Partially Refrigerated Pet Supply Storage Device

Abstract

A partially refrigerated pet supply storage device comprising inter alia a refrigerated thermally insulated box, a non-refrigerated interior compartment, and a non-refrigerated storage cart removably engaged to the non-refrigerated interior compartment. The storage cart can be removably engaged with the base structure of the storage device so that the user can have easy access to the storage cart and ultimately remove the storage cart from the non-refrigerated portion of the device, and when the storage cart is engaged with the base structure of the storage device, the storage cart serves a load bearing function. Once the base structure is engaged with the storage cart the overall stability of the storage device is bolstered thereby reducing the load borne by other load bearing members of the device.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to storage devices, particularly pet supply storage devices.

Americans love pets. In fact, an estimated 62% of American households have at least one pet. Any pet owner will attest to the fact that their pets must eat and that their pets have certain maintenance, grooming, medical or other supplies used only by their pets. Additionally for the most part, household pets do not have their own rooms equipped with their own closets, drawers and refrigerators for storing their supplies or food.

While we all love our furry four legged family members, it is undeniable that the supplies incidental in caring for them, and especially the food they eat, are not products that pet owners willingly store and commingle with products intended for human use and consumption. Most pet supplies and food products are bulky and have a distinct odor about them.

Pet food and edible pet treats are typically composed of various combinations of meat, chicken, fish, and vegetable products that are packaged and sold as either “wet food” or “dry food” products. Once either type of pet food product is opened, particular care must be given to its storage to ensure that the food product does not spoil or attract unwanted insects.

Wet food products, once opened typically require refrigeration in order to prevent bacteria and other unwanted pathogens from contaminating the open food product. As most households only have one refrigerator, in order to do so, the pet owner must store the opened wet food product in the same refrigerator that the pet owner stores the groceries intended for human consumption. In addition to taking up precious space in the pet owner's refrigerator, the odor associated with wet pet food products is not as appealing to human beings as it is to our pets!

Furthermore, dry pet food products are typically sold in large quantities that require large, sturdy, and easily accessible storage containers for the storage of same. In addition to being unsightly and smelly, dry pet food typically has a substantial weight and therefore often necessitates a bulky and equally cumbersome storage container capable of sustaining and supporting the weight of the large quantity of food.

Certain pet owners are fortunate to have garages or exterior portions of their property that they can use as their pet's living and storage quarters; however, for those pet owner's living in condominiums or apartment buildings, this is not an option. Furthermore, for those pet owners fortunate enough to have garages or exterior property allotted to their pets, the aforementioned problems of food and supply storage are not truly solved. Food, supplies and odors are at best merely contained or quarantined to a particular area of the pet owner's house or property.

The present invention was invented to address the foregoing problems. Specifically, a partially refrigerated pet supply storage device comprising inter alia a refrigerated thermally insulated box, a non-refrigerated interior compartment, and a non-refrigerated storage cart, that is removably engaged to the non-refrigerated interior compartment.

Incorporating a refrigerated compartment into a device comprising a non refrigerated interior compartment that further includes a slidably removable storage cart, effectively provides a pet owner with a storage center uniquely catered to their four legged family member. The storage center is a structurally sound, convenient and ergonomic device that is capable of storing all of the necessary pet related supplies.

Storage devices capable of housing pet supplies such as plastic or wooden boxes, tubs, or crates have been used in various pet related storage capacities for decades; however, each fails to provide all of the features disclosed and claimed by the present invention.

One of the important features of the present invention is the inclusion of a refrigerated portion incorporated with a non-refrigerated storage compartment. As we enter a period of energy conservation, when dealing with energy consumption “less is more.” Limiting the refrigerated portion of the storage device to the portion of the device that truly requires refrigeration is an innovation in pet supply storage technology that is both eco-conscious and practical.

Providing a storage cart that can be removably engaged with the base structure of the storage device not only allows the pet owner to have easy access to the storage cart and ultimately remove the storage cart from the non-refrigerated portion of the device, but when the storage cart is engaged with the base structure of the storage device, the storage cart serves a load bearing function. Once the base structure is engaged with the storage cart, the overall stability of the storage device is bolstered, thereby reducing the load borne by other load bearing members of the device.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a pet supply storage device that eliminates the need for pet owners to commingle and store supplies and food for their pets with supplies and food intended for human consumption.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a pet supply storage device that includes both refrigerated and non-refrigerated compartments.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a pet supply storage device that includes a non-refrigerated storage cart that can be removably engaged with a base structure of the storage device.

Yet, a further objective of the present invention is to provide a pet supply storage device having a removably engaged storage cart that serves a load bearing and load distribution function for the storage device.

For the foregoing reasons there exists a need for a partially refrigerated pet supply storage device comprising inter alia a refrigerated thermally insulated box, a non-refrigerated interior compartment, and a non-refrigerated storage cart removably engaged to the non-refrigerated interior compartment.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a partially refrigerated pet supply storage device comprising inter alia a refrigerated thermally insulated box, a non-refrigerated interior compartment, and a non-refrigerated storage cart removably engaged to the non-refrigerated interior compartment.

