Abstract: An insert for a cooler is sized and shaped for placement on a lower surface of the cooler while supporting foodstuffs placed on insert. Draining apertures on insert allow liquid to drain away from foodstuffs into a space below insert and thereby separates liquid from foodstuffs. Draining apertures are formed from internal walls having curved sections and are sized to facilitate insertion of human fingers therein during cleaning, the curved sections and size of apertures facilitating cleaning. Guide lines marked on insert allow insert to be cut to be adapted in size and shape to lower surface of cooler.

Abstract: A cooler comprising a first compartment defining an interior region and a portion of the first compartment extending into an interior region of a second compartment. The interior region of the second compartment carries a cooling material that cools the interior region thereof. Heat flow from the interior region of the first compartment into the interior region of the second compartment cools the interior region of the first compartment.

Abstract: A convertible barbecue server and accessory cart formed of molded plastic which has a removable tray-type top which can be removed and used indoors either in inclement weather or for placement of food items in the food tray prior to rejoining it with the cart bottom for serving food outdoors in conjunction with barbecuing or in the serving of food to guests or others.

Abstract: A double cooler device consistent with certain embodiments has an outer housing shell and an inner housing shell disposed within the outer housing shell and coupled thereto to form an outer reservoir to make up the housing. An inner core resides within the inner shell to form an inner reservoir. A first tap is coupled to the outer reservoir and a second tap is coupled to the inner reservoir to permit dispensing of a liquid stored in each respective reservoir. The inner reservoir has a drain and a vent spout. A lid is provided for closing the housing. The lid has an outer seal adjacent a periphery thereof to seal the outer reservoir and an inner seal to seal the inner reservoir. When the lid is in a first position with respect to the housing, both the inner and outer reservoirs are sealed by the inner and outer seals and the vent and spout are closed.

Abstract: A portable cooler has a vertical rectangular insulated box. The vertical insulated box has a number of front doors and a lid. Inside the vertical insulated box are a number of distinct chambers and within the chambers are shelves. The vertical insulating box is attached to a dolly by a pair of stabilizing bars. The dolly has a pair of inflatable wheels offset from the vertical insulating box. A drain pipe connects a ice holding chamber with a drip pan.

Abstract: A portable recreational container provides insulated storage for food and beverages. The container is divided into independent compartments, one of which houses a battery and a number of audio/video devices, such as radio, CD, DVD, TV and an amplifier. The electric/electronic devices are isolated from the food compartment by a separating wall and cover(s) mounted over the electric/electronic devices.

Abstract: A cooler has front, rear, end and bottom walls. The walls form an interior chamber. The interior chamber has an upper ledge, a lower ledge and an intermediate ledge. A lower tray is positionable upon the lower ledge. Slots extend through the lower tray and are adapted to support ice. An intermediate tray is positionable upon the intermediate ledge. A plurality of apertures extend through the intermediate tray. The apertures are adapted to removable support food containers. A lid is positionable upon the upper ledge for securement and thermal insulating purposes.

Abstract: A portable cooling or heating system suitable for use on a vehicle such as a car, plane or boat, that does not have its own air conditioning system. The system is intended to be combined with a portable cooler chest and includes an electric fan unit that can be powered from the power supply on a vehicle. The cooling is provided by ice and the like. The system can also be used to heat a confined space by placing a hot material in the chest.

Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.

Abstract: A Cooler Seat is disclosed. The seat has a seat back assembly and seat bottom assembly that provide comfortable seating and are collapsibly attached to a cooler container. The seat further includes a retractable awning for sun and rain protection. The seat bottom assembly further includes retractable footrests and clips for attaching to the tailgate of the conventional pickup truck. The seat is also configured to unfold and fit in the open end of a conventional pickup truck bed.

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.

