U.S. patent application number 13/402094 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for portable ice chest.
Invention is credited to Terence M. Adam, Brian S. Clement.
Application Number | 20120211499 13/402094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46651908 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120211499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clement; Brian S. ; et
al. |
August 23, 2012 |
PORTABLE ICE CHEST
Abstract
The present invention provides a portable ice chest having an
improved foot operated lid or lid arrangement. The foot operated
linkages are spaced away from the food holding compartment of the
ice chest, being provided at end portions or in side panels of a
container body. In one embodiment, a single lid or cover is
provided. In another embodiment, a pair of lids or covers are
provided.
Inventors: |
Clement; Brian S.;
(Thibodaux, LA) ; Adam; Terence M.; (Gray,
LA) |
Family ID: |
46651908 |
Appl. No.: |
13/402094 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12796220 |
Jun 8, 2010 |
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13402094 |
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61235747 |
Aug 21, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 97/20 20130101;
A45C 11/20 20130101; Y02A 40/968 20180101; F25D 3/06 20130101; Y02A
40/963 20180101; F25D 23/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/592.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38 |
Claims
1. A portable ice chest, comprising: a) a container body having an
outer shell, an inner shell and an insulative layer in between the
inner and outer shells; b) the container body having a bottom
panel, front panel, rear panel, left and right side panels and an
open top; c) a pair of lids affixed to the container body, each lid
pivotally attached to the container body at a side panel, one lid
attached to the left side panel, the other lid attached to the
right side panel; d) a first operator that includes a first pedal
and that enables a user to open a first of the lids with foot
applied pressure on the first pedal; e) a second operator that
includes a second pedal that enables a user to open a second of the
lids with foot applied pressure on the second pedal; f) a pair of
linkages that connect each pedal to a lid, each said linkage being
positioned at a side panel; and g) wherein the first pedal and
second pedal are located on the same side of one of the panels of
the container being either the front panel or the rear panel, and
wherein each lid includes an elastic member operatively attached to
the lid and the body, wherein the elastic member elastically
maintains the lid in an open position when opened the lid's
respective pedal.
2. The portable ice chest of claim 1 wherein each linkage occupies
a position in between the inner and outer shells at a side
panel.
3. The portable ice chest of claim 1 wherein each linkage includes
a pushrod that is located at a side panel and in between the inner
shell and the outer shell.
4. The portable ice chest of claim 1 wherein each pedal is placed
on a side panel next to the bottom panel.
5. The portable ice chest of claim 1 wherein each pedal is
pivotally attached to a side panel.
6. The portable ice chest of claim 1 wherein each linkage includes
multiple pushrods.
7. The portable ice chest of claim 1 wherein each linkage includes
a spring.
8. The portable ice chest of claim 3 wherein the pushrod has a
spring portion.
9. The portable ice chest of claim 1, wherein the pedals are
located on the same side of front panel.
10. The portable ice chest of claim 1, wherein the pedals are
located on the same side of rear panel.
11. The portable ice chest of claim 1, wherein the lids are
pivotally attached to the container at different side panels.
12. The portable ice chest of claim 1, wherein the pedals are
located on the same side of front panel.
13. The portable ice chest of claim 1, wherein each of the pedals
extend substantially from the front to the rear panels, and can be
accessible from either the front or rear panel of the
container.
14. The portable ice chest of claim 1, wherein each of the lids can
be independently opened while the remaining lid remains closed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/796,220, filed Jun. 8, 2010, which application is a
non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/235,74'/, filed Aug. 21, 2009. Each of these applications are
incorporated herein by reference and priority to each application
is hereby claimed.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a portable ice chest and
more particularly to an improved portable ice chest having a lid or
lid sections operable between open and closed positions with an
improved foot operable linkage.
[0006] 2. General Background of the Invention
[0007] Portable ice chests are commercially available and commonly
used to carry many food items. One of the most popular uses of a
portable ice chest is that of housing fish caught by a fisherman
while on a dock or a boat. When a fisherman catches a fish, the
fisherman typically is holding the fish in one hand and a rod and
reel in the other hand. This presents a problem for the fisherman
in that he or she must set the rod and reel down in order to open
the lid of an ice chest and place the fish inside. Temporarily
relinquishing the fish rod invites damages to the rod and
interrupts fishing activity, hampering the fisherman in his or her
attempt to present another bait or lure to the fish still swimming
in the vicinity.
