Portable Cooler

Abstract

The portable cooler is a portable refrigeration system for selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a beer keg, for example. The portable cooler includes a housing that defines an open interior region for removably receiving the keg. A door is pivotally mounted to the housing, providing the user with selective access to the open interior region. A refrigeration device is mounted within the housing, adjacent the container, and may be powered by an external power supply or by rechargeable batteries, also received within the housing. Wheels are pivotally mounted to a lower end of the housing, and a handle is mounted to an upper end of the housing, allowing the user to selectively transport the housing and keg.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,333 (filed Jul. 3, 2007) entitled “Portable Cooler” and its contents are incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,333 claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/818,518 (filed Jul. 6, 2006).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present application relates to a portable cooler, which is a portable refrigeration system for selectively and adjustably cooling and transporting a removable container, such as a beer keg, for example.

2. Background

Large beverage containers, such as beer kegs and the like, require either large-scale or specially adapted refrigeration units. Such units are typically mounted within bars or restaurants, such that the container may be placed in the refrigeration unit and tapped to dispense the cooled beverage to the patrons. Such refrigeration units, however, are typically permanently mounted within the bar or counter of the bar or restaurant, thus allowing for efficient cooling of the beverage to take place only in the bar or restaurant.

Users may desire to cool a beverage container, such as the exemplary beer keg, in a remote location, and not a bar, restaurant or other food and drink service establishment. Though a beer keg or the like may be mounted on a dolly or other transportation device to transport the keg to the remote location, the specialized refrigeration unit cannot be transported along with the container because it is heavy and difficult to maneuver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The portable cooler is a portable refrigeration system for selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a beer keg or a carbonated beverage system, for example. The portable cooler includes a housing, which defines an open interior region therein for removably receiving the container. The housing can be made of any suitable material, including plastic, steel, aluminum or the like, and may be insulated to prevent refrigeration loss from or heat transfer into the interior region. An opening is formed through a front face of the housing, and a door or pair of doors is pivotally mounted to the housing, providing the user with selective access to the open interior region. The door or doors selectively covers and seals the opening formed through the front face of the housing, and may include latches or the like, for selectively and releasably locking the door to the housing. Further, a door handle may be mounted to the door, providing the user with a gripping device for easily opening and closing the door. In one embodiment, the housing includes an open upper portion, allowing the keg, or other container, to project upwardly therethrough.

A refrigeration device is mounted within the housing, adjacent the container, and may be powered by an external power supply or by rechargeable batteries, also received within the housing. In certain embodiments, the cooler includes means for is electrically connecting the refrigeration device to a motor vehicle cigarette lighter. In other embodiments, the refrigeration device can be electrically connected through a suitable means to a solar power unit which may contain a solar cell or photovoltaic panel and a power storage block.

In one aspect of this application, the refrigeration device is a compact unit scaled to cool the beverage container. The refrigeration device may include refrigeration coils, a compressor and other conventional refrigeration elements. A control panel may be mounted on the housing, with the control panel being in communication with the refrigeration device, allowing the user to selectively and adjustably control the temperature within the housing.

A plurality of wheels are pivotally mounted to a lower end of the housing, and a handle is mounted to an upper end of the housing, allowing the user to selectively transport the housing and container in a controlled manner. The handle is preferably retractable within the housing. In certain embodiments, a second, optionally retractable handle is mounted to a lower end of the housing to facilitate lifting the portable cooler using two hands or by two persons. In one aspect of this application, the first and second handles are mounted to the rear of the housing. Further, a support stand may be pivotally mounted to a rear face of the housing, allowing the housing to be supported at an angle with respect to a support surface, such as the floor or the ground.

These and other features of this application will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a portable cooler according to the present application.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the portable cooler according to the present application.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable cooler according to the present application.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the portable cooler according to the present application.

FIG. 5 is a side, partial cut-away view of the portable cooler according to the present application.

FIG. 6 is an environmental, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the portable cooler according to the present application.

