HK1159044B - Stackable portable cooler system - Google Patents

Description

Stackable portable freezer system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a portable insulated container, i.e., a portable cooler, and more particularly to a system for stacking a plurality of portable coolers.

Background

Portable coolers typically have an insulated body that provides an open interior space in which ice and one or more items to be refrigerated are stored. A lid, which may be hinged and may be formed of a thermally insulating material, is provided on the cooler for enclosing the interior space so as to maintain the temperature of the items in the cooler. Handles are typically secured to or formed on the cooler to facilitate transport of the cooler, and a drain may be provided on the body for draining water and other liquids from the cooler without opening the lid. The lid is provided with a flat upper surface.

During transport and storage of the portable coolers, the coolers can be stacked on top of one another. However, as these coolers can have various shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to optimally stack coolers of different shapes and sizes in a stable manner. The height and physical structure of conventional coolers also makes it difficult to stack such coolers in a stable manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a portable cooler stacking system in which portable coolers of different shapes and sizes can be optimally and stably stacked together. The cooler system can include a first cooler having a first size and a second cooler having a second size, where the first and second sizes are different.

Each cooler includes an insulated body having a lower portion extending from a bottom thereof. The lower portion has a length less than the length of the insulator and a width less than the width of the insulator such that the edges of the lower portion are recessed from the bottom edge of the insulator. Preferably, at least one of the coolers has a low profile.

The upper surface of the insulated lid includes a raised outer edge having a height and a thickness such that the upper surface has an inner length and an inner width that are less than the length and width of the lid. A curved surface extends between the outer edge of the projection and the upper surface of the cover. The raised outer edge of the cover is configured so that the lower portion of the insulator can be mounted on the raised portion. In this manner, the interior length of the upper surface of the cover is slightly greater than the length of the lower portion of the insulator. Similarly, the interior width of the upper surface of the cover is slightly greater than the width of the lower portion of the insulator.

In one embodiment, a pair of second coolers can be stacked on the first cooler, with the second coolers positioned widthwise along the length of the lid of the first cooler. In this manner, the interior length of the top surface of the lid of the first cooler is slightly greater than the width of the lower portion of the insulated body of the second cooler, and the interior width of the top surface of the lid of the first cooler is greater than twice the width of the lower portion of the insulated body of the second cooler. As such, two second coolers can be positioned laterally along the length of the lid of the first cooler.

The edge of the lower portion of the insulated body of the second cooler can have a curved shape that is substantially opposite the curved surface extending between the raised outer edge of the first cooler and the upper surface of the lid. When the insulated body of a first second cooler is stacked above the insulated lid of the first cooler, these surfaces mate to interlock to substantially limit lateral horizontal movement of the second cooler on the lid of the first cooler. When the second insulated body of a second cooler is stacked adjacent the first second cooler and positioned on top of the insulated lid of the first cooler, the adjacently positioned and interlocked surfaces of the second coolers substantially limit longitudinal horizontal movement of the pair of second coolers on the lid of the first cooler.

Drawings

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

fig. 1 depicts a front view of a stacked cooler according to the present disclosure;

fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of a first cooler of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 depicts a front view of the first cooler of fig. 2;

fig. 4 depicts a side view of the first cooler of fig. 2;

fig. 5 depicts a top view of the lid of the cooler of fig. 2;

FIG. 6 depicts a front cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 5;

fig. 8 depicts a side view of a second cooler of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 depicts a front view of the second cooler of fig. 8;

fig. 10 depicts a top view of the insulated lid of the cooler of fig. 8;

FIG. 11 depicts a front cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 8;

fig. 12 depicts a front cross-sectional view of the stacked first and second coolers of fig. 2 and 8;

fig. 13 depicts a perspective view of a first cooler of the present invention;

fig. 14 depicts an exploded view of the cooler of fig. 13;

fig. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of a lid connection of the cooler of fig. 13;

fig. 16 depicts a perspective view of a first cooler of the present invention placed on the cart of the present invention;

fig. 17 depicts a front cross-sectional view of the cart and cooler of fig. 16;

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 16, with the latch locked;

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 16, with the latch unlocked;

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 16, in a collapsed configuration;

fig. 21 depicts a perspective view of the cart of fig. 16 in a collapsed configuration and positioned within a first cooler;

fig. 22 depicts a top view of the cart and cooler of fig. 21; and

fig. 23 depicts a stacked cooler system and cart of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention provides a system for stacking a plurality of insulated coolers, where the coolers can be the same size or different sizes. Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, an exemplary stack 10 of coolers of the present disclosure is shown in fig. 1. The stack 10 includes two different sized coolers stacked vertically. The base of the stack includes a first cooler 12 having a first size. A second cooler 14, equal in size to the first cooler 12, is provided on the first cooler. The third and fourth coolers 16 and 18 are adjacently positioned on the second cooler 14, wherein the third and fourth coolers 16 and 18 are sized to fit adjacently on the second cooler 14. Fifth and sixth coolers 20 and 22 are positioned above the third and fourth coolers 16 and 18, respectively, wherein the fifth and sixth coolers 20 and 22 have dimensions equal to the third and fourth coolers 16 and 18.

Referring to fig. 2-4, a first cooler 12 of the present invention is provided. The first cooler 12 has insulation 30 with a removable insulation cover 32. The insulation 30 and removable insulation cover 32 each have a length l_LAnd width w_LAnd combined to give the body height h of the first cooler 12_L. The insulator 30 may be rectangular in shape having a front, a back, a bottom, and opposing end surfaces defining an internal cavity. The top of the insulator is open, which provides access to the interior cavity.

The insulator 30 further includes a distance h extending from the bottom 36 of the insulator 30_bAnd a lower portion 34. The lower portion 34 has a length l₁Which is smaller than the length l of the insulator 30_LAnd has a width w₁Which is smaller than the width w of the insulator 30_LSuch that the edge 36 of the lower portion 34 is recessed from the bottom edge 40 of the insulator 30.

The insulated lid 32 is removably disposed at the open top end 42 of the insulator 30 to seal the interior cavity of the insulator 30. Referring to FIGS. 5-7 and 15, and as described above, the insulating lid 32 has a length l_LWidth w_LAnd a height h_L. The lid 32 further includes a lower portion 44 extending from a bottom surface 46 of the lid 32. The lower portion 44 is configured to be mounted to an insulatorThe size of the mouth end 42 of 30.

The upper surface 48 of the lid 32 includes a height h_eAnd a raised outer edge 50 of thickness t such that upper surface 48 has an inner length l₂And an inner width w₂. A curved surface 52 extends between the raised outer edge 50 and the upper surface 48 of the lid 32.

The raised outer edge 50 of the lid 32 is configured such that the lower portion 34 of the insulator 30 can be mounted within the raised outer edge 50. In this manner, the internal length l of the upper surface 48 of the lid 32₂Slightly greater than the length l of the lower portion 34 of the insulation 30₁. Similarly, the interior width w of the upper surface 48 of the lid 32₂Slightly larger than the width w of the lower portion 34 of the insulator 30₁。

The edge 38 of the lower portion 34 of the insulator 30 has a curved shape that generally opposes a curved surface extending between the raised outer edge 50 and the upper surface 48 of the cover 32. When the insulation 30 is stacked positioned on top of the insulated lid 32, these surfaces mate to interlock to substantially limit horizontal movement between the stacked insulation 30 and insulated lid 32. Although the curved shape of the edge 38 of the lower portion 34 of the insulator 30 and the curved surface 52 extending between the raised outer edge 50 and the upper surface 48 of the cover 32 are described and depicted as being curved, any shape and configuration that will cause the surfaces to interlock so as to resist horizontal movement between the surfaces may be used.

The lower portion 34 of the insulator may further include a plurality of feet 54. The feet 54 may be spaced apart on opposite sides of the lower portion 34 along the length l of the lower portion 34₁And (4) extending. The feet may be used to provide added stability to the cooler 14. Although only two feet are depicted, it is envisioned that the cooler 14 may include two or more feet disposed about the lower portion 34 to provide and increase stability. For example, the cooler 14 may include: three feet evenly spaced on the lower portion 34 and which run along the length l of the lower portion 34₁Or width w₁Extending; four feet, one disposed at each corner of the lower portion 34; five feet, each one is arranged belowAt each corner and center of portion 34; and so on.

The first cooler 14 is shown having a height h_LWhich may be selected according to the proposed use of the first cooler 14. For example, the cooler 14 may be a low profile cooler, wherein the height h_LIs selected to accommodate placement of a beverage can or two conventionally sized baking trays disposed horizontally one above the other within the interior cavity. Alternatively, the height h_LMay be selected such that a 2 liter beverage bottle, wine bottle, or bottled beverage may be disposed vertically within the interior cavity of the cooler 14. This example is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the height h_L。

Referring to fig. 8-9, a second cooler 16 of the present invention is provided. The second cooler 16 has insulation 60 with a removable insulation cover 62. The insulator 60 and removable insulating cover 62 both have a length l_sAnd width w_sAnd combined to give the second cooler 16 a body height h_s. The insulator 60 may be rectangular in shape having a front, a rear, a bottom, and opposing sides defining an interior cavity. The top of the insulator 60 is open, providing access to the interior cavity.

The insulator 60 further includes a bottom 66 of the insulator 60 extending a distance h_bAnd a lower portion 64. The lower portion 64 has a length l less than the insulator 60_sLength l of₃And a width w less than that of the insulator 60_sWidth w of₃Such that the edge 66 of the lower portion 64 is recessed from the bottom edge 70 of the insulator 60. The insulated body 60 can further include an optional handle 71 that can be used to carry the second cooler 16.

An insulated lid 62 is rotatably disposed at the open top end 42 of the insulator 60 to seal the interior cavity of the insulator 60. Referring to FIGS. 10-11, and as described above, the insulating lid 62 has a length l_sWidth w_sAnd height h_O. The lid 62 further includes a lower portion 74 extending from a bottom surface 76 of the lid 62. The lower portion 74 is sized to be placed within the open end 72 of the insulator 60.

The upper surface 78 of the lid 62 includes a height h_eAnd a raised outer edge 80 of thickness t such that upper surface 78 has an inner length l₄And an inner width w₄. A curved surface 82 extends between the raised outer edge 80 and the upper surface 78 of the cover 62.

The raised outer edge 80 of the cover 62 is configured such that the lower portion 64 of the insulator 60 can be placed within the raised outer edge 80. In this manner, the internal length l of the upper surface 78 of the cover 62₄Slightly greater than the length l of the lower portion 64 of the insulator 60₃. Similarly, the interior width w of the upper surface 78 of the cover 62₄Slightly larger than the width w of the lower portion 64 of the insulator 60₃。

The edge 68 of the lower portion 64 of the insulator may have a curved shape that generally opposes a curved surface 82 extending between the raised outer edge 80 and the upper surface 78 of the cover 72. When the insulator 60 is stacked on top of the insulating lid 62, these surfaces may mate to interlock to substantially limit movement between the stacked insulator 60 and insulating lid 62. Although the curved shape of the edge 68 of the lower portion 64 of the insulator 60 and the curved surface 82 extending between the raised outer edge 80 and the upper surface 78 of the cover 62 are described and depicted as being curved, any shape and configuration that will cause the surfaces to interlock so as to resist horizontal movement between the surfaces may be used.

The lower portion 64 of the insulator may further include a plurality of feet 84. The feet 84 may be spaced apart on opposite sides of the lower portion 64 along the length/of the lower portion 64₃And (4) extending. The feet may be used to provide added stability to the cooler 16. Although only two feet are depicted, it is envisioned that the cooler 16 may include two or more feet disposed about the lower portion to provide and increase stability. For example, a refrigerator may include: three feet evenly spaced on the lower portion 64 and which run along the length l of the lower portion 64₃Or width w₃Extending; four feet, one disposed at each corner of the lower portion 64; five feet, one disposed at each corner and center of the lower portion 64; and so on.

The second cooler 16 is shown having a height h_sWhich may be selected based on the proposed use of the second cooler 16. For example, the cooler 16 may be a low profile cooler, wherein the height h_sIs selected to accommodate placement of a beverage can or two conventionally sized baking trays disposed horizontally one above the other within the interior cavity. Alternatively, the height h_sCan be selected such that a 2 liter beverage bottle, wine bottle, or bottled beverage can be vertically disposed within the interior cavity of the cooler 16. This example is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the height h_s。

Referring to fig. 1 and 12, a pair of second coolers 16, 18 can be stacked on the first cooler 14. In the stacking of the second coolers 16, 18 on the first cooler 14, the second coolers 16, 18 are positioned widthwise along the length of the lid 32 of the first cooler 14. In this manner, the interior length l of the upper surface 38 of the lid 32 of the first cooler 14₂Slightly larger than the width w of the lower portion 64 of the insulated body 60 of the second cooler 16, 18₃. The internal width l of the upper surface 38 of the lid 32₂Is wider than the width w of the lower portion 64 of the insulator 60₃Twice as large. As such, two second coolers 16, 18 can be positioned laterally adjacent along the length of the lid 32 of the first cooler 14.

The edge 68 of the lower portion 64 of the insulated body 60 of the second cooler 16 or 18 can have a curved shape that is generally opposite the curved surface 52 extending between the raised outer edge 50 and the upper surface 48 of the lid 32 of the first cooler 14. When the insulated body 60 of a first second cooler 16 is stacked on top of the insulated lid 32 of the first cooler 14, these surfaces can be mated to interlock so as to substantially limit lateral horizontal movement of the second cooler 16 on the lid 32 of the first cooler 14. When the second insulated body 60 of the second cooler 18 is stacked adjacent to the first second cooler 16 and positioned on top of the insulated lid 32 of the first cooler 14, the adjacent position of the second coolers 16 and 18 and the interlocking surfaces substantially limit the lateral horizontal movement of the pair of second coolers 16, 18 across the lid 32 of the first cooler 14.

In an alternative option, the lid of any cooler can be hingedly connected to the body of the cooler, provided that such hinges are arranged in a manner that does not interfere with the stacking orientation of the coolers. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the cooler to have a different handle configuration than those shown, such as, for example, molded handles having different shapes or sizes, sliding or folding handles, tubular handles, as well as portable handles on coolers and other commonly known handles. Any cooler that includes additional aspects and features such as wheels or additional storage compartments is also within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the coolers of the present invention may have different shapes and sizes than those shown herein, but have a similar stacked lid configuration in order to have the stack of multiple coolers in a stable position.

In stacking the second coolers 16, 18 on the first cooler 14, it is noted that the exterior opposing side and front and back surfaces of the second coolers 16, 18 are generally aligned with the side, front and back surfaces of the first cooler.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, the insulated cooler 30 is preferably comprised of an outer shell 30a and an insulating liner 30b disposed within the interior of the outer shell 30 a. The insulated cooler 30 also preferably includes a handle 30c that forms an integral part of the housing 30 a.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a folding cart for use with one or more stackable coolers. As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the cooler 12 may be provided on a cart 100 for easy transport. The cart 100 is preferably generally "H" shaped to facilitate cart stability while utilizing a minimum amount of material and to allow the cart 100 to be folded in half on top of it. The corners of cooler 100 are suitably supported and held on top of the cart by lip 104. Preferably, four lips 104 are provided at the four corners of the cart 100. However, carts 100 that include a lip extending the length of each side end are also within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the cart 100 includes a pair of sturdy wheels 106 disposed at the rear of the cart, and a pair of pivotable wheels 108 disposed at the front of the cart for easy steering of the cart 100. As shown in fig. 23, the retractable handle 110 can be inserted into a handle mount 112 provided at the front of the cart to pull the cart 100 and cooler 30 and facilitate transportation. As shown in fig. 18-20, the cart 100 is preferably provided in at least two sections 114, 116 that are connected by a locking latch 120 near a center pole 118. For durability and weight considerations, cart 100 is preferably made of plastic.

When in use, the stroller components 114, 116 are opened and placed in a linear relationship and the latch 120 is locked to stabilize the stroller 100. When not in use, as shown in fig. 21-22, the latch 120 is unlocked and the cart 100 is folded upon itself for storage. The "H" shape of the cart facilitates folding by allowing the center pole 118 to be placed between the front wheels 108 such that the two components 114, 116 are placed adjacent to each other in an abutting relationship. Although the stroller components 114, 116 are separate components, as depicted, connected by the latch 120, the latch 120 being pivotally connected to the front component 114 and lockably connected to the rear component 116, it is within the scope of the present invention for the front and rear components 114, 116 to be connected by a hinge (not shown) or by a thin amount of material, wherein connecting the front and rear components 114, 116 by a hinge (not shown) or by a thin amount of material such that unlocking the latch 120 does not completely separate the two components 114, 116, but only on one side so that the components can be folded on top of each other. As shown in fig. 21-22, the cart 100 is placed inside the cooler 30 for transport or storage when in its collapsed configuration. As shown in fig. 23, the cart 100 may be used with one or more coolers to facilitate transport.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Moreover, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. A stackable portable cooler system, comprising:

a first cooler comprising a lid having a raised perimeter, an upper surface, and a curved surface extending between the raised perimeter and the upper surface; and

a second cooler comprising a retracted lower bottom having an edge with a curved shape opposite the curved surface;

wherein the second cooler can be positioned on the first cooler such that the retracted lower bottom of the second cooler is positioned within the raised perimeter of the lid of the first cooler, the raised perimeter of the lid of the first cooler resisting horizontal movement of the second cooler;

wherein the curved surface matingly interlocks with a surface of the edge of the base.

2. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the retracted lower bottom of the second cooler includes a plurality of stabilizing feet.

3. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second coolers are the same size.

4. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second coolers are of different sizes.

5. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 4, further comprising, a third cooler having a retracted lower bottom,

wherein the third cooler can be disposed on the first cooler adjacent to the second cooler such that the retracted lower bottom of the third cooler is disposed within the raised perimeter of the lid of the first cooler, the raised perimeter of the lid of the first cooler resisting horizontal movement of the second cooler.

6. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the second and third coolers are of different sizes.

7. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the second and third coolers are the same size.

8. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first cooler lid is hingeably connected to said first cooler body.

9. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first cooler further comprises at least one pair of wheels.

10. A stackable portable cooler system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a foldable cart on which said cooler system can be stacked, and wherein said foldable cart is positioned within the interior of a first cooler of the cooler system when not in use.