U.S. patent application number 14/307810 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for cooler.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jon Paul Monroe. Invention is credited to Jon Paul Monroe.
Application Number | 20150369529 14/307810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54869317 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150369529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Monroe; Jon Paul |
December 24, 2015 |
Cooler
Abstract
A compartmentalized cooler is provided. The cooler may have
partitions capable of isolating different compartments of the
cooler from the other. These partitions may have additional
functions such as acting as a cutting board or ice pack. The cooler
may further have a lock box contained within one of the
partitions.
Inventors: |
Monroe; Jon Paul;
(Centerville, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Monroe; Jon Paul |
Centerville |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54869317 |
Appl. No.: |
14/307810 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.2 ;
220/592.1; 53/474; 62/457.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D
2303/0843 20130101; F25D 23/069 20130101; F25D 2303/08221
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20060101
F25D003/08; F25D 23/04 20060101 F25D023/04; F25D 25/00 20060101
F25D025/00; F25D 23/02 20060101 F25D023/02 |
Claims
1. A cooler, comprising: an open-topped body defining an interior
portion therein, the interior portion being constructed with
insulated material; a top attached to the open-topped body, wherein
the top is sized to seal the interior portion in a first closed
position, and configured to expose the interior portion in a second
open position, the top being moveable between the first closed
position and the second open position; a removable partition
slideably fitted within the interior portion by one of a plurality
of grooves formed on the interior portion, the removable partition
compartmentalizing the interior portion; and the top further
comprising a groove aligned with at least one of the plurality of
grooves of the open-topped body, such that the removable partition
mates with the groove to compartmentalize the interior portion
substantially water-tightly on all edges of the partition at the
top in the first closed position, the removable partition further
comprising an ice pack.
2. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the removable partition
compartmentalizes the interior portion into a plurality of
compartments, one of the plurality of compartments being
substantially dry, wherein the one of the plurality of compartments
is formed without being exposed to the ice pack, such that it
prevents fluid created by condensation on the ice pack from
accumulating in the one of the plurality of compartments.
3. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spouts,
the removable partition compartmentalizing the interior portion
into a plurality of compartments, the plurality of spouts being
positioned to drain fluid from each of the plurality of
compartments.
4. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the removable partition is a
cutting board.
5. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the ice pack is removable from
the removable partition.
6. The cooler of claim 5, wherein the ice pack comprises a material
selected from the group consisting of gel, water, and water-based
fluid.
7. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a handle, the handle
being formed on the open-topped body.
8. The cooler of claim 7, wherein the handle is extendable in a
telescoping fashion.
9. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a cup holder formed on
the open-topped body.
10. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a battery operated
light placed on the top.
11. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a padded seat, the
padded seat formed on a top surface of the top.
12. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a battery powered
music source dock formed on the open-topped body.
13. The cooler of claim 1, further comprising a tray holder, the
tray holder being releasably fitted in a slot, wherein the slot is
formed within one of the open-topped body and the top.
14. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the open-topped body further
comprises a removable wheel, the removable wheel being formed on
the open-topped body, and placed to contact the ground when being
transported.
15. A cooler, comprising: an open-topped body defining an interior
portion therein, the interior portion being constructed with
insulated material; a top attached to the open-topped body, wherein
the top is sized to seal the interior portion in a first closed
position, and configured to expose the interior portion in a second
open position, the top being moveable between the first closed
position and the second open position; a removable partition
slideably fitted within the interior portion by one of a plurality
of grooves formed on the interior portion, the removable partition
compartmentalizing the interior portion; the top further comprising
a groove aligned with at least one of the plurality of grooves of
the open-topped body, such that the removable partition mates with
the groove to compartmentalize the interior portion substantially
water-tightly on all edges of the partition at the top in the first
closed position; and a lockbox slideably fitted by one of the
plurality of grooves into the interior portion, wherein the lockbox
comprises a tab that extends outwardly away from its body mating
with another of the plurality of grooves.
16. The cooler of claim 15, wherein the lockbox is securely latched
to the body by the tab, the tab configured locking the lockbox in
place with the interior portion.
17. A method for compartmentalizing the cooler of claim 1,
comprising the steps of: placing the removable partition into one
of the plurality of grooves, thereby dividing the interior portion
into a plurality of compartments; sealing each of the plurality of
compartments from each other, such that minimal fluid communication
is allowed across each of the plurality of compartments; separating
a packaged item and an unpackaged item; placing the packaged item
and the unpackaged item into a separate one of the plurality of
compartments; and draining out fluid from the plurality of
compartments, wherein a plurality of spouts are formed on the
open-topped body, each of the plurality of spouts being positioned
to drain a fluid from one of the plurality of compartments.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of locking a
lockbox inside the interior portion, wherein the lockbox is
slideably fitted by at least one of the plurality of grooves, and
the lockbox comprises a tab that extends outwardly away from its
body mating with the at least one of the plurality of grooves.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of placing the packaged
item and the unpackaged item into a separate one of the plurality
of compartments comprises placing the unpackaged item into a
substantially dry one of the plurality of compartments, wherein the
substantially dry one of the plurality of compartments is formed
without being exposed to the ice pack.
20. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of closing
the top such that the removable partition mates with the groove to
compartmentalize the interior portion substantially water-tightly
on all edges of the partition at the top in the first closed
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cooler devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a
compartmentalized cooler device.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Anyone who has used a conventional cooler or ice chest knows
how rapidly things placed within it become wet. Over time, ice
placed in the chest melts and tends to submerge all of food items
that accompany it. This is not a significant problem if the items
are packed in cans, bottles or heavy, sealed containers. However,
it is a significant problem if the food items are more lightly
packed as sandwiches and chips typically are, or if items have been
opened but not fully consumed. In the latter case, it is possible
that the affected items will be completely ruined when wetted.
[0005] Some have proposed the positioning of shelves or other
partitioning devices in coolers to separate food items from melting
ice. Unfortunately, these proposals have not been entirely
satisfactory since the partitions are not easily stowed away when
their use is not required. Furthermore, a significant portion of
the cargo-carrying capacity of the ice chest is lost while toting
around the temporarily unneeded partition. Moreover, many of these
cooler partitions are not water resistant enough to do their
job.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a cooler capable of being
partitioned and compartmentalized, along with additional mechanisms
to secure items therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The subject matter of this application may involve, in some
cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular
problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or
article.
[0008] In one aspect, a partitioned cooler is provided. The cooler
comprises an open topped body defining an interior portion having
insulated side walls. A top is attached to the open topped body,
and configured such that the top may seal the interior portion in a
first closed position, and expose the interior portion in a second
open position. The top is movable between the two positions by a
hinge or similar. A removable partition is slideably fitted within
the interior portion by being slid into at least one (generally two
on the side, an optional bottom, and an optional top) groove of the
interior portion. The partition serving to compartmentalize the
cooler interior portion. The top may also comprise a groove that
may receive the partition top edge when the top is in the closed
position. In a particular aspect, the partition may comprise an ice
pack. In another aspect, the cooler may further comprise a lock box
removably lockable to the cooler and slideably mountable to at
least one of the plurality of grooves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the
cooler.
[0010] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of
the cooler.
[0011] FIG. 3 provides a top elevation view of another embodiment
of the cooler.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the
only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or
utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence
of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection
with the illustrated embodiments.
[0013] Generally, the present invention concerns a
compartmentalized cooler comprising various compartments and
elements providing a versatile and useful cooler device. These
compartments may be water-tight, and may be adjustable depending on
application.
[0014] Turning now to FIG. 1, a view of one embodiment of the
cooler is provided. The cooler is formed by an open-topped body 10
that defines an interior portion within it, and has insulated walls
to aid in keeping contents in the interior portion cool. The body
10 has a top 14 hingedly attached thereto. The top is movable from
a first closed position, covering the interior, to a second open
position, exposing the interior. The top may be latched to the body
when in a closed position. The body 10 and/or top may be formed by
any technique known in the art, such as intrusion, extrusion,
molding, and the like.
[0015] In one embodiment, the body 10 may be decorated by hydro
graphic coating water transfer printing. This may allow the body to
be decorated in detail such as a camouflage print, American flag
print, and the like. However, it should be noted that the body may
be decorated by any process.
[0016] A plurality of groves 13 are formed in the body. These
grooves 13 may be formed at various positions along the interior
walls. The spacings may vary and in some embodiments may be
uniform, while other embodiments may have non-uniformly spaced
grooves 13. Similarly, a plurality of grooves 12 are formed in the
top 14 which align with the body grooves 13. These grooves are
formed to slideably receive and close over a partition. The
partition may then compartmentalize the cooler, and in some
embodiments may provide a water-proof, or substantially water
resistant, seal between compartments. In substantially water
resistant embodiments, the partition may prevent any substantial
transfer of water across its seal, for example no more than 5
ml/hour. The body 10 further defines a spout 11 that allows
draining of the interior of the body 10. In one embodiment, a
plurality of spouts may be aligned with the various compartment
areas, allowing one compartment to be drained at a time. In this
embodiment, a first spout may drain a first compartment, a second
spout may drain a second compartment, and so on. The number of
spouts may depend on the number of potential compartments.
[0017] The partitions of the present invention may vary depending
on embodiment. In the embodiment shown, first partition 16 may
double as a cutting board, and be formed out of a durable material
capable of being cut on, such as plastic, wood, metal, or glass.
The partition 16 may be removable from the cooler for use during
food preparation, and the like. The partition 16 is sized such that
upon closing, the top groove 12 seals it from its adjacent
compartments. In another embodiment, the partitions may be formed
of a material that efficiently transfers heat, such as a metal or
heat conducting plastic, ceramic, composite or the like. In this
embodiment, ice and chilled material separated by the partition may
still act to cool adjacent materials via conduction through the
partition.
