ILLUMINATED COOLER PROVIDING RAISED SURFACE

The present invention is a lighted portable device for storing foods and other items at a cool temperature, such as a cooler device, and a means for providing a raised surface that may be lighted. The light source of the cooler device may be operable to provide either or both external illumination and internal illumination. The light source of the cooler device may be powered by several sources, including a solar means, whereby the light source will function even in remote areas devoid of a reliable source of electricity. The cooler device may be waterproof and weather durable. It may have one or more table portions or tabletop surfaces which may be locked into place to create a table that incorporates the cooler device. Adjustable legs may extend from the base of the cooler device to raise the cooler device off the ground.

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Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/154,876, filed 24 Feb. 2009.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates in general to the field of portable devices used to keep foods and other items at a cool temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Coolers are used to store items in a multitude of different environments and light conditions. Coolers may be transported over rough terrain, be used in wet areas, or be relied upon to store items in remote locations, to name just a few of the uses made of coolers. The prior art discloses several coolers for storing food, including the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,462 discloses a cooler box illuminated by way of an illuminating system built into the inner walling of the lid of the box, or into the inner walling of the box itself. The patent further discloses interconnectivity between a manual switch, an automatic spring loaded switch, a seating means holding an incandescent light bulb and a seating means holding portable energized battery unit. The interconnectivity of these elements produces illumination within the box when the lid is detached from the box, and allows for the illumination to be turned off during daylight hours so as to prevent bulb from coming on when the lid is in a raised position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,965 discloses a cooler box with an external illumination system built in to the frontal walling of the box. The illumination system is turned on and off by way of a manual switch. The illumination system may be powered by a battery unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,608 discloses a fishing cooler that has wheels and a handle. A plurality of cup holders are integrated in the lid of the cooler and a portable light may be attached to the cooler. The light may be powered by a solar energy source.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0170388 discloses a cooler that includes a printed circuit board which includes a power source, a tilt switch and an electrical circuit connected therebetween. A light is connected to the electrical circuit and protrudes through the housing, wherein as the lid is raised a predetermined number of degrees from the closed position the tilt switch causes the light to turn on to illuminate the storage compartment of the cooler.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a lighted cooler device comprising; a cooler device that provides portable storage wherein items are stored at a cool temperature; and a light source in the cooler device operable by at least one switch mechanism to emit light; whereby the light source emits light from the cooler device.

In another aspect the present disclosure relates to a lighted cooler device comprising; a cooler device that provides portable storage wherein items are stored at a cool temperature; a light source in the cooler device operable by at least one switch mechanism to emit light; and one or more table portions extending from one or more outer surfaces of the cooler device; whereby the light source emits light to at least one of the one or more table portions.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects of the invention will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cooler device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cooler device.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the lid of a cooler device having a solar panel attached thereto.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the light source incorporated in a cooler device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a cooler device having a source for charging the battery that is removable and/or interchangeable.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the cooler device with table portions and tabletops extended.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cooler device having a leg extended therefrom.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the cooler device having a leg extended therefrom.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cooler having an extendable handle.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a lighted portable device for storing foods and other items at a cool temperature, such as a cooler device, and a means for providing a raised surface that may be lighted. The light source of the cooler device may be operable to provide either, or both, external illumination and internal illumination. The light source of the cooler device may be powered by several sources, including a solar means, whereby the light source will function even in remote areas devoid of a reliable source of electricity. The cooler device may be waterproof and weather durable. It may have one or more table portions and may further incorporate tabletops which may be locked into place to create a surface that may incorporate the cooler device. Adjustable legs may extend from the base of the cooler device to raise the cooler device off the ground.

External illumination allows a user to easily locate the cooler device in low light or darkness. It further allows a user to make use of the area around the cooler device that is illuminated as items placed in this area will be visible due to the light provided by the cooler device.

Internal illumination lights the interior of the cooler device and allows for visibility whereby a user may access the contents of the cooler device without the need of an additional light source, such as a flashlight.

The light source incorporated in embodiments of the present invention may be powered by a variety of means, including rechargeable means. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention a rechargeable battery pack may be connected to a solar panel. This particular embodiment has the advantage that the cooler device may be utilized in remote areas where an electrical power supply is not available or is unreliable, and conventional batteries are not in supply. A skilled reader will recognize that a variety of other power means may be incorporated in the present invention.

The external and internal illumination sources of the cooler device each increase the ease with which a user may access items stored in the cooler device, and placed near the exterior of the cooler device. Use of an additional light source to light either the interior or exterior of a cooler device may require a user to hold such a source in one hand or otherwise manage to support and aim the light source. The external and internal illumination sources of the cooler device offer the user the chance to maintain the capacity of unhindered movement when utilizing the cooler device.

