PORTABLE COOLERS

Abstract

A portable cooler includes storage compartments for separately storing items in the cooler. A first compartment is generally formed at least partly by walls of the cooler. A second compartment is formed at least partly within the first compartment such that the second compartment extends at least partly into the first compartment. The second compartment is formed by at least one wall that also forms part of the first compartment. Items in the first and second compartments may be stored separately from each other and are accessible through separate openings in the cooler. In addition, the second compartment may be sealed from the first compartment so as to inhibit the ingress of liquid into the second compartment from the first compartment.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to coolers and, more particularly, to a portable cooler having at least two thermally connected compartments formed in the cooler for separately storing items in the compartments.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Portable coolers are often used for storing and cooling beverages, fruits, sandwiches, other perishable food items, etc. The coolers typically have an insulated body with an open interior space in which the beverages and/or food items may be placed along with ice for cooling. An openable lid is normally used to cover the interior space and provide access to the beverages and/or food items in the cooler.

SUMMARY

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are provided of portable coolers. In one exemplary embodiment, a portable cooler generally includes an insulated body having a bottom wall and at least one sidewall. A first interior storage compartment is at least partly formed by the bottom wall and the at least one sidewall of the insulated body. A first opening allows access into the first interior storage compartment. A lid is movable relative to the insulated body between an open position in which the first opening is exposed to thereby allow access into the first interior storage compartment and a closed position in which the lid substantially covers the first opening thereby enclosing the first interior storage compartment. A second interior storage compartment includes at least a first portion formed by the bottom wall of the insulated body and a second portion formed by a divider. The divider is formed monolithically with the bottom wall and separates the second interior storage compartment from the first interior storage compartment. The second interior storage compartment extends at least partly into the first interior storage compartment. The second interior storage compartment may be sealed from the first interior storage compartment for inhibiting the ingress of liquid into the second interior storage compartment from the first interior storage compartment. A second opening allows access into the second interior storage compartment independent of the first opening and independent of the positioning of the lid relative to the first opening. A drawer is slidably receivable within the second interior storage compartment through the second opening. The drawer is slidably supported by the bottom wall of the insulated body that at least partly forms the first portion of the second interior storage compartment. The drawer is slidably movable between an open position in which items stored within the opened drawer are externally accessible, and a closed position in which the second opening is closed at least by the drawer, thereby enclosing the second interior storage compartment.

In another exemplary embodiment, a portable cooler generally includes an insulated body having at least one wall. A first compartment capable of storing items therein is formed at least partly by the at least one wall of the body. A second compartment capable of storing items therein extends at least partly into the first compartment. The second compartment includes at least a portion formed by the at least one wall of the body. The second compartment may be sealed from the first compartment so as to inhibit the ingress of liquid into the second compartment from the first compartment.

In still another exemplary embodiment, a portable drinking cooler generally includes an insulated body having a bottom wall and at least one sidewall. The cooler also includes a first compartment for retaining drinking fluids in the cooler. The first compartment is at least partly formed by the bottom wall and the at least one sidewall of the body. A lid is movable relative to the body between an open position in which the first opening is exposed to thereby allow access into the first compartment, and a closed position in which the lid substantially covers the first opening thereby enclosing the first compartment. An outlet is provided for selectively discharging drinking fluids from the first compartment. The cooler further includes a second compartment disposed within the first compartment for storing at least one or more other consumables in the body separate from the drinking fluids retained in the first compartment. The second compartment may be sealed from the first compartment for inhibiting the ingress of drinking fluids retained in the first compartment into the second compartment. The second compartment includes an upper side, a lower side, and two opposing sides connected to the at least one sidewall of the body to form the second compartment. The second compartment further includes a forward end and a generally opposing rearward end that are coextensive with a perimeter of the first compartment.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a portable cooler according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the portable cooler of FIG. 1 with the lid shown in the open position exposing and allowing access into a first storage compartment of the portable cooler;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the portable cooler of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the portable cooler of FIG. 2 with a drawer extended from a second storage compartment that is separate from the first storage compartment;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the portable cooler of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view of the portable cooler with a body of the portable cooler shown in section taken in a plane including line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a section view of the portable cooler taken in a plane including line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a portable cooler according to another exemplary embodiment with a lid shown in an open position exposing and allowing access into a first storage compartment of the portable cooler;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the portable cooler of FIG. 8 with a drawer extended from a second storage compartment that is separate from the first storage compartment;

