U.S. patent application number 15/170089 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for chest cooler wrap.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ice-Olate USA, LLC. Invention is credited to Bryan W. Kendrick.
Application Number | 20160347507 15/170089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57397967 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160347507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kendrick; Bryan W. |
December 1, 2016 |
CHEST COOLER WRAP
Abstract
A chest cooler wrap system including a flexible base that may be
formed from a textile material configured to substantially surround
an outer surface of a chest cooler. The end potions of the base may
overlap one another and be secured together with the overlapping
portion adjustable to account for differently sized coolers.
Accommodations for drainage taps and cooler handles may be made by
the placement of recesses in the base and accessories for use with
the cooler may be mounted to the base.
Inventors: |
Kendrick; Bryan W.; (Nibley,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ice-Olate USA, LLC |
Nibley |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57397967 |
Appl. No.: |
15/170089 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62169168 |
Jun 1, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/34 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; F25D 3/06 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C
11/20 20130101; A45C 13/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/34 20060101
B65D025/34; F25D 3/06 20060101 F25D003/06 |
Claims
1. A chest cooler wrap system comprising: a flexible base structure
configured to substantially surround an outer surface of a chest
cooler, the base structure having a first end and an opposite
second end; at least one adjustable securing structure to secure
the base relative to the chest cooler; and at least one removable
accessory configured to attach to the base.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable closure structure
comprises a first portion of the flexible base structure adjacent
the first end and a second portion of the flexible base structure
adjacent the second end which overlap and are secured to one
another upon installation on a cooler.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the flexible
base structure adjacent the first end and second portion of the
flexible base structure adjacent the second end include hook and
loop securing structures.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the amount of the first portion
of the flexible base structure adjacent the first end and second
portion of the flexible base structure which overlaps one another
is variable to facilitate fitting the flexible base to chest
coolers of different sizes.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the securing structure comprises
a strap that resides within a pocket for adjustment to the
perimeter size of a cooler on which the system is installed.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible base structure
includes an accommodation formed as a recess allowing for access to
a tap accessible on a lower portion of a cooler.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible base structure
includes accommodations formed as two opposite recesses in the
flexible base allowing for oppositely disposed carrying handles on
sides of a cooler to pass therethrough.
8. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least one
supporting strap bridging each accommodation to support the
flexible base structure across the handle recess.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the base is further configured to
collapse into a transport orientation to facilitate transport of
the system separate from the chest cooler.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable accessory
comprises a containment accessory to provide a storage location, a
mounting accessory to provide a location to secure an item to the
base, a connecting accessory to facilitate an electrical connection
at one or more electronic devices, or an electronic accessory.
11. A cooler wrap system comprising: a flexible base structure
configured to substantially surround an outer surface of a chest
cooler in an installed position, the base structure having a first
end and an opposite second end; and an adjustable securing
structure to secure the base relative to the chest cooler, the
adjustable closure structure comprising a first portion of the
flexible base structure adjacent the first end and a second portion
of the flexible base structure adjacent the second end which
overlap and are secured to one another upon installation on a
cooler.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the
flexible base structure adjacent the first end and second portion
of the flexible base structure adjacent the second end include hook
and loop securing structures.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the amount of the first portion
of the flexible base structure adjacent the first end and second
portion of the flexible base structure which overlaps one another
is variable to facilitate fitting the flexible base to chest
coolers of different sizes.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the flexible base structure
includes an accommodation formed as a recess allowing for access to
a tap accessible on a lower portion of a cooler.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the flexible base structure
includes accommodations formed as two opposite recesses in the
flexible base allowing for oppositely disposed carrying handles on
sides of a cooler to pass therethrough.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising at least one
supporting strap bridging each accommodation to support the
flexible base structure across the handle recess.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the securing structure
comprises a strap that resides within a pocket for adjustment to
the perimeter size of a cooler on which the system is
installed.
18. The system of claim 11, further comprising at least mounting
location for attaching a removable accessory to the flexible
base.
19. The system of claim 11, further comprising at least one
accessory comprising a pocket, a cup holder, a mounting for an
electronic device, or an electrical connector disposed on the
flexible base.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one accessory
comprises a water resistant pouch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/169,168, filed Jun. 1, 2015, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional chest coolers store a coolant (typically ice or
freezer packs) with items to be kept cool. These coolers generally
include a single internal storage space to store items. Frequently,
the items inside will become moist from condensation or simply as
ice melts within the cooler. Such an environment is not suitable
for many items that may be needed for activities requiring the use
of the cooler. For example, paper products and other
moisture-sensitive items, as well as items that do not need to be
cooled, may still need to be transported to the location of a
desired activity. Traditionally, these items would be carried
separate from the cooler thereby increasing the number of separate
items that need to be carried from a vehicle or storage location to
the location of the activity.