One or more foldable table portions may be incorporated in an embodiment of the cooler device. Such table portions may be positioned on the outer walls of the cooler device. The table portions may fold-out so as to provide a surface that may be level with the lid of the cooler device or may be positioned just below the external illumination. Each table portion may lock in place for stability.

To further increase the table surface, one or more of the table portions may include sliding tabletops that slide out from a table portion and extend beyond the edge of the table portion. In an embodiment of the present invention wherein at least two table portions are incorporated, a tabletop may be sliceable to be positioned between two table portions, thereby filling the gap that would otherwise exist between the table portions. The tabletops may lock in place to remain securely positioned. In an embodiment of the present invention tabletops may be utilized in conjunction with table portions to create a continuous table surface positioned around the lid of the cooler device. The lid of the cooler device may be opened and closed without encumbrance when the table portions and/or tabletops are locked in position. Illumination may be provided to the portions of the table surface by the light source for the internal illumination.

The surface provided by the table portions and/or tabletops may offer a user a good working space. Such a space may be used for a variety of purposes, for example, such as a space for preparing or serving food. The external and/or internal illumination sources may provide a user with a light to increase the visibility of the working space in low light or darkness.

Legs may additionally be incorporated in the present invention. In particular legs may be attached to the base of the cooler device, in a manner whereby the legs may be extended or unextended. In an extended position the legs may cause the base of the cooler device to be raised above the ground. The legs may be operable to extend to varying lengths and thereby to raise the cooler device to varying heights above the ground.

The incorporation of legs into the cooler device offers several benefits. Should the cooler device be placed upon a wet area, such as a rain soaked, swampy or beach location, the legs may be used to raise the cooler device above the ground so as to ensure that water does not seep into the cooler device and that the contents of the cooler do not become contaminated by water. Additionally, should the cooler device be placed upon uneven ground the legs may be adjusted so that the lid of the cooler device may be positioned so as to be a level surface. This may have particular benefits should the embodiment of the present invention incorporate table portions and/or tabletops, in that the legs may be adjusted to create a level working surface.

A skilled reader will recognize that the present invention may have varied embodiments. The descriptions provided herein of particular embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples.

The present invention is a cooler device that is constructed of materials that cause it to be waterproof and durable. Such materials may include moldable materials that are pliable and lightweight, for example, such as plastics and metals including aluminum A layer of insulation may be incorporated into its formation for the purpose of retaining a cool temperature in the interior of the cooler device. The cooler device may be formed in a variety of shapes, but generally the interior of the cooler device will be formed to provide a space wherein items may be stored.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the cooler device may be equipped with at least one exterior handle. A handle may be formed into the shape of the cooler device, may be attached to an exterior wall of the cooler device, or may be incorporated into the cooler device in some other manner. Any cooler device handle may be positioned to facilitate ease when a user must lift the cooler device.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lid of the cooler device may be permanently attached to the cooler device, removably attached to the cooler device, or fully removeable from the cooler device. For example, a permanently attached lid may be attached to the cooler device by way of one or more hinges secured with screws to the body of the cooler device. A removably attached lid may be attached to the cooler device by way of a detachable means, for example, such as a strap that is fixed to the lid and removably affixed to a clip means that is attached to the cooler device, so that the end of the strap that is distant from the end of the strap that is affixed to the lid may be held by the clip means in a manner that causes the strap to connect the lid and the cooler device, but the strap end held in the clip means may be easily released by the clip means if force is exerted upon the clip means to open the clip. A fully removeable lid may have neither a permanent attachment to the cooler device, nor a removeable attachment to the cooler device. The fully removable lid may be placed on top of the cooler device in a manner that may create a secure seal between the lid and cooler device to cause the inside of the cooler device to retain the cool environment therein without undue leakage. Once the lid is removed from the cooler device it may be lifted free and clear of the cooler device without any attachment thereto. A skilled reader will recognize that the forms of lids described herein may be integrated with the cooler device and incorporated with the cooler device in a variety of a means not expressly described herein.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the cooler device may incorporate one or more wheels. Such wheels may be positioned so as to cause the cooler to roll when it is moved from one place to another. The rolling of the cooler device may enhance the ease of moving the cooler device, particularly if the cooler device is at a particular heaviness, for example, such as may occur when significant weight is accumulated due to the contents of the cooler device. A skilled reader will recognize that a number of types of wheels, such as small wheels for moving the cooler device over a smooth surface, or large wheels for moving the cooler device over rugged terrain, and a variety of wheel configurations, such as numerous wheels positioned along a single edge of the cooler device, a single wheel in the middle of an edge of the cooler device, or multiple wheels positioned on multiple surfaces of the cooler device to allow for rolling in multiple directions, may be applied.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, an extendable handle 80 may be incorporated into the body of the cooler device. In particular said extendable handle may aid a user in moving the cooler device if said cooler device has wheels attached thereto. The extendable handle of the cooler device may be operated by a button designed to facilitate the extension and retraction of the handle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the extendable handle may be extended and retracted to more than a single position. A locking mechanism may be applied, whereby the handle may be locked when positioned at one of two or more lengths. A skilled reader will recognize that an extendable handle may aid a user moving the cooler device by providing a means of guiding the cooler device and one that allows a user to do this from a standing position without requiring the user undue strain or the need to be bent over while moving the cooler device.