Abstract: An improved insulated cooler has accessory holders detachably secured to its outer wall. An exemplary holder is provided for containerized drinks. The holder is made of a rigid plastic upper ring at the top and may have flexible fabric or mesh lower portion at the bottom such that the holders can be nested into receptacles in the top surface of the lid for convenient storage. This arrangement provides the benefit of permitting the user to access conveniently the contents of the ice chest without having to remove drinks that otherwise would be sitting on the lid of the ice chest. There also may be one or more connections on the ice chest that permit a fishing rod holder, an umbrella holder, or other accessory holder to be affixed to the cooler.

Abstract: A heat exchanging device is detachably mounted on a container or a cover. The cover is mounted on the container, thereby forming a closed space between the cover and the container. The heat exchanging device containing a temperature regulating medium is mounted in the closed space between the cover and the container. Thus, the heat exchanging device can be replaced easily and conveniently when being inoperative without having to move the food, thereby facilitating the user using the heat exchanging device, and thereby achieving the sanitary purpose.

Abstract: An enclosure thermal shield (10) has a thermally insulated open container (12), a thermally insulated closure member (14), a thermally conductive liner (16) along the container's inner surface and along the inner surface of the closure member (14) forming a thermal circuit when the closure member (14) closes the container (12), and a heat reservoir (18) in thermal contact with the thermal circuit. The heat reservoir (18) can be placed within the container (12) or incorporated into the closure member (14). If incorporated into the closure member (14), the heat reservoir (18) can be placed in direct thermal contact with the thermal circuit or connected to the thermal circuit via a thermal conduit (28). The thermal shield (10) can further comprise a layer (26) of insulating material lining the interior surface of the conductive liner (16). Heat pipes can also be employed as a part of the thermal circuit.

Abstract: An insulated container assembly, which has a main body portion and a lid hingedly attached to the main body portion. The main body portion has four walls and is substantially rectangular in shape. The walls of the main body portion define an area for receiving and holding food and beverages therein. The walls each have a slot extending therethrough. The lid has an interior surface having a rectangular indentation centered therein. A plurality of gel packs are inserted within the slots of each wall of the main body portion, and in the rectangular indentation of the lid, for keeping the area within the main body portion hot or cold.

Abstract: A liquid container is encased in an insulated jacket type pack, which has back-straps and a handle for ease of carrying, pockets for storage and zippered openings for access to the liquid container. The liquid container has recessed drink holders located near the bottom of the container with another recessed opening for sandwich type storage. The container has a spout at the top for drinking or pouring liquid from the container.

Abstract: A cooler is formed with a front and rear wall and two end walls. A bottom wall is coupled to the lower edges of the front, rear and end walls. The front, rear and end walls form a rectangular opening. A lid has an outwardly extending periphery pivotally coupled to the lid. The lid is adapted to rest in contact with the rectangular opening when the cooler is in the closed orientation. A light assembly has an interior illumination member and a switch. The switch is operable to inactivate the panel when the lid is in the closed orientation.

Abstract: A portable cooler and adjustable chair has a body, wheels, an insulating layer traveling about a perimeter of the body, a tray slidably positioned within the cavity, and a housing secured to the body for receiving a bottom portion of an umbrella. A foldable chair is slidably positioned on top of the body and can be folded between raised and lowered positions. A lid is provided adjacent the chair for allowing a user to access foodstuff disposed within the body cavity. Also, a handle is provided so that a user can readily transport the cooler by pivot same about the wheels applying motive force in a desired direction.

Abstract: A resonance chamber with two or more speakers positioned in the lid of a commercially available cooler chest and electrically connected to a radio circuit board also positioned in the lid and powered by a solar panels or a combination of solar panels and batteries. All elements are water proofed and positioned for protection during normal use of the cooler and positioned so as to not disrupt the normal use of the cooler.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration system for a vehicle includes a vapor compression primary cooling circuit and a separate secondary cooling circuit. The secondary cooling circuit utilizes a non-toxic cooling fluid that is pumped to remote locations in the vehicle through designated supply lines. A heat exchanger acting with the primary cooling circuit cools the cooling fluid. A portable main storage compartment is fluidly connectable to the primary or secondary cooling circuits. The portable main cold storage compartment can be expandable. At the remote locations in the vehicle, docking stations permit items to be selectively cooled by the secondary cooling circuit. Both the primary and secondary cooling circuits can operate independently of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A partitioned ice chest including an insulated box with a bottom wall and an open top. Front, back and opposed side walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall. A removable lid closes the open top. Vertical slots are provided in the side walls. A partition can be oriented vertically or horizontally within the box. Tabs extending from the partition are slidably positioned within the slots to prevent the partition from sliding about.