FIG. 10 is a section view of the portable cooler taken in a plane including line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a portable cooler according to still another exemplary embodiment with a lid in an open position exposing and allowing access into a first storage compartment of the portable cooler;

FIG. 12 is a view of the portable cooler with a body of the cooler shown in section taken in a plane including line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a portable cooler according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the portable cooler of FIG. 13 with a drawer extended from a second storage compartment of the portable cooler;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the portable cooler of FIG. 14 with a lid removed from the portable cooler exposing and allowing access into a first storage compartment of the portable cooler;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the portable cooler of FIG. 15 with the lid not illustrated;

FIG. 17 is a section view taken in a plane including line 17-17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a section view taken in a plane including line 18-18 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a portable cooler according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the portable cooler of FIG. 19 with a lid removed from the portable cooler exposing and allowing access into a first storage compartment and with a drawer extended from a second storage compartment that is separate from the first storage compartment;

FIG. 21 is a section view taken in a plane including line 21-21 in FIG. 20; and

FIG. 22 is a section view taken in a plane including line 22-22 in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a portable cooler 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the cooler 100 is generally rectangular in shape and generally includes an insulated body 102 and an insulated lid 104. The lid 104 may be connected to the body 102 by, for example, hinges, etc., along a rearward side of the lid so that the lid 104 may pivotally move relative to the body 102 between a closed position (e.g., FIG. 1) and an open position (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). In one exemplary embodiment, a cooler includes an insulated body and insulated lid each comprising an interior and an exterior plastic shell with hard foam disposed therebetween for insulating the body and lid. In other exemplary embodiments, portable coolers may have bodies and lids comprising other materials, for example, styrene foam, etc. In still other exemplary embodiments, portable coolers may include uninsulated lids and/or bodies. In further exemplary embodiments, portable coolers may be other than rectangular in shape; for example, they may be square in shape, etc. In still further exemplary embodiments, portable coolers may include lids that are completely removable from bodies.