SUMMARY
[0003] A chest cooler wrap system including a flexible base that
may be formed from a textile material configured to substantially
surround an outer surface of a chest cooler. The end potions of the
base may overlap one another and be secured together with the
overlapping portion adjustable to account for differently sized
coolers. Accommodations for drainage taps and cooler handles may be
made by the placement of recesses in the base and accessories for
use with the cooler may be mounted to the base.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the various drawings are for illustrative purposes only. The
nature of the present invention, as well as other embodiments of
the present invention, may be more clearly understood by reference
to the following detailed description, the attached appendix, to
the appended claims, and to the several drawings.
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
system with a chest cooler wrap on a chest cooler.
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of another embodiment of
a chest cooler wrap on a chest cooler.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
chest cooler wrap with access to handles of the chest cooler.
[0008] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict schematic diagram views of another
embodiment of a chest cooler wrap with securing structures.
[0009] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict overhead views of embodiments of a
chest cooler wrap with securing structures.
[0010] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of
a chest cooler wrap with electronic accessories.
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram layout view of one
embodiment of a chest cooler wrap.
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
chest cooler wrap collapsed into transport orientation.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of a
chest cooler wrap for a rectangular cooler shown in place on a
cooler.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the chest cooler wrap of FIG.
9 in a flat conformation.
[0015] FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective side views of an
embodiment of a chest cooler wrap for a rounded cooler shown in
place on two different rounded coolers.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the chest cooler wrap of
FIGS. 11A and 11B in a flat conformation.
[0017] Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be
used to identify similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present disclosure relates to a wrap for a cooler. It
will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments
as generally described herein and illustrated in the appended
figures could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures,
is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but
is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various
aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings
are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically
indicated.
[0019] Cooler wraps in accordance with the present disclosure may
be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its
spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are
to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of this disclosure includes the material
present in the drawing figures, the appended claims, and the
attached appendix rather than being limited by this detailed
description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of this disclosure are to be embraced within its
scope.
[0020] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment in accordance
with this disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features
and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment in accordance
with this disclosure. Thus, discussions of the features and
advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification
may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0021] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics discussed in this disclosure may be combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the
relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein,
that the teachings of this disclosure can be practiced without one
or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments.
[0022] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment in
accordance with the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
[0023] While many embodiments are described herein, at least some
of the described embodiments include an external storage system
configurable to be placed on the outside of a chest cooler. The
described embodiments facilitate removable and configurable
storage, attachment, and organization of items on the outside of
the cooler. In some embodiments, the system adds carrying capacity
to a cooler without occupying internal space. In some embodiments,
the system has adjustment structures to facilitate adjustment of
the system to fit a variety of cooler sizes and shapes. In some
embodiments, the system provides additional functionality described
in more detail with reference to the corresponding figures.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
system 10 with a chest cooler wrap 12 on a chest cooler 14. The
illustrated embodiment of the system 10 shows the wrap 12 on a
cooler 14. The cooler 14 includes a lid 16, which is shown in the
open position, attached by hinges 18. Some embodiments of the wrap
facilitate use with hinge-opening coolers. Other embodiments
facilitate use with coolers with removable lids that are otherwise
unattached. Other cooler lid arrangements are facilitated by other
embodiments.
[0025] The illustrated embodiment of the wrap 12 includes a base 20
and accessories 22. The base 20 may be a fabric, composite,
polymer, or other material.
[0026] The base 20 may be flexible to adapt to the surface of the
cooler 14 or have rigid portions to provide more resilience and
other functions. The base 20 fits around the outer surface of the
cooler 14. The base 20 facilitates mounting the accessories 22 of
the wrap 12.
[0027] The accessories 22 attach to the base 20 of the wrap 12 to
provide additional functionality. For example, the accessories 22
may be containment structures such as pockets to provide storage
locations, mounting structures such as attachment points or
retaining clips/straps/loops, connecting structures to provide
electrical connections (described in more detail relative to FIGS.
6A and 6B), or electronic devices to perform one or more
functions.