Abstract: A portable container comprising: a box member; a Stirling cooler as a temperature controlling unit for refrigerating the inside of the box member, an operation unit for controlling the Stirling cooler; and handles for supporting the box member by grasping. Cutouts are formed between an upper surface of the box member and both side surfaces thereof, the operation unit is provided on one of the cutouts, and the handles are provided outwardly relative to the cutouts respectively.

Abstract: A compartment for augmenting available space refrigerated by a chest refrigerator comprises a body configured to be coupled to a chest portion of the chest refrigerator. The body is configured to provide a hermetical seal between the body and the chest portion in use. The body has a cavity therein for receiving items to be refrigerated. The body is arranged such that when coupled to the chest portion the cavity is refrigerated by the chest portion. The body also has an opening for providing access to items in the cavity. The body is arranged to be coupled to a door for covering the opening in a hermetically sealed manner. An augmented chest refrigerator uses the compartment.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hollow casing, an insulation layer securely attached to an inner side thereof, a freezer area defined in the casing and in communication with the opening of the casing, a refrigeration area defined in the casing and separated from the freezer area by a baffle. The refrigeration area is in communication with the opening. A first conductor and a second conductor are sandwiched between the baffle and the insulation layer. A thermoelectric cooling chip is selectively actuated for reducing and increasing air temperature. A first heat dissipation device is provided to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric cooling chip, such that heat conduction between the first conductor and the second conductor is able to conduct cold air from the thermoelectric cooling chip to the refrigeration area and the freezer area.

Abstract: A portable cooler has at least three separate storage compartments that comprise at least one ice-cold storage compartment; at least one dry moderately cold storage compartment; and at least one dry non-cold storage compartment. A temperature gradient construction enables the user to proficiently store food and non-food items of varying water sensitivities and temperature needs. Typically, a wet cooling medium is added to the ice-cold storage compartment. Discrete thermal conduction pathways extend from the ice-cold storage compartment into the moderately cold storage compartment, cooling the moderately cold storage compartment. The less cold compartment and the non-cold compartment are completely dry of water. Each of the compartments has its own lid enabling selective entry and thereby preventing temperature fluctuations and moister transfer when another compartment is accessed. The portable cooler has a plurality of foldable wheels on the base thereof to facilitate portability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling air that utilizes a removable reservoir that may be filled with a consumable beverage or other cooled liquid or solid material. The bottom of the reservoir is made of a thermally conductive material that is placed within an air duct within a base unit that has a battery powered fan capable of drawing in warm air from outside of the base unit and cooling it by passing it over the thermally conductive material in a turbulent fashion and expelling it back into the surrounding environment. An expandable hose may also be included to direct the airflow in a desired direction or location.

Abstract: A cooler chest and can dispensing structure is described for individually dispensing cans therefrom. The structure comprises a cooler chest having a can dispensing structure positioned in the cooler compartment which extends between the opposite ends of the cooler chest. The can dispensing structure is sealed from the interior of the cooler chest to prevent ice and water therein from coming into contact with the cans.

Abstract: A portable recreational container provides insulated storage for food and beverages. The container is divided into independent compartments, one of which houses a battery and a number of audio/video devices, such as radio, CD, DVD, TV and an amplifier. The electric/electronic devices are isolated from the food compartment by a separating wall and cover(s) mounted over the electric/electronic devices.

Abstract: A battery for use in various temperature environments includes a plurality of cells arranged in a close packing arrangement and a sleeve that is disposed around the cells. The sleeve is constructed from a material that acts as an insulator at relatively low temperatures and that acts as a conductor at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: A portable cooler is disclosed having wheels at one end, a pop-up tray table on top and an umbrella stand located at the wheeled end of the cooler.

Abstract: A cooler chest includes an outer unit and a separate inner unit having a height smaller than the height of the outer unit and a space over the inner unit for storing ice cubes, the space being defined in part by porous side walls that allow for drainage of water, resulting from the melting of ice cubes, from the ice cube storage area.

Abstract: Containers are provided. A representative container comprises: an outer shell defining an interior and having a lid, the outer shell having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the outer shell encasing the interior, in the open position the lid providing access to the interior, the outer shell comprising cardboard; a storage chamber formed within the interior and communicating with the opening, the storage chamber being adapted to receive at least one item; insulating material disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell; and temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material comprising a super-absorbent.

Abstract: An adjustable, removable shelving system for separating items stored in a cooler from ice or water in the cooler, including: (a) at least one generally flat, rectangular-shaped, one-piece, stackable, generally horizontally oriented shelf; (b) a number of generally circular, spaced-apart apertures in the shelf; (c) a number of evenly spaced, same-sized stationary legs projecting down from the shelf; and (d) a plurality of same-sized, reversible leg extensions, each including a projection on one end of the leg extension, which extends in the same direction as the remainder of the leg extension, each of the leg extensions further comprising a bore in an opposite end; wherein the projection of the leg extension is closely insertable in one of the apertures of the shelf, and a portion of the stationary leg is closely insertable in the bore of a leg extension.

Abstract: A portable cooler having a body portion, including a bottom face, a front face, a rear face, and a pair of opposing side portions. The body portion defines an internal cavity. The cooler includes a lid portion that is in communication with the body portion. The internal cavity has at least one partition member disposed therein that is lying generally parallel to the bottom face. The at least one partition member divides the internal cavity into an upper portion and a lower portion. The at least one partition member includes a plurality of holes formed therein such that ice can be positioned with the contents of the cooler in the upper portion and water can flow through the plurality of holes to accumulate in the lower portion as the ice melts.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.

Abstract: A portable cooler assembly which can be transported along a surface and also secured to a vehicle. The cooler assembly includes an insulated container body having walls and a bottom defining a storage chamber. A lid is pivotally mounted to the container body for covering the storage chamber. A pair of wheels are each rotatably mounted to the container body for transporting the cooler assembly along the surface. A pair of retaining brackets are mounted to the vehicle. The container body abuts the retaining brackets, with the retaining brackets at least partially encompassing the walls of the container body, when the cooler assembly is secured to the vehicle. The cooler assembly also includes a pair of releasable fasteners. At least one of the walls, bottom, and lid preferably has a wheel recess with the wheels being fastened within the wheel recess when the wheels are removed from the container body.

Abstract: A compartment for augmenting available space refrigerated by a chest refrigerator comprises a body configured to be coupled to a chest portion of the chest refrigerator. The body is configured to provide a hermetical seal between the body and the chest portion in use. The body has a cavity therein for receiving items to be refrigerated. The body is arranged such that when coupled to the chest portion the cavity is refrigerated by the chest portion. The body also has an opening for providing access to items in the cavity. The body is arranged to be coupled to a door for covering the opening in a hermetically sealed manner. An augmented chest refrigerator uses the compartment.

Abstract: A portable icebox having on one of the longer sides of the icebox body, a telescopic or unfolding extendable handle made of a number of joined sections, housed inside vertical cavities in the body of the icebox. When folded, the handle is housed inside the cavities and held by a transverse fitting element on the base of the icebox, preventing it from being fully released, and with the crosspiece for use of the icebox still protruding when the handle is folded.

Abstract: A cooler chest includes an outer unit and a separate inner unit having a height smaller than the height of the outer unit and a space over the inner unit for storing ice cubes, the space being defined in part by porous side walls that allow for drainage of water, resulting from the melting of ice cubes, from the ice cube storage area.