Insulated body 102 includes a generally rectangular insulated bottom wall 110 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and four insulated sidewalls, including a forward sidewall 112, a rearward sidewall 114, a left sidewall 116, and a right sidewall 118. The bottom wall 110 is positioned generally opposite the lid 104. The sidewalls 112, 114, 116, and 118 extend generally away from the bottom wall 110 along a perimeter of the bottom wall 110, and give the cooler 100 its generally rectangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, each sidewall 112, 114, 116, and 118 is monolithically formed with each adjacent sidewall and with the bottom wall 110 so that the body 102 is substantially monolithic or unitary in construction. Left and right sidewalls 116 and 118 (as viewed from a forward side of the cooler 100) include handles 124 (or grips) that can be used for carrying and/or moving the cooler 100 as desired. The monolithic, unitary construction of the cooler 100 may be produced using a molding process to form the body 102. In other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may have a body in which one or more sidewalls and/or bottom wall is not insulated. In still other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may have a body that includes one or more sidewalls and/or bottom wall formed separate from other walls and attached thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, bottom wall 110 and sidewalls 112, 114, 116, and 118 generally define a first interior storage compartment 130, which is configured to retain and/or store items in the cooler 100. The compartment 130 includes an upper opening 132 for allowing access to the compartment 130 and items stored therein. The lid 104 is configured to substantially cover the upper opening 132 when in the closed position (e.g., FIG. 1) and, together with the bottom wall 110 and sidewalls 112, 114, 116, and 118, encloses the storage compartment 130 for helping control and/or retain air temperature therein. The lid 104 exposes the upper opening 132 when in the open position (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3) and allows access to the storage compartment 130 through the upper opening 132.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 through 5, a drawer 140 is disposed in the forward sidewall 112 of the cooler body 102 for retaining and/or storing items in the cooler 100 separate from the first compartment 130. The separate storage feature of cooler 100 will be described in more detail hereinafter. Drawer 140 is generally rectangular in shape and is configured for holding items in the drawer 140. The drawer 140 includes a handle 142 that allows a user to grasp the handle and move the drawer 140 relative to the forward sidewall 112. The handle may include other styles, for example, a recessed lip for pulling to move the drawer, etc. within the scope of the invention. In addition, latches may be included on either side of the drawer to secure the drawer from inadvertently opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer 140 is slidable through an opening 146 in the forward sidewall 112 generally between a retracted or closed position (e.g., FIGS. 1 through 3) and an extended or open position (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5). In the retracted position, the drawer 140 is substantially within the cooler 100 such that it substantially closes the opening 146 in the forward sidewall 112. In the extended position, the drawer 140 is at least partly withdrawn from the cooler 100 such that items within the drawer 140 may be accessed from outside the cooler 100. More particularly, items in the drawer 140 may be accessed independent from the upper opening 132 and first interior storage compartment 130 of the cooler 100, and without having to manipulate the lid 104 of the cooler (e.g., without having to open the lid 104, etc.). Thus, when the drawer 140 is in the extended position, items may preferably be removed from the drawer 140 without significantly affecting temperature in the first compartment 130 of the cooler 100. In other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may include a drawer that is other than rectangular in shape; for example, in some of these embodiments, the drawer may be square in shape, etc. In still other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may include a drawer with two or more handles for grasping and moving the drawer. In yet other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may include a drawer with handles shaped differently than illustrated herein. In further exemplary embodiments, a cooler may include a drawer with insulation (e.g., insulated walls, etc.) for helping control temperature of items stored within the drawer.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the drawer 140 is positioned in a second interior storage compartment 150 of the cooler 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the second storage compartment 150 is disposed generally within the first storage compartment 130, but is separate from the first compartment. Thus, items in the drawer 140 within the second storage compartment 150 are retained/stored in the cooler 100 separately from items in the first storage compartment 130.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the second storage compartment 150 is defined along its bottom by a portion 156 of the bottom wall 110 of the cooler 100. As such, the second compartment 150 may be broadly viewed as formed at least partly within the bottom wall 110 of the cooler body 102. In other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may include a bottom wall having a depressed portion formed therein to receive a drawer. For example, the depressed portion may extend along the bottom wall to facilitate reception of at least part of the drawer in the bottom wall as well as in the cooler.

The second storage compartment 150 is also defined along its forward end by the opening 146 in the forward sidewall 112 of the cooler 100, and along its rearward end by the rearward sidewall 114 of the cooler 100. It should be understood that in the illustrated embodiment the rearward sidewall 114 forms at least part of both the first compartment 130 and second compartment 150 such that both compartments 130, 150 commonly share the rearward sidewall 114.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second storage compartment 150 is further defined by a divider wall 160 (broadly, a “divider”) along its left side 162, right side 164, and upper side 166. Divider wall 160 extends from the bottom wall 110 of the cooler 100 generally into the first compartment 130 toward upper opening 132. The divider wall 160 steps or transitions up from portions 170 of the bottom wall 110 on the left and right sides 162 and 164 of the second compartment 150 (FIG. 6). The divider wall 160 extends over the second compartment 150 at upper side 166 from the forward sidewall 112 of the cooler body 102 to the rearward sidewall 114 (FIG. 7). As such, the divider wall 160 at least partly defines the second compartment 150 within the first compartment 130 so that the first compartment 130 surrounds (or borders) the second compartment 150 on three sides, including the left side 162, the right side 164, and the upper side 166. In the illustrated cooler 100, the divider wall 160 is formed integrally or monolithically with the bottom wall 110, forward sidewall 112, and rearward sidewall 114 of the cooler body 102. This integral or monolithic construction substantially seals the second compartment 150 from the first compartment 130 so as to inhibit the ingress (e.g., leaking, etc.) of liquid into the second compartment 150 from the first compartment 130. Thus, items in the drawer 140 in the second compartment 150 are preferably sealed from liquid (e.g., water from melted ice, etc.) in the first compartment 130, inhibiting the ingress of liquid into the drawer 140. In other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include divider walls that are not insulated. In still other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include divider walls that at least partly define second interior storage compartments within first interior storage compartments such that the first interior storage compartments surround the second interior storage compartments on more than or fewer than three sides. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a cooler includes a first interior storage compartment surrounding a second interior storage compartment on four sides, including a left side, a right side, an upper side, and a rearward side (when viewing the cooler from a forward side). Here, a divider wall at least partly forming the second storage compartment is integrally formed with a bottom wall and a forward sidewall of the cooler, but not with a rearward sidewall of the cooler. In yet other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include divider walls formed separate from bottom walls, forward sidewalls, and/or rearward sidewalls of the cooler and attached thereto for sealing a second compartment from a first compartment.

In the illustrated cooler 100, divider wall 160 and bottom wall portions 170 define a lower portion of the first storage compartment 130 as shown in FIG. 6. Divider wall 160 also defines an upper portion of the second storage compartment 150, while bottom wall portion 156 defines the lower portion of the second compartment 150 as shown in FIG. 7. Neither the upper portion nor the lower portion of the second compartment 150 is exposed to the first compartment 130. In addition, the lower portion of the first compartment 130 is separate from the lower portion of the second compartment 150 (separated by divider wall 160). It can thus be seen that the first and second compartments 130 and 150 are formed at least partly by, and commonly share, both the bottom wall 110 and the divider wall 160 (in addition to the rearward sidewall 114).

With reference to FIG. 7, portion 156 of the cooler's bottom wall 110 supports the drawer 140 for sliding movement between the closed position and the open position. In other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may include structure to support sliding movement of a drawer in the cooler. For example in these embodiments, rails or guides may be disposed in a second compartment of a body of the cooler for supporting the drawer above a bottom wall of the cooler body. The drawer may be slid along the rails or guides for opening and closing the drawer. In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer 140 may be removed completely from the second storage compartment 150, if desired, for providing full access to the drawer 140 and storage compartment 150. For example, the drawer 140 may be removed from the second storage compartment 150 to clean the drawer 140 and/or the storage compartment 150, etc.

It should now be appreciated that the first interior storage compartment 130 is generally thermally coupled to the second interior storage compartment 150 through the divider wall 160. When air temperature is reduced in the first storage compartment 130 (e.g., by introducing ice into the first storage compartment, etc.), air temperature in the second interior storage compartment 150 is also preferably reduced through the divider wall 160. Furthermore, because the two compartments 130 and 150 are separated and sealed from each other, as ice in the first storage compartment 130 melts, water does not ingress (e.g., leak, etc.) into the second storage compartment 150. Thus, items desired to be kept dry may be stored and/or retained in the second storage compartment 150 separate from the first compartment 130. In addition, and as previously stated, items may preferably be removed from the drawer 140 disposed in the second compartment 150 without significantly affecting temperature in the first compartment 130 of the cooler 100.

In some exemplary embodiments, a portable cooler may include an outlet for selectively releasing liquid, for example water from melted ice, from a first storage compartment. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the outlet includes a spigot disposed in a sidewall of a body of the cooler adjacent a bottom wall. The spigot may have a cap or valve structure operable to release the liquid from the first compartment as desired. In other exemplary embodiments, a cooler may include two or more outlets for selectively releasing liquid from a first storage compartment.

FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate a portable cooler 200 according to another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cooler 200 includes an insulated body 202 and a lid 204 movably coupled to the body. The body 202 includes a bottom wall 210 and four sidewalls 212, 214, 216, and 218 configured to define a first interior storage compartment 230 having upper opening 232. The lid 204 is movable relative to the body 202 to selectively cover or expose the upper opening 232 and first compartment 230.

A drawer 240 is disposed in a second interior storage compartment 250 of the cooler 200. The drawer 240 extends through an opening 246 in a right sidewall 218 of the cooler 200 (as viewed from a forward side of the cooler) for sliding movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The drawer 240 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a handle 242 for grasping and sliding the drawer 240 relative to the right sidewall 218. In FIG. 8, the drawer 240 is shown in a retracted position substantially within the cooler 200 so that items in the drawer 240 are disposed in the cooler 200. In FIG. 9, the drawer 240 is shown in an extended position and partly withdrawn from the cooler 200. With the drawer 240 in the extended position, items in the drawer 240 are externally accessible from outside the cooler 200 and independent from the upper opening 232 and first interior storage compartment 230; the items can thus be accessed without having to open the lid 204. In other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include drawers disposed in other sidewalls of a body of the cooler. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a drawer is disposed in a left sidewall of a cooler body (as viewed from a forward side of the cooler).