The refrigerated thermally insulated box, the non-refrigerated interior compartment, and the non-refrigerated storage cart are sized and positioned so that they can conveniently store and house pet supplies and food products in a manner that prevents the spoilage and contamination of the same.

The storage cart can be removably engaged with the base structure of the storage device so that the user can have easy access to the storage cart and ultimately remove the storage cart from the non-refrigerated portion of the device, and when the storage cart is engaged with the base structure of the storage device, the storage cart serves a load bearing function. Once the base structure is engaged with the storage cart, the overall stability of the storage device is bolstered, thereby reducing the load borne by other load bearing members of the device.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view one embodiment of the present invention with the doors and drawers in the open position; and

FIG. 3. shows a partial cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a partially refrigerated pet supply storage device 10 comprising a refrigerated thermally insulated box 100, a non-refrigerated interior compartment 200, and a non-refrigerated storage cart 300.

The refrigerated thermally insulated box 100 has a top 110, a front 120, a rear 130, a first side 140, a second side 150 and a bottom surface 160. The front surface 120 defines an opening 122. It is envisioned that the top surface 110 of the refrigerated thermally insulated box 100 might further comprise of a depression 112. It is further envisioned that the depression 112 might have a non-slip surface so that additional products may be securely placed therein.

A first door 170 hingedly attaches to the front surface 120 of the refrigerated thermally insulated box 100 so that the first door 170 covers and seals the opening 122 of the front surface 120. It is envisioned that the first door 170 might be composed of a material having thermal insulation properties. Such materials are known in the art of the thermo-electric industry. The first door 170 might further comprise of an ergonomic handle means 172.

A thermoelectric condenser and evaporator means 180 fixedly mounts on the rear surface 130 of the refrigerated thermally insulated box 100. It is envisioned that the thermo-electric condenser and evaporator means 180 might be energy efficient and might be powered by either a traditional AC/DC power supply or in the alternative the thermo-electric condenser and evaporator means 180 might be powered by battery power.

The non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 attaches to the bottom surface 160 of the refrigerated thermally insulated box 100, the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 has a top 210, a front 220, a rear 230, a first side 240, a second side 250 and a bottom 260 surface. The front surface 220 defines a second opening 222. The bottom surface 260 has a substantially U shape. It is envisioned that the bottom surface 260 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200, having a substantially U shape, might be made of reinforced ABS plastic material capable of supporting the weight of the partially refrigerated pet storage device 10.

A second door 270 attaches to the front surface 220 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 so that the second door 270 covers and seals the opening 222 of the front surface 220.

At least one divider 280 fixedly attaches to the first side surface 240 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 and extends to the second side surface 250 of the interior compartment 200 so that the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 is divided into at least two sub-compartments 282.

At least one drawer 290 slidably mounts to one of the sub-compartments 282 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200. Each drawer 290 is slidably mounted to one of the sub-compartments 282 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 using a track 216 and roller 218 means.

The non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 further comprises a first load bearing channel 212 and a second load bearing channel 214. The first load bearing channel 212 is fixedly attached to the first side 240 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 and the second load bearing channel 214 is fixedly attached to the second side 250 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200.

Four casters 292 fixedly attach to the bottom surface 260 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200.

The non-refrigerated storage cart 300 is removably housed within the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200. The non-refrigerated storage cart 300 has a top 310, a front 320, a rear 330, a first side 340, a second side 350 and a bottom surface 360, the top surface 310 defines at least two openings 316, the front surface 320 defines at least one opening 322 and four casters 370 fixedly attach to the bottom surface 360 of the non-refrigerated storage cart 300. It is envisioned that each opening on the non-refrigerated storage cart 300 might have a corresponding cover.

The non-refrigerated storage cart 300 further comprises of a first handle 312 and a second handle 314. The first handle 312 is fixedly attached to the first side 340 of the non-refrigerated storage cart 300 and the second handle 314 is fixedly attached to the second side 350 of the non-refrigerated storage cart 300, the first handle 314 is sized and positioned so that it may be engaged with the first load bearing channel 212 and the second handle 314 is sized and positioned so that it may be engaged with the second load bearing channel 214 of the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200.

It is envisioned that the refrigerated thermally insulated box 100, the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200, and the non-refrigerated storage cart 300 might be composed of a durable, rigid material such as an ABS plastic material or a metallic compound. It is further envisioned that the refrigerated thermally insulated box 100, the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 and the non-refrigerated storage cart 300 might each further comprise of an odor absorbing means 152.

In operation, the partially refrigerated pet supply storage device 10 allows a user to conveniently store pet supplies in one central location. The refrigerated thermally insulated box 100 allows for the storage of pet supplies that require refrigeration and the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 and the non-refrigerated storage cart 300 allows for storage of pet supplies that do not have specific temperature requirements. As it is envisioned that the refrigerated thermally insulated box 100 portion of the device 10 may outweigh the lower portions of the device 10, the ability of the non-refrigerated storage cart 300 to engage with the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200 is an essential feature of the device. In doing so, the non-refrigerated storage cart 300 not only serves as a load bearing member, but the non-refrigerated storage cart 300, when engaged with the non-refrigerated interior compartment 200, adds to the overall stability of the device 10.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a device that will eliminate the need for pet owners to commingle and store supplies and food for their pets with supplies and food intended for human consumption.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a device that includes both refrigerated and non-refrigerated compartments.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a device that includes a non-refrigerated storage cart that can be removably engaged with a base structure of the storage device.

Yet another advantage of the present invention, is that it provides a device having a removably engaged storage cart that serves a load bearing and load distribution function for the storage device.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and the scope of the claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Claims

1. A partially refrigerated pet supply storage device comprising:

a refrigerated thermally insulated box, the refrigerated thermally insulated box has a top, a front, a rear, a first side, a second side and a bottom surface, the front surface defines an opening;

a first door, the first door hingedly attaches to the front surface of the refrigerated thermally insulated box so that the door covers and seals the opening of the front surface;

a thermo-electric condenser and evaporator means, the thermoelectric condenser and evaporator means fixedly mounts on the rear surface of the refrigerated thermally insulated box;

a non-refrigerated interior compartment, the non-refrigerated interior compartment attaches to the bottom surface of the refrigerated thermally insulated box, the non-refrigerated interior compartment has a top, a front, a rear, a first side, a second side and a bottom surface, the front surface defines a second opening and the bottom surface has a substantially U shape;

a second door, the second door hingedly attaches to the front surface of the non-refrigerated interior compartment so that the door covers and seals the opening of the front surface;

at least one divider, each divider fixedly attaches to the first side surface of the non-refrigerated interior compartment and extends to the second side surface of the interior compartment so that the non-refrigerated interior compartment is divided into at least two sub-compartments;

at least one drawer, each drawer slidably mounts to one of the sub-compartments of the non-refrigerated interior compartment;

four casters, each caster fixedly attaches to the bottom surface of the non-refrigerated interior compartment; and

a non-refrigerated storage cart, the non-refrigerated storage cart is removably housed within the non-refrigerated interior compartment, the non-refrigerated storage cart has a top, a front, a rear, a first side, a second side and a bottom surface, the top surface defines at least two openings, the front surface defines at least one opening and four casters fixedly attach to the bottom surface of the non-refrigerated storage cart.

2. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 1, wherein the non-refrigerated interior compartment further comprises a first load bearing channel and a second load bearing channel, the first load bearing channel is fixedly attached to the first side of the non-refrigerated interior compartment and the second load bearing channel is fixedly attached to the second side of the non-refrigerated interior compartment.

3. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 2, wherein the non-refrigerated storage cart further comprises of a first handle and a second handle, the first handle is fixedly attached to the first side of the non-refrigerated storage cart and the second handle is fixedly attached to the second side of the non-refrigerated storage cart, the first handle is sized and positioned so that it may be engaged with the first load bearing channel and the second handle is sized and positioned so that it may be engaged with the second load bearing channel of the non-refrigerated interior compartment.

4. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 3, wherein the first door is composed of a material having thermal insulation properties.

5. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 4, wherein the first door further comprises an ergonomic handle means.

6. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 5, wherein the refrigerated thermally insulated box, the non-refrigerated interior compartment, and the non-refrigerated storage cart are composed of an ABS plastic material.

7. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 6, wherein each drawer is slidably mounted to one of the sub-compartments of the non-refrigerated interior compartment using a track and roller means.

8. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 7, wherein the bottom surface of the non-refrigerated interior compartment having a substantially U shape is made of reinforced ABS plastic material capable of supporting the weight of the partially refrigerated pet storage device.

9. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 8, wherein the non-refrigerated interior compartment and the non-refrigerated storage cart further comprises of an odor absorbing means.

10. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 9, wherein the top surface of the refrigerated thermally insulated box further comprises of a depression in a substantially rectangular form.

11. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 10, wherein the top surface of the refrigerated thermally insulated box is composed of a non-slip material.

12. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 5, wherein the refrigerated thermally insulated box, the non-refrigerated interior compartment, and the non-refrigerated storage cart are composed of a metallic compound.

13. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 12, wherein each drawer is slidably mounted to one of the sub-compartments of the non-refrigerated interior compartment using a track and roller means.

14. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 13, wherein the bottom surface of the non-refrigerated interior compartment having a substantially U shape is made of reinforced ABS plastic material capable of supporting the weight of the partially refrigerated pet storage device.

15. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 14, wherein the non-refrigerated interior compartment and the non-refrigerated storage cart further comprises of an odor absorbing means.

16. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 15, wherein the top surface of the refrigerated thermally insulated box further comprises of a depression in a substantially rectangular form.

17. The partially refrigerated pet storage device of claim 16, wherein the top surface of the refrigerated thermally insulated box is composed of a non-slip material.