[0028] Some examples of the accessories 22 also include, waterproof
pockets, mesh pockets, cinchable pockets, multi-layer pockets, cup
holders, straps, chains, handles, clips, loops, lockable attachment
points, wheels, skids, electronic devices or device mounts,
electrical connectors, and logo or other aesthetic panels. Other
accessories may also be included in the wrap 12.
[0029] The accessories 22 may attach using hook-and-loop, clips,
snaps, buttons, post-and-hole, magnetic, or other attaching means.
In some embodiments, one or more of the accessories 22 is fixed
while one or more of the accessories are removable. In some
embodiments, specific accessories 22 may match with specific
locations on the base 20. For example, one location on the base 20
may be designated for pockets while another location is designated
for attachment loops. In other embodiments, the base 20 may
universally accept any accessory 22 having the corresponding
mounting means.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of another embodiment of
a chest cooler wrap 12 on a chest cooler 14. The illustrated
embodiment of the wrap 12 includes an accommodation 24 to
facilitate the wheels 26 of the cooler 14. In some embodiments, the
accommodations 24 include a reinforced portion to resist wear on
the wrap 12 near the wheels 26 due to particles and debris and
friction from the wheels 26 themselves on the wrap 12. In some
embodiments, the accessories 22 may be formed to be compatible with
the accommodations 24.
[0031] In another embodiment, wheels 26 may be incorporated as an
accessory attached to the wrap 12. This would allow wheels to be
used for a cooler 14 that does not come with wheels 26 installed on
the cooler 14. Other embodiments may include accommodations for
other features or aspects of the cooler 14.
[0032] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
chest cooler wrap 12 with access to handles 28 of the chest cooler
14. In the illustrated embodiment, the wrap 12 includes an
accommodation 24 for the handles 28 of the cooler 14. The
accommodation 24 may be a simple cutaway to allow the handle 28 to
pass through the wrap 12. The accommodation 24 may include some
functionality as well. For example, the accommodation 24 may attach
to the handle 28 to support the wrap 12 on the surface of the
cooler 14. The accommodation 24 may hold the handle 28 in an
outward position to improve access to the handle 28. The
accommodation 24 may also include a cover to hide the handle 28
when not needed. Other functionality may be included with the
accommodation 24.
[0033] In some embodiments, the accommodation 24 may be an
accessory that provides a handle 28 on a cooler 14 that does not
include original handles. Other embodiments may include other
accommodations 24 with other functionality and advantages.
[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict schematic diagram views of another
embodiment of a chest cooler wrap 12 with securing structures 30,
32, 34, and 36. FIG. 4A illustrates a wrap 12 with side securing
structures 30 and 32. The illustrated embodiment depicts the wrap
12 with hook-and-loop side securing structures 30 and 32. Other
embodiments may include clips, straps, laces, buttons, snaps,
zippers, or other manners of securing. In some embodiments, the
side securing structures 30 and 32 are adjustable to accommodate
various sizes and shapes of coolers 14.
[0035] FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of the wrap 12 with top
securing structures 34 and 36. The top securing structures 34 and
36 allow the wrap 12 to be secured when the lid 16 of the cooler 14
is closed. This may offer additional support for extra weight or
assist in keeping the cooler lid 16 closed during transport.
[0036] The top securing structures 34 and 36 may incorporate
hook-and-loop closure or a clip closure 38 or a snap closure 40.
Other embodiments include other attachment means. Additionally,
although the top securing structures 34 are shown as attaching
directly to the base portion of the top securing structure 36, a
second set of straps may extend from the wrap 12 to attach the top
securing structures 34 and 36 together. In some embodiments, the
top securing structures 34 and 36 are adjustable.
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict overhead views of embodiments of a
chest cooler wrap 12 with securing structures 30, 32, and 42. In
the illustrated embodiment of 5A, the wrap 12 includes two separate
sections that are joined together and to the cooler 14 by securing
structure 30, 32, and 42. The side securing structures 30 and 32
attach the two portions of the wrap 12 to one another while the
cooler securing structures 42 attach the wrap 12 directly to the
cooler 14. In some embodiments, the cooler securing structures 42
are applied to the cooler 14 and facilitate attachment of the wrap
12 to the cooler 14. In some embodiments, the wrap 12 may include a
receiver portion (not shown) to receive or facilitate the cooler
securing structure 42.
[0038] FIG. 5B shows another embodiment in which the cooler
securing structures 42 are incorporated in the wrap 12. For
example, the cooler securing structures 42 may be silicon beads or
other high-friction structures. In another embodiment, the cooler
securing structures 42 may include a portion on the cooler 14 and
on the wrap 12. For example, the hook portion of a hook-and-loop
closure may be applied to the cooler 14 with the loop counterpart
applied to the corresponding portion of the wrap 12. Other types of
securing structures 42 may be implemented.
[0039] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of
a chest cooler wrap 12 with electronic accessories. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6A, the wrap 12 includes a top flap
44. The top flap 44 includes a solar pouch 46. In some embodiments,
the top flap 44 may be secured in place with hook-and-loop or some
other closure. The solar pouch 46 facilitates incorporation of a
photovoltaic or other solar cell into the wrap 12. The solar pouch
46 may be transparent, waterproof, impact resistant, flexible,
rigid, cushioned, and/or thermally conductive. In some embodiments,
the solar pouch 46 may have built-in electrical connections.
[0040] FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of the wrap 12 with
multiple electronic accessories. The illustrated embodiment
includes a solar pouch 46, light panel 48, a speaker panel 50, and
a charge pack 52. In some embodiments, the solar pouch 46 includes
a solar cell with supplies electrical power to the other electronic
accessories individually or centrally through the charge pack 52.
In some embodiments, the electronic accessories may connect
directly to the solar pouch 46 or to the charge pack 52. The charge
pack 52 may include a battery to store power and distribute the
stored power to attached accessories. The charge pack 52 may also
simply facilitate the management of power distribution incoming
from the solar pouch or external source to one or more of the
electronic accessories. The charge pack 52 may also route other
signals such as an audio signal from the smart device 58 to the
speaker panel 50 to play music. The charge pack 52 may also receive
or provide power or signals to peripheral devices (not shown)
through cords 56 and 54. Other embodiments may include fewer or
more components to provide less or more functionality.
[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram layout view of one
embodiment of a chest cooler wrap 12. In the depicted view, the
wrap 12 is removed from the cooler 14 (not shown) and laid out. The
illustrated embodiment of the wrap 12 includes accommodations 24,
top straps 34a, bottom straps 34b, optional trims 60, and seam 62,
and loops 64. The top straps 34a connect to the corresponding
bottom straps 34b in a collapsed travel orientation. The optional
trims 60 may be included in the wrap 12 to allow access to a drain
or spout on a cooler 14 (not shown). The seam 62 indicates where
two halves of the wrap 12 may be joined to make a continuous piece
in the two-piece embodiment. Some embodiments are a single piece
and therefore do not include the seam 62. The loops 64 facilitate
functionality for hanging or securing the wrap 12 separate from the
cooler 14. For example, the wrap 12 may be removed from the cooler
and hung in a tree or from a tent pole or other structure. In other
embodiments, the loops 64 are hooks, clasps, brackets, or other
structures which provide other functionality.
[0042] FIG. 8 depicts a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
chest cooler wrap 12 collapsed into transport orientation. In the
illustrate embodiment, the wrap 12 of FIG. 7 is collapsed by
folding the wrap into itself and connecting the straps 34a and 34b.
This forms a sort of backpack out of the wrap 12. In some
embodiments, the accommodations 24 can be placed so as to provide a
handhold to further facilitate transporting the wrap 12 in the
transport orientation. In some embodiments, the straps 34a and 34b
are adjustable to fit a variety of user sizes. Other functionality
may be included to further facilitate securing the wrap in
collapsed position while in transport orientation.
[0043] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict another embodiment of a system 10 with
a chest cooler wrap 12 on a chest cooler 14. The illustrated
embodiment of the system 10 shows the wrap 12 on a cooler 14 in
FIG. 9 and laid out in isolation in FIG. 10. The cooler 14 includes
a lid 16 which is attached by hinges 18. It will be appreciated
that the depicted embodiment may be used with a hinge-opening
cooler or with coolers with removable lids that are otherwise
unattached. One unique aspect of the depicted embodiment is its
ability to be securely retained on the cooler 14 without the use of
attachments to the lid 16.
[0044] The illustrated embodiment of the wrap 12 includes a base 20
and accessories 22. The base 20 may be a fabric, composite,
polymer, or other material. The wrap 12 may include recesses 117
formed as cuts for accommodating wheels or drainage taps on the
side of the cooler 14.
[0045] The base 20 may be flexible to adapt to the surface of the
cooler 14 or have rigid portions to provide more resilience and
other functions. The base 20 fits around the outer surface of the
cooler 14. The base 20 facilitates mounting the accessories 22 of
the wrap 12.