In another embodiment of the present invention one or more light sources may be provided to offer source of either external illumination, internal illumination or both. To provide internal illumination light sources may be positioned on the internal walls of the cooler device. To provide external illumination light sources may be positioned on the external walls of the cooler device.

As shown in FIG. 1, a light source 10 may be positioned on the external wall of the cooler device, just below the lid. The light source may include one or more lights or one or more light emission sources. For example a single light source, such a light panel may be provided, and one or more holes 30 whereby the light may be emitted from the light source may be included in the cooler device, as shown in FIG. 3. A skilled reader will recognize that a variety of means of providing a light source may be incorporated into the present invention. The light source used in each embodiment may depend on several factors, including the strength of the light required, the positioning of the light source and the emitted lights, as well as other considerations. A skilled reader will further recognize that the light source applied will further depend on the size of the cooler device as will the number of light sources applied in a cooler device.

The light source may be of any type, for example, such as an LED light source. In some embodiments of the present invention the light source may have any or several of the following characteristics: durable; bright; use minimal energy; readily available from sellers; and an array of colors. Each of these characteristics of the light source will be of greater or less significance to embodiment of the present invention depending upon the expected use of the cooler device. For example, should the cooler device be used at night in wilderness locations, a coloured light may be used in the light source to protect the eyes of any wild animals that may be near the cooler device which may be sensitive to bright white lights. An additional example is that the durability of the light source may be of particular consideration should the cooler device be transported over rough terrain. A skilled reader will recognize how other characteristics of the light source will affect variant uses of the cooler device.

The light source may be activated by a variety of light source activation means, such as at the will of a user, for example through force applied by a user to a switch mechanism 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the light source may be activated by the motion of opening and closing the lid of the cooler device, whereby the light source is turned on to emit light when the lid of the cooler device is opened, and the light source is turned off so that no light is emitted when the lid of the cooler device is closed. A cooler device may incorporate different light source activation methods for each type of illumination available. For example, a different light source activation means may be applied to the external illumination and to the internal illumination in a cooler device that incorporates by types of illumination.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source activation means for the interior light source may be any type of switch. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, such as a nipple switch 40 that is located on the top edge of the cooler device wall, so that the nipple switch may be in direct contact with the lid of the cooler device when the lid of the cooler device is in a closed position and due to the force of the lid of the cooler device be in a closed position whereby the light source is unable to emit light, and the nipple switch is in an open position when the lid of the cooler device is open and the light source may emit light. Thus, the application of a nipple switch will cause the illumination to occur automatically when the lid of the cooler device is opened.

The application of a light source activation means that is a switch in the present invention may be applied to light sources for interior or exterior illumination, and can be used so that the switch is in a closed position the light source does not emit light and when the switch is in an open position the light source does emit light. Additionally, an override switch may be incorporated in the cooler device whereby a light source may be prevented from emitting light during a period of time, such as the daytime. Any one or more switches incorporated in the cooler device for any light source may be located in either the interior of the cooler device, the exterior of the cooler device, or switches may be located in both the interior and exterior of the cooler device. The location of a switch may be positioned anywhere on the cooler device that either ergonomically or esthetically satisfactory to a user.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source may offer a timed sequence, such as a timed sequence that incorporates a light show effect. Additionally, a timed sequence may be applied whereby a light source will only emit light for a period of time that is proscribed by the timed-light sequence. This has the advantage of ensuring that the light source cannot be left on inadvertently by a user which may create unnecessary drain upon the power source powering the light source.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more cup holders 24 may be formed in the lid of the cooler device. Such cup holders may be illuminated by a light source. This light source may have its own light source activation means, or may be liked to either the internal illumination or external illumination. Lighted cup holders have the advantage of facilitating ease of locating the cup holders in low light conditions or darkness.

In embodiments of the present invention, the light source may be powered by a power source that is either internal to the cooler device or external to the cooler device. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the cooler device may include a electrical cord 42 which may be connected to an source of electricity. Alternatively, the cooler device may be powered by batteries, such as alkaline batteries. Still another option is that the cooler device may include a rechargeable battery pack. Such a battery pack may be charged by one or more of the following: an A/C adapter, a D/C adapter; a solar panel.

As shown in FIG. 2, a solar panel 20 may be incorporated into an external wall of the cooler device, such as the lid of the cooler device. The solar panel may be operable to charge the rechargeable battery pack. As described above the solar panel may be the primary source of power for the rechargeable battery pack, or may be used in conjunction with other power sources.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a storage area may be incorporated into the lid of the cooler device wherein either A/C and/or D/C interchangeable wires may be positioned. In another embodiment of the present invention, a removable casing may provide access to the rechargeable battery pack or other power source.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the rechargeable battery pack may also be used to power additional features of the cooler device, as well as the light source. For example, the rechargeable battery pack may provide power to provide cooling of the interior of the cooler device. Alternatively, the rechargeable battery pack may provide power to provide heating of the interior of the cooler device. A skilled reader will recognize other features of the cooling device that may utilize a power source.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the rechargeable battery pack may be located anywhere on the cooler that is ergonomically and/or esthetically satisfactory. A storage compartment on the cooler may be incorporated to accommodate the A/C and/or D/C interchangeable connections for charging the battery located anywhere on the cooler that is ergonomically and/or esthetically satisfactory.

As shown in FIG. 4, one or more table portions 44 may be incorporated in the cooler device. Such table portions 44 may be foldable so that a table portion may be positioned virtually parallel with an exterior wall of the cooler device when the table portion is not extended. When extended, a table portion 44 may lock in place, so as to provide a secure surface. Many locking means may be applied to the present invention. For example, such as a foldable arm 42 located below the table portion that may lock into place and hold the table portion in an extended position. In another embodiment of the present invention locking arms may be provided on both sides of the tabletop portion to hold it in place. A skilled reader will recognize that many locking means may be incorporated in the cooler device and that these may be either ergonomically and/or esthetically satisfactory to the user.

In one embodiment of the present invention a table portion may be in an extended position virtually level with the top of the lid of the cooler device. In this manner the table portion may provide a level surface that is incorporated with the lid of the cooler device.

As shown in FIG. 5, one or more tabletops 50 may be incorporated in a table portion 44. Such tabletops may be positioned so as to be slideable. The tabletops may be virtually parallel with a table portion when the tabletop is not extended. After sliding the tabletop to an extended position the tabletop may lock into place so as to provide a virtually constant level surface with the table portion when a tabletop is locked into place.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, tabletops may be extended to fill the gap between table portions to produce a continuous working surface that integrates the cooler device and two or more table portions and at least one tabletop.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the one or more table portions may be positioned just below the external illumination, so one or more of the table portions may be illuminated by the light source of the external illumination.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the lid of the cooler device may be lifted and illumination may be provided to one or more table portions by the light source of the internal illumination.

As shown in FIG. 6, legs 60 may be incorporated in the cooler device. Legs may extend from the base of the cooler device. Such legs may be incorporated to give height to the cooler. A skilled reader will recognize the many advantages that legs may provide, for example, such as enabling a person to sit in a chair and have the cooler beside them at a height that they may reach into the interior of the cooler device without straining from their sitting position. Another example is that the legs may cause the cooler device to be positioned such a person standing or sitting may use the cooler device as a tabletop comfortably.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one or more legs may be connected to each other, for example, such as by one or more connecting bars 62. A skilled reader will recognize that legs may be incorporated in the cooler device in an individual or co-joined manner, and that there may be one or more legs incorporated in the present invention.

The legs incorporated in the cooler may be extendable by a variety of means, for example, such as foldably, slideably, or telescopically. Legs may be extendable to a single length or to variable lengths. The means of extending and retracting legs may be of many means, for example, such as a button or lever that enables the legs to extend and lock in an extended position and to retract and lock in a retracted position. As shown in

FIG. 6, such a button 64 may be positioned on a handle of the cooler device. Once the legs are in an extended and locked in position the cooler device may be positioned at a distance off the ground. In one embodiment of the present invention legs may be spring loaded, enabling an individual person to extend the legs from the cooler. A skilled reader will recognize that other means may be applied to extend and retract the legs.

In one embodiment of the present invention, to give the cooler stability when the legs are extended spring loaded horizontal stabilizing bars may be applied to spread the legs apart to give the cooler stability. With springs inside the legs to spread them apart it allows the legs to move in and out of the cooler easily and giving the cooler stability will in the standing position.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that other variations of the embodiments described herein may also be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention. Other modifications are therefore possible.

Claims

1. A lighted cooler device comprising;

(a) a cooler device that provides portable storage, said cooler device incorporating a lid that is moveable between an open and a closed position in relation to a container portion wherein items are storable;
(b) one or more power sources connectable to the cooler device and operable to provide power to the cooler device; and
(c) one or more light sources positioned in the cooler device, said one or more light sources being operable by at least one switch mechanism to emit light;
whereby the light source positioned in the cooler device emits light.

2. The lighted cooler device of claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources:

(a) emit light to illuminate the interior of the cooler device;
(b) emit light externally to the cooler; or
(c) emit light to illuminate the interior of the cooler device and emit light externally to the cooler.

3. The lighted cooler device of claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources are operable to generate and emit light at least one of the following types of light:

(a) bright light;
(b) durable light;
(c) light emitted requiring minimal energy; or
(d) coloured light that includes one colour or an array of colours.

4. The lighted cooler device of claim 1, wherein the at least one switch mechanism is operable by the activity of opening or closing the lid of the cooler device.

5. The lighted cooler device of claim 1, further comprising an override mechanism operable to prevent emission of light, such as during a period of time.

6. The lighted cooler device of claim 1, further comprising one or more light sources operable in a timed sequence.

7. The lighted cooler device of claim 1, wherein the one or more power sources include a rechargeable battery pack and a solar panel.

8. The lighted cooler device of claim 7, wherein the solar panel is attachable to the cooler device.

9. The lighted cooler device of claim 1, wherein the cooler device is formed of water proof and durable materials that are light weight.

10. The lighted cooler of claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following:

(a) an exterior handle, said exterior handle being extendable to varying lengths and being lockable at specific lengths to provide an handle length that facilitates ease of use of the exterior handle by a user;
(b) one or more wheels; or
(c) one or more wheels and an exterior handle extendable to varying lengths that is lockable at specific lengths to provide an handle length that facilitates ease of use of the exterior handle by a user, whereby a user may cause the cooler device to move upon the one or more wheels.

11. The lighted cooler of claim 1, wherein the lid creates a secure seal with the container portion when in a closed position thereby retaining a cool environment in the interior of the cooling device and achieving minimum leakage.

12. The lighted cooler of claim 1, further comprising a cooler means attachable to at least one of the one or more power sources, said cooler means being operable to cool the interior of the cooling device.

13. The lighted cooler of claim 1, further comprising cup holders positioned in the cooler device whereby the one or more light sources are operable to illuminate the cup holders.

14. A lighted cooler device comprising;

(a) a cooler device that provides portable storage, said cooler device incorporating a lid that is moveable between an open and a closed position in relation to a container portion wherein items are storable;
(b) one or more power sources connectable to the cooler device and operable to provide power to the cooler device; and
(c) one or more light sources positioned in the cooler device being operable by at least one switch mechanism to emit light; and
(d) one or more table portions extending from one or more outer surfaces of the cooler device;
whereby at least one of the one or more light sources is operable to emit light to at least one of the one or more table portions.

15. The lighted cooler device of claim 14, wherein the one or more table portions are extendable from the cooler device to create a table surface incorporating the lid of the cooler device and said table portions are lockable into an extended position.

16. The lighted cooler device of claim 14, wherein the one or more table portions are extendable from the cooler device below one or more of the one or more light sources, whereby at least one of the one or more light sources illuminates at least one of the one or more table portions and a user may utilize the at least one or more table portions illuminated by the one or more light sources as a lit work area.

17. The lighted cooler device of claim 14, wherein the lid of the cooler device is moveable to an open or closed position without encumbrance by any of the one or more table portions.

18. The lighted cooler device of claim 14, further comprising one or more sliding tabletops being slideable to connect the one or more table portions by filling one or more gaps between the one or more table portions.

19. The lighted cooler device of claim 14, further comprising one or more extendable legs attached to the base of the cooler device, whereby the cooler device may be supported above ground level when the one or more extendable legs are extended from the cooler device.

20. The lighted cooler device of claim 19, further comprising at least two extendable legs, each extendable legs being extendable to varying lengths, whereby the cooler device may be supported in a level position.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100212344
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 24, 2010
Publication Date: Aug 26, 2010
Inventor: Michael Mattucci (Lakefield RR1)
Application Number: 12/711,543
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Illuminating Or Radiant Energy Means (62/264); Picnic/lunch Box Type Cooler (62/457.7)
International Classification: F25D 27/00 (20060101); F25D 3/00 (20060101);