Portable Cabinet Patents (Class 220/592.03)
  • Patent number: 11747075
    Abstract: A portable refrigerator includes a main housing, a refrigerator cover, a cooling mechanism, a rechargeable battery pack and a control unit. The cooling mechanism includes heat exchanging tubes, a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser connected to the evaporator and the compressor. The rechargeable battery pack is detachably attached on a power compartment of the main housing. The control unit is supported in the main housing and electrically connected to the rechargeable battery pack and the cooling mechanism for centrally controlling an operation of the cooling mechanism. A predetermined amount of refrigerant is arranged to controllably pass through the heat exchanging tubes, the condenser, the evaporator and the compressor for extracting heat from the accommodating cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Longhua Tang, Zhizhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 10696318
    Abstract: A mobile container that is designed to allows a user to easily transport the container through a variety of terrains, such as snow, sand, and pavement. The mobile container includes an insulated container, a first sled-molded runner, a second sled-molded runner, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a convex protrusion. The first sled-molded runner and the second sled-molded runner are positioned parallel and opposite to each other, across the insulated container, and are adjacently connected to a base of the insulated container. The first wheel and the second wheel are laterally and coaxially connected to the insulated container, opposite to each other. The convex protrusion modifies the flow of sand or snow about the insulated container in order to decrease drag. The convex protrusion is positioned opposite the first wheel and the second wheel. Additionally, the convex protrusion is integrated into a front surface of the insulated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ricardo Ruiz, Mark Randall Pettett
  • Patent number: 10457469
    Abstract: Shipping container systems are provided for shipping a temperature sensitive product or payload. The systems include at least one heat transfer element and a payload container configured to hold payload therein and configured to be positioned within a shipping container; the payload container being spaced from sidewalls of the shipping container. Also included are spacers that may for example, space the payload container from one or more of the heat transfer elements. The spacers are configured to allow air to flow over surfaces of the payload container and heat transfer elements. Also included are kits that include components of the system and methods. Further provided are products that include any one or more of the described elements; and fully assembled shipping containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: James William Howard Tumber, Alton Williams
  • Patent number: 10226108
    Abstract: Collapsible portable containers having a foldable wall section with shape-retaining characteristics are disclosed. In particular, collapsible, wheeled suitcases and trolleys are provided. One or more casters of a collapsible suitcase may be retractable to permit a folding region of a wall section to overlap the depth dimension of the casters when in the collapsed position. The folding region may include foldable tiers of a flexible material, each tier having at least one stable, relatively expanded position and at least one stable, relatively collapsed position; and an intervening, non-folding tier. The non-folding tier may be of the same material as the flexible tiers but stiffer due to its geometry, or it may be composed of a different, relatively rigid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Sam Tung Tsui
  • Patent number: 9310118
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved thermally insulative containers (e.g., ice chests, coolers, lunch boxes, etc.) that include one or more isolation compartment(s) that may be isolated from a storage compartment holding ice or other cooling agent(s). The isolation compartment may be used to store items that are to be kept dry and at a higher temperature than food, beverages, and other items that are typically kept in the storage compartment. In some examples, the one or more isolation compartment(s) may include thermal vents between the compartments for varying the temperature between the one or more isolation compartment(s) and the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Marcos Zavitsanos
  • Publication number: 20150128619
    Abstract: In a cooling device for beverages in beverage containers, including a preferably cylindrical chamber for receiving a beverage container and at least one cooling element (1), the chamber is constructed as a basin for a cooling bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Johannes WILD
  • Patent number: 9010565
    Abstract: A collapsible bowl described herein includes a base, wherein the base includes a top, a bottom, a chamber that is between the top and the bottom, a first edge, and a seam, wherein the base is foldable along the seam. The collapsible bowl also includes a first side that includes a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the first side is coupled to the first edge of the base, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a foldable cooling apparatus that is adapted to modify a temperature of a liquid in the collapsible bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jerry Allen Warner
  • Publication number: 20150076162
    Abstract: A cover for a transport refrigeration unit has at least one door (150) having a body formed of an inner sheet (152) and an outer sheet (154) and a joint (156) formed between the respective peripheral edges ((153), 155) of the inner and outer sheets such that the respective peripheral edges are integrally bonded together to provide a cavity (157) between the inner and outer sheets, with at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet formed of a flame retardant material. In an embodiment, the inner sheet (152) is formed of a flame retardant thermoplastic olefin sheet and the outer sheet (154) is formed of a non-flame retardant thermoplastic olefin sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Shafi N. Khan
  • Patent number: 8979101
    Abstract: A sidewall panel of a barrel cooler has a sidewall panel body forming a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge. The sidewall panel has a latch arm protruding from the first vertical edge of the sidewall panel body, wherein the latch arm is adapted to cooperatively connect with a latch box of a first adjacent sidewall panel of the barrel cooler. The sidewall panel also has a latch box flush along the second vertical edge of the sidewall panel body, wherein the latch box is adapted to cooperatively connect with a latch arm of a second adjacent sidewall panel of the barrel cooler. The sidewall panel may be included in a system of parts that are adapted to cooperatively couple together to form a barrel cooler. The sidewall panel may also be included in an assembled barrel cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Bernard Primiano
  • Publication number: 20150069072
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, storage pack for blood bags which maintains lower temperatures within the blood bags during transport and transfusions. The storage pack has an outer shell with insulated panels and flexible hinges that cover an internal chamber. The storage pack is refrigerated and a blood bag is inserted into the shell through openings. Flexible straps maintain the blood bag in the chilled storage pack during transport and transfusions. These flexible straps permit access to the blood bag access ports to allow transfusions without removing the bag from the chilled shell. A hanging strap on the top of the outer shell hangs the storage pack and the contained blood bag in a vertical position during transfusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michelle Kelley, Danielle Kelley
  • Patent number: 8955707
    Abstract: A portable triple container is provided, which enables food and beverages to be separately accommodated therein, thereby enabling convenient carrying and storage during an outdoor activity. The present invention implements a novel triple container in which two separate spaces are formed so as to enable the food and beverages to be separately accommodated in the container, and which also enables the food to be extracted and consumed through a simple operation. Thus, the food and beverages may be simply and conveniently carried and stored, and may be extracted without using an additional utensil so as to be conveniently consumed. The portable triple container is configured such that an operation cap part arranged at the bottom of the container may be selectively fixed so as to not only restrict the rotation structure of an inner case according to need but also to ensure that the container is airtight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jin-kwang Lim
  • Patent number: 8939315
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable wheeled cooler having at least a cooler chest assembly consisting of four walls, a bottom having a cavity to receive a longitudinal shaft a hinged lid, a handle located on each end for lifting and carrying, a retractable support for carrying recreational items, two pair of removable oversized wheels supported by a longitudinal shaft such as an axle and restraining elements to secure said wheels to said longitudinal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Carol Lee Pillow, Millard O'Neal Morgan
  • Patent number: 8936172
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cooler for transferring a game head. In one aspect, a game head transfer device is provided. The device includes a body having an opening on an upper portion that is configured to receive a game head into the body, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the game head extend from the opening of the body when the body is in an opened position and a closed position. The device further includes one or more flap members configured to narrow the opening of the body between the first portion and the second portion of the game head. The device also includes one or more closing members configured to narrow the opening of the body adjacent a side of the first portion and a side of the second portion of the game head that extend from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Brian Hicks
  • Patent number: 8937532
    Abstract: A method of reading an RFID tag using an RFID reader includes providing an RF-blocking enclosure having a port. The RFID reader has an antenna located within the enclosure. The enclosure is positioned so that the port is adjacent to a conductive surface and the RFID tag is within the enclosure. The RFID reader is activated at a selected read power level to read the tag in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark P. Hinman, Edward Zogg, Abhishek Sharma
  • Patent number: 8925752
    Abstract: An exemplary modular cooler system is provided that includes couplings that may, in one embodiment, be implemented as integrated or interfaced receptacles and corresponding inserts that allow accessory items to couple with an insulated compartment, which may be referred to as a “wet box”, and used as an insulated cooler that holds ice. The accessories may include, for example, a second compartment or “dry box” for holding items that need to be kept dry, a fishing rod holder, a shelf, a cutting board, a cup holder, a chair or seating platform, one or more dollies, or virtually any needed accessory. In one embodiment the thermal properties of the insulated compartment are enhanced with the use of one or more radiant barrier members, such as one positioned adjacent the lid of the insulated compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Gulf Coast Cooler Company, LLC
    Inventor: Craig A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8863546
    Abstract: This disclosure presents a stackable, multicompartment portable cooler with enhanced climate control and delivery features. The cooler may include adjustable vents for precisely controlling the temperature differential between adjacent compartments, a brochure receptor for including information about the delivery, and/or an automatic delivery flag for notification purposes. In addition, the cooler is modular and may be assembled/disassembled through the use of removable compartment dividers that subdivide the stacked main compartments into many subcompartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Oberweis Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Oberweis
  • Patent number: 8777045
    Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and a second portion that defined a lid co-operable with the first portion. The lid includes an auxiliary access opening and closure member that are smaller than the main opening, and that can be operated one-handed. A rigid work surface is provided, typically immediately adjacent to the secondary closure member, the work surface providing a place for holding or mixing a drink or for preparing a snack. In some embodiments the work surface may be movable relative to the container, whether slidable in a co-planar or parallel planar manner in translation, or folding as in a foldable shelf. The entire container assembly may be foldable or collapsible to a storage condition, and the rigid member, whether fixed or movable, does not impede that folding or collapsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Mitchell, Mike Baatz, William Kearns, Christopher Edwards, Melvin Mogil, Richard Stephens
  • Patent number: 8740010
    Abstract: An insulated cooler with an integral padlock system comprises a hinged lid and a padlock receiving loop located on the lid. A second, corresponding receiving loop is disposed on the cooler. When closed, a user can apply a padlock to the first and second receiving loop simultaneously to lock the lid in a closed position to enable a user to leave the cooler unattended while full of food or beverages in a public location and prevent unauthorized persons and animals from getting into the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Rex E. Page
  • Patent number: 8695839
    Abstract: A cooler includes a cooler body including one or more cooler walls. The cooler further includes a cover configured to be disposed around an exterior of the cooler body, the cover being sized and dimensioned to generally cover an exterior of the one or more cooler walls of the cooler body. The cover preferably includes a moisture-absorbent material. The cover also preferably includes an image, logo, symbol, or text; or a panel preferably includes the image, logo, symbol, or text, which panel is removably attachable to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: M & C Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg
  • Publication number: 20140077467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated cooler that is configured for the reception of an umbrella therein. The cooler comprises upper and lower surfaces that house two internal compartments and a central section separating the compartments. The central section comprises a central channel that extends from the upper section to the lower section of the cooler, whereby the central channel is configured to receive an umbrella pole therethrough. Moreover, the doors of the cooler surface comprise half-moon cutouts that enable the doors of the cooler to open and close without becoming obstructed by an umbrella secured within the central channel. The insulated cooler enables users to easily transport food and beverages across sand or gravel using attached wheels, and eliminates the problem of an umbrella blowing away.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Galante
  • Patent number: 8579113
    Abstract: The invention is based on a tool case, in particular a handheld power tool case, having a basic case body that has at least one storage chamber which is provided at least for receiving at least one tool and/or at least one battery unit. It is proposed that the tool case has at least one air conditioner at least partially integrated with the basic case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20130233011
    Abstract: A device capable of storing beverages is provided with a base and a lid. The base includes a central cavity capable of retaining beverage containers and a cooling component. The bottoms of beverage containers may rest in container-retaining pockets molded into the bottom of the base and the tops of beverage containers may rest in one or more pockets protruding from the lid. One advantage is that the beverage containers may come into direct contact with the cooling component located in the central cavity of the base of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Tracy C. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20130207360
    Abstract: A cooler includes a main body which includes a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween. The cooler in some embodiments further includes a removable wheel assembly which includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. The two coaxial wheels are removably securable to the axle. The cooler still further comprises a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body which includes a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. The cooler yet further comprises a lid including two wheel storage recesses, each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain one of the coaxial wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess sized and dimensioned to receive and retain the axle of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: H & M Innovations LLC
    Inventor: M & C Innovations, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130207359
    Abstract: A cooler includes a main body which includes a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween. The cooler in some embodiments further includes a removable wheel assembly which includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. The two coaxial wheels are removably securable to the axle. The cooler still further comprises a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body which includes a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. The cooler yet further comprises a lid including two wheel storage recesses, each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain one of the coaxial wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess sized and dimensioned to receive and retain the axle of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: H & M Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: H & M Innovations, LLC
  • Patent number: 8485387
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage container includes a container structure defining at least one storage chamber. The container structure includes multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material having at least one thermally-reflective layer. The at least one thermally-reflective layer includes bandgap material that is transmissive to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130056478
    Abstract: A ice chest with beverage dispenser comprising a housing, where the housing is surrounded by a set of insulated walls; a lid resting atop the housing; a first compartment within the housing; a second compartment within the housing positioned beneath the first compartment, where the second compartment is separated from the first compartment with a divider and where the second compartment is filled with a beverage; an opening within the divider, where the opening provides access into the second compartment; a cap covering the opening, where the cap provides a waterproof seal between the first compartment and the second compartment; a cup holder attached to a wall of the housing, where the cup holder holds one or more cups; and a spigot positioned against the housing along a bottom portion of the second compartment, where the spigot provides an outlet to dispense the beverage into the cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Homero Canales, JR.
  • Patent number: 8356723
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable ice chest having an improved foot operated lid or lid arrangement. The foot operated linkages are spaced away from the food holding compartment of the ice chest, being provided at end portions or in side panels of a container body. In one embodiment, a single lid or cover is provided. In another embodiment, a pair of lids or covers are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Brian S. Clement, Terence M. Adam
  • Patent number: 8348087
    Abstract: A cold box is provided. The cold box includes an outer bag which is rectangular and has an upper opening, a lid which closes the upper opening of the outer bag, and a thermal insulator which is foldable and is detachably housed inside the outer bag. The thermal insulator is formed from a pouch-covered thermal insulation material. The thermal insulator includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls. Each of the side walls has a fixed part disposed adjacent to the rear wall and a turning part disposed adjacent to the front wall. The fixed parts are fixed to side faces of the rear wall, respectively, and the turning parts are rotatably coupled to front faces of the fixed parts, respectively. When the thermal insulator is folded, the front faces of the turning parts face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inoac Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiya Sawaki
  • Patent number: 8215515
    Abstract: A floating beverage cooler apparatus comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a flotation bladder configured for removably receiving a beverage container. A protective cover is adapted to enclose and cover the flotation bladder and provides a bottom panel spanning an underside thereof. A storage flap is configured to be at least partially removably engaged substantially centrally with the bottom panel such that, when the apparatus is in use, a cavity is formed between the storage flap and bottom panel for providing added stability and resistance against lateral forces. When the apparatus is not being used, and the flotation bladder is deflated, the storage flap may be rotated about the protective cover and re-engaged with the bottom panel so that the storage flap lies over a top surface of the protective cover, thereby enclosing substantially all of the flotation bladder and protective cover, and optionally the beverage container, in a storage envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Lee Churchill
  • Publication number: 20120102994
    Abstract: Refrigerators, with particular, but not exclusive, application to the storage and transport of vaccines are disclosed. A refrigerator has a payload container (20) within which items can be placed for temperature-controlled storage. The payload container (20) is submerged in a reservoir (21) that contains water. The reservoir has a cooling region containing the payload container and a headspace containing water that is, in use, higher than the payload container. Cooling means, that might include a refrigeration unit (30) having cooling elements (32) or a cold thermal mass can cool waterwithin the headspace. Where there is a refrigeration unit, a power supply, typically solar powered, can act as a source of power for the refrigeration unit. Embodiments may include a freezer compartment close to the cooling elements (32). Alternatively, the cooling region may comprise a pipe manifold within the payload container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Ian Tansley
  • Patent number: 8146764
    Abstract: A barrel type cooler having an open top cylindrical icing chamber an open bottom cylindrical lid slidably that fits over the icing chamber. The icing chamber includes hooks and the lid includes slots, each slot configured to receive a hook and having an open bottom allowing the lid to be removed from engagement with the icing chamber. Each slot has a length sufficient to allow the lid to slide over the icing chamber to a closed position. In addition, each slot includes a side channel configured to engage a corresponding hook to support the lid in a raised position. The side of the top has ingress openings allowing a user to reach through the side of the lid and into the icing chamber when the lid is supported by the icing chamber in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Kral
  • Publication number: 20120042679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. With the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator provided with the freezing cycle is provided to be movable outdoors, making it possible to freshly preserve food outdoors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Su-Won Lee, Kee-Joo Kim, Sung-Eun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110259897
    Abstract: A device for storing food and displaying food for service includes a base with a side wall extending upwardly from the base and a puck assembly removably disposed therein. The puck assembly has a generally flat plate surface on one side and a functional surface with a plurality of food receptacles formed thereon on the opposite side, a sealed cavity disposed between the plate surface and the functional surface, and a cooling substance disposed in the sealed cavity. A food tray is disposed proximate the puck assembly, and a lid shaped to alternatively fit on the top surface of the wall of the base and to fit on the external surface of the bottom of the base such that the base can nest in the lid. The device provides a multitude of optional arrangements of these elements to provide maximum flexibility to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Frances M. Coursey, E. Mark Harris, Jill Zmrhal
  • Publication number: 20110259898
    Abstract: A soft-sided insulated container assembly with a removable thermal storage member mounted therein. The container has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion forms a body and the second portion forms a lid movable between a first position obstructing access to a chamber defined in the first portion and a second position permitting access. The lid has a structural frame having members defining a seat for the thermal storage member when the lid is in the first position. The storage member has portions operable matingly to engage the frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: Melvin S. MOGIL, Mark J. Greenstein, Michael Ramundi, Andrius S. Birutis
  • Patent number: 8016153
    Abstract: A connecting device for attaching a lid to an insulated container. The connecting device has a barb arranged and configured to be inserted into a socket and to engage the walls of the socket upon rotation. The barb may engage the walls of the socket by displacing material or engaging receptors, such as threads, in the socket. The geometry of the barb is such that, after rotation, the barb remains connected to the body and lid without the aid of screws, rivets, or other means. The connecting device may also have a sliding or other connector for connecting the connecting device to the lid. The connector may be in the shape of a dovetail and the lid may have a recess configured to receive the dovetail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Boenig, Timothy M. Holub
  • Patent number: 7971746
    Abstract: A back surface of an outer case is formed by mutually overlapping left and right back panels. The overlapping edges on the front side and backside of the panels may be bent toward the opposite side at a blunt angle. A joint between the back panels is established in which the overlapping edge of one back panel is pressed against the overlapping edge of the other back panel. Spacers are mounted between the outer and inner case such that the overlapping edges are put in close contact with each other. The bends are deformed in order to prevent leakage from the joint after the injection of foam liquid. Due to the pressure of the foam, both of the overlapping edges are placed in closer contact while deforming the bends to be substantially flat. Consequently, the sealing properties of the joint after the completion of the thermally insulated housing are secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Takaoka
  • Patent number: 7886936
    Abstract: A insulated cooler includes a thermally insulated storage compartment and a water storage chamber mounted thereon and preferably formed integrally therewith. A water spout communicates with the water storage chamber to permit water to flow from the storage chamber for washing hands and the like when in areas without running water. A soap dispenser is mounted on the cooler to facilitate the washing process. An external carrier may also be mounted on the cooler for carrying various items which do not need to be stored within the insulated storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Steven M. Helline
  • Publication number: 20100243662
    Abstract: Systems and containers for holding and transporting potentially hazardous materials are disclosed. Assembled containers may have locking mechanisms reducing the possibility of the containers being opened by persons that are not opening the container in a safe environment. Moreover, containers with releasably securable members for carrying substances such as frozen carbon dioxide, used for maintaining cold temperatures of various items are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Oberweis Dairy, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon M. Levy, Michael W. McCarthy, Joseph S. Oberweis, Robert R. Renaut, Steven D. Koszola
  • Patent number: 7780034
    Abstract: A portable bar including an ice chest, a removable tray, and a plurality of beverage containers attached to the upper surface of the tray. The ice chest has a rim located on the interior thereof adjacent its upper perimeter edge. The removable tray is adapted to rest on the rim with either its upper or lower surface facing towards the interior of the ice chest. Each of the beverage containers has a manually operated pump dispenser removably attached thereto and providing a lid thereto. In its transportation and storage configuration, the upper surface of the tray and attached beverage containers face downwardly towards the interior of the ice chest. In its service configuration, the upper surface of the tray and attached beverage containers face upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: John F. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7677406
    Abstract: An insulation container includes a flexible exterior container and a rigid interior container for maintaining stored items at a cool temperature. The exterior housing includes a lid for selectively sealing the entire open top thereof for selectively inserting or removing large or multiple items, the lid having an auxiliary door for quickly removing small or single items from the internal storage area. Opening only the auxiliary door also helps to maintain the internal temperature for a longer time than is possible if the entire lid is opened. The interior housing may be constructed of stainless steel for enhanced insulation with an intermediate housing sandwiched between interior and exterior housings. The intermediate housing may include a rubber material for preventing condensation from forming on the exterior housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Floyd S. Maxson
  • Publication number: 20100051627
    Abstract: A cooler chest is described for use with a vehicle trailer hitch receiver. The cooler chest includes a bottom portion which has a rigid framework embedded therein with a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the rigid framework for connection to the trailer hitch receiver. The hitch tongue is selectively movable from a horizontally disposed transport position to a vertically disposed stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Chad E. Kucks, Mindy J. Kucks
  • Publication number: 20090045204
    Abstract: A portable cooler is provided that has a wet side and a dry side separated by a removable partition that can be used as a cutting or serving board. The partition slides within a pair of opposed vertical channels formed in the walls of the cooler. The partition comprises one or more slots for holding utensils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher S. Marganski
  • Publication number: 20080245078
    Abstract: A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Integrated Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Burn
  • Publication number: 20080223862
    Abstract: A portable cooler assembly comprises a base and an insulated container defining a cooler. The container includes an inflatable wall and a valve for inflating of the wall. The insulated container is removably coupled to the base, and the base defines a container receiving recess within which a bottom portion of the insulated container is received. When the portable cooler assembly is in a first configuration, the inflatable wall is inflated and extends outwardly from the container receiving space. When the portable cooler assembly is in a second configuration, the inflatable wall is deflated and is completely received within the container receiving space in a collapsed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: M & C INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg, Ian D. Kovacevich, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Chris Hoy
  • Publication number: 20080220139
    Abstract: Thermal regulation of perishable products is achieved using a container (2) having an elongate thermal member (14) which extends into a central region of the container. Thermal regulation is also achieved by selected direction of airflow about walls (4) of the container and providing the container with a rib (5) to facilitate air circulation between adjacent containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Roger Keith Palmer
  • Patent number: 7341164
    Abstract: An ice chest has retractable, telescoping legs extending at respective forward and rearward angles from each respective endwall of the ice chest. The ice chest has handles at the upper central portion of the ice chest endwall having push buttons therein which release the telescoping legs from a locked position and which fall to the open position under their own weight and lock in a secure position. The push buttons actuate the locks by a linkage system. The front legs have pads at their lower ends, protecting the ends of the legs, and providing weight to pull the legs into the open, locked position. The rear legs have wheels which also providing weight to pull the legs into the open, locked position. A similar water cooler has retractable legs which have pads on their lower ends pulling the legs downward upon pushing buttons on handles on the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: Aaron W. Barquist, Shannon Hanson
  • Publication number: 20070277546
    Abstract: A temperature controlled shipping has a base formed as a first block of an insulating material. The base has a plurality of base cavities arranged in a rectangular array of rows and is formed to have a central cavity between a pair of adjacent rows of the base cavities. The central cavity is formed to hold a cooling device. The container has a cover formed as a second block of insulating material having a plurality of cover cavities arranged to correspond to the base cavities such that when the cover is placed on the base, the base cavities and the cover cavities align to produce a plurality of receptacles suitable holding a plurality of items. Each receptacle includes a plurality of tapered projections extending inward to allow inner items of varying size to be secured for shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Tim Lehman
  • Patent number: 7143601
    Abstract: The cooler is a standard piece of recreational equipment. This device combines the utility of a cooler with an umbrella, a radio, speakers, and a bottle opener. Because this device combines all three functions in one device the consumer is not required to purchase or carry each item separately. A handle and wheels have been installed on this device to allow the user an easy way to transport this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Joaquin Jimenez
  • Patent number: 7024882
    Abstract: An ice chest or cooler having a vertically oriented chute to receive beverage containers such that when the cooler is being refilled the beverage containers are directed through an opening in the bottom of the chute, into the bottom of the main compartment containing the ice and chilled water, and beneath any beverage containers already present in the main compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: William Scott Carmichael, Jeffrey Joseph Tolan
  • Publication number: 20040262319
    Abstract: A compartmentalized cooler having an open-ended container, plurality of compartments defined in the container, and lid having a gasket-seal and contours that correspond to the compartment dividers to prevent spill over of compartment contents and seal in odors. The cooler may also have a removable snap-fitted bait bucket that fits within a compartment to define two compartments, a support frame that can be mounted inside a boat, truck or other vehicle to removably place and secure the cooler, skid resistant strips on its bottom surface and, or a measurement guide printed, embossed or secured to the cooler for measuring catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Keith E. Fisher