U.S. patent application number 14/561439 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-19 for cooler for a game head.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian HICKS. Invention is credited to Brian HICKS.
Application Number | 20150078683 14/561439 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46198284 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150078683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HICKS; Brian |
March 19, 2015 |
COOLER FOR A GAME HEAD
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a cooler for
transferring a game head. In one aspect, a game head transfer
device is provided. The device includes a body having an opening on
an upper portion that is configured to receive a game head into the
body, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the game head
extend from the opening of the body when the body is in an opened
position and a closed position. The device further includes one or
more flap members configured to narrow the opening of the body
between the first portion and the second portion of the game head.
The device also includes one or more closing members configured to
narrow the opening of the body adjacent a side of the first portion
and a side of the second portion of the game head that extend from
the opening.
Inventors: |
HICKS; Brian; (Lumberton,
TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HICKS; Brian |
Lumberton |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46198284 |
Appl. No.: |
14/561439 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13324717 |
Dec 13, 2011 |
8936172 |
|
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14561439 |
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61422497 |
Dec 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/24 ; 383/117;
383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20130101;
A45C 11/20 20130101; A45C 13/10 20130101; A45C 3/00 20130101; A01M
31/006 20130101; A45C 2003/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/24 ; 383/64;
383/117 |
International
Class: |
A01M 31/00 20060101
A01M031/00 |
Claims
1. A game head transfer device, comprising: a body having an
opening formed across an upper portion of the body; a first zipper
member that closes the opening from one end of the body; a second
zipper member that closes the opening from an opposite end of the
body; a flap member that is coupled to the body on one side of the
opening and has a releasable connection member disposed on a free
end of the flap member; and a mating releasable connection member
disposed on an opposite side of the opening, wherein the releasable
connection member attaches to the mating releasable connection
member to close a portion of the opening without the first zipper
member and the second zipper member having to close the same
portion of the opening.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first zipper
member and the second zipper member is configured to close
substantially the entire opening of the body.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the releasable connection member
is disposed on an inner portion of the free end of the flap
member.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the releasable connection member
and the mating releasable connection member are Velcro.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the flap member extends along
substantially the entire length of the opening of the body.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the body has a first shape when
the body is empty and the body has a second shape when a game head
is disposed in the body.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the flap member has a fixed end
coupled to the body at a point below the first zipper member.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the mating releasable connection
member is disposed on a free end of a second flap member that is
coupled to the body on the opposite side of the opening.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the mating releasable connection
member is disposed on an inner portion of the free end of the
second flap member.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the ends of the body include a
buckle to secure the device in a closed position.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the releasable connection member
attaches to the mating releasable connection member so that the
flap member closes the portion of the opening without the first and
second zipper members closing any portion of the opening.
12. A method of using a game head transfer device, comprising:
inserting a game head into an opening of a body of the game head
transfer device such that a portion of the game head extends out of
the opening, wherein the game head transfer device has a flap
member that is coupled to the body on one side of the opening and
has a releasable connection member disposed on a free end of the
flap member; attaching the releasable connection member to a mating
releasable connection member disposed on an opposite side of the
opening so that the flap member closes an area of the opening
adjacent to the portion of the game head that extends out of the
opening; closing the opening from one side of the body using a
first zipper member without the first zipper member closing the
area of the opening that is closed by the flap member; and closing
the opening from an opposite side of the body using a second zipper
member without the second zipper member closing the area of the
opening that is closed by the flap member.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising wherein at least one
of the first zipper member and the second zipper member is
configured to close substantially the entire opening of the
body.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the releasable connection
member is disposed on an inner portion of the free end of the flap
member.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the releasable connection
member and the mating releasable connection member are Velcro.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first member extends along
substantially the entire length of the opening of the body.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the flap member has a fixed end
coupled to the body at a point below the first zipper member.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the mating releasable
connection member is disposed on a free end of a second flap member
that is coupled to the body on the opposite side of the
opening.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mating releasable
connection member is disposed on an inner portion of the free end
of the second flap member.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein the releasable connection
member attaches to the mating releasable connection member so that
the flap member closes the opening without the first and second
zipper members closing any portion of the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/324,717, filed Dec. 13, 2011, which claims
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/422,497,
filed Dec. 13, 2010, the contents of which are herein incorporated
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
cooler. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention
relate to a cooler for transferring a game head.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] During the hunting season, a hunter will hunt wild game
animals, such as a buck. After the hunter has killed a wild game
animal, the hunter may want to transport the head (e.g., game head)
of the wild game animal from the hunting location to a taxidermist
in order to mount the game head. It is important to keep the game
head cool and protect the game head during transport so that the
game head will not get damaged. There is a need therefore for a
method and an apparatus to cool and transport the game head from
the hunting location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention generally relates to a cooler for
transferring a game head. In one aspect, a game head transfer
device is provided. The game head transfer device includes a body
having an opening on an upper portion that is configured to receive
a game head into the body, wherein a first portion and a second
portion of the game head extend from the opening of the body when
the body is in an opened position and a closed position. The game
head transfer device further includes one or more flap members
configured to narrow the opening of the body between the first
portion and the second portion of the game head that extend from
the opening. The game head transfer device also includes one or
more closing members configured to narrow the opening of the body
adjacent a side of the first portion and a side of the second
portion of the game head that extend from the opening.