[0018] In another embodiment, the cooler may have an ice pack
partition 15. The ice pack partition 15 comprises an integrated or
removable ice pack that may aid in cooling the contents within the
interior. The ice pack partition 15 is sized to slideably mount
within the grooves 13 and such that, upon closing, the top groove
12 at least partially seals it from its adjacent compartments. The
ice pack may be any device capable of storing cooled material. For
example, the ice pack may be a chilled gel pack, a pack of frozen
water, or water based fluid, or may be any similar chilled material
capable of cooling items around it. The ice pack may contain the
chilled material by a thin plastic, metal, or the like. In one
embodiment, the material may efficiently transfer heat. The ice
pack may be any size and shape capable of slideably fitting within
the grooves 13. The ice pack may make up a small portion of the
partition, or a substantial portion thereof. In a compartment
formed by the ice pack partition having the ice pack on an opposite
side, the ice pack may act to cool materials in the compartment via
conduction through the partition.
[0019] In a particular embodiment, the ice pack may be only on one
side of the ice pack partition. In this embodiment a user may
choose to orient the ice pack away from a "dry" compartment,
creating a wet compartment, this configuration may prevent
condensation from wetting the items in the dry side. The contents
in the dry side may still be cooled via conduction and the cold air
transferred between the wet and dry compartments
[0020] It should be understood however that the partition may be
any material or device capable of slideably fitting in between the
grooves.
[0021] These compartments formed by the partition(s) may be used to
store various items within the cooler. For example, one compartment
may store wet foods, one dry foods, and one may store trash or
packaging. Other uses for the compartments may be for a towel, wet
clothing, and/or personal items such as wallet, keys, sunscreen,
cellular telephone, and so on.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the cooler. In this
embodiment, a lock box 17 is slideable into the interior of the
body 10. The lock box 17 may comprise tabs that extend outward to
mate with grooves 13 and/or top grooves 12. As such, the lock box
17 may act as a partition and compartment. The lock box 17 may be
lockable into the cooler body 10. The lock box 17 may be used to
store various items such as a wallet, jewelry, watch, keys, phone
and similar valuables.
[0023] Body 10 further comprises handles 22 allowing easy carrying
of the cooler. In one embodiment, handle 22 may be extendable in a
telescoping fashion. Further, cup holders 18 may be permanently or
removably attached to the exterior of the body. A light 19, such as
a fluorescent or LED lamp, may be positioned on the top 14 to
provide illumination to the interior when open. The light 19 in
most embodiments may be battery operated.
[0024] FIG. 3 provides a top view of another embodiment of the
cooler. In this view, lock box 17 is positioned in the interior and
slid into grooves 13. A locking tab 20 extends into the lock box 17
and secures it in place to the body 10 so that it and the contents
therein cannot be removed without authorization. The locking tabs
20 are controllable to secure and release the lock box 17 by keypad
21. It should be understood that the control of the locking tabs or
other locking mechanism to the cooler may be controlled by any
locking configuration such as a rotary lock, key lock, number
selection lock, fingerprint scanner, and the like.
[0025] In other embodiments, the cooler may comprise additional
elements. For example, in one embodiment, the cooler may further
comprise a padded seat on the top. In another embodiment, the body
may further comprise an iPod or other music source dock or
connection. This connection may charge the device and may also be
connectable to speakers to play music. The music source
dock/connection, in most embodiments, may have a battery powered
charging and music playing element. However, in other embodiments,
power from the device may be used to power the speakers. In further
embodiments, the cooler may contain tray holders which may be used
as partitions in one embodiment, or may be separate in another
embodiment. The tray holders may fit into a slot in the body or
top. The cooler may be wheeled or stationary. In some embodiment,
the cooler may have three wheels, and at least one of these wheels
may be removable. In yet another embodiment, a cooler compartment
may have an elevated tray configured to elevate any food above ice,
water or other wet items.
[0026] The present invention may be used in any number of ways to
utilize its many unique features. In one embodiment of use, one ice
pack partition may be inserted into grooves to create two
compartments. A lock box may be slid into other grooves and secured
to the body. In a first compartment, ice and sealed containers of
canned drinks and food may be positioned. In the second
compartment, lightly packaged food such as cardboard boxed food,
bread, chips, and the like may be stored. The ice pack partition
prevents melted ice from transferring from the ice compartment to
the adjacent compartment, thereby keeping the lightly packaged food
dry. In another embodiment of use, only ice may be stored in one
compartment, while all other food items are stored in an adjacent
dry compartment. In this embodiment, chilled air from the ice,
along with conduction across the partition may keep the contents
cool.
[0027] In another embodiment of use, items may be separated into
packaged items capable of getting wet, and unpackaged items that
may be ruined if wetted. These items may be placed into separated
wet and try compartments as separated by at least one partition.
Further, in an embodiment having more than one wet compartment, a
user may open a first spout to drain a fluid from one wet
compartment, and may open a different second spout to drain a
second fluid from the second wet compartment.
[0028] While several variations of the present invention have been
illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular
embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be
developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or
the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly
understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the
spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but
not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.
* * * * *