Combination cooler and seat system

Abstract

A cooler and seat arrangement especially for small boats. The cooler and seat arrangement incorporates a plural-component seat system that can be adapted to most existing cooler and seat systems. As contemplated, the invention will be available in an easy-to-assemble kit for the converting existing cooler and seat systems.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/817,697, filed Jul. 3, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to recreational equipment. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a cooler and seat system especially adapted for boats.

2. Description of the Related Art

Spending time piloting or fishing from a boat (especially of the flat bottom type) can make recreational time highly enjoyable for the water sport aficionado. However, running in choppy water in channels and deeper bays can play havoc with the boater's buttocks and/or lower back when employing the seats conventionally available for small boats. This is especially true of seats that are combined with a cooler. Not only boaters, but hunters, campers, beachgoers, etc. would certainly welcome a seat that would afford comfort and durability in a recreational environment. Thus a combination cooler and seat system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

The related art is awash with cooler and seat systems for recreational use. Pertinent samples of such related art are cited and identified in the accompanying IDS. However, none of the cited and identified related art, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to disclose a cooler and seat arrangement as will be subsequently described and claimed in the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is a cooler and seat arrangement especially for but not limited to small boats. The cooler and seat arrangement incorporates a three-component seat system that can be adapted to most existing cooler and seat systems. As contemplated, the invention will be available in an easy-to-assemble kit for the convenience of the user.

Accordingly, the invention presents a cooler and seat system that affords increased comfort for the user and is easy to adapt to currently used cooler and seat systems. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a combination cooler and seat system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the seat before mounting on the cooler top according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the seat of a combination cooler and seat system according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 wherein the cooler and seat system of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. The cooler and seat system comprises a tubular metal frame 12 having legs 14, which legs may be secured to the bottom of boat B. Metal frame 12 is configured to encompass the walls of and stabilize a cooler 16 therein. A seatback support frame 18 extends upwardly from frame 12. A seatback 20 is supported on seatback support frame 18. As best seen in FIG. 2, a seat 30 is disposed on and attached to the lid 16a of cooler 16.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 wherein the construction of the seat is best illustrated. The seat essentially comprises a plural-component construction which includes (1) a bottom member 32 fabricated from a rigid material such as plywood or fiberglass; (2) an intermediate member 34 fabricated from semi-rigid material such as styrofoam; (3) a top member 36 fabricated from a soft cushiony material such as foam rubber. When assembled, the layers are inserted into the shell 38 of the seat. For aesthetic purposes, a removable fabric diaper 40 is utilized to surround the parts of the components that are exposed after insertion into shell 38. Diaper 40 may be attached in any convenient manner (buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc.). The components are pre-drilled to accommodate bolts 42, which bolts are employed to attach the components to cooler lid 16a. As contemplated, the three components, including the diaper and bolts would be available in a kit.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A kit for converting a cooler to a combination cooler and seat system comprising:

a bottom member fabricated from a rigid material;

an intermediate member fabricated from a semi-rigid material; and

a top member fabricated from a soft cushiony material; and

fasteners for attaching said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member together and to said cooler.

2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein pre-drilled openings are disposed in said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member and wherein said fasteners are disposed in said pre-drilled openings.

3. The kit according to claim 1, including a shell for housing said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member therein.

4. The kit according to claim 1 including a diaper member for encompassing said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member when attached.

5. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said bottom member is fabricated from fiberglass, said intermediate member is fabricated from Styrofoam and said top member is fabricated from foam rubber.

6. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said bottom member is fabricated from plywood, said intermediate member is fabricated from Styrofoam and said top member is fabricated from foam rubber.

7. A kit for converting a cooler to a combination cooler and seat system comprising:

a bottom member fabricated from a rigid material;

an intermediate member fabricated from a semi-rigid material; and

a top member fabricated from a soft cushiony material;

pre-drilled openings disposed in said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member;

fasteners disposed in said pre-drilled openings for attaching said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member together and to said cooler;

a shell for housing said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member therein; and

a diaper member for encompassing said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member when attached.

8. The kit according to claim 7, wherein said bottom member is fabricated from fiberglass, said intermediate member is fabricated from Styrofoam and said top member is fabricated from foam rubber.

9. The kit according to claim 7, wherein said bottom member is fabricated from plywood, said intermediate member is fabricated from Styrofoam and said top member is fabricated from foam rubber.

10. A combination seat and cooler system comprising:

a cooler, said cooler having four side walls and a bottom wall and an open top;

a removable lid mounted on said open top;

pre-drilled openings disposed through said removable lid;

a frame encompassing said four side walls of said cooler and extending upwardly therefrom;

a seat mounted on said lid, said seat including;

a bottom member fabricated from a rigid material;

an intermediate member fabricated from a semi-rigid material; and

a top member fabricated from a soft cushiony material;

pre-drilled openings disposed in said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member;

fasteners extending through said pre-drilled openings for attaching said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member to said cooler;

a shell for housing said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member therein; and

a diaper member for encompassing said bottom member, said intermediate member and said top member when attached.

11. The combination seat and cooler system according to claim 10, including a seat back mounted on said frame.

12. The combination seat and cooler system according to claim 11 wherein said bottom member is fabricated from fiberglass, said intermediate member is fabricated from Styrofoam and said top member is fabricated from foam rubber.

13. The combination seat and cooler system according to claim 11, wherein said bottom member is fabricated from plywood, said intermediate member is fabricated from Styrofoam and said top member is fabricated from foam rubber.