U.S. patent application number 16/013524 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for soft side cooler with utility board.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tim Dexter. Invention is credited to Tim Dexter.
Application Number | 20190170422 16/013524 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66659021 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190170422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dexter; Tim |
June 6, 2019 |
SOFT SIDE COOLER WITH UTILITY BOARD
Abstract
A soft side cooler including an outer casing and an inner liner
preferably with an insulating layer therebetween enclosing a cavity
of a body defined by sidewalls with lower edges continuously joined
to the periphery of a planar bottom covered by a detachably
fastenable lid preferably having a peripheral lip extending toward
the body such that a first strip affixed along an upper linear edge
of the sidewalls of the body and corresponding lower strip aligned
along lid of the cooler are capable of mated engagement and
disengagement to close and open the lid of the cooler and including
a sleeve, preferably atop the lid surface, wherein the sleeve is
configured for mated correspondence with a removeable utensil
preferably a rigid and substantially flat utility board configured
such that the tensile pressure exerted by the sleeve about the
utility board is sufficient for retaining the utility board
therewithin.
Inventors: |
Dexter; Tim; (Orland,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dexter; Tim |
Orland |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66659021 |
Appl. No.: |
16/013524 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62708121 |
Dec 4, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20130101; B65D
81/3823 20130101; A45C 11/20 20130101; F25D 31/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20060101
F25D003/08; F25D 31/00 20060101 F25D031/00 |
Claims
1. A soft side cooler, comprising: a casing composed of a pliable,
insulating material defining a body including integral sidewalls
having an upper linear edge and a lower linear edge and a planar
bottom having edges continuously joined along the lower linear edge
of the integral sidewalls thereby enclosing an insulating cavity,
wherein the casing extends to a lid connected to a portion to the
sidewalls wherein the lid has a lip configured for aligned
correspondence with an upper linear edge of the sidewalls so the
lip is capable of detachable seated correspondence with an upper
linear edge of the integral sidewalls; a closure mechanism for
detachable closure along a linear edge proximate to the upper
linear edge of the body and proximate to a lower linear edge of the
lid; and a sleeve affixed upon a surface of the lid, wherein the
sleeve is configured for tensionably retaining a removeable
utensil.
2. The soft side cooler of claim 1, wherein the utensil is a
utility board having a rigid and substantially flat construct and
configured such that the sleeve tensionably retains the utility
board within the sleeve.
3. The soft side cooler of claim 2, wherein the sidewalls include a
first side panel and an opposing second side panel, joined in
perpendicular alignment by respective contiguous sides o a front
panel and an opposing rear panel such that aligned lower edges of
the sidewalls are joined to a bottom panel and the lid is
substantially rectangular such that the cooler is substantially
box-shaped and wherein the utility board is generally
rectangular.
4. The soft side cooler of claim 3, wherein the closure mechanism
is a zipper having a first strip and a second strip with
interlocking teeth, wherein the first strip is attached proximate
to a linear top edge of the body and the second strip is affixed
proximate to a bottom linear edge of the lid whereby engaging the
interlocking teeth fastens the zipper to close the cooler and
whereby disengaging the interlocking teeth opens the zipper to
release the lid to an open position.
5. The soft side cooler of claim 4, further comprising one or more
insulating panels removeably inserted in one or more corresponding
sidewalls of the cooler.
6. The soft side cooler of claim 5, further comprising an
insulating panels removeably inserted in the bottom of the
cooler.
7. The soft side cooler of claim 5, wherein the utility board is
constructed of a closed cell insulating material.
8. The soft side cooler of claim 5, wherein the utility board is
constructed of a polymer.
9. The soft side cooler of claim 5, wherein the first strip and the
second strip of the zipper is composed of a flexible material.
10. The soft side cooler of claim 4 further comprising a first hand
strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a
longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having
two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis
to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand
strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for
releasable capture within a handle.
11. The soft side cooler of claim 10 further comprising a first
side release buckle disposed on the side panel of the sidewalls and
a second side release buckle disposed on the opposing side panel of
the sidewalls, wherein the first side release buckle and the second
side-release buckle are for securing a strap to the opposing side
panels of the sidewall of the cooler.
12. The soft side cooler of claim 11 further comprising a first
hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a
longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having
two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis
to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand
strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for
releasable capture within a handle.
13. A soft side cooler, comprising: a body surrounded by an outer
casing and an inner liner defining an insulating cavity, including
side walls having an opposing front panel and back panel in
perpendicular alignment with an opposing first side panel and
second side panel such that aligned lower edges are joined to a
planar bottom to thereby configure a substantially box-shaped
enclosure a lid configured for aligned correspondence with an upper
linear edge of the sidewalls wherein the casing on the rear panel
of the body extends upwardly to integrally surround the lid and
wherein the lid has a lip corresponding to an upper linear edge of
the sidewalls; a zipper for detachably fastening the body and lid
of the cooler, wherein the zipper has opposing ends attached on
either side of the tab and wherein the zipper has a first strip and
a second strip with interlocking teeth, wherein the first strip is
attached proximate to a linear top edge of the body and the second
strip is affixed proximate to a bottom linear edge of the lid
whereby engaging the interlocking teeth fastens the zipper to close
the cooler and whereby disengaging the interlocking teeth opens the
zipper to release the lid to an open position; and a sleeve affixed
upon a surface of the lid, wherein the sleeve is configured for
tensioned retaining of a removeable utility board, wherein the
utility board has a rigid and substantially flat construct sized
and shaped such that the sleeve exerts sufficient tensile stress
for retaining the utility board within the sleeve.
14. The soft side cooler of claim 13, wherein the sidewalls have RF
welded corners and the sidewalls are RF welded to the contiguous
peripheral edges of the bottom.
15. A soft side cooler, comprising: a body defined by an outer
casing and an inner lining, wherein the casing and inner lining are
composed of a pliable, insulating material and enclose an
insulating cavity, and wherein the body includes sidewalls having a
front panel and a rear panel in perpendicular alignment with a
first side panel and an opposing second side panel such that
aligned lower linear edges are continuously affixed to outer edges
of the planar bottom to thereby configure a substantially
box-shaped enclosure; a lid configured for aligned correspondence
with an upper linear edge of the sidewalls, wherein a tab connects
a section of the rear panel of the body to a corresponding section
of the lid and wherein the lid has a lip corresponding to an upper
linear edge of the sidewalls; a zipper for detachably fastening the
body and lid of the cooler, wherein the zipper has opposing ends
attached on either side of the tab and wherein the zipper has a
first strip and a second strip with interlocking teeth, wherein the
first strip is attached proximate to a linear top edge of the body
and the second strip is affixed proximate to a bottom linear edge
of the lid whereby engaging the interlocking teeth fastens the
zipper to close the cooler and whereby disengaging the interlocking
teeth opens the zipper to release the lid to an open position and a
sleeve affixed along a surface of the body of the cooler, wherein
the sleeve is configured for tensionable retaining of a removeable
utility board, wherein the utility board having a rigid and
substantially flat construct sized and shaped such the insertion of
the utility board is tensionably retained within the sleeve.
16. The soft side cooler of claim 15, wherein the tensionable
retaining of the utility board by the sleeve is capable of
preventing the utility board from being released due to pressure
resulting from tipping or physical forces.
17. The soft side cooler of claim 15 further comprising a first
hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a
longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having
two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis
to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand
strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for
releasable capture within a handle.
18. The soft side cooler of claim 15 further comprising a first
side release buckle disposed on the side panel of the sidewalls and
a second side release buckle disposed on the opposing side panel of
the sidewalls, wherein the first side release buckle and the second
side-release buckle are for securing a strap to the opposing side
panels of the sidewall of the cooler.
19. The soft side cooler of claim 18 further comprising a first
hand strap having two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a
longitudinal axis to the front panel and a second hand strap having
two spaced apart ends affixed in parallel along a longitudinal axis
to the rear panel, wherein the first hand strap and the second hand
strap extend into a respective first loop and a second loop for
releasable capture within a handle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority to and benefit under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/708,121 having a filing date of Jan. 3, 2018, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to insulated coolers and,
more particularly, to a soft side insulated, waterproof cooler with
a utility board removeably housed therein.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Coolers are commonly used to cool food and drinks cool on
picnics, camping trips, beach trips, and other excursions where
conventional refrigeration is inadequate or unavailable.
Traditional coolers, commonly known as "ice chests" or "ice boxes"
were box-shaped and had solid and often galvanized exteriors.
However, hard body coolers are often inconvenient because their
fixed shape can make them heavy and awkward to stow or transport,
limiting space for other supplies and equipment.
[0004] As a result, soft-body coolers developed as a popular
alternative. While soft-body coolers can be easier to stow or
transport, shortcomings including their lack of durability and
limited insulation properties presented shortcomings limiting their
utility. Particular drawback of soft-body coolers include a
tendency to leak and sweat, and incapacity for maintaining a
consistently cool temperatures provided by a hard-body cooler.
Moreover, soft-body coolers lack insulation on the top of the
cooler, therefore severely decreasing the cooler's temperature
maintenance properties.
[0005] Accordingly, there is an ongoing need for improved soft-body
coolers to address the above-mentioned persisting drawbacks and
deficiencies. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
these and other considerations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Addressing such and other drawbacks of the prior art, the
present invention provides an improved soft side cooler including a
casing forming a body enclosing an insulated core and attached
closeable lid featuring a removeable utility board within a sleeve
affixed to a surface of the cooler wherein the sleeve is configured
for tensionably fitted correspondence with the utility board. In
preferred embodiments of the present soft side cooler, the casing
includes a body of the soft side cooler is composed of four
integral opposing vertical panels joined to a bottom panel to
configure a substantially box-shaped cavity and a detachably
securable lid with a closure mechanism for ready opening and
closing of the cooler, preferably employing a zipper. In a
particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
sleeve sized and configured for receiving and releasing a
corresponding substantially flat and rigid utility board is affixed
to the lid. A particularly preferred embodiment of the present
invention features a sleeve configured for tensioned retaining of a
corresponding utility board such that no closure mechanism over the
opening of the sleeve is required to prevent the utility board from
slipping out of the sleeve.
[0007] It is contemplated that sleeves could be provided in the
sides or bottom of the cooler to retain one or more utility boards
according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, as
shown in the phantom lines depicted in FIG. 2.
[0008] The present utility board may be constructed of virtually
any rigid, insulating material including, for example, a polymer
such as polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane. Alternative
materials of the utility board include fiberglass, wood, cellulose
and other natural fibers, vermiculite and perlite, and
urea-formaldehyde, cementatious, phenolic or other insulating,
closed cell materials. In yet further alternative embodiments, the
removeable board may be a stainless steel, metal alloy or carbon
fiber.
[0009] The removeable utility board according to the present
invention enhances performance of the soft side cooler as well as
providing autonomous advantages of a readily carried utility board
insulating and structural support to the cooler while also
providing a convenient means for storing the removeable utility
board. In addition to improved cooler features, autonomous
functionality of this utility board includes being readily stored
and available for removal, requiring literally a single movement to
get the board out for its desired purpose such as, for example,
cutting, serving or any other function facilitated by a hard flat
surface that may arise.
[0010] Terms, as used herein, are defined as follows. Casing refers
to all pliable, or flexibld exterior, interior and other layers of
material incorporated or inserted within layers of the cooler body
and lid including side, front and rear panels of the exterior and
enclosing the interior cavity of the cooler, and lacking a rigid or
molded shell. A casing typically includes an external shell and
internal lining and may incorporate or enclose a soft and flexible
insulating material. Soft body cooler refers to a body that is
flexible and preferably collapsible from an expanded, upright
position when in use to a folded or collapsed position when not in
use.
[0011] The terms "with," "having," "has," "including," or
"includes" are not mutually exclusive and are intended to have the
same meaning as terms such as "comprising" or "comprises" and, as
such, does not exclude alternative and additional structural
components and functionalities.
[0012] In particularly preferred embodiments, the removeable
utility board is enclosed within a sleeve or fused atop the cooler
lid, by a method employing rado frequency (RF) welding preferably
atop the cooler lid, In alternative embodiments, the utility board
can also be placed in sleeves on the sides or bottom of the cooler.
It is particularly preferred that a material and configuration of
the pocket imparts sufficient tensile stress exerted by the sleeve
about the utility board to retain the utility board when inserted
therein while being readily expandable to release and tensionably
retain the board such that no closure mechanism is required to
retain the utility board within the pocket.
[0013] The foregoing summarizes only a few aspects of the invention
and is not intended to be reflective of the full or exhaustive
scope of the invention as claimed. Additional features and
advantages of the invention are set forth in the following
description and may be apparent from the description, or made
obvious by practicing the invention. Moreover, both the foregoing
summary and following detailed description are provided to provide
explanatory examples and are not contemplated as limitations of the
claims to the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention; and, furthermore, are not intended
in any manner to limit the scope of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of the soft side
cooler showing the board enclosed in the lid in phantom lines with
the top of the board extending beyond the sleeve opening in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the soft side cooler
including phantom lines illustrating concealed elements including
the board in enclosed storage position in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the soft side cooler in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with open
handles and released strap.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the soft side cooler in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with open
handles and released strap.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention with the lid open.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of the utility board
removed from the soft-body cooler in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
described in detail to enable practice of the present invention in
accordance with statutory requirements. However, the detailed
description exemplifies how to make and use the subject matter by
illustrative embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of
this patent. Rather, it has been contemplated that the claimed
subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include
elements similar to the ones described in this document, in
conjunction with other present or future technologies. To
facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the
invention, illustrative embodiments are explained below. In
particular, the invention is described in the context of a
waterproof, leak-proof, soft side cooler having a rigid board
tensionably retained within a sleeve preferably affixed atop the
lid of the cooler.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the illustrated embodiment of the
present invention exemplified as soft side cooler 10 is a box-like
configuration, and has a casing surrounding body 2 and lid 4
featuring a removeable utility board 8 tensionably retained within
sleeve 6 atop the lid 4. In addition to its uses for cutting,
serving and other suitable autonomous purposes of its rigid and
flat surface, utility board 8 further imparts functionalities and
associated advantages as a component of cooler 10 including
insulating and imparting structural support to cooler 10 while also
providing a convenient means for storing the removeable utility
board 8. The present soft side cooler 10 according to the
illustrated embodiment has a casing surrounding a cooler body 2
including opposing side panels 2A and opposing front and rear
panels 2C the lower linear edges of which are sealably adjoined to
contiguous peripheral linear edges of bottom panel 2B thereto.
[0023] A particularly preferred technique employed in the
manufacture of the present invention for sealable adjoining a
seamless and water-tight construct of corners, joints and
affixations of contiguous sections and components is radio
frequency welding ("RF welding"). In the illustrated embodiment, RF
welding contours rounded corners between opposing side panels 2A
and opposing front and back panels 2C and sealably adjoins lower
edges of sidewalls 2 to bottom 2B to impart a smooth, aesthetic as
well as watertight and durable body 2. Sleeve 8 is RF welded atop
lid 4 of cooler 10. RF welding is further employed to affix zipper
12 having an upper strip and a lower strip with interlocking teeth
therebetween for unzipping to open and zipping to close
corresponding upper linear edges of cooler body 2 and lip of lid 4.
The zipper 12 includes. As shown, zipper 12 is configured and fused
along corresponding edges proximate to the top of body 2 and
proximate to the bottom of lid 4 such that body 2 and lid 4 may be
opened and closed to maintain a consistently cool temperature
thereby enhancing the insulating capacity of cooler 10, and to
provide an appealing, finished product.
[0024] The present invention further includes a sleeve integrated
in the lid configured for receiving and tensionably retaining
substantially flat and rigid utility board 8 within the sleeve.
Exemplary soft side cooler 10 further includes hand straps 14
affixed to front and rear panels 2C extending into two respective
loops for wrapping about and releasable capture within a single
handle. A yet further feature for convenient transporting is
shoulder strap 22 releasably attached to first and second buckle 18
affixed to opposing sidewalls 2 to cooler body 2. Further aspects
of the present disclosure include insulating core panels
interpolated between the liner, and outer shell to improve
insulation and thereby prolong cooling time. The insulating core
panels may be constructed of any insulating material, preferably of
a closed cell foam or rigid polymeric material in the form of one
or more rigid removeably retained utility boards.
[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the relative orientation of utility
board 8 in context of the cooler 10 and particularly lid 4 and
sleeve 6 when in fully inserted and storage position. FIG. 1
illustrates a side perspective view of the soft side cooler showing
the board tucked within sleeve 6 in phantom lines with the top of
the board extending beyond sleeve 6 in a solid line. FIG. 2
provides a side perspective view of cooler 10 with the utility
board 8 shown with dashed phantom lines in fully inserted position
within the opening of sleeve 6 atop lid 4. The casing surrounding
and inner liner 20 within cooler 10 may be constructed of a wide
variety of commercially available durable, pliable, waterproof,
insulating materials materials adapted to promote temperature
maintenance and prevent leaking and outside substances from
contaminating the interior insulating core of the cooler body 2.
Such suitable material include for example and without limitation,
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other suitable polymeric or
other material which may incorporate UV reflection or a nylon or
other polymer having a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or
polyurethane coating to enhance desired properties including
durability. Moreover, in some embodiments, performance may be
enhanced by application of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or
polyurethane (PU) coating. It is understood that the aforementioned
materials are exemplary illustrations of appropriate materials for
fabrication of the casing and that other materials providing
desired features may be used to construct the casing of cooler 10.
Such features and properties can help the soft side cooler 10
maintain interior temperature despite exposure to extreme
temperature variations or direct sunlight and that other materials
may be used to construct the casing of the cooler according to the
present invention that will provide similar functionalities and
advantages. Although dimensions of alternative embodiments may vary
widely to accommodate the particular use, the preferred dimensions
of cooler 10 are 21 inches (53.34 cm).times.10 inches (25.4
cm).times.10 inches (25.4 cm).
[0026] Now referring to FIG. 5, an inner liner 20 defines the
interior insulating core of cooler 10. In some embodiments, the
inner liner 20 is constructed from a pliable, waterproof material.
Such as, for example, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). As with
the outer portions of cooler 10, the seams of the inner liner 20
are preferably RF welded, thus helping to ensure that the inner
liner 2 is prevent leakage and condensation. Inner liner 20 is
puncture-resistant and flexible, which further helps to ensure that
the inner liner 20 will neither leak nor sweat. In alternative
embodiments, the inner liner is capable of being detached from the
soft side cooler 10, which, as will be appreciated, allows users to
wash and maintain the sanitary condition of inner liner 20.
[0027] It is further noted that as shown by the phantom lines in
FIG. 2, one or more utility boards according to the present
invention may be inserted between the outer casing and inner liner
20 of cooler 10 in the side walls and bottom. Each utility board
provides structural support as well as shields the insulating core
from warm air from entering and keeps cold air within the interior
of the cooler 10 and thereby maintaining a cool temperature within
the insulated core of body 2. Hence, the strength and insulating
performance of the cooler is commensurate to the number of cutting
boards inserted therein.
[0028] It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, sleeves
and corresponding rigid utility boards can be inserted within the
interior of the insulating core to form cooled and protected
storage compartments wherein fragile or soft items may be protected
against bruising, smashing or other damage.
[0029] In further alternative embodiments, connected rigid panels
constructed of an insulating material may take the form of a single
piece folded to correspond with the vertical linear bends between
perpendicular contiguous planes formed by opposing side panels 2A
and opposing front and back panels when in upright position. As is
contemplated and understood in the field of cooler design and
engineering, the materials and dimensions of the cooler and utility
board according to the present invention can vary to accommodate
the relevant purpose.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the soft side cooler 10 has a zipper
12 to detachably fasten cooler 10 to and from open and closed
positions. Zipper 12 comprises a first side continuously attached
along a linear axis parallel to a top edge of body 2 and a second
side attached along a linear axis parallel to a bottom edge of lid
4. In some embodiments, each side of the zipper mechanism can
comprise an outer lip, which may comprise teeth and a tape. The
outer lip and inner lip are preferably RF welded to be fused to the
body and lid of the cooler. In alternative embodiments, the first
side and second side of the zipper be attached to the outer casing
and inner liner by stitching or can alternatively affixed by
various means and following various configurations.
[0031] Now referring to FIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of utility
board 8 of the present invention is illustrated. As shown, utility
board 8 includes a perforated handle configured and sized for
grasping by a human hand in order to facilitate removal and
insertion into sleeve 6. Although dimensions of alternative
embodiments may vary widely to accommodate the particular use, the
preferred dimensions of the illustrated utility board 8 are 18.5
inches (47 cm).times.8.5 inches (21.6 cm).times.3/8 inch (0.95
cm).
[0032] While the present disclosure has been described in
connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in
the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that
other similar aspects can be used or modifications and additions
can be made to the described aspects for performing the same
function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. As
will be understood, the materials and parameters described herein
are exemplary and are not intended to be limiting as to the
composition, configuration or parameters of the present invention.
For example, in alternative embodiments, the overall shape and size
of the cooler, as well as, its components can be altered to fit
particular circumstances and needs of users. Moreover, in some
embodiments, the cooler according to the present invention can
include various accessories to serve various needs. For example, in
some embodiments, the cooler may include backpack straps for
transportation on a user's back as a backpack. In other
embodiments, the casing may comprise a plurality of side-release
buckles, which can also serve as tie downs. Therefore, the present
disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather
construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended
claims.
* * * * *