[0008] Several patents have issued that are directed to containers,
and/or portable ice chests insulated containers, some of which are
foot operated. The following table lists examples of possibly
relevant patents. Some of these patents are directed to insulated
containers. Other patents are directed to waste containers having a
foot operated mechanism.
[0009] The following US Patents are incorporated herein by
reference:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Pat. No. TITLE ISSUE DATE 1,251,984 Garbage
Can Jan. 01, 1918 1,828,741 Waste Can Oct. 27, 1931 2,351,597
Receptacle Jun. 20, 1944 2,546,915 Automatic Opening and Closing
Mar. 27, 1951 Container 3,201,017 Fishing Tackle Box Aug. 17, 1965
3,751,845 Fishing Bucket Aug. 14, 1973 3,958,359 Sportsman's
Combination Receptacle May 25, 1976 and Ice Chest 4,303,174 Foot
Operated Container and Covering Dec. 01, 1981 Device 4,324,061
Casting Net Holding Device Apr. 13, 1982 4,667,484 Cooler with
Pocketed Lid May 26, 1987 4,841,661 Fisherman's Combination Chest
Jun. 27, 1989 5,050,335 Minnow and Fish Preserving Container Sep.
24, 1991 5,181,612 Compact Collapsible Lunch Box Jan. 26, 1993
5,230,525 Step-On Waste Container Jul. 27, 1993 5,305,544 Bait
Storage, Cooler and Tackle Holder Apr. 26, 1994 Arrangement
5,474,201 Structure of a Foot Trash Can Dec. 12, 1995 5,531,348
Child Resistant Step-On Receptacle Jul. 02, 1996 6,209,744
Hinge-Doored Receptacle Apr. 03, 2001 2001/0039807 Divided
Insulated Container Nov. 15, 2001 6,626,316 Trash Can Assembly with
Toe-Kick Sep. 30, 2003 Recess 6,789,537 Foot Operated Grill Cover
Lift Sep. 14, 2004 7,044,323 Detachable Foot Pedal for Trash Can
May 16, 2006 7,086,550 Trash Can Assembly with Locking Lid Aug. 08,
2006 2008/0116207 Trash Can Assembly with Bag Trim May 22, 2008
2008/0245793 Insulated Container with Foot- Oct. 09, 2008 Operated
Lid GB 2,323,019 Pedal Bin Sep. 16, 1998
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a portable ice chest having a
container body comprised of an outer shell and an inner shell with
an insulated layer in between the inner and outer shells.
[0011] The container body has a bottom panel, front panel, rear
panel and left and right side panels.
[0012] The container body provides an open top that is covered with
one or two lids. Each of the lids is affixed to the container body
with a pivotal connection or hinge. In one embodiment, the lids
include a pair of lids that are attached to the left and right side
panels respectively. In another embodiment, a single lid is
attached to the top of the rear panel.
[0013] Operators are provided that include pedals or foot pedals
that enable a user to open one or both of the lids with foot
applied pressure. In one embodiment, the pedal extends
substantially the length of the ice chest or cooler, extending
substantially from one end panel to the other. In this embodiment,
a pair of linkages are provided at the left and right side panels
for opening the lid.
[0014] In another embodiment, first and second linkages are
provided, one linkage being provided on the left end panel and the
other linkage provided on the right end panel or side panel. In
either case, the mechanism for elevating the lid or lids does not
invade the cooling compartment which contains items such as a
plurality of fish and a mass of ice. In this fashion, neither the
fish nor the ice impede use of the linkage or linkages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the
following detailed description, read in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the alternate embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the alternate embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the alternate embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a two section lid
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment wherein elastic straps are used to assist in opening and
maintaining the lid sections open (which lid sections are traverse
or width wise), wherein the lids are shown closed.
[0025] FIG. 10 shows the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the lids
open.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment wherein elastic straps are used to assist in opening and
maintaining the lid sections open (which lid sections are
longitudinal or length wise), wherein the lids are shown
closed.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of a modified version of
the single lid embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7, wherein elastic
straps are used to assist in opening and maintaining the lid
section, wherein the lid are shown closed.