With reference to FIG. 10, the second storage compartment 250 is partly defined by the bottom wall 210 of the cooler 200, part of a left sidewall 216 of the cooler, the opening 246 in the right sidewall 218 of the cooler, and a divider wall 260. The divider wall 260 defines a forward side 280, a rearward side 282, and an upper side 266 of the second compartment 250. The divider wall 260 extends from the bottom wall 210 generally into the first compartment 230 toward the upper opening 232. The divider wall 260 steps or transitions up from portions 270 of the bottom wall 210 on the forward and rearward sides 280 and 282 of the second compartment 250. The divider wall 260 extends over the second compartment 250 at the upper side 266 from the left sidewall 216 of the cooler body 202 to the right sidewall 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the divider wall 260 is formed integrally or monolithically with the bottom wall 210, left sidewall 216, and right sidewall 218. This integral or monolithic construction substantially seals the second compartment 250 from the first compartment 230 so as to inhibit the ingress of liquid into the second compartment 250 from the first compartment 230.

Divider wall 260 and bottom wall portions 270 define a lower portion of the first storage compartment 230. Divider wall 260 also defines an upper portion of the second storage compartment 250, while part of the bottom wall 210 defines the lower portion of the second compartment 250. Neither the upper portion nor the lower portion of the second compartment 250 is exposed to the first compartment 230. In addition, the lower portion of the first compartment 230 is separate from the lower portion of the second compartment 250 (separated by divider wall 260). It can thus be seen that the first and second compartments 230 and 250 are formed at least partly by, and commonly share, both the bottom wall 210 and the divider wall 260 (in addition to the left sidewall 216).

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a portable cooler 300 according to still another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cooler 300 includes an insulated body 302 and a lid 304 movably coupled to the body. The body 302 includes a bottom wall 310 and four sidewalls 312, 314, 316, and 318 configured to define a first interior storage compartment 330. The lid 304 is moveable relative to the body 302 to selectively cover or expose the first compartment 330.

A divider wall 360 extends substantially across the cooler 300 from a left sidewall 316 to a right sidewall 318 and from a forward sidewall 312 to a rearward sidewall 314. The divider wall 360 is monolithically formed with each of the forward, rearward, left, and right sidewalls 312, 314, 316, and 318, as well as with the bottom wall 310 of the cooler 300. The divider wall 360 defines a lower portion of the bottom of the first storage compartment 330. Divider wall 360 also defines an upper portion of a second storage compartment 350, while part of the bottom wall 310 defines a lower portion of the second compartment 350. Neither the upper portion nor the lower portion of the second compartment 350 is exposed to the first compartment 330. In addition, the lower portion of the first compartment 330 is separate from the lower portion of the second compartment 350 (separated by divider wall 360). While the second storage compartment 350 is shown generally centered between the left and right side walls 316 and 318, it may be closer to one side wall within the scope of the invention. In addition, the second storage compartment 350 may extend generally from the left side wall 316 to the right side wall 318 within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 13 through 18 illustrate a portable cooler 400 according to yet another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cooler 400 includes a generally cylindrical body 402 and generally circular lid 404. The lid 404 is configured for selectively engaging the body 402 and may be moved between a closed position (e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14) and an open position (e.g., FIGS. 15 and 16). In the closed position, the lid 404 is configured to fit over a lip 490 extending upwardly from the body 402 for secure engagement with the body. In the open position, the lid 404 may be completely removed from the body 402.

The body 402 is insulated and includes a generally circular bottom wall 410 generally opposite the lid 404, and a tubular sidewall 492. The sidewall 492 extends generally away from the bottom wall 410 along a perimeter of the bottom wall and gives the cooler 400 the generally cylindrical shape. As best shown in the section views of FIGS. 17 and 18, the sidewall 492 is monolithically formed with the bottom wall 410 so that the cooler body 402 is substantially monolithic or unitary in construction. The sidewall 492 includes two opposing handles 424 that can be used for carrying and/or moving the cooler 400 as desired. In other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include a bodies shaped differently than described and illustrated herein, for example, the bodies may be polygonal in shape with multiple sidewalls defining them (e.g., three or more sidewalls may define a cooler body, etc).