FIGS. 7A-D show various views of an alternative embodiment a portable cooler according to the present application. FIG. 7A is a front view of the alternative embodiment the portable cooler. FIG. 7B is a top view of the portable cooler viewed from the front. FIG. 7C is a side view of the alternative embodiment the portable cooler. FIG. 7D is a rear view of the alternative embodiment the portable cooler.

FIGS. 8A-E show various views of an alternative embodiment of a portable cooler according to the present application. FIG. 8A is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the portable cooler with a removable keg tap provided thereto. FIG. 8B is the portable cooler of FIG. 8A with the removable keg tap disassembled therefrom. FIG. 8C is a top view of the portable cooler of FIG. 8B. FIG. 8D is the portable cooler of FIG. 8C with a plug provided thereto for replacing the removable keg tap. FIG. 8E is a front view of the portable cooler of FIG. 8D with its doors ajar exposing shelving installed therein.

FIGS. 9 and 9A are respectively a front and top view of an alternative embodiment of a portable cooler according to the present application.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present application discloses a portable cooler 10. The portable cooler 10 maybe a portable refrigeration system for selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a beer keg, for example. It should be understood that the portable cooler 10 may be utilized for the cooling and transportation of any container received therein, and that the beer keg 26, illustrated in FIG. 1, and the carbonated beverage system illustrated in FIG. 6 are for exemplary purposes only. Further, the portable cooler 10 may be sized, contoured and constructed from materials dependent upon the needs and desires of the user, and further dependent upon the size, contour and nature of container being stored and transported within cooler 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the portable cooler 10 may include a housing 14 that defines an open interior region 16 therein, for removably receiving the keg 26, carbonated beverage system 60, or any other suitable container. In one embodiment, housing 14 suitably has a substantially cylindrical contour, however, as described above, housing 14 may be sized, contoured and constructed from suitable materials dependent upon the needs and desires of the user.

In one aspect of the disclosed embodiment, housing 14 is constructed from steel, particularly stainless steel. In another aspect of the disclosed embodiment, housing 14 is constructed from aluminium, any other suitable metal, mixtures or alloys thereof. The metal may be anodized, galvanized, coated or treated in a manner suitable to protect the surfaces thereof. In certain embodiments, housing 14 may have a single wall construction. In other embodiments, double or triple wall construction may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the present application further contemplates that housing 14 may be insulated, such as by wrapping, coating or encasing it in an insulating material 11, as shown in FIG. 6. The insulating material can be any material suitable for preventing heat transfer to the housing and/or preventing refrigeration loss. Suitable insulating materials according to the present disclosure include but are not limited to urethanes, polystyrenes, polyesters, epoxies, and natural or synthetic rubbers, which may for example, be foamed, expanded or extruded.

In certain embodiments, housing 14 comprises plastic. The entire housing 14 may be made of plastic or similar material, for example in a molded, extruded or fabricated form. In other embodiments, housing 14 may comprise multiple layers, such as an inner layer of steel or other metal, with or without an insulating layer, which is encased or coated in plastic, rubber or other resilient material. According to certain non-limiting aspects of this embodiment, the coating may serve the purpose of protecting or enclosing the inner and/or insulating layers. In other aspects the coating can be decorative and/or provide a surface on which brand information and/or instructions can be applied. Furthermore, the outer layer, where used, may be textured to provide slip resistance to facilitate handling.

As shown, the housing 14 may have an open upper portion, allowing the keg 26 or other container to project upwardly therethrough when the keg 26 is received within the housing 14. Alternatively, housing 14 may include a closed upper portion 28, allowing for complete coverage of the keg 26. The contouring and configuration of the housing 14 are dependent upon the needs and desires of the user. This skilled artisan will appreciate that the size of any opening in housing 14 may be adapted as required to accommodate the keg 26, carbonated beverage system 60, other container or any fittings thereon. In certain embodiments, the housing may be fitted with a tap 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, nozzle, dispensing gun or other device for connecting to the keg 26, carbonated beverage system 70 or other container to conveniently dispense a beverage contained therein. In certain other embodiments, the housing 14 may be externally configured to removably receive a tap 70 or a plug 21 and correspondingly internally configured to removably receive a keg 26 or shelving 22 as discussed in greater detail below.

An opening may suitably be formed through a front face of the housing 14, providing access to the open interior region 16, and a door 18 may preferably be pivotally mounted to the housing 14. Door 18 is preferably secured to housing 14 by hinges 20, or by any other suitable means for pivotal attachment. Door 18 provides the user with selective access to the open interior region 16. The door 18 selectively covers and seals the opening formed through the front face of the housing 14, and may include latches 28 or the like, for selectively and releasably locking the door 18 to the housing 14. In certain embodiments (best depicted in FIGS. 7A through 9), a set of double doors 19 may be used in place of a single door, each independently hinged and independently operable. The present application contemplates that double doors 19 may allow partial access to the keg 26, carbonated beverage system 60 or other container, while minimizing exposure to the exterior environment.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the Figures, latches 28 engage corresponding recesses 30, formed in the outer surface of housing 14, however, it should be understood that any suitable means for releasably securing and locking door 18 may be utilized. As shown, an annular thermal seal 15 may be secured to the upper edges of both the door 18 and the housing 14. Annular seal 15 may be formed from rubber or any other suitable flexible and thermally insulative material. Seal 15 further acts to support and secure keg 26, when the keg 26 is received within housing 14.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a door handle 40 may be mounted to the door 18, providing the user with a gripping device for easily opening and closing the door 18. Further, a control panel 42 may be mounted to door 18, as shown, providing the user with selective control over the temperature and operation of the refrigeration system (to be described in greater detail below). Control panel 42 may alternatively be mounted to any suitable portion of housing 14.

As shown in FIG. 5, a refrigeration system is suitably mounted within the housing 14, adjacent the keg 26, for selective and controlled cooling thereof. The refrigeration system may be powered by an external power source, such as a standard household AC electrical source, via power cord 22 (shown in FIG. 1), or may alternately be powered by batteries 50, which may be rechargeable, also received within the housing 14. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system may be adapted to run on a gasoline, diesel or other engine, such as a portable generator or a motor vehicle engine. Conveniently, power cord 22 may be adapted to include a plug 21 that is sized and shaped to be received in a cigarette lighter receptacle or trailer hitch receptacle of the motor vehicle to electrically connect the refrigeration system to a power source of the motor vehicle via the cigarette lighter receptacle or trailer hitch receptacle as respectively shown in the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9.

In yet another embodiment of the portable cooler 10, the refrigeration system is electrically connected to a solar power unit, which may be a portable solar powered unit. The solar power unit will typically comprise at least one solar cell or photovoltaic panel which receives light from an external source such as the sun. The electrical power generated by the one or more solar cells is provided to a power storage block, which may include one or more batteries or other power storage device(s). A controller and/or inverter block may be coupled to the power storage block. The controller and/or inverter block may include an inverter to convert the power received from the power storage block to an appropriate power signal for the refrigeration unit. Optionally, the photovoltaic units may be selectively positionable at a plurality of angles in order to optimally receive sunlight. In one embodiment, the solar powered unit or photovoltaic panel thereof, is adapted for mounting on the roof of a motor vehicle. According to this embodiment, the positioning of the photovoltaic panels may be optionally adjustable by any suitable means, such as mechanical, hydraulic, electronic or the like. In another aspect of this embodiment, the photovoltaic panels are mounted in a fixed position, but can be positioned to receive sunlight by manually moving the photovoltaic unit itself or, e.g., moving the motor vehicle upon which the photovoltaic panels are mounted.

The refrigeration system may be a conventional refrigeration system, including one or more refrigeration coils 52 in communication with a compressor motor 54, or the like. As used herein, terms “refrigeration system” and “refrigeration device” are interchangeable. It should be understood that refrigeration coils 52 and compressor motor 54 are shown for exemplary purposes only, and that any suitable user-controllable and actuatable refrigeration system may be utilized. In certain embodiments, the refrigeration system is a compact and/or lightweight unit suitably sized to fit within or about the housing 14, including but not limited to high efficiency refrigeration systems. Optionally, one or more components of the refrigeration system (e.g., the refrigeration coils 52) may be mounted on the exterior of the cooler. As noted above, control panel 42 is mounted on the housing 14, with the control panel 42 being in communication with the refrigeration system, allowing the user to selectively and adjustably control the temperature within the housing 14.

A plurality of wheels 24 are pivotally mounted to a lower end of the housing 14, allowing the housing 14 to be transported to any desired location. Though shown as having two such wheels 24 in the Figures, it should be understood that this is for exemplary purposes only, and any desired number of wheels may be pivotally mounted to the lower end of housing 14. Additionally, a handle 12 is mounted to an upper end of the housing 14, providing the user with a grip for the transport of the housing 14 and container 26 in a controlled manner. The handle 12 is preferably retractable within the housing 14, and is positioned in the vertical direction (as indicated by the directional arrow in FIG. 5). As best shown in FIG. 2, handle 12 preferably includes a pair of side supports 36, and a central gripping member 34. In certain embodiments, a second, optionally retractable handle is mounted to a lower end of the housing to facilitate lifting the portable cooler using two hands or by two persons. In one aspect of the application, the first and second handles are mounted to the rear of the housing. In certain embodiments, the lower handle may also serve as a foot-actuated titling device for titling the cooler 10 relative to the support surface during transport. The skilled artisan will appreciate that certain embodiments of the cooler may more easily wheeled in a tilted position similar to the operation of a hand truck. In certain other embodiments, the cooler may have a separate foot-actuated titling means attached to the lower portion of the cooler 10, such as on the rear face or bottom of the housing 14, below handle 12 and positioned at a height suitable for titling the cooler using foot action while grasping handle 12.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a support stand 44 may be pivotally mounted to a rear face of the housing 14, allowing the housing 14 to be supported at an angle with respect to a support surface, such as the floor or the ground. Support stand 44 may include a pair of side support members 46 that support a crossbar 48. A proximal end of each side support member 46 can be pivotally joined to the rear face of housing 14, by hinges or the like, with the distal ends of side support members 46 being secured to opposite ends of crossbar 48. Additionally, a pair of upper supports 13 may be mounted to the rear face of housing 14, allowing the cooler 10 to be positioned horizontally on a support surface, such as the ground or floor. Supports 13 cooperate with support stand 44 which, in its deployed position, allows for either the horizontal or angled positioning of the cooler 10 with respect to the horizontal. Alternatively, wheels 24 may be positioned towards the rear of housing 14, allowing supports 13 to act cooperatively with the wheels 24 for the horizontal positioning of the cooler 10.

In use, the user releases latches 28 and opens door 18 or doors 19 to provide access to the open interior region 16. A keg 26 or other suitable container is received within the open interior region 16 and the user closes door 18 and re-secures latches 28, to secure the keg 26 within housing 14. Housing 14 may be formed, at least partially, from a thermally insulating material. The user may input a desired temperature or other operational parameters into control panel 42, for the controlled and selective actuation of the refrigeration system.

The user may further deploy handle 12 and, used in combination with wheels 24, transport the housing 14 and keg 26 to a desired location. Support stand 44 may further be deployed if the user wishes to support the housing 14 at an angle with respect to the support surface. The handle 12 and support stand 44 may both be selectively retracted for storage of the portable cooler 10.

In one embodiment of the present application, the portable cooler 10 may be adapted for carbonated drink dispensing. According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, interior region 16 is sized to receive the components of a carbonated beverage system 60, such as a soft drink mixing and/or dispensing system. The system may comprise one or more of a pressurized CO.sub.2 cylinder 62, a carbonating vessel 64, syrup reservoir 66, and dispensing port 61, which may be connected through a series of tubes 68. Flow through the system may be delivered via one or more in-line mechanical pumps. Optionally, the system may include a trigger-operated delivery gun, which may be adapted to dispense one of several available beverage flavors from a plurality of syrup reservoirs. In certain aspects of the present application, the CO.sub.2 cylinder component of the carbonated beverage system may be located on the exterior of housing 14 in a compartment 72 adapted to removably receive and secure the cylinder. According to this embodiment, communication between the CO.sub.2 cylinder and the interior of the compartment may provided by an opening in the housing 14.

FIGS. 8A through 8E discloses another preferred embodiment of the portable cooler 10. More specifically, FIGS. 8A through 8E depict a portable cooler 10 with a removable tap and/or that is transformable between a portable cooler 10 for refrigerating large containers (e.g., a beer keg 26) to a portable cooler 10 with shelving 22 for refrigerating small containers.

As best seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the housing 14 may be adapted to removably receive a tap 70 at an upper surface thereof. Suitably, the referenced adaptation may be an aperture whereby the tap may be provided therethrough to a keg 26 provided to the inner region of the housing in a manner disclosed above in connection with the earlier figures. Preferably, the aperture and the removable keg tap 70 are provided with cooperating threads whereby the aperture and tap 70 screw together or, alternatively, the keg tap 70 features threads whereby it may be inserted into the aperture so that a nut may be applied to the distal end of the keg tap 70 as it projects into the interior of the housing 14. Subject thereto, other suitable means are known for removably securing a keg tap 70 to a housing 14. Referring now to FIGS. 8B through 8D, a plug 21 may be removably provided to the aperture instead of the keg tap 70. With either the plug 21 or the keg tap 70 installed, the portable cooler 10 may generally operate as disclosed above in connection with the earlier figures (see discussion of FIGS. 1 through 6 for operation of the portable cooler 10 without the tap 70 installed and FIGS. 7A through 7F for operation of the portable cooler 10 with the tap 70 installed).

As best seen in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8E, a portable cooler 10 for cooling and dispensing beverages (i.e., FIG. 8A) may be transformed into a portable cooler 10 including shelving 22 for general item refrigeration. Said transformation may be accomplished via: (1) replacing the keg tap 70 with a plug 21 in the manner disclosed above; and (2) opening the doors 19 and installing shelving 22 along the ledges 23. The ledges 23 may be a plurality of elbowed structures with one side provided to the internal surface of the housing 14 whereby the other side projects a ledge within the interior of the housing. Alternatively the ledges 23 may be molded or pressed unitarily with the housing 14. Other preferable methods for providing a ledge to the inside of the housing will be known by those of skill in the art. It should be noted that the ledges 23 should be installed whereby large containers (e.g., beer kegs or beverage systems) may be unobstructedly provided to the interior of the housing 14 whenever the shelving 22 is uninstalled.

FIGS. 9 and 9A disclose yet another preferred embodiment of the present application. More specifically, FIGS. 9 and 9A depict a portable cooler 10 with a housing 14 having an upper surface comprising or composing a bar 200. Suitably, the housing further comprises or composes a trailer 210. As disclosed in connection with the earlier embodiments, the housing 14 of the portable cooler 10 may be provided with wheels 24 at its lower end (i.e., the trailer 210) and, in the present embodiment, the wheels 24 may be mechanically connected to the lower portion of the housing 14 or trailer 210. As further seen in the figures, the portable cooler of the present embodiment may further feature at least one chair or stool whereby persons may sit and be served at the bar 200 comprised of, or composed of, the housing 14. It should be noted that the shape and surface area of the bar 200 may vary without departing from the spirit and intent of the disclosure. The cart may be transported via the trailer and wheels in any manner known to one of skill in the art. For example, the trailer may be manually pulled in the manner of a hand cart, hitched to a horse or other animal and pulled in the manner of a buggy, or hitched to an automobile and transported in the manner of a trailer. A preferable embodiment also features electrical trailer components whereby the refrigeration unit of the portable cooler may be coupled to the electronic system of an automobile via the trailer hitch receptacle. Although the present embodiment features the portable cooler 10 as a trailer, the portable cooler 10 may suitably operate in the manner disclosed above in connection with FIGS. 1 through 8E. Additionally, the battery used to power the portable cooler 10, whether alone or in conjunction with another electrical system, may further be used to power additional electronic components at the bar including, but not limited to: blenders, microwaves, televisions, radios, video games, and the like.

It should be noted that FIGS. 1 through 9A and the associated description are of illustrative importance only. In other words, the depiction and descriptions of the presently disclosed embodiments should not be construed as limiting of the subject matter in this application.

Claims

1. A portable cooler comprising:

a housing with an opening to an interior region adapted for removably receiving a removable container therein;

an electrically powered refrigeration device for selectively and adjustably cooling a container received within the interior region; and

a rechargeable battery adapted to power the refrigeration device.

2. The portable cooler of claim 1 wherein the interior region is further adapted for removably receiving shelving.

3. The portable cooler of claim 2 wherein the housing features an aperture adapted to removably receive a plug or a keg tap.

4. The portable cooler of claim 3 wherein the upper surface of the housing includes a bar.

5. The portable cooler of claim 4 wherein the housing features at least one seat for positioning a person at the level of the bar.

6. The portable cooler of claim 1 further comprising a door for selectively sealing and covering the opening.

7. The portable cooler of claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel so that the cooler and any received containers may be selectively and guidedly transported via the wheel(s).

8. (canceled)

9. A transformable cooler comprising:

a housing with an opening to an interior region adapted for removably receiving large containers, the interior region further adapted for removably receiving shelving to support small containers received within the interior region;

a door for selectively sealing and covering the opening;

an electrically powered refrigeration device for selectively and adjustably cooling container(s) received within the interior region;

an aperture at the top of the housing adapted to removably receive a keg tap or a plug;

a rechargeable battery adapted to power the refrigeration device.

10. The cooler of claim 9 9 further comprising a power adapter, wherein the power adapter is configured to electrically power an external device.

11. The portable cooler of claim further comprising at least one wheel so that the cooler and any received containers may be selectively and guidedly transported via the wheel(s).

12. The portable cooler of claim 11 adapted to be transported along the wheel(s) via the force of an automobile.

13. A portable cooler comprising:

a housing with an opening to an interior region adapted for removably receiving a removable container therein, and wherein the upper surface of the housing includes a bar;

a door for selectively sealing and covering at least a portion of the opening;

an electrically powered refrigeration device for selectively and adjustably cooling a container received within the interior region;

at least one wheel so that the cooler and any received containers may be selectively and guidedly transported via the wheel(s); and

a rechargeable battery adapted to power the refrigeration device.

14. The portable cooler of claim 13 wherein the interior region is further adapted for removably receiving shelving.

15. The portable cooler of claim 14 wherein the housing features an aperture adapted to removably receive a plug or a keg tap.

16. (canceled)

17. The portable cooler of claim 13 adapted to be transported along the wheel(s) via the force of an automobile.

18. The portable cooler of claim 17 wherein said rechargeable battery may be electronically connected to the electronic system of the automobile via the trailer hitch receptacle.

19. The portable cooler of claim 13 adapted to be transported along the wheels in the manner of a hand cart.

20. The portable cooler of claim 17 wherein said rechargeable battery may be electronically connected to a solar panel on said bar.

21. The portable cooler of claim 17 further comprising a second door, wherein the second door is configured to selectively seal and cover at least a second portion of the opening, wherein the second portion of the opening is different that the portion of the opening sealed and covered by the door.

22. The portable cooler of claim 11 wherein the external device includes one of:

a blender;

a microwave;

a television;

a radio; or

a video game.