontal or angled positioning of the cooler 10 with respect to
the horizontal. Alternatively, wheels 24 may be positioned towards
the rear of housing 14, allowing supports 13 to act cooperatively
with the wheels 24 for the horizontal positioning of the cooler
10.
[0037] In use, the user releases latches 28 and opens door 18 or
doors 19 to provide access to the open interior region 16. A keg 26
or other suitable container is received within the open interior
region 16 and the user closes door 18 and re-secures latches 28, to
secure the keg 26 within housing 14. Housing 14 may be formed, at
least partially, from a thermally insulating material. The user may
input a desired temperature or other operational parameters into
control panel 42, for the controlled and selective actuation of the
refrigeration system.
[0038] The user may further deploy handle 12 and, used in
combination with wheels 24, transport the housing 14 and keg 26 to
a desired location. Support stand 44 may further be deployed if the
user wishes to support the housing 14 at an angle with respect to
the support surface. The handle 12 and support stand 44 may both be
selectively retracted for storage of the portable cooler 10.
[0039] In one embodiment of the present application, the portable
cooler 10 may be adapted for carbonated drink dispensing. According
to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, interior region 16 is sized
to receive the components of a carbonated beverage system 60, such
as a soft drink mixing and/or dispensing system. The system may
comprise one or more of a pressurized CO.sub.2 cylinder 62, a
carbonating vessel 64, syrup reservoir 66, and dispensing port 61,
which may be connected through a series of tubes 68. Flow through
the system may be delivered via one or more in-line mechanical
pumps. Optionally, the system may include a trigger-operated
delivery gun, which may be adapted to dispense one of several
available beverage flavors from a plurality of syrup reservoirs. In
certain aspects of the present application, the CO.sub.2 cylinder
component of the carbonated beverage system may be located on the
exterior of housing 14 in a compartment 72 adapted to removably
receive and secure the cylinder. According to this embodiment,
communication between the CO.sub.2 cylinder and the interior of the
compartment may provided by an opening in the housing 14.
[0040] FIGS. 8A through 8E discloses another preferred embodiment
of the portable cooler 10. More specifically, FIGS. 8A through 8E
depict a portable cooler 10 with a removable tap and/or that is
transformable between a portable cooler 10 for refrigerating large
containers (e.g., a beer keg 26) to a portable cooler 10 with
shelving 22 for refrigerating small containers.
[0041] As best seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the housing 14 may be
adapted to removably receive a tap 70 at an upper surface thereof.
Suitably, the referenced adaptation may be an aperture whereby the
tap may be provided therethrough to a keg 26 provided to the inner
region of the housing in a manner disclosed above in connection
with the earlier figures. Preferably, the aperture and the
removable keg tap 70 are provided with cooperating threads whereby
the aperture and tap 70 screw together or, alternatively, the keg
tap 70 features threads whereby it may be inserted into the
aperture so that a nut may be applied to the distal end of the keg
tap 70 as it projects into the interior of the housing 14. Subject
thereto, other suitable means are known for removably securing a
keg tap 70 to a housing 14. Referring now to FIGS. 8B through 8D, a
plug 21 may be removably provided to the aperture instead of the
keg tap 70. With either the plug 21 or the keg tap 70 installed,
the portable cooler 10 may generally operate as disclosed above in
connection with the earlier figures (see discussion of FIGS. 1
through 6 for operation of the portable cooler 10 without the tap
70 installed and FIGS. 7A through 7F for operation of the portable
cooler 10 with the tap 70 installed).
[0042] As best seen in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8E, a portable cooler 10
for cooling and dispensing beverages (i.e., FIG. 8A) may be
transformed into a portable cooler 10 including shelving 22 for
general item refrigeration. Said transformation may be accomplished
via: (1) replacing the keg tap 70 with a plug 21 in the manner
disclosed above; and (2) opening the doors 19 and installing
shelving 22 along the ledges 23. The ledges 23 may be a plurality
of elbowed structures with one side provided to the internal
surface of the housing 14 whereby the other side projects a ledge
within the interior of the housing. Alternatively the ledges 23 may
be molded or pressed unitarily with the housing 14. Other
preferable methods for providing a ledge to the inside of the
housing will be known by those of skill in the art. It should be
noted that the ledges 23 should be installed whereby large
containers (e.g., beer kegs or beverage systems) may be
unobstructedly provided to the interior of the housing 14 whenever
the shelving 22 is uninstalled.
[0043] FIGS. 9 and 9A disclose yet another preferred embodiment of
the present application. More specifically, FIGS. 9 and 9A depict a
portable cooler 10 with a housing 14 having an upper surface
comprising or composing a bar 200. Suitably, the housing further
comprises or composes a trailer 210. As disclosed in connection
with the earlier embodiments, the housing 14 of the portable cooler
10 may be provided with wheels 24 at its lower end (i.e., the
trailer 210) and, in the present embodiment, the wheels 24 may be
mechanically connected to the lower portion of the housing 14 or
trailer 210. As further seen in the figures, the portable cooler of
the present embodiment may further feature at least one chair or
stool whereby persons may sit and be served at the bar 200
comprised of, or composed of, the housing 14. It should be noted
that the shape and surface area of the bar 200 may vary without
departing from the spirit and intent of the disclosure. The cart
may be transported via the trailer and wheels in any manner known
to one of skill in the art. For example, the trailer may be
manually pulled in the manner of a hand cart, hitched to a horse or
other animal and pulled in the manner of a buggy, or hitched to an
automobile and transported in the manner of a trailer. A preferable
embodiment also features electrical trailer components whereby the
refrigeration unit of the portable cooler may be coupled to the
electronic system of an automobile via the trailer hitch
receptacle. Although the present embodiment features the portable
cooler 10 as a trailer, the portable cooler 10 may suitably operate
in the manner disclosed above in connection with FIGS. 1 through
8E. Additionally, the battery used to power the portable cooler 10,
whether alone or in conjunction with another electrical system, may
further be used to power additional electronic components at the
bar including, but not limited to: blenders, microwaves,
televisions, radios, video games, and the like.
[0044] It should be noted that FIGS. 1 through 9A and the
associated description are of illustrative importance only. In
other words, the depiction and descriptions of the presently
disclosed embodiments should not be construed as limiting of the
subject matter in this application.
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