[0007] In another aspect, a method of using a game head transfer
device is provided. The method includes the step of inserting a
game head into an opening of the device, wherein a first portion
and a second portion of the game head extend from the opening. The
method further includes the step of narrowing the opening of the
device between the first portion and the second portion of the game
head that extend from the opening. The method also includes the
step of further narrowing the opening of the device adjacent a side
of the first portion and a side of the second portion of the game
head that extend from the opening.
[0008] In yet another aspect, a cooler for a game head is provided.
The cooler includes an insulated body having a transport area that
is configured to receive a game head into the body such that a
portion of the game head extends from an opening of the insulated
body when the insulated body is closed. The cooler further includes
a first flap member and a second flap member that are configured to
close around the portion of the game head that extends from the
opening. The cooler also includes a first closing member and a
second closing member that are configured to narrow the opening of
the insulated body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0010] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views illustrating a game head transfer
device.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the game head transfer device
in an open position.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the game head transfer device
with a game head.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the game head transfer device
in a closed position with the game head.
[0014] FIGS. 6 and 7 are other views illustrating the game head
transfer device in the closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present invention generally relates to a cooler for
transferring a game head. The cooler will be described herein for
the transfer of the game head from a hunting location. It is to be
understood, however, that the cooler may also be used for other
purposes when the cooler is not transporting the game head, such as
cooling and transferring items, such as food and drinks. To better
understand the novelty of the cooler of the present invention and
the methods of use thereof, reference is hereafter made to the
accompanying drawings.
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views illustrating a game head transfer
device 100. Generally, the game head transfer device 100 is used to
cool and transfer a game head 150 (FIG. 4). The game head transfer
device 100 includes a front portion 105, side portions 110, a back
portion 115, a top portion 120 and a closed bottom portion 125. The
portions 105, 110, 115, 120, 125 have waterproof surfaces and
include insulation between the surfaces. In one embodiment, the
insulation in portions 105, 110, 115, 120, 125 is made from foil
bubble insulation, PET aluminum bubble insulation, aluminum foam
insulation or any other insulation products known in the art.
Further, the portions 105, 110, 115, 120, 125 are made from
flexible material which allows the portions 105, 110, 115, 120, 125
to conform to the items stored within the game head transfer device
100. The flexible material of the portions 105, 110, 115, 120, 125
also allows the game head transfer device 100 to collapse into a
smaller configuration when the game head transfer device 100 is not
in use. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 125 includes
reinforcement members that are configured to maintain the shape of
the bottom portion 125 and support the game head 150. As shown, the
side portions 110 of the game head transfer device 100 may include
buckles 135 that are used to secure the game head transfer device
100 in a closed position. The front portion 105 and the back
portion 115 may include handles 190 for use in carrying the game
head transfer device 100.
[0017] In one embodiment, the game head transfer device 100 may
include an optional side pocket 155 on the front portion 105 for
storage. The side pocket 155 may have a closing member, such as a
zipper. There may be a similar side pocket 155 on the back portion
115. An outside surface of the side pocket 155 may be used for
attaching a logo, emblem or symbol. In one embodiment, the portions
105, 110, 115, 120, 125 are made from a thermal material that
changes color as the temperature changes within the game head
transfer device 100. In one embodiment, an optional temperature
gauge may be disposed within the front portion to indicate the
temperature within the game head transfer device 100.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the game head transfer device
100 in an open position. The portions 105, 110, 115, 120, 125
define a body having a transport area 130 that is configured to
hold the game head 150 (or other items). As shown in FIG. 3, the
transport area 130 has an initial predefined shape, such as a
square or a rectangle, but any geometric shape may be used without
departing from principles of the present invention.