[0028] FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIG. 12 with the lid section
open.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] FIGS. 1-7 show a portable ice chest that is foot operated
and wherein a unique operating mechanism is provided. In FIGS. 1-4,
the portable ice chest 10 provides container body 11 having an
outer shell 12 and an inner shell 13. An insulative layer 14 of
air, foam, or other insulative material is provided in between the
outer shell 12 and the inner shell 13.
[0030] Container body 11 provides a bottom panel 15, front panel
16, rear panel 17 and side panels 18, 19. The side panels can
include left side panel 18 and right side panel 19.
[0031] Container body 11 has an open top 20 to be used to access
one or more cool compartments 31. A pair of lids 21, 22 or covers
are each pivotally attached to container body 11 at pivots 32, 33
respectively.
[0032] Each lid or cover 21, 22 is operable with a foot pedal. The
foot pedal 23 opens lid or cover 21. The foot pedal 24 operates or
opens the lid or cover 22. Linkages are provided for connecting
each lid 21, 22 with its foot pedal 23, 24. The linkage 25 extends
between foot pedal 23 and lid or cover 21. Linkage 26 extends
between foot pedal 24 and lid or cover 22.
[0033] Pivotal connections join each foot pedal to its linkage.
Each foot pedal 23, 24 is pivotally attached to container body 11.
Foot pedal 23 attaches to container body 11 at pivotal connection
27. Foot pedal 23 also forms a pivotal attachment to linkage 25 at
pivotal connection 30.
[0034] Foot pedal 24 is pivotally attached to container body 11 at
pivotal connection 28. Foot pedal 24 forms a pivotal attachment to
linkage 26 at pivotal connection 34.
[0035] In order to elevate either of the lids or covers 21, 22 a
user simply depresses the foot pedal 23 or 24 associated with the
lid or cover 21, 22. A fisherman can open either end 21 or 22
without opening the other end 21 or 22. The other lid or cover 21,
22 remains closed. This is important when depositing fish in the
ice chest because the closed lid or cover 21, 22 helps prevent
escape of the fish after it has been deposited within the
compartment 31 of the container body 11. An optional (preferably
removable) divider or baffle 35 can be used to divide the cooled
section 31, so that contents can be segregated such as the fish
caught by first and second fishermen, or fish separated from food
and drinks.
[0036] By placing the foot pedals 23, 24 on opposing ends or side
portions of the container body 11, the ice chest 10 of the present
invention can be accessed from two different directions such as by
fisherman that are positioned on opposing sides of the ice chest
such as on opposite sides of a boat. Thus, one fisherman can be
fishing on the port side of a boat and deposit his or her fish by
depressing the foot pedal 23. Another fisherman can be fishing on
the starboard side of the boat and deposit his or her fish by
depressing the foot pedal 24. This feature has great importance for
center console style fishing boats that typically provide an ice
chest in front of the center console, the ice chest being
accessible from either the port side or starboard side of the boat.
This feature is also important on boats that have ice chests at the
rear of the boat, next to the stern. Such as a stern mounted
portable ice chest 10 is also accessible by a first fisherman using
the pedal closest to the port side of the boat and a second
fisherman using the pedal closest to the starboard side of the
boat.
[0037] FIGS. 5-7 show a second embodiment of the apparatus of the
present invention, designated generally by the numeral 40. Portable
ice chest 40 can utilize the same container body 11 of the present
invention. In FIGS. 5-7 portable ice chest 40 provides a full
length foot pedal 41 that extends almost the full width 51 of body
11 from one side panel 18 to the other side panel 19 as seen in
FIG. 5. The single full length foot pedal 41 operates a pair of
linkages 42, 43. Linkages 42, 43 can be pushrods. The foot pedal 41
is attached to the container body 11 at pivotal connection 44. The
full length foot pedal 41 attaches to a first linkage 42 at pivotal
connection 45 and to a second linkage 43 at pivotal connection
46.
[0038] Each linkage 42, 43 attaches to a common lid 50 with a
pivotal connection. A pivotal connection is formed at 47 between
lid 50 and linkage 42. A pivotal connection 48 is formed between
lid 50 and linkage 43.
[0039] In FIGS. 5-7, arrow 49 illustrates that foot pedal 41
extends substantially the full length of container body 11,
spanning at least half, preferably two thirds or more preferably
three fourths of the distance between left side panel 18 and right
side panel 19. When a user steps on pedal 41 at its front end
portion 54 the user's foot 55 moves downwardly with the front end
portion 54 as indicated by arrow 52 in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7. The foot
pedal 41 pivots at pivot 45, 46 thus elevating the rear end portion
56 of pedal 41 and elevating each of the linkages or pushrods 42,
43 as shown in FIG. 7. Lid 50 is hingedly connected to body 11 at
hinge 57. The hinge 57 is positioned behind the pivotal connections
47, 48 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus, when the linkage or pushrod
42, 43 is elevated in FIG. 7, the lid 50 also elevates and pivots
about its hinge 57 as shown by arrow 53 in FIG. 7 thus opening the
compartment or interior 31 of ice chest 40. When the user removes
his or her foot 55, the weight of the lid 50 closes the lid via
gravity.
[0040] In one embodiment a single lid can be included. In one
embodiment the upper brace for the two portion lid can be omitted
making the interior a whole/single volume.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows an alternative lid construction 21', 22' of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. Container body 11 provides a bottom
panel 15, front panel 16, rear panel 17 and side panels 18, 19. The
side panels can include left side panel 18 and right side panel 19.
Container body 11 has an open top 20 to be used to access one or
more cool compartments 31. A pair of lids 21', 22' or covers are
each pivotally attached to container body 11 at hinges 57 (the
hinges 57 for lid cover 21' are not shown as they are located on
rear panel 17)
[0042] Each lid or cover 21', 22' is operable with a foot pedal.
The foot pedal 23 opens lid or cover 21'. The foot pedal 24
operates or opens the lid or cover 22'. Similar to the construction
shown in FIGS. 1-4, linkages are provided for connecting each lid
21', 22' with its foot pedal 23, 24. The linkage 25 extends between
foot pedal 23 and lid or cover 21. Linkage 26 extends between foot
pedal 24 and lid or cover 22. In FIG. 8, the pivoting connection 30
for pedal 23/lid 21' will be located on next to/under rear panel 17
instead of left side panel 18, and the pivoting connection 34 for
pedal 24/lid 22' will be located next to/under front panel 16
instead of right side panel 19. In this manner lids 21' and 22' can
open respectively in the direction of arrows 100,110 as show in
FIG. 8.
[0043] Also alternatively the foot pedals 23,24 and their
associated linkage systems connected to lids 21',22' in FIG. 8 can
be re-positioned to protrude from side panel 18 (effectively
rotating these linkage systems by 90 degrees). Dimensional changes
would have to be made to account for the differing lengths of the
front/rear to side panels.
[0044] In an alternative construction of two lid 21',22' container
10' two sets of opposed pedals 41 and 41' and associated linkage
systems for opening lids 21' and 22' can be used. These opposed
linkage system can be substantially the same as shown in the single
lid 50 embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 5-7. For lid 21' pedal 41 and
its associated linkage system can be used in substantially the same
configuration shown in FIGS. 5-7 (in this case lid 21' would be one
half the size of lid 50 as shown in FIG. 8). For lid 22' a pedal
41' and its associate linkage system could be used but with peal
41' facing in the opposite direction of pedal 41 shown in FIG. 6
(protruding from rear panel 17 instead of front panel 16). That is
pedal 41' connected to lid 22' would protrude from rear panel 17
with the pivotal connections 45',46' being under front panel 16. In
this embodiment pivot point 44 would preferably be located in the
center of bottom panel 15.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment 10'' wherein elastic straps 72,74,76,78 are used to
assist in opening and maintaining the lid 21,22 sections in an open
condition (which lid sections 21,22 are traverse or width wise),
wherein the lids 21,22 are shown in a closed and locked state. FIG.
10 shows the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the lids 21,22 in an open
state. The elastic straps can be any resilient elastic members such
as rubber, spring, or other elastic members. The straps can be
connected via connection points 72'/72''; 74'/74''; 76'/76''; and
78'/78''. Catch or lock 80 can be used to maintain the lid sections
21,22 in a closed or locked state. When catch or lock 80 is
unlocked straps 72,74,76,78 can force open lids 21,22 as
schematically indicated by arrows 120,130 along with the changes in
state from closed to open in FIGS. 9 and 10. In an alternative
embodiment lids 21,22, when closed, have some frictional locking
condition even when catch or lock 80 is in an unlocked state, but
when lock 80 is unlocked and either lid 21 and/or 22 is opened
slightly, then straps 72,74,76,78 take over and more fully open
lids 21,22 (e.g., the remainder of the way and keep these lids open
until a user closes the lids, and/or locks again lock 80). To close
lid sections 21 and 22 a downward force in the opposite directions
of arrows 120,130 is placed on these lid suctions to close them and
latch or lock 80 is locked (or alternatively frictional force
between lids 21,22 between themselves or the container when lids
22,22 are closed can be used to maintain the closure (and/or with
the closing torque about their hinges caused by the weights of lids
21,22 in a horizontal position can be used to maintain
closure).