Abstract: An adjustable, removable shelving system for separating items stored in a cooler from ice or water in the cooler, including:

Abstract: An ice chest or cooler comprising a container including an insulating base and insulating sidewalls upstanding from the base. Within the container, a false floor is supported in spaced relation from the insulating base and permits heat transfer across its thickness. The false floor has a perimeter located close or adjacent to the insulating sidewalls and an ice feed tube is secured to the false floor. The feed tube has a bore that opens into the space between the false floor and the insulating base to permit passage of ice cubes through the bore into the space between the false floor and the insulating base. Ice can be thereby be fed into the space between the false floor and the base of the container without removing food or drink containers above the false floor.

Abstract: A portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.

Abstract: An insulated cooler (10) incorporating a variety of advantageous features, including, for example, one or more integral seats (11), which provide generally enhanced functionality. A preferred embodiment of the cooler (10) broadly comprises a cooler body (12); a cooler lid (14); a backrest (16); two or more wheels (18); and a handle (20). An ergonomically contoured cavity (26) in the lid combines and cooperates with the backrest (16) to provide the integral seat (11). Other features include one or more safety reflectors (23) for reflecting light in low light conditions, and one or more elastically expandable pouches (24) for receiving and retaining items.

Abstract: Containers are provided. A representative container comprises: an outer shell defining an interior and having a lid, the outer shell having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the outer shell encasing the interior, in the open position the lid providing access to the interior, the outer shell comprising cardboard; a storage chamber formed within the interior and communicating with the opening, the storage chamber being adapted to receive at least one item; insulating material disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell; and temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material comprising a super-absorbent.

Abstract: A storage device (2) is provided for inter alia drink containers (22). The device (2) includes a reservoir for a temperature conditioning material (14, 16) and multiple holders (10) arranged in the reservoir. Each of the holders (10) is configured for locating a drink container (22) with a substantial portion of the same immersed in the temperature conditioning material (14, 16) when in use, whereby the drink container (22) is removable therefrom for consumption and returnable thereto for temperature conditioning. The storage device (2) further includes a first resilient member (8) associated with each of said holders (22). The first member (8) is formed with a number of displaceable elements arranged in a normal position to substantially cover the associated holder (10) and are displaceable to an open position while engaging said drink container (22) when same is located in said holder (10).

Abstract: A cooler is described including at least one combination ice pack and canteen. A container with a dispensing opening is partially filled with water, frozen, and then placed in the cooler along with cooler contents. The ice in the container maintains the cooler contents at a reduced temperature, so that the container serves as an ice pack. Melt-water resulting from melting of the ice while the container is in the cooler may be dispensed as drinking water, so that the container also serves as a canteen. A preferred combination ice pack and canteen comprises a flexible, substantially water-tight bag with an integral, flexible, re-sealable pour spout. The bag is partially filled and preferably arranged in a substantially flattened shape for freezing. Two such flattened ice packs may be placed above and below, or on either side of, the cooler contents.

Abstract: An insulated container for the storage and transport of fresh food items to keep them at a desired temperature, preferably between 0 and 4° C., includes a case provided with an insulating material lining on all its inside faces. The container also includes a diffuser cover provided with an independent refrigeration source connected to a thermal bridge by a support receptacle. The refrigeration source keeps the desired temperature inside the case for a determined period. An insulating cover fits over the diffuser cover to provide thermal insulation for the assembly.

Abstract: An insulated cooler having a narrower upper portion and a wider lower portion with a ledge therebetween is transformed into an elegant food dispensing station. A shelf that surrounds the cooler at its upper portion is formed from a horizontal panel with an aperture great enough to pass the upper portion of the cooler and rest on the ledge. The shelf may be provided with features for holding items on its surface such as glasses. It may have features for mounting a skirt that conceals the lower portion of the cooler. The assembly may include a rolling cart that is also concealed by the skirt to provide a complete self-contained dispensing station for parties.

Abstract: A carrier for cans, bottles, containers, or stackable items. In particular, the carrier can also cool or heat the cans, bottles, or other containers.