[0046] The accessories 22 attach to the base 20 of the wrap 12 to
provide additional functionality. For example, the accessories 22
may be containment structures such as pockets to provide storage
locations, mounting structures such as attachment points or
retaining clips/straps/loops, connecting structures to provide
electrical connections (as was described in more detail relative to
FIGS. 6A and 6B), or electronic devices to perform one or more
functions.
[0047] Some examples of the accessories 22 also include, waterproof
pockets, mesh pockets, cinchable pockets, multi-layer pockets, cup
holders, straps, chains, handles, clips, loops, lockable attachment
points, wheels, skids, electronic devices or device mounts,
electrical connectors, and logo or other aesthetic panels. Other
accessories may also be included in the wrap 12.
[0048] One especially useful accessory may be a water resistant or
waterproof pouch. Such a pouch may have a transparent plastic or
vinyl panel allowing the contents to be viewed. Such a pouch may be
especially useful for retaining electronic devices such as cell
phones, table computers, MP3 players, etc and allow them to be
used. Such pouches may include connections allowing use with other
electronic devices retained in accessories 22 or constructed as
part of the wrap 12 as discussed in connection with FIGS. 6A and
6B.
[0049] The accessories 22 may attach using hook-and-loop portions
122 (FIG. 12), clips, snaps 120, buttons, post-and-hole, magnetic,
or other attaching means. In some embodiments, one or more of the
accessories 22 may be fixed while one or more of the accessories
may be removable. In some embodiments, specific accessories 22 may
match with specific locations on the base 20. For example, one
location on the base 20 may be designated for pockets while another
location is designated for attachment loops 124. In other
embodiments, the base 20 may universally accept any accessory 22
having the corresponding mounting means. This can allow a user to
customize the wrap for a particular use or as the user desires.
[0050] As depicted, the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is intended
for use with a rectangular chest cooler. As such, it may be
constructed to provide access to handles disposed on the sides of
the chest cooler 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the wrap 12
includes one or more accommodations 24 for the handles of the
cooler 14. An accommodation 24 may be a simple cutaway to allow the
handle to pass through the wrap 12. The accommodation 24 may
include some functionality as well. For example, the accommodation
24 may attach to the handle to support the wrap 12 on the surface
of the cooler 14. The accommodation 24 may hold the handle in an
outward position to improve access to the handle. The accommodation
24 may also include a cover to hide the handle when not needed.
Other functionality may be included with the accommodation 24.
[0051] Chest cooler wrap 12 may further include securing structures
30, 32, 110, 112, 114, and 116. The illustrated embodiment depicts
the wrap 12 with hook-and-loop side securing structures 30 and 32.
Other embodiments may include clips, straps, laces, buttons, snaps,
zippers, or other manners of securing. In some embodiments, the
side securing structures 30 and 32 are adjustable to accommodate
various sizes and shapes of coolers 14. For example, the width of
the two securing structures 30 and 32 allows the overlap
therebetween to the adjusted to accommodate different sized chest
coolers 14.
[0052] While adjusting the tautness of the wrap 12 around the chest
cooler 14 may be sufficient to retain the wrap 12 in place in some
embodiments, additional securing may be provided by a securing
strap 110. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
securing strap 110 may be formed from a suitable material, such as
a nylon strap. It is secured to the wrap 12 at a fixed point, as by
a sewn base 116, and extends along a portion of the wrap 12,
through a lateral pocket 118 to a second end 114 which has a
securing structure, such as a hook and loop material disposed
thereon. A counterpart securing structure 112 which is disposed on
the wrap for securing the second end 114. The counterpart securing
structure preferably allows for the second end 114 to be secured in
variety of positions that may be adjusted. In the depicted
embodiment, this may be accomplished through having the structure
112 be a strip of counterpart hook and loop material. In other
embodiments, it could be a series of snaps, a strip of silicon
beads or other appropriate securing structures.
[0053] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 depict another embodiment of a system
10 with a chest cooler wrap 12 on a rounded cooler, such as a
beverage cooler that has a generally cylindrical shape, such as
coolers 140 (FIG. 11A) and 142 (FIG. 11B). The illustrated
embodiment of the system 10 shows the wrap 12 on coolers in FIGS.
11A and 11B and laid out in isolation in FIG. 12. As with the
embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, one unique aspect of the depicted
embodiment is its ability to be securely retained on a cooler 140
or 142 without the use of attachments to the lid 16.