[0046] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment 10'' ` wherein elastic straps 72,74,76,78 are used to
assist in opening and maintaining the lid 21',22' sections open
(which lid sections 21',22' are length wise), wherein the lids
21',22' are shown closed. The elastic straps can be any resilient
elastic members such as rubber, spring, or other elastic members.
The straps can be connected via connection points 72'/72'';
74'/74''; 76'/76''; and 78'/78''. Catch or lock 80 can be used to
maintain the lid sections 21',22' in a closed position. When catch
or lock 80 is unlocked straps 72,74,76,78 force open lids 21',22'
as schematically indicated by arrows 140,150. In an alternative
embodiment lids 21',22' have some frictional locking condition even
when catch or lock 80 is in a locked state, but when lock 80 is
unlocked and either lid 21' and/or 22' is opened somewhat then
straps 72,74,76,78 take over and open lids 21',22' the remainder of
the way and keep these lids open until a user closes the lids
(and/or locks again lock 80). To close lid sections 21' and 22' a
downward force in the opposite directions of arrows 120,130 is
placed on these lid suctions to close them and latch or lock 80 is
locked (or alternatively frictional force between lids 21',22'
between themselves or the container when lids 22',22' are closed
can be used to maintain the closure (and/or with the closing torque
about their hinges caused by the weights of lids 21',22' in a
horizontal position can be used to maintain closure).
[0047] FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of 10'''' which is a
modified version of the single lid embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7,
wherein elastic straps 72, 74 are used to assist in opening and
maintaining the lid section 50, wherein the lid 50 is shown closed.
FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIG. 12 with the lid 50 section
open. Catch or lock 80 can be used to maintain the lid section 50
in a closed position. When catch or lock 80 is unlocked straps
72,74 can force open lid 50 as schematically indicated by arrows
160,170 along with the changes in state from closed to open in
FIGS. 12 and 13. In an alternative embodiment lid 50 has some
frictional locking condition even when catch or lock 80 is in an
unlocked state, but when lock 80 is unlocked and lid 50 is opened
somewhat then straps 72,74 take over and open lid 50 the remainder
of the way and keep this lid 50 open until a user closes the lids
(and/or locks again lock 80). Alternatively, pedal 41 can be
depressed where straps 72,74 assist in opening lid 50 further as
described above, or alternatively pedal and linkage can be omitted
relying only on straps 72,74 to open lid 50.
[0048] The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for
use in the present invention.
TABLE-US-00002 PARTS LIST Part Number Description 10 portable ice
chest 11 container body 12 outer shell 13 inner shell 14 insulative
layer 15 bottom panel 16 front panel 17 rear panel 18 left side
panel 19 right side panel 20 open top 21 lid/cover 22 lid/cover 23
foot pedal 24 foot pedal 25 linkage/pushrod 26 linkage/pushrod 27
pivotal connection 28 pivotal connection 29 pivotal connection 30
pivotal connection 31 compartment/interior 32 pivot/hinge 33
pivot/hinge 33 pivotal connection 34 pivotal connection 35
baffle/divider 40 portable ice chest 41 foot pedal 42 linkage 43
linkage 44 pivotal connection 45 pivotal connection 46 pivotal
connection 47 pivotal connection 48 pivotal connection 49 arrow 50
lid 51 width 52 arrow 53 arrow 54 front end portion 55 user's foot
56 rear end portion 57 hinge 70 strap 72 strap 74 strap 76 strap 80
locking latch 82 frictional connection 100 arrow 110 arrow 120
arrow 130 arrow 140 arrow 150 arrow 160 arrow 170 arrow
[0049] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard
temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated
otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human
being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
[0050] The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example
only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by
the following claims.
* * * * *