PORTABLE COOLER CONTAINER WITH SHELF ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A portable cooler container that includes a thermally insulated cooler base and a shelf upon which objects may rest externally of the cooler without interfering with opening and closing of the cooler. The shelf may be stationary or movable between stowed and extended positions with respect to the cooler container. The shelf may also be adjustable so as to adjust its angle relative to a ground surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/018,819 filed Jun. 30, 2014 entitled “Cooler Caddy,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a portable cooler container with a shelf upon which objects may rest externally of the cooler without interfering with opening and closing of the cooler lid/door. There is a natural tendency to place foodstuffs, beverages and other objects atop an upwardly opening lid of a cooler container for easy access and to prevent such objects from touching the ground where they might become soiled and fall prey to insects and other pests. However, when placed on the cooler lid such objects interfere with access to the cooler. Thus, they have to be removed from the top of the cooler before one can gain access to the interior of the cooler to fetch food and beverages from the cooler.

Further, the present invention relates e.g., to the field of coolers and more specifically relates to a line of portable ice chests with an incorporated shelf/cutting board on the side of the unit to provide outdoor enthusiasts with a more convenient alternative to standard food and beverage coolers that permits non-cumbersome storage and work space. The foregoing eliminates the use of the cooler lid for storage and work space, giving the user easy access to opening the cooler lid without having to remove anything from it.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first preferred embodiment the present invention provides a portable cooler container comprising a thermally insulated cooler base including a bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, a rear wall extending from the bottom wall, a first front wall extending from the bottom wall, a top wall extending from the first front wall, and a second front wall extending from the top wall forming an opening with the side walls and the rear wall. The cooler container further includes a lid connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for covering the opening.

In accordance with a second preferred embodiment the present invention provides a portable cooler container and shelf assembly comprising a thermally insulated cooler base having an interior space for retaining food and beverage items, a lid connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for enclosing the interior space, and a shelf assembly. The shelf assembly includes a shelf connectable to the thermally insulated cooler base and movable between an extended position and a stowed position, a hinge connected to an upper portion of the thermally insulated cooler base connecting a proximal end of the shelf to the thermally insulated cooler base, and an extendable bracket e.g., a foldable knee bracket, connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for supporting the shelf in the extended position.

In accordance with a third preferred embodiment the present invention provides a portable cooler container and shelf assembly comprising a thermally insulated cooler base having an interior space for retaining food and beverage items and a retractable handle assembly mounted to an exterior of the thermally insulated cooler base. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly further includes a shelf movable between a stowed position and a use position. The shelf includes a planar body having a detent for releasably mounting to the retractable handle in the use position. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly additionally includes a lid connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for enclosing the interior space. The lid includes a recess for receiving the shelf in the stowed position and a receiving detent for releasably securing the shelf within the recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable cooler container in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portable cooler container of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a partial perspective of a portable cooler container of FIG. 1 in accordance with another alternate aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable cooler container and shelf assembly in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention with a shelf in an extended operative position;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a portable cooler container and shelf assembly of FIG. 2 in accordance with an alternate aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable cooler container and shelf assembly of FIG. 2 with the shelf thereof in a stowed inoperative position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable cooler container and shelf assembly in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention with a shelf thereof in a stowed inoperative position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view of the portable cooler container and shelf assembly of FIG. 4 with the shelf thereof in an extended operative position;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portable cooler container and shelf assembly taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic front elevation view of the portable cooler container of FIG. 4 with the shelf in a stowed inoperative position within an undersurface of the cooler container lid;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable cooler container and shelf assembly in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a mounding bracket of the portable cooler container and shelf assembly of FIGS. 8; and

FIG. 9A is a side view of an adjustment member of the portable cooler container and shelf assembly of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. The term “proximal” shall mean towards the center of the cooler. The term “distal” shall mean away from the center of the cooler. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner not explicitly set forth.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the identified element and designated parts thereof. Additionally, the term “a,” as used in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a portable cooler container 10 as configured in FIG. 1 and includes a thermally insulated cooler base 12. The cooler base includes a bottom wall 14 and side walls 16, 18 extending from the bottom wall. Similarly, a rear wall 20 and a first front wall 22 each extend from the bottom wall. A top wall 24 extends rearwardly from the first front wall, and a second front wall 26 extends upwardly from the top wall forming an opening 28 with the side walls and the rear wall. The top wall 24 extends between the side walls 16, 18 and rearwardly from the first front wall 22 substantially parallel to the bottom wall 14. The second front wall 26 is positioned above and rearwardly of the first front wall 22.

The bottom wall is preferably rectangular in shape, but can alternatively be configured as any other suitable shape e.g., square, round, octagon, trapezoidal and the like. When the bottom wall is configured to have a shape other than a square or rectangular shape, e.g., round, octagonal or trapezoidal, the other walls of the cooler base are correspondingly configured to form the cooler base. However, in each configuration, the cooler base is configured with an opening formed by the walls which is to be covered by an openable lid, and a top wall similar to top wall 24 that is substantially parallel with the bottom wall.

As shown in FIG. 1, the side walls 16, 18, rear wall 20 and first front wall 22 each extend perpendicularly from the bottom wall 14. Moreover, the top wall 24 extends transverse to the first front wall and the side walls. The top wall 24 serves as a shelf that a user can use to place items on while leaving a lid 30 free of items such that the lid can be opened and closed without interference from items placed on top thereof. The second front wall 26 extends perpendicularly from the bottom wall 14.

The portable cooler container further includes lid 30 connected to the thermally insulated cooler base 12 for covering the opening 28. The lid is preferably attached to the cooler base along its rear wall. Moreover, the lid is positioned rearwardly of the top wall 24 and rearwardly of the first front wall 22. That is, the entire lid is spaced from the first front wall.

The side walls 16, 18, rear wall 20 and first front wall 22 circumscribe the bottom wall and define a first interior volume of the cooler. A second interior volume is defined by the side walls and rear wall in combination with the second front wall 26. The second interior volume is smaller than the first interior volume and, collectively, the first and second interior volumes combine to form the overall interior volume of the cooler base.

In accordance with an aspect of the present embodiment, the portable cooler container 10 further includes a shelf 32 mounted to the top wall 24 which projects from the second front wall 26. The shelf can be used as a storage space or work space, such as a cutting board. The shelf 32 can optionally include an upwardly directed lip 34 extending along a perimeter of the shelf for preventing foodstuffs, beverages and other objects from falling or sliding from the shelf.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, a shelf 32′ can be adjustably mounted to the top wall 24. For example, the shelf 32′ can be pivotably mounted to the second front wall 26 and be configured with an adjustment member 36 about a front end of the shelf 32′ to adjust a level of the shelf relative to a ground surface. Thus, if the portable cooler container 10 is placed on a ground surface that is not completely horizontal, the shelf 32′ can be adjusted to a level that is more horizontal or completely horizontal via the adjustment member 36.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in accordance with a yet further aspect of the present embodiment, the top wall 24 can be completely omitted and the portable cooler container can be configured with the shelf 32′ described above. The shelf 32′ can also be configured as a secondary lid for covering a second opening 28′ of the cooler base defined by the side walls 16, 18, first front wall 22 and rear wall 20. This way, the secondary lid allows additional access to the portable cooler container including the space directly below the secondary lid.

According to a second preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the present invention provides a portable cooler container and shelf assembly 110 comprising a thermally insulated cooler base 112 defining an interior space for retaining food and beverage items, a lid 130 connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for enclosing the interior space and a shelf assembly 131.

The shelf assembly includes a shelf 132 connectable to the thermally insulated cooler base and movable between an operative extended position (FIG. 2) and an inoperative stowed position (FIG. 3). A hinge 136 is connected to an upper portion of the thermally insulated cooler base and connects a proximal end of the shelf to the thermally insulated cooler base. At least one extendable bracket 138 is connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for supporting the shelf in the extended position. Preferably, the extendable bracket is an extendable foldable knee bracket and the shelf assembly 131 preferably includes a pair of extendable foldable knee brackets connected to respective side walls 116, 118 of the thermally insulated cooler base 112 at opposite ends of the shelf 132 for providing stable support for the shelf when disposed in the extended position.

The shelf 132 preferably includes a main body portion 132a having a width larger than a width of the thermally insulated cooler base 112, and lateral extensions 132b extending from the main body portion defining a space therebetween for receiving the thermally insulated cooler base such that the lateral extensions 132b extend along the lateral sides of the cooler base.

In accordance with an aspect of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the extendable bracket 138 is an adjustable extendable bracket 138′, such that the overall height or angle in which the adjustable extendable bracket supports the shelf 132 can be adjusted. That is, the adjustable extendable bracket 138′ can adjust the angle of the shelf 132 relative to the lid 130. For example, the adjustable extendable bracket 138′ can adjust the positon of the lid between first, second and third positions. Thus, when the portable cooler container 110 is placed on a non-horizontal ground surface, the adjustable extendable bracket 138′ can compensate and adjust the angle of the shelf 132 to create a substantially horizontal or more level plane for the placement of items thereon.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the shelf assembly 131 can further include a retractable anti-tipping support 140 which may assume the form of one or more foldable legs that provide stability to the portable cooler container and shelf assembly 110 when the legs are disposed in a downwardly extended position. That is, anti-tipping support 140 prevents the cooler container from tipping forwardly due to the weight of objects resting atop the shelf 132. When it is desired to place the shelf 132 in the stowed position (as shown in FIG. 3) the legs of the anti-tipping support 140 are pivoted upwardly against the shelf, and the extendable bracket(s) 138 are folded accordingly such that the shelf may pivot downwardly into its inoperative stowed position.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a third preferred embodiment of a portable cooler container and shelf assembly 210 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Portable cooler container and shelf assembly 210 includes a thermally insulated generally rectangular cooler base 212 including an interior space for retaining food and beverage items. The interior space is defined by a plurality of walls forming a closed bottom and an open top. That is, the cooler base includes a bottom wall 214 and side walls 216, 218 extending from the bottom wall. Similarly, a rear wall 220 and a front wall 222 extend from the bottom wall.

A lid 230 is connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for enclosing the interior space of the cooler base and storing a shelf 232 when the shelf is in a stowed position, as further described below. Referring to FIG. 7, the lid 230 includes a recess 246 sized and shaped for receiving the shelf 232 in the stowed position. The lid also includes at least one receiving detent 248 for releasably securing the shelf within the recess. Preferably, the lid includes four receiving detents. Alternatively to detents the lid can be configured with clips or brackets for releasably receiving the shelf 232.

The cooler container 210 also includes a retractable handle assembly 242 mounted to an exterior of the thermally insulated cooler base 212 to facilitate a user pulling or traveling with the cooler container. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the handle assembly 242 comprises a handle 250 having a pair of elongated cylindrical members 252 disposed along the front and rear walls of the cooler base 212.

The shelf 232 is movable between a stowed position and a use position. As shown in FIG. 6, the shelf 232 includes a substantially planar body having at least one detent 244 provided on an undersurface 245 for releasably mounting the shelf to the retractable handle assembly 242 in the use position. Preferably, the shelf includes a pair of spaced apart detents 244 along its lower surface for releasably engaging each of the elongated cylindrical members 252 forming the handle assembly.

Referring to FIG. 4, the handle assembly 242 preferably includes an optional anti-tipping support 254 for use when the handle assembly is in an extended position. The anti-tipping support may assume the form of one or more foldable legs that provide stability to the portable cooler container and shelf assembly 210 when the legs are disposed in a downwardly extended position. That is, anti-tipping support 254 prevents the cooler container from tipping laterally due to the weight of objects resting atop the shelf 232 or when force is applied to the shelf e.g., when cutting objects thereon, when it is installed on the extended elongated cylindrical members 252. When it is desired to place the shelf 232 in the stowed position (as shown in FIG. 7), the shelf is lifted upwardly thereby releasing the elongated cylindrical members 252 from the shelf detents 244 and the shelf is snapped into position in recess 246 in the undersurface of the lid 230 behind detent(s) 248. Thereafter, the legs of the anti-tipping support 254 are folded upwardly against the elongated cylindrical members 252 and the handle 250 is pushed toward the cooler base 212.

Conversely, when it is desired to place the shelf 232 into its extended operative position, handle 250 is pulled away from the cooler base 212 to expose the elongated cylindrical members 252. The cooler lid 230 is then raised and the shelf 232 is pulled free of detent(s) 248. Thereafter, the detents 244 of the shelf 232 are brought into alignment with the exposed elongated cylindrical members 252. Once detents 244 are aligned with members 252, downward force is applied to the upper surface of the shelf in order to snap the detents 244 into position surrounding the members 252. The legs of the anti-tipping support 254 may then be swung downwardly to provide stability to the laterally-extended shelf 232.

Additionally, the cooler base 212 may be provided with optional wheels 256 (FIGS. 4 and 5) secured to the bottom of the rear and front walls 220, 222 adjacent side wall 216 to facilitate transport of the portable cooler container and shelf assembly 210 when the handle 250 is in an extended position.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment of a portable cooler container 310 in accordance with the present invention. The portable cooler container includes an attachable shelf 332 that can attach e.g., to a front wall of the cooler container. The shelf 332 can removably attach or mount to the cooler container by a mounting bracket assembly 338. The mounting bracket assembly includes a mounting member 338A e.g., a male mounting member, and a mounting support 338B e.g., a female mounting support, attached to the cooler container wall for releasably engaging and supporting the mounting member.

The removable shelf 332 can also be configured in size and shape similar to shelf 232 so as to be releasably stowed underneath lid 330. In this aspect, the lid 330 is also similarly configured to lid 230 so as to receive the removable shelf 332.

The mounting support 338B can optionally be adjustably attached to the cooler container so as to be adjustable relative to the wall of the cooler container. For example, the mounting support can be configured with an adjustment member 338C for adjusting an angle in which the shelf 332 is attached to the cooler wall. In this manner, the angle of the shelf 332 can be adjusted accordingly in case the cooler container 310 is placed on a ground surface that is not completely horizontal. In other words, the shelf can be adjusted so as to be horizontal or more level even when the cooler container is laid down on an uneven surface.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable cooler container comprising:

a thermally insulated cooler base that includes: a bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, a rear wall extending from the bottom wall, a first front wall extending from the bottom wall, a top wall extending from the first front wall, and a second front wall extending from the top wall forming an opening with the side walls and the rear wall; and

a lid connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for covering the opening.

2. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein the side walls, rear wall and first front wall circumscribe and define a first interior volume and the side walls, rear wall and second front wall circumscribe and define a second interior volume smaller than the first interior volume.

3. The portable cooler container of claim 1, further comprising a shelf mounted to the top wall.

4. The portable cooler container of claim 3, wherein the shelf includes a lip extending along a perimeter of the shelf.

5. The portable cooler container of claim 3, wherein the shelf is pivotably mounted to the thermally insulated cooler base.

6. The portable cooler container of claim 5, further comprising an adjustment member for adjusting a position of the shelf relative to the top wall.

7. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein the top wall extends rearwardly from the first front wall substantially parallel to the bottom wall.

8. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein the top wall extends between the side walls.

9. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein the second front wall is positioned above and rearwardly of the first front wall.

10. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein the lid is positioned rearwardly of the top wall.

11. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein the lid is positioned rearwardly of the first front wall.

12. A portable cooler container and shelf assembly comprising:

a thermally insulated cooler base having an interior space for retaining food and beverage items;

a lid connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for enclosing the interior space; and

a shelf assembly that includes: a shelf connectable to the thermally insulated cooler base and movable between an extended position and a stowed position, a hinge connected to an upper portion of the thermally insulated cooler base connecting a proximal end of the shelf to the thermally insulated cooler base; and an extendable bracket connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for supporting the shelf in the extended position.

13. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly of claim 12, wherein the shelf assembly includes a pair of foldable knee brackets connected to respective side walls of the thermally insulated cooler base.

14. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly of claim 12, wherein the shelf assembly further includes a retractable anti-tipping support.

15. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly of claim 12, wherein the shelf includes a main body portion having a width larger than a width of the thermally insulated cooler base, and lateral extensions extending from the main body portion defining a space therebetween for receiving the thermally insulated cooler base.

16. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly of claim 12, wherein extendable bracket is an adjustable extendable bracket.

17. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly of claim 16, wherein adjustable extendable bracket adjusts the position of the shelf relative to the lid between first, second and third positions.

18. A portable cooler container and shelf assembly comprising:

a thermally insulated cooler base having an interior space for retaining food and beverage items;

a retractable handle assembly mounted to an exterior of the thermally insulated cooler base; and

a shelf movable between a stowed position and a use position, the shelf including a planar body having a detent for releasably mounting to the retractable handle assembly in the use position; and

a lid connected to the thermally insulated cooler base for enclosing the interior space, the lid including a recess for receiving the shelf in the stowed position and a receiving detent for releasably securing the shelf within the recess.

19. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly of claim 18, wherein the handle assembly comprises a handle having a pair of elongated cylindrical members, and wherein the shelf includes a pair of detents for releasably engaging the pair of elongated cylindrical members.

20. The portable cooler container and shelf assembly of claim 18, wherein the handle assembly comprises an anti-tipping support for use when the handle assembly is in an extended position.