U.S. patent application number 15/883326 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for cooler accessory bracket and methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher Michael Stokes. Invention is credited to Christopher Michael Stokes.
Application Number | 20180153151 15/883326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61526337 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180153151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stokes; Christopher
Michael |
June 7, 2018 |
Cooler Accessory Bracket and Methods of Use
Abstract
A removably attachable accessory bracket for a cooler,
comprising: an upper portion configured with a low profile to fit
wholly within a recess located on an upper rim of the cooler; a pin
connected to the upper portion configured as an insertable
counterpart to a cooler tie down slot located on the upper rim of
the cooler; an offset bracket with a tie down slot connected to the
upper portion and configured for passing a tie down strap
therethrough; and, at least one accessory connected to the
bracket.
Inventors: |
Stokes; Christopher Michael;
(Spartanburg, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stokes; Christopher Michael |
Spartanburg |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61526337 |
Appl. No.: |
15/883326 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14490914 |
Sep 19, 2014 |
9913464 |
|
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15883326 |
|
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61879724 |
Sep 19, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101;
A01K 97/06 20130101; A01K 97/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 97/10 20060101
A01K097/10; F16M 13/02 20060101 F16M013/02; A01K 97/06 20060101
A01K097/06 |
Claims
1. A removably attachable accessory bracket for a cooler,
comprising: an upper portion configured with a low profile to fit
wholly within a recess located on an upper rim of the cooler; a pin
connected to the upper portion configured as an insertable
counterpart to a cooler tie down slot located on the upper rim of
the cooler; a tie down slot integrated with a face of the removably
attachable accessory bracket configured for passing a tie down
strap therethrough; and, at least one accessory connected to the
removably attachable accessory bracket.
2. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where the at least
one accessory is removably connected to the removably attachable
accessory bracket.
3. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where the accessory
is at least one of a rod holder, a cup holders, an ammunition
holders, a boga grip holder, a fly rod holder, a camera attachment
point, a grab rail, a shelf, a table, a seat, electronics, or a
light.
4. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where the upper
portion is configured to rest on a large recess of the upper rim of
the cooler.
5. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where the upper
portion is configured to rest on a small recess of the upper rim of
the cooler.
6. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where the pin between
1/8'' and 4'' wide and 1/8'' and 10'' long.
7. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where the space
between the pin and a face of the bracket is between 1/8'' and
4''.
8. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where the pin is
inserted into the cooler tie down slot using at least one of a
compression fit, a mechanical fit and gravity.
9. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, further comprising a
locking mechanism connecting the pin to an offset bracket,
enclosing a portion of the upper rim of the cooler
therebetween.
10. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where a low profile
is 0.5'' or less.
11. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where a low profile
is 0.25'' or less.
12. An accessory bracket according to claim 1, where a low profile
is 0.125'' or less.
13. An accessory bracket according to claim 9, where at least one
of the upper portion and offset bracket are curved.
14. An accessory bracket for a cooler, comprising: a pin insertable
into a tie down slot located on the cooler to secure the bracket to
the cooler; a supplemental tie down slot configured for passage of
a tie down strap therethrough; and, at least one accessory
connected to the bracket.
15. A method for inserting a bracket into a cooler, comprising:
opening the cooler lid; lining up a pin of the bracket with a tie
down slot of the cooler; and, inserting the pin into the tie down
slot of the cooler so that the pin is positioned within the tie
down slot and the bracket rests on an upper rim of the cooler such
that the lid fully closes.
16. A method according to claim 15, further comprising threading a
tie down strap through a supplemental tie down slot located on the
face of the bracket to secure the cooler in place.
17. A method according to claim 15, further comprising attaching an
accessory to the bracket.
18. A method according to claim 17, where the accessory is
removably attached to the bracket.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/876,724 filed Sep.
19, 2013 and under 35 USC .sctn. 120 of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/490,914 filed Sep. 19, 2014, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to coolers and/or ice chests and, more particularly, but not
exclusively, to a bracket for use with coolers.
[0003] Various attempts have been made to provide brackets and/or
interchangeable accessories to coolers.