[0054] The illustrated embodiment of the wrap 12 includes a base 20
and accessories 22. The base 20 may be a fabric, composite,
polymer, or other material. The wrap 12 may include one or more
recesses 117 formed as a side cut for accommodating a drainage tap
on the side of the cooler 140 or 142. Similarly, it may include one
or more accommodating recesses 118 formed as a passage therethrough
for allowing a structure, such as a cup holder, on the cooler 140
or 142 to pass therethrough and be used.
[0055] The base 20 may be flexible to adapt to the surface of the
cooler 140 or 142 or may have rigid portions to provide more
resilience and other functions. The base 20 fits around the outer
surface of the cooler 140 or 142. The base 20 facilitates mounting
the accessories 22 of the wrap 12.
[0056] The accessories 22 attach to the base 20 of the wrap 12 to
provide additional functionality. For example, the accessories 22
may be containment structures such as pockets to provide storage
locations, mounting structures such as attachment points or
retaining clips/straps/loops, connecting structures to provide
electrical connections (as was described in more detail relative to
FIGS. 6A and 6B), or electronic devices to perform one or more
functions.
[0057] Some examples of the accessories 22 also include, waterproof
pockets, mesh pockets, cinchable pockets, multi-layer pockets, cup
holders, straps, chains, handles, clips, loops, lockable attachment
points, wheels, skids, electronic devices or device mounts,
electrical connectors, and logo or other aesthetic panels. Other
accessories may also be included in the wrap 12.
[0058] One especially useful accessory may be a water resistant or
waterproof pouch. Such a pouch may have a transparent plastic or
vinyl panel allowing the contents to be viewed. Such a pouch may be
especially useful for retaining electronic devices such as cell
phones, table computers, MP3 players, etc and allow them to be
used. Such pouches may include connections allowing use with other
electronic devices retained in accessories 22 or constructed as
part of the wrap 12 as discussed in connection with FIGS. 6A and
6B.
[0059] The accessories 22 may attach using hook-and-loop portions
122, clips, snaps 120, buttons, post-and-hole, magnetic, or other
attaching means. In some embodiments, one or more of the
accessories 22 may be fixed while one or more of the accessories
may be removable. In some embodiments, specific accessories 22 may
match with specific locations on the base 20. For example, one
location on the base 20 may be designated for pockets while another
location is designated for attachment loops 124. In other
embodiments, the base 20 may universally accept any accessory 22
having the corresponding mounting means. This can allow a user to
customize the wrap for a particular use or as the user desires.
[0060] As depicted, the embodiment of FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 is
intended for use with a cylindrical beverage cooler. As such, it
may be constructed to provide access to handles disposed on the
sides of the cooler 140 or 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the
wrap 12 includes one or more accommodations 24 for the handles of
the cooler 14. An accommodation 24 may be a simple cutaway to allow
the handle to pass through the wrap 12. The accommodation 24 may
include some functionality as well. For example, the accommodation
24 may include one or more supporting straps, such as those
depicted at 130 and 132 which may attach or reside above or below
the cooler handle to support the wrap 12 on the surface of the
cooler 140 or 142. These straps 130 or 132 thus allow the cooler
handles to support the wrap in place on the cooler and the use of
two different straps in two different positions allows for a single
design to be used with different types or brands of coolers, as
depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B. It will be appreciated that other
positions for these straps 130 and 132 may be used as the design of
a particular cooler may require.
[0061] Chest cooler wrap 12 may further include securing structures
30 and 32. The illustrated embodiment depicts the wrap 12 with
hook-and-loop side securing structures 30 and 32. Other embodiments
may include clips, straps, laces, buttons, snaps, zippers, or other
manners of securing. In some embodiments, the side securing
structures 30 and 32 are adjustable to accommodate various sizes
and shapes of coolers 14. For example, the width of the two
securing structures 30 and 32 allows the overlap therebetween to be
adjusted to accommodate different sized chest coolers 14.
[0062] In the above description, specific details of various
embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be
practiced with less than all of these specific details. In other
instances, certain methods, procedures, components, structures,
and/or functions are described in no more detail than to enable the
various embodiments of the invention, for the sake of brevity and
clarity.
[0063] Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown
and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of
each method may be altered so that certain operations may be
performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be
performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In
another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct
operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating
manner.
[0064] While this disclosure has been described using certain
illustrative embodiments, the teachings of the present disclosure
can be further modified within its spirit and scope. This
application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or
adaptations of this disclosure using its general principles.
Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from
the present disclosure as come within known or customary practices
in the art.
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