The bottom wall 410 and sidewall 492 generally define a first interior storage compartment 430 configured for retaining and/or storing potable liquid in the cooler 400 (e.g., water, juice, etc.). The first compartment 430 includes an upper opening 432 opposite the bottom wall 410 for accessing the compartment 430 and for, for example, adding or pouring liquid into the compartment 430. The lid 404 substantially covers the upper opening 432 when in the closed position such that the lid 404, sidewall 492, and bottom wall 410 enclose the storage compartment 430 and help control temperature therein, as well as helping prevent the ingress of foreign objects and debris (e.g., dust, etc.) from getting into the storage compartment 430 and liquid stored therein.

An outlet 494 is disposed in the sidewall 492 of the cooler 400 adjacent the bottom wall 410 for selectively releasing liquid from the first compartment 430. The outlet 494 is illustrated as a spigot having a valve structure 496 operable to release liquid from the first compartment 430 as desired.

The cooler 400 also includes a drawer 440 disposed in the sidewall 492 and first compartment 430 about midway between the bottom wall 410 and the upper opening 432. The drawer 440 is capable of retaining and/or storing items in the cooler 400 such that they are accessible separately from the first compartment 430. As shown in FIGS. 14 through 16, the drawer 440 is generally rectangular in shape with a rounded forward end 498 corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the cooler body 402. A handle 442 is mounted on the forward end 498 of the drawer 440 for allowing a user to grasp the handle and move the drawer 440. In the illustrated cooler, moving the drawer 440 includes sliding it relative to the cooler body 402 through an opening 446 in the sidewall 492. In FIG. 13, the drawer 440 is shown in a retracted or closed position substantially within the cooler 400; the drawer 440 is configured to substantially close the opening 446 when closed. In FIGS. 14 through 16 and 18, the drawer 440 is shown in an extended or open position, partly withdrawn from the cooler 400. When the drawer 440 is in this extended position, items in the drawer are externally accessible from outside the cooler 400, independent from the upper opening 432 and first interior storage compartment 430. Moreover, the items in the drawer 440 can be accessed without having to open the lid 404 of the cooler 400.

The drawer 440 is positioned generally within a second interior storage compartment 450 of the cooler 400. As best illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the second storage compartment 450 is formed generally within, and extends through, the first storage compartment 430. The second storage compartment 450 is defined generally by a divider wall 460 formed to a rectangular tube shape. The divider wall 460 is formed integrally or monolithically with the sidewall 492 of the cooler body 402 at a forward end and a rearward end of the second compartment. In other words, a left side 462, a right side 464, an upper side 466, and a lower side 484 of the second compartment 450 (as viewed from a forward side of the cooler) are monolithically formed with the sidewall 492 at the forward and rearward end of the second compartment 450. Thus, the rearward end of the second compartment is generally defined by the sidewall 492 while the forward end is generally defined by opening 446. As such, the forward end and rearward end of the second compartment 450 are generally coextensive with a perimeter surface of the sidewall 492 and first compartment 430. This construction substantially seals the second compartment 450 from the first compartment 430 so as to inhibit the ingress of liquid into the second compartment 450 from the first compartment 430. In addition, and with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, it can be seen that the left and right sides 462 and 464 of the second compartment 450 (as defined by the divider wall 460) are spaced apart from the side wall 492 so that liquid introduced into the cooler 400 through the upper opening 432 can pass by the second compartment 450 to the bottom wall 410 of the cooler.

FIGS. 19 through 22 illustrate a portable cooler 500 according to a further exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cooler 500 includes a generally cylindrical body 502 and generally circular lid 504. The body 502 is insulated and includes a generally circular bottom wall 510 and a tubular sidewall 592 configured to define a first interior storage compartment 530.

A divider wall 560 extends substantially across the cooler 500 and around an interior perimeter of the sidewall 592. The divider wall 560 is monolithically formed with the sidewall 592 around its interior perimeter as well as with the bottom wall 510 and defines a lower portion of the first storage compartment 530. Divider wall 560 also defines an upper portion of a second storage compartment 550, while part of the bottom wall 510 defines a lower portion of the second compartment 550. The second storage compartment 550 is located generally below the first storage compartment 530. Neither the upper portion nor the lower portion of the second compartment 550 is exposed to the first compartment 530. In addition, the lower portion of the first compartment 530 is separate from the lower portion of the second compartment 550 (separated by divider wall 560). Moreover, the bottom wall 510 of the cooler 500 is not exposed to the first compartment 530.

A drawer 540 is disposed in the second compartment 550 of the cooler 500 generally below an outlet 594 of the cooler. The drawer 540 extends through an opening 546 in the sidewall 592 of the cooler 500 and is supported by a portion 556 of the cooler's bottom wall 510 for sliding movement between a retracted position and an extended position.

In FIG. 19, the drawer 540 is shown in a retracted position substantially within the cooler 500 so that items in the drawer 540 are disposed in the cooler 500. In FIG. 20, the drawer 540 is shown in an extended position and partly withdrawn from the cooler 500. In this position, items in the drawer 540 are externally accessible from outside the cooler 500 and independent from the first interior storage compartment 530; the items can be accessed without having to open the lid 504. In other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include second interior storage compartments formed so that drawers may move into and out of the second compartments at a location on the coolers away from outlets. For example, a cooler may include a second interior storage compartment formed so that a drawer moves into and out of the second compartment at a location on the cooler generally opposite an outlet (e.g., in a circular cooler, about one-hundred and eighty degrees around the cooler from the outlet; etc.). In still other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include two drawers vertically spaced apart (e.g., drawer 440 in cooler 400 together with drawer 540 in cooler 500, etc.).

In still another exemplary embodiment, a cooler includes a body having a first interior storage compartment and a second interior storage compartment separated by a divider wall. In this embodiment, ice may be introduced into the first storage compartment to produce an air temperature reading therein of between about twenty-nine degrees Fahrenheit and about thirty-four degrees Fahrenheit. In this embodiment, air temperature in the second storage compartment is maintained substantially similar to that in the first storage compartment, for example, between about twenty-nine degrees Fahrenheit and about thirty-four degrees Fahrenheit.

In other exemplary embodiments, coolers may include two or more drawers disposed in one or more storage compartments within the coolers. For example, drawers may be disposed in a single interior storage compartment; drawers may be disposed in separate respective storage compartments; etc. In one exemplary embodiment, a cooler comprises three separate interior storage compartments. A first compartment is defined generally by the cooler, and second and third compartments are formed generally within the first compartment separate from the first compartment and separate from each other. Drawers are disposed in the second and third compartments such that items may be separately retained in the drawers, and further retained separately form items in the first compartment.

Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “top”, “bottom”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left” and “right” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom”, “top” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A portable cooler comprising:

an insulated body having a bottom wall and at least one sidewall;

a first interior storage compartment at least partly formed by the bottom wall and at least one sidewall of the insulated body;

a first opening for allowing access into the first interior storage compartment;

a lid movable relative to the insulated body between an open position in which the first opening is exposed to thereby allow access into the first interior storage compartment and a closed position in which the lid substantially covers the first opening thereby enclosing the first interior storage compartment;

a second interior storage compartment having at least a first portion formed by the bottom wall of the insulated body and a second portion formed by a divider formed monolithically with the bottom wall, the divider separating the second interior storage compartment from the first interior storage compartment, the second interior storage compartment extending at least partly into the first interior storage compartment, the second interior storage compartment being sealed from the first interior storage compartment for inhibiting the ingress of liquid into the second interior storage compartment from the first interior storage compartment;

a second opening for allowing access into the second interior storage compartment independent of the first opening and independent of the positioning of the lid relative to the first opening; and

a drawer slidably receivable within the second interior storage compartment through the second opening, the drawer being slidably supported by the bottom wall of the insulated body that at least partly forms the first portion of the second interior storage compartment such that the drawer is slidably movable along the bottom wall between an open position in which items stored within the opened drawer are externally accessible and a closed position in which the second opening is closed at least by the drawer. between an open position in which items stored within the opened drawer are externally accessible and a closed position in which the second opening is closed at least by the drawer.

2. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the insulated body includes four sidewalls such that the insulated body is generally rectangular in shape, wherein each sidewall is monolithically formed with an adjacent sidewall, and wherein all of the sidewalls are monolithically formed with the bottom wall.

3. The cooler of claim 1, wherein the first interior storage compartment borders the second interior storage compartment on three sides of the second interior storage compartment.

4. A portable cooler comprising:

a body having at least one wall;

a first compartment capable of storing items therein, the first compartment being formed at least partly by the at least one wall of the body;

a second compartment capable of storing items therein extending at least partly into the first compartment, the second compartment including at least a portion formed by the at least one wall of the body, the second compartment being sealed from the first compartment so as to inhibit the ingress of liquid into the second compartment from the first compartment.

5. The cooler of claim 4, wherein the first compartment borders the second compartment on at least two sides of the second compartment.

6. The cooler of claim 5, wherein the first compartment borders the second compartment on three sides of the second compartment.

7. The cooler of claim 4, wherein the second compartment is formed at least partly in the bottom wall of the body.

8. The cooler of claim 4, wherein a bottom of the second compartment is not exposed to the first compartment.

9. The cooler of claim 4, wherein the body includes two or more walls, and wherein the first and second compartments are formed by and share at least two of the same body walls.

10. The cooler of claim 4, wherein the body comprises two or more walls, wherein the at least one wall by which at least a portion of the second compartment is formed is a bottom wall, and wherein the first and second compartments being both formed at least partly by the bottom wall.

11. The cooler of claim 10, wherein the body comprises a divider configured to cooperatively form at least part of the second compartment with the bottom wall, the divider sealing the first compartment from the second compartment.

12. The cooler of claim 11, wherein the first compartment is formed partly by the divider and partly by the bottom wall of the body.

13. The cooler of claim 12, wherein the body comprises two or more sidewalls, and wherein the two or more sidewalls, bottom wall, and divider are monolithically formed.

14. The cooler of claim 13, comprising four insulated sidewalls extending away from the bottom wall for defining at least part of the first compartment, and wherein the second compartment extends at least partly into the first compartment such that the first compartment borders the second compartment on three sides of the second compartment.

15. The cooler of claim 13, wherein the body comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed generally opposite the first sidewall, and wherein the second compartment is formed at least partly by the bottom wall, the divider, and the first sidewall.

16. The cooler of claim 15, wherein the second compartment comprises an opening extending through the second sidewall of the body, and wherein the cooler further comprises a drawer receivable in the second compartment through said opening, the drawer being configured for sliding movement in the second compartment relative to the body.

17. The cooler of claim 16, further comprising a lid movable relative to the body generally opposite the bottom wall of the body for closing the first compartment.

18. The cooler of claim 4, wherein the body comprises two or more walls, and wherein the cooler further comprising a third compartment defined by at least one of said walls, the third compartment being sealed from the first and second compartments and extending at least partly into at least one of the first and second compartments.

19. The cooler of claim 4, further comprising at least one outlet for selectively releasing liquid from the first compartment.

20. A portable drinking cooler comprising:

an insulated body having a bottom wall and at least one sidewall;

a first compartment for retaining drinking fluids in the cooler, the first compartment being at least partly formed by the bottom wall and at least one sidewall of the body;

a lid movable relative to the body between an open position in which the first opening is exposed to thereby allow access into the first compartment and a closed position in which the lid substantially covers the first opening thereby enclosing the first compartment;

an outlet for selectively discharging drinking fluids from the first compartment;

a second compartment disposed at least partly within the first compartment for storing one or more items in the insulated body separate from the drinking fluids retained in the first compartment, the second compartment being sealed from the first compartment for inhibiting the ingress of the drinking fluids retained in the first compartment into the second compartment;

the second compartment having an upper side, a lower side, and two opposing sides connected to the at least one sidewall of the body to form the second compartment;

the second compartment further having a forward end and a generally opposing rearward end, the forward and rearward ends being coextensive with a perimeter of the first compartment.