[0004] United States Pat. App. Pub. No. 20120132657 to Seiders, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes
a latching mechanism/device is provided, as well as a method of
maintaining a closed position between opposing first and second
portions of a container. The latching mechanism includes a latch
attached to the first portion and a latch keeper integrally molded
to the second portion. The latch keeper includes an elongated
keeper slot and a recessed pocket formed in the keeper slot, such
that when at least a portion of the latch is received within the
recessed pocket, the container is closed and/or sealed.
[0005] United States Pat. App. Pub. No. 20110056233 to Flaker, et
al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,
describes a recreational cooler with a hollow accessory shaft. The
hollow shaft extends completely through the cooler from top to
bottom. The hollowed area of the shaft is completely independent
from the product receiving area of the cooler allowing for
insertion of recreational cooler accessories. Recreational cooler
accessories may include: umbrellas, fishing poles, radios, tables,
cooking stands, seats, chairs, beverage bottles, cans, cups,
basketball standards, and/or racks for drying beach towels. Two
coolers may also be used to support each side of a volleyball net,
badminton net, or tennis net.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,033 to Skeels, et al., the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a portable
accessory including a plurality of platforms having substantially
planar upper surfaces for supporting the foodstuff thereon. Each
platform is provided with baffled slots such that melted ice can
drain downwardly therethrough. In an alternate embodiment, a
plurality of spaced racks are slidably positionable within a cooler
body such that the racks become spaced apart adjacent to opposed
ends of a cooler body. Such racks are offset at an oblique angle so
that melted ice is directed downwardly and away from the top
surfaces of the platforms. In a further embodiment, a specially
designed cooler is provided with slots for receiving the racks
therein such that the platforms can be simultaneously employed with
the racks.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,602 to Ward, et al., the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a cooler
having an integrated seat assembly, including a cooler body which
can have one or more compartments. The cooler body is coupled with
a seat assembly bracket by a coupling means, such as a hinge. Seat
backs are integrally formed in one sidewall of the cooler body and
seat bottoms are formed on the bracket, such that when the bracket
is opened, it forms a seat with the seat backs. The bracket can be
folded up flat against the cooler in a closed and locked position,
for easy storage or transportation.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,847 to Purvis, the disclosure of which
is incorporated herein by reference, describes interchangeable
portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon,
allowing a single cooler body or container body to have a first
logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time,
upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the
portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having a
different sports logo, each mating directly or through
interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being
secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container.
Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar
portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners,
guide members, or elastomeric attaching members.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,507 to Maldonado, et al., the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an improved
insulated cooler having accessory holders detachably secured to its
outer wall. An exemplary holder is provided for containerized
drinks. The holder is made of a rigid plastic upper ring at the top
and may have flexible fabric or mesh lower portion at the bottom
such that the holders can be nested into receptacles in the top
surface of the lid for convenient storage. This arrangement
provides the benefit of permitting the user to access conveniently
the contents of the ice chest without having to remove drinks that
otherwise would be sitting on the lid of the ice chest. There also
may be one or more connections on the ice chest that permit a
fishing rod holder, an umbrella holder, or other accessory holder
to be affixed to the cooler.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,753 to Purvis, the disclosure of which
is incorporated herein by reference, describes interchangeable
portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon,
allowing a single cooler body or container body to have a first
logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time,
upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the
portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having a
different sports logo, each mating directly or through
interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being
secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container.
Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar
portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners,
guide members, or elastomeric attaching members.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,860 to Thibodeaux, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a fisherman's
cooler including a box-shaped container having a pivotable lid for
covering a substantially open top portion. The lid includes an
indented portion on its upper surface having measuring indicia
therein for assisting a fisherman in measuring a fish. The top
portion of the container includes a plurality of fishing rod
holders, the diameter of which may be varied to support varying
diameter fishing rods. An accessory shelf is hingedly attached to
the front wall of the container for supporting various accessory
items thereon. The accessory shelf may be locked in a horizontal
position with a locking mechanism.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,182 to Junkas, et al., the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a fishing box
which incorporates the following built-in features: tackle box,
seat, life preserver, fishing rod carrier, cooler, worm and minnow
bait compartment, fish compartment, lid-table tray, a flip-out side
table, a ruler for measuring the lengths of fish, a fish net
holder, towel rack, and an accessory attachment for supporting an
accessory such as a portable radio.
[0013] PCT Pub. No. WO2006009537 to Schmidt, et al., the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes insulated
ice chest coolers having accessory holders detachably secured to
their outer walls or edges between their outer walls are disclosed.
An exemplary holder is provided for containerized drinks. The
holder can be made of a rigid plastic upper ring at the top and can
have flexible fabric or mesh lower portion at the bottom such that
the holders can be nested into receptacles in the top surface of
the lid for convenient storage. This arrangement provides the
benefit of permitting the user to access conveniently the contents
of the ice chest without having to remove drinks that otherwise
would be sitting on the lid of the ice chest. There also can be one
or more connections on the ice chest that permit a fishing rod
holder, an umbrella holder, or other accessory holder to be affixed
to the cooler.
[0014] The YETI.RTM. Cooler Casting Platform article posted on
flatoutfishwear.com
(http://www.flatoutfishwear.com/yeti-cooler-casting-platform/)
describes a YETI.RTM. cooler modified to include rod holders
mounted to the sides of the cooler using stainless steel screws and
adhesive sealant.
[0015] The YETI.RTM. Tie-Down Kit found for sale on the official
YETI.RTM. website (store.yeticoolers.com/tie-down-kit/) describes
using tie down slots in conjunction with the Tie-Down Kit to secure
the cooler to a deck plate.
[0016] The YETI.RTM. Locking Bracket found for sale on the official
YETI.RTM. website (store.yeticoolers.com/products/locking-bracket)
describes using a locking bracket inserted through an integrated
tie-down slot in order to lock the cooler to something, for example
using a chain.
[0017] The Engel Tie-Down Strap Kit found for sale on the official
Engel website
(www.engel-usa.com/products/deepblue-accessories/engel-tie-down-s-
trap-kit) describes using tie down slots in conjunction with the
Tie-Down Strap Kit to secure the cooler to a deck plate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to coolers and/or ice chests and, more particularly, but not
exclusively, to a bracket for use with coolers.
[0019] There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention, a removably attachable accessory bracket for a
cooler, comprising: an upper portion configured with a low profile
to fit wholly within a recess located on an upper rim of the
cooler; a pin connected to the upper portion configured as an
insertable counterpart to a cooler tie down slot located on the
upper rim of the cooler; a supplemental tie down slot integrated
with the upper portion and configured for passing a tie down strap
therethrough; and, at least one accessory connected to the
bracket.
[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one
accessory is removably connected to the bracket.
[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the accessory is at least
one of a rod holder, a cup holders, an ammunition holders, a boga
grip holder, a fly rod holder, a camera attachment point, a grab
rail, a shelf, a table, a seat, electronics, or a light.
[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the upper portion is
configured to rest on a large recess of the upper rim of the
cooler.
[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the upper portion is
configured to rest on a small recess of the upper rim of the
cooler.
[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the pin between 1/8'' and
4'' wide and 1/8'' and 10'' long.
[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the space between the pin
and a face of the bracket is between 1/8'' and 4''.
[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, the pin is inserted into
the cooler tie down slot using at least one of a compression fit, a
mechanical fit and gravity.
[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the bracket further
comprises a locking mechanism connecting the pin to an offset
bracket, enclosing a portion of the upper rim of the cooler
therebetween.
[0028] In an embodiment of the invention, the low profile is 0.5''
or less.
[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, the low profile is 0.25''
or less.
[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, the low profile is
0.125'' or less.
[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the upper
portion and offset bracket are curved.
[0032] There is further provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, an accessory bracket for a cooler,
comprising: a pin insertable into a tie down slot located on the
cooler to secure the bracket to the cooler; a supplemental tie down
slot configured for passage of a tie down strap therethrough; and,
at least one accessory connected to the bracket.
[0033] There is further provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method for inserting a bracket into
a cooler, comprising: opening the cooler lid; lining up a pin of
the bracket with a tie down slot of the cooler; and, inserting the
pin into the tie down slot of the cooler so that the pin is
positioned within the tie down slot and the bracket rests on an
upper rim of the cooler such that the lid fully closes.
[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the method further
comprises threading a tie down strap through a supplemental tie
down slot located on the face of the bracket to secure the cooler
in place.
[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, the method further
comprises attaching an accessory to the bracket.
[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, the accessory is
removably attached to the bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example, are not
necessarily to scale, and for purposes of illustrative discussion
of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description
taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art
how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
[0038] In the drawings:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an industry standard premium
cooler configuration;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of a bracket, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 2, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the bracket of FIG. 2, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 2, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 2
inserted into the cooler of FIG. 1 with the lid closed, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 6B is a perspective oblique angled view of the bracket
of FIG. 2 inserted into the cooler of FIG. 1 with the lid opened,
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket of FIG. 2
inserted into the cooler of FIG. 1 across a tie down slot, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting a method of inserting a
bracket into a cooler, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the invention; and,
[0048] FIGS. 9A-9C are front, back and side views, respectively, of
an exemplary bracket, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to coolers and/or ice chests and, more particularly, but not
exclusively, to a bracket for use with coolers.
[0050] For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the
present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 of the drawings,
reference is first made to the construction and operation of an
industry standard premium cooler 100 of a particular configuration,
as illustrated in FIG. 1. Exemplary industry standard premium
cooler configurations include the YETI.RTM. Tundra, K2 Summit and
Engel DeepBlue series of coolers, all notably including at least
one tie down slot 102. The configuration's tie down slot 102 is
conventionally an integrated part of the chest portion 104 of the
cooler, although not necessarily so. Another typical feature of
this configuration is at least one recess 106a, 106b on the upper
cooler rim which allows for the lid 108 of the cooler to close when
a tie down strap is used with the tie down slot 102. In an
embodiment of the invention, large recess 106a is a slight
depression, like a ledge, on the exterior side wall of the cooler
which extends the length of the side on many coolers and/or ice
chests. When the lid 108 is closed, a slight gap is formed between
the closed lid 108 and the chest 104. Additionally or alternatively
to the large recess 106a, a small recess 106b is also provided to
the cooler, which is adapted for receipt of the tie down strap
therein.
[0051] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
necessarily limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods
set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being
practiced or carried out in various ways.
[0052] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a
perspective view of a bracket 200, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, at
least one accessory 202 is attached to the bracket 200. Optionally,
the accessory 202 is permanently attached to the bracket 200, for
example by welding, adhesive, screws, pins, or the like.
Optionally, the accessory 202 is removably attached, for example
using a click in/click out or slide on/slide off kind of interface.
Examples of accessories 202 which are attachable to the bracket 200
include rod holders (such as shown), cup holders, shell holders
(ammunition), boga grip holders, fly rod holders, camera attachment
points, grab rails, shelves or tables, elevated seats, electronics,
lights, and the like. It should be understood that the accessories
which are usable with the bracket 200 are interchangeable and/or
are a part of a system of interchangeable accessory options to be
used with the bracket 200, in an embodiment of the invention. In
some embodiments of the invention, where the accessory 202 attaches
to the bracket 200, an attachment point is optionally variable, for
example by providing a rail on which the accessory 202 slides and
to which the accessory can be removably attached anywhere along the
rail. In some embodiments of the invention, more than one accessory
202 and/or accessory type can be attached to the same side of the
bracket 200 depending on the size and/or configuration of
particular accessories. Optionally, more than one attachment point
is provided to the bracket. Optionally, more than one attachment
point is provided to a single side of the bracket 200.
[0053] Provided to the bracket 200, in an embodiment of the
invention, is an offset bracket 204 on which a supplemental tie
down slot 206 is located to enable the use of commercially
available tie-down kits to be used with the cooler 100 and bracket
200 combination. Optionally, the supplemental tie down slot 206 is
located on the bracket 200 itself.
[0054] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bracket 200, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of
the invention, a pin 300 (also shown in FIG. 4) is provided to the
bracket 200 which operates as a counterpart to the tie down slot
102 of the industry standard premium cooler configuration 100,
wherein the pin 300 fits within the slot 102, thereby removably
attaching the bracket 200 to the cooler. Optionally, pin 300 fits
snugly within slot 102. Optionally, pin 300 fits loosely within
slot 102. In some embodiments of the invention, pin 300 size and/or
location and/or configuration is changed depending on the cooler
100 brand (e.g. Yeti.RTM., K2, Engel) and/or model and/or size of
cooler. Optionally, the pin 300 is "one-size-fits-all", perhaps not
actually fitting every single size and/or configuration but being
functionally usable with a plurality of different coolers 100
without modification so that the bracket 200 does not fall off
and/or out of the cooler 100.
[0055] In some embodiments of the invention, the bracket 200 and
pin 300 are formed from right angles 302 with respect to each
other. Alternatively, at least one of the angles 302 is not
90.degree.. In an embodiment of the invention, the space 304
between the bracket 200 and the pin 300 is configured so that the
portion of the cooler 100 between the slot 102 and the exterior of
the cooler 100 fits snugly between the bracket 200 and the pin 300,
when the bracket 200 is installed on the cooler 100 (such as shown
and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 7). In an
embodiment of the invention, the largely squared corners of this
configuration match the largely squared corners of the cooler on
which it is placed, for increased strength and stability,
particularly when the lid 108 is closed. Optionally, the
configuration of the bracket and pin are adapted to match the
cooler on which it is intended to be used (e.g. lengthening or
shortening and/or making wider or narrower and/or making thinner or
thicker and/or curving surfaces to match the cooler contours). In
an embodiment of the invention, the bracket 200 is capable of
withstanding over 150 lbs of force pulling away from the side face
of the cooler 100.
[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, an upper portion of the
bracket 200 is sized to fit within the recess 106a and/or 106b
without interfering with the operation of the lid 108 closing
and/or sealing the cooler 100 (i.e. the bracket 200 is
"low-profile"). For example, the upper portion of the bracket 200
has a low enough profile (in height as measured from the top of the
cooler at the recess 106a or 106b to the bottom of the lid 108 when
the lid 108 is closed completely) and/or is narrow enough (in width
as measured from the front of the cooler to the back) and/or is
short enough (in length as measured from one side of the cooler to
the other side of the cooler) so that the lid 108 closes completely
onto the chest 104 of the cooler 100. The low-profile nature of the
upper portion of the bracket is shown in more detail in FIG. 7. In
some embodiments of the invention, low profile means 1'' or less.
Optionally, low profile means 0.5'' or less. Optionally, low
profile means 0.25'' or less. Optionally, low profile means 0.125''
or less.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a top view of the bracket 200, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Not shown are any of the
accessories which would be attached to the bracket 200. In an
embodiment of the invention, offset bracket 204 is located external
to and in front of the main body 500 of the bracket 200.
Optionally, offset bracket 204 is flush with the main body 500 of
the bracket. Optionally, the tie down slot 206 is integrated with
the main body 500 of the bracket and not with an offset bracket
204. As also shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, in an embodiment of the
invention, the pin 300 is located on the bracket 200 so that the
space between the pin 300 and the exterior surface of the bracket
200, which together bookend the wall of the chest 104, providing
stability and/or removably securing the bracket 200 to the cooler
100, for example by a compression fit and/or by gravity and/or
mechanically.
[0058] FIG. 6A is a perspective view from the side of the cooler,
of the bracket 200 inserted into the cooler 100, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the
invention, the lid 108 closes completely on the chest 104 while the
bracket 200 is installed. The supplemental tie down slot 206 is
optionally used to tie the cooler down while the bracket 200 is
being used, in an embodiment of the invention. Rod holders are
shown as the accessories 202 being used with the bracket 200, but
any accessory and any combination of accessories could optionally
be used. The bracket allows for a high mounting point on the cooler
to allow accessories to be mounted flush with the surface of the
cooler and/or to allow for easier access and/or to provide
additional room underneath the accessories.
[0059] It should also be noted that the bracket 200, when installed
on the cooler 100, does not interfere with the use of the cooler
handles 602 or with the use of a drain plug (not shown).
[0060] FIG. 6B is a perspective view from an oblique angle (between
the side and the front of the cooler) which shows the bracket 200
installed with the lid 108 open. It can be seen from this view
that, in an embodiment of the invention, the bracket 200 lies in
the large recess 106a on the side of the cooler 100. As described
elsewhere herein, the bracket 200 could be configured to lie within
the small recess 106b, which is nominally reserved for the tie down
strap, additionally or alternatively to the large recess 106a.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket of FIG. 2
inserted into the cooler 100 of FIG. 1 across where the tie down
slot 102 is located, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention. It can be seen in greater detail that the pin 300
and the portion of the bracket 200 located on the exterior of the
cooler 100 bookend the exterior wall 702 of the chest 104, in an
embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that these
bracket 200 is shown slightly separated from the chest 104 and wall
702 for clarity's sake and that in some embodiments of the
invention, the bracket 200 would be resting and/or abutting on the
cooler 100. In FIG. 7, the offset tab 204 and the face of the
bracket 200 are shown angled at slightly more than a 90.degree.
angle, it should be understood that the angle of the offset 204 tab
and/or face of the bracket could be at virtually any angle, for
example it is shown substantially vertical (angle 302 is at
90.degree.) in FIG. 3.
[0062] FIG. 7 also shows the "low-profile" nature of the bracket
200, in that its height (where the bracket 200 lays on the large
recess 106a) is equal to or less than the height of large recess
106a, thereby not obstructing the proper operation and/or closing
and/or sealing of the lid.
[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism (not
shown) connects the pin 300 to the offset bracket 204, around the
exterior wall 702. The locking mechanism can be, for example a
removably attachable chain or additional bracket piece.
[0064] FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 depicting a method of inserting a
bracket 200 into a cooler 100, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention. The bracket 200 is installed by first
opening (802) the cooler lid 108. The pin 300 of the bracket 200 is
lined up (804) with the tie down slot 102 and the pin 300 is
inserted (806) into the slot 102 by sliding it down into place
while ensuring that the exterior of the bracket 200 fits down on
the exterior surface of the cooler. In an embodiment of the
invention, removal of the bracket 200 is accomplished by opening
the lid 108 and then reversing the other steps described above.
Optionally, a tie down strap is threaded (808) through the
supplemental tie down slot 206 in order to removably secure the
cooler to the floor. Optionally, at least one interchangeable
accessory is removably attached or detached (810) from the bracket
200.
[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, no tools are needed to
install and/or remove the bracket 200 from the cooler.
[0066] A central portion of an exemplary bracket 900 (i.e. without
accessories or accessory attachment points) is shown in FIGS.
9A-9C, with exemplary dimensions. It should be understood that
these dimensions are by way of example only, and that it is
conceived that they could vary, for example depending on intended
accessory use, make, model, cooler and/or tie down slot size. For
example, the space 304 between the pin 300 and the face of the
bracket 200 is of any size from 1/8'' to 3''. In some embodiments
of the invention, the pin 300 is 1/8'' to 4'' wide (extending
horizontally to the floor) and 1/8'' to 10'' long (extending
vertically to the floor). FIG. 9A shows the front of bracket 900
and the appurtenant supplemental tie down slot 906 located in an
offset bracket 904. FIG. 9B shows a rear view of bracket 900,
including a pin 950 for insertion into a tie down slot of the
cooler with which the bracket 900 is being used. FIG. 9C shows a
side view of the bracket 900.
[0067] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to".
[0068] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited
to".
[0069] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition, method or structure may include additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic
and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or
structure.
[0070] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one
compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures
thereof.
[0071] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
invention may be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the
range.
[0072] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant
to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the
indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are
used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and
second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral
numerals therebetween.
[0073] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0074] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
[0075] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein
by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any
reference in this application shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,
they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
* * * * *
References