[0019] The top portion 120 includes a first side 160 and a second
side 165. Each side 160, 165 includes a closing member 170, such as
a zipper, which is used to close the transport area 130. Each side
160, 165 further includes a closing flap 175 that extends from a
point below the closing member 170 to a point in the transport area
130. In the embodiment illustrated, the closing flap 175 extends
substantially along the entire length of the respective side 160,
165. Generally, the closing flaps 175 are used to seal or close the
top portion 120 of the game head transfer device 100 when the game
head 150 is in the transport area 130, as will be described
herein.
[0020] The closing flaps 175 have a fixed end that is attached to
the top portion 120 and a free end. The free end of the closing
flaps 175 are configured to rotate around the fixed end to any
number of positions. The free end of the closing flaps 175 include
releasable connection members 195 on an inner portion of the
respective flap 175, such as Velcro, that is used to secure the
free end of the closing flap 175 on the first side 160 to the free
end of the closing flap 175 on the second side 165. In other words,
the releasable connection members 195 are configured to mate with
each other to seal or close the top portion 120 of the game head
transfer device 100 when the game head 150 is in the transport area
130. As such, the closing flaps 175 provide a first means for
closing or sealing around the game head 150, and the closing member
170 provides a second means for closing or sealing around the game
head 150. In one embodiment, a connection member (not shown) may be
disposed on the inner surface of the portions 105, 110, 115 that is
configured to engage the releasable connection members 195 to
secure the free end of the closing flaps 175 in place when the
closing flaps 175 are not in use. The connection members may be any
type of connection member known in the art, such as Velcro or
clips. Although the game head transfer device 100 in FIG. 3 shows
two flaps 175, any number of flaps 175 may be used without
departing from principles of the present invention. In one
embodiment, a single flap is used on the first side 160 that has a
fixed end and a free end. The single flap has releasable connection
members on an inner portion of the free end of the single flap that
is configured to engage releasable connection members on the second
side 165.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the game head transfer device
100 with the game head 150. In comparing FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the
transport area 130 has been reconfigured to accommodate the game
head 150. The flexible material of the portions 105, 110, 115, 120,
125 allow the transport area 130 to conform to the game head 150.
As shown in FIG. 4, a portion 140 (e.g., antlers) of the game head
150 extends from the game head transfer device 100. The portion 140
may include a first portion (e.g., first antler) and a second
portion (e.g., second antler). The closing flaps 175 and the
closing members 170 are configured to allow the portion 140 of the
game head 150 to protrude outside of the game head transfer device
100, while at the same time closing the top portion 120 to maintain
a cool temperature within the game head transfer device 100. As
shown, the closing flaps 175 close the top portion 120 to a point
145 adjacent each outer side of the portion 140 of the game head
150 extending outside of the game head transfer device 100. The
closing flaps 175 may be configured to also close an area 185
between the first portion and the second portion of the game head
150 extending outside of the game head transfer device 100 (FIG.
6). The closing flaps 175 are also configured to stabilize (or
hold) the game head 150 in a position within the transport area
130. The flexibility of the arrangement of the closing flaps 175
allows the game head transfer device 100 to be used for different
sized game heads and/or antlers.
[0022] The game head transfer device 100 may also include a
removable inner liner (not shown) that fits in the transport area
130. The inner liner may be made from a flexible material and the
inner liner may be removed from the game head transfer device 100
for easy clean-up after usage. The game head transfer device 100
may also include pockets inside the transport area 130 for cooling
material such as ice.
[0023] FIGS. 5-7 are views illustrating the game head transfer
device 100 in a closed position. As shown, the closing members 170
have been closed to a point 180 on each side of the portion 140 of
the game head 150 that protrudes outside of the game head transfer
device 100. The closing members 170 enclose the closing flaps 175
(and the point 145) to add additional closure of the top portion
120 adjacent the sides of the portion 140. The closing members 170
also provide additional support to maintaining the game head 150
within the transport area 130. As shown in FIG. 6, one closing
member 170 is disposed on one side of the portion 140 of the game
head 150, and another closing member 170 is disposed on the other
side of the portion 140 of the game head 150. The closing member
170 arrangement allows for both sides of the portion 140 of the
game head 150 to be closed. The flexibility of the arrangement of
the closing flaps 175 and the closing members 170 allows the game
head transfer device 100 to accommodate different sized game
heads.
[0024] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *