U.S. patent application number 15/908869 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-06 for backpack cooler with gable style closure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sovaro Coolers, LLC. Invention is credited to Todd McLean Furneaux, Michael Thuma, Michael R. Vogler.
Application Number | 20180252458 15/908869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63355557 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180252458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Furneaux; Todd McLean ; et
al. |
September 6, 2018 |
BACKPACK COOLER WITH GABLE STYLE CLOSURE
Abstract
A backpack cooler comprised of a flexible exterior defined by
flexible opposing front and back panels, a pair of side panels, a
bottom panel and a top gable style closure to provide access to the
interior is disclosed. The back panel includes a pair of straps
secured to the top and bottom portion thereto for permitting the
cooler to be worn on a person's back. The bottom panel is provided
with molded feet in order to provide stability and prevent tipping
of the cooler when placed on a flat surface. The gable style
closure includes magnets at the opening to close the opening,
forming a fin that is foldable to be parallel with the top of the
cooler to provide a low profile, and to further prevent air from
being exchanged with the air inside of the cooler.
Inventors: |
Furneaux; Todd McLean;
(Roswell, GA) ; Thuma; Michael; (La Grange,
IL) ; Vogler; Michael R.; (Oswego, IL) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sovaro Coolers, LLC |
Roswell |
GA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
63355557 |
Appl. No.: |
15/908869 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29596047 |
Mar 3, 2017 |
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15908869 |
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29596048 |
Mar 3, 2017 |
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29596047 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/06 20130101; A45F
3/047 20130101; A45C 13/1069 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C
2200/20 20130101; A45F 2200/0583 20130101; A45C 11/20 20130101;
F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D 2331/801 20130101; A45F 4/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20060101
F25D003/08; A45F 3/04 20060101 A45F003/04; A45C 11/20 20060101
A45C011/20; A45F 4/02 20060101 A45F004/02; A45C 5/06 20060101
A45C005/06 |
Claims
1. A backpack cooler comprising: a flexible front panel, a flexible
back panel, a flexible left side panel, a flexible right side panel
and a partially flexible bottom panel, said front panel, said back
panel, said left side panel, said right side panel and said bottom
panel secured together along their respective edges to construct a
parallelepiped shape that includes a hollow interior, a top portion
of said front panel, said back panel, said left side panel, and
said right side panel including permanent crease lines arranged to
cause said top portion of said front panel, said back panel, said
left side panel, and said right side panel to fold as a gable style
closure to close and provide access to said hollow interior, said
back panel further including a pair of shoulder straps, a first end
of said shoulder straps affixed to said back panel just below said
top portion of said back panel, a second end of said shoulder
straps affixed to said back panel at a bottom portion thereof in a
manner that allows the assembly to worn as said backpack
cooler.
2. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said front panel includes
a first crease positioned between said front panel and said top
portion of said front panel and a first fin crease, said first
crease and said first fin crease extending substantially parallel
with respect to each other and horizontally across said front
panel; said back panel including a second crease positioned between
said back panel and said top portion of said back panel, said back
panel also including a second fin crease, said second crease and
said second fin crease extending substantially parallel with
respect to each other and horizontally across said back panel; said
left side panel including a first vertical crease positioned at the
center portion of said upper portion of said left side panel, said
left side panel including a third crease positioned between said
left side panel and said upper portion of said left side panel,
said left side panel including a third fin crease, said third
crease and said third fin crease extending substantially parallel
with respect to each other and horizontally across said left side
panel, said left side panel also including a pair of converging
triangle creases extending from said third crease to said first
vertical crease; said right side panel including a second vertical
crease positioned at the center portion of said upper portion of
said right side panel, said right side panel including a fourth
crease positioned between said right side panel and said upper
portion of said right side panel, said right side panel including a
fourth fin crease, said fourth crease and said fourth fin crease
extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and
horizontally across said right side panel, said right side panel
also including a pair of converging second triangle creases
extending from said fourth crease to said second vertical crease;
said creases providing bend lines for forming said gable style
closure.
3. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said front panel, said
back panel, said left side panel and said right side panel each
include an outer layer of flexible material, a middle layer of
insulation and an inner layer of heat reflective material.
4. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said outer layer of
flexible material is fabric.
5. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said fabric is
waterproof.
6. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said bottom panel is
constructed to be rigid.
7. The backpack cooler of claim 6 wherein said bottom panel is
formed from a formed polyvinyl sheet.
8. The backpack cooler of claim 6 wherein said bottom panel
includes rubber feet.
9. The backpack cooler of claim 8 wherein said rubber feet are
integrally molded to said bottom panel.
10. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein a first fin portion of
said front panel, above said first fin crease includes a magnet, a
second fin portion of said back panel including a magnetic
material, whereby said first fin portion and said second fin
portion are attracted to each other to close said backpack
cooler.
11. The backpack cooler of claim 10 wherein said first fin portion
and said second fin portion have sufficient length to be folded
flat against a top surface of said backpack cooler.
12. The backpack cooler of claim 11 including a fastener to retain
said fin in said folded flat position.
13. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said back panel includes
a hand grip for carrying said backpack cooler by hand.
14. The backpack cooler of claim 1 including a removable and
replaceable bag liner for covering the inside surface of said
hollow interior of said backpack cooler.
Description
RELATED PATENTS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/596,047,
filed Mar. 3, 2017, entitled "ROLL TOP BACKPACK COOLER" and U.S.
Design Patent Application No. 29/596,048, filed Mar. 3, 2017,
entitled "ROLL TOP BACKPACK COOLER", the entirety of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device for
carrying articles. More particularly, the invention is directed to
a backpack cooler which is thermally insulated and
water-impervious, has a gable style closure, and is designed to be
easily carried on the wearer's back.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Numerous types, sizes, and styles of carrying devices,
backpacks, vests, and other packs have been made or proposed for
use in conveniently carrying and storing various articles on a
wearer's back. A basic backpack consists of a sack and two straps
that loop over each shoulder. Backpacks are useful because they
free the hands of the wearer for other activities and reduce bulk
in the front of the wearer's body. Backpacks have become
increasingly popular over the years, especially for travel and
recreational activities. It is often desirable for users of a
backpack to carry beverages or food within the backpack, especially
when the user requires free use of his hands. However, a backpack
is not typically insulated for the storage and handling of
beverages and food. Thus, having a cold beverage or food available
would provide convenience to the user and allow extended
activity.
[0004] Portable coolers of various shapes and sizes have long been
available. These coolers can be formed of polyurethane foam
materials, or hard synthetic resin materials which are thermally
insulated. The weight of a filled cooler can be considerable, while
the hard construction makes the devices unsuitable for extended
transport by hand. It has also been known in the past to provide
coolers of flexible design which are adapted to be hand carried.
While these coolers ameliorate the unyielding nature of a standard
rectangular cooler, the problem remains that the user's hands are
still not free, and thus detracts from their usefulness. Thus,
there is a need for a flexible cooler container that takes
advantage of the efficiency of a backpack in order to make the
cooler more easily transportable.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,117 discloses a backpack cooler which
utilizes an insulated foam core that is covered on the outside with
a cloth sheath and has a rigid reinforcing liner which defines a
well to hold two stacked six packs of 12 ounce containers.
Unfortunately, this backpack cooler is specifically tailored to
accommodate six pack beverages and does not allow much versatility
for food items and the like.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,216 discloses a thermal container for
insertion into a backpack having separate attachment means for
securing an integral flap and sealing means to further seal an
opening of said insert container.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,577 discloses a backpack cooler designed
to be worn on the back of a person. The backpack cooler includes a
flexible enclosure having backpack straps affixed to the enclosure.
The enclosure includes front, rear, side and bottom panels and an
openable top panel. The top panel includes a metal zipper or slide
fastener, which are prone to failure.
[0008] Such prior art systems, while working well, have not met all
of the needs of manufacturers to provide a product that can be
easily manufactured, packaged and shipped, or the needs of
consumers requiring structural integrity combined with modularity,
aesthetic appearance and an ease of access to the contents. Access
to the contents of the cooler should not require the use of
cumbersome zippers and the like, but should still provide a closure
that retains the temperature of the inside of the cooler.
[0009] Thus, what is lacking in the art is a backpack cooler that
is thermally insulated, has a gable style closure, and is designed
to be easily carried on the wearer's back to allow free use of the
wearer's hands. The backpack cooler should include a variable
height to allow for different volumes of stored material. The
backpack cooler should also include a positive latching system that
can be unlatched and re-latched with one hand while the backpack is
still on the user's back. The backpack cooler should also include a
folded gable closure that lays flat across the top of the cooler to
minimize wasted space within the cooler and provides relatively
airtight configuration to keep items within the backpack cool or
warm as desired. One embodiment includes a removable and
replaceable waterproof liner that allows for easy cleaning and
filling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A backpack cooler comprised of a flexible exterior defined
by flexible opposing front and back panels, a pair of side panels,
a bottom panel and a top gable style closure to provide access to
the interior is disclosed. The front, back, and side panels include
an outer layer of fabric, an inner layer of reflective foil, and a
layer of thermal insulation between the outer and inner layers. The
back panel further includes a pair of straps secured to the top and
bottom portion thereto for permitting the cooler to be worn on a
person's back. The bottom panel is provided with molded feet in
order to provide stability and prevent tipping of the cooler when
placed on a flat surface. The gable style closure includes magnets
at the opening to close the opening, forming a fin that is foldable
to be parallel with the top of the cooler to provide a low profile
and further prevent air from being exchanged with the air inside of
the cooler.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a backpack cooler that includes a gable style closure.
[0012] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a backpack cooler that is adjustable to various sizes to
accommodate the size of the wearer.
[0013] Still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a backpack cooler that allows a user easy access to
articles utilizing the gable style closure which is foldable to a
position that is parallel with the top of the backpack cooler.
[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
backpack cooler that utilizes magnets to form the fin of the gable
style closure.
[0015] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a backpack cooler that includes external waterproof pockets to
allow for storage of other items.
[0016] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a backpack cooler that is vertically expandable and
contractible to carry different sized payloads.
[0017] It is still yet another objective of the present invention
to provide a unique latching arrangement for a flexible backpack
cooler.
[0018] An even further objective of the present invention is to
provide a backpack cooler that includes integrally molded rubber
feet.
[0019] Still a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a backpack cooler that includes a gable style closure to
contain the contents and minimize air exchange.
[0020] Yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a backpack cooler having a bottom panel with molded feet to
provide stability and prevent tipping of the cooler when placed on
a flat surface.
[0021] Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a backpack cooler wherein the shoulder straps are fitted
with quick-release type fasteners engageable with corresponding
quick-release type fasteners on the backpack.
[0022] Still a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a backpack cooler wherein a removable and replaceable
sealable bag is sized to removeably fit within the flexible
interior of the backpack cooler to allow the user to fill with
ice.
[0023] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of one embodiment of
the backpack cooler illustrated with the gable closure in a folded
position;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a rear left perspective view of the embodiment of
the backpack cooler illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front left perspective view of one embodiment of
the backpack cooler illustrated with the top portion in an open
position;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the backpack cooler illustrated in
FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 5 is right side view of the backpack cooler;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a bottom left perspective view of the backpack
cooler illustrating the rubber feet provided for stability;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the backpack cooler illustrating
the rubber feet provided for stability;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a left rear perspective view illustrating the top
portion of the backpack cooler in a closed arrangement;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a left side view of the backpack cooler;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a top view of the backpack cooler; and
[0034] FIG. 11 is a top front right perspective view illustrating
one embodiment of the backpack cooler including a removable
liner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
illustrated.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, a backpack cooler 100 including
a flexible front panel 10, a flexible back panel 20, a flexible
left side panel 30, a flexible right side panel 70, and a partially
flexible bottom panel 40. The front panel 10, back panel 20, left
side panel 30, right side panel 70 and bottom panel 40 are secured
together along their respective edges to construct a parallelepiped
shape that includes a hollow interior 2. The connection between the
panels is preferably stitching, but could be adhesive, welding or
the like without departing from the scope of the invention. A top
portion of the front panel 12, the back panel 22, the left side
panel 32, and the right side panel 72 include permanent crease
lines 126 arranged to cause the top portion of the front panel 12,
the back panel 22, the left side panel 32, and the right side panel
72 to fold as a gable style closure to close and provide access to
the hollow interior 2. The back panel 20 further includes a pair of
shoulder straps 60, a first end 62 of the shoulder straps affixed
to the back panel 20 just below the top portion of the back panel,
and a second end of the shoulder straps 64 affixed to the back
panel at a bottom portion of the back panel in a manner that allows
the assembly to be worn as a backpack. The connection between the
second end 64 of the shoulder straps 60 and the first end 62 of the
shoulder straps may include an adjustable buckle 66, which may also
include a quick-release type fastener. Additionally, the back panel
20 can be outfitted with a hand grip 28 for carrying the backpack
cooler by hand. The hand grip 28 is flexible so as not to interfere
with the wearer's back when used as a backpack. The term "flexible"
as used herein means capable of bending easily without breaking,
and does not include hard plastics, metals and the like.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the structure that allows the top to
fold in a gable style is illustrated. The front panel 10 includes a
first crease 102 positioned between the front panel and the top
portion of the front panel and a first fin crease 104, the first
crease 102 and the first fin crease 104 extending substantially
parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across the
front panel 10. The back panel 20 includes a second crease 106
positioned between the back panel and the top portion of the back
panel, and a second fin crease 108, the second crease 106 and the
second fin crease 108 extending substantially parallel with respect
to each other and horizontally across the back panel. The left side
panel 30 includes a first vertical crease 110 positioned at the
center portion of the top portion of the left side panel 30. The
left side panel 30 also includes a third crease 114 positioned
between the left side panel 30 and the top portion 32 of the left
side panel, and a third fin crease 116, the third crease 114 and
the third fin crease 116 extending substantially parallel with
respect to each other and horizontally across the left side panel
30. The left side panel 30 also includes a pair of converging
triangle creases 112 extending from the third crease 114 to the
first vertical crease 110. The right side panel 70 includes a
second vertical crease 118 positioned at the center portion of the
top portion 72 of the right side panel 70. The right side panel 70
includes a fourth crease 122 positioned between the right side
panel 70 and the top portion 72 of the right side panel 70. The
right side panel 70 includes a fourth fin crease 124, the fourth
crease 122 and the fourth fin crease 124 extending substantially
parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across the
right side panel 70. The right side panel also includes a pair of
converging second triangle creases 120 extending from the fourth
crease 122 to the second vertical crease 118. These creases provide
bend lines for forming the gable style closure. In this manner, the
top portion of the backpack cooler can be closed to substantially
prevent the exchange of air between the hollow interior 2 and the
outside air to keep objects inside the hollow chamber either hot or
cold as desired. In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG.
3, the front panel 10, back panel 20, left side panel 30 and right
side panel 70 each include an outer layer 128 of flexible material,
a middle layer of insulation 130 and an inner layer 132 of heat
reflective material. The outer layer may be constructed from
flexible polymers, fabrics or the like that may be waterproof or
water resistant. The bottom panel 40 may be semi-rigid or rigid to
provide stability to the backpack cooler and loads that are placed
within the hollow interior. In at least one embodiment, the bottom
panel 40 is constructed from polyvinyl sheet and may include rubber
feet 44. The rubber feet 44 may be attached with fasteners such as
rivets or screws, or more preferably, the feet may be integrally
molded to the bottom panel 40, which may include over-molding of
the bottom panel. In one embodiment, the fin portion 50 includes a
perimeter rim 56 having magnets 58 embedded therein to hold the
perimeter in a closed but easily openable position with the top
portion of the side panels folded inwardly along the crease lines
so that surfaces 57 are adjacent with respect to each other. The
fin portion 50 preferably has a sufficient length to be folded flat
against a top surface of the backpack cooler as illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2, and 8-10. Fastener 52 may be used to secure the fin
portion 50 in the folded position for transport of the backpack
cooler 100. The fastener 52 cooperates with loops 54 to provide
adjustability to the fastener 52. The front panel 10 and side
panels 30, 70 also include external waterproof pockets 14 which
allow for storage of additional items on the exterior of the
backpack cooler 100. The external front pocket 14 is expandable and
of a suitable depth to allow for various items, aside from food and
beverages, to be stored therein. The pockets 14 are also waterproof
to protect items stored therein. The pockets 14 are not in
communication with the interior 2 of the backpack cooler 100. In at
least one embodiment, the flexible interior 2 is further fitted
with a sealable, removable bag liner 90. The bag liner 90 is form
fitted to fit within the flexible interior 2 of the backpack cooler
100, and is removable to allow the user to fill, clean or replace
the bag liner. This construction also allows the user of the bag to
easily and quickly change the overall purpose and contents of the
bag.
[0038] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0039] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention, and that the
invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and
described in the specification and any drawings/figures included
herein.
[0040] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *