COOLER AND METHODS OF STORING A COOLER IN A BAG

Abstract

A cooler and methods of storing the cooler in a bag such as a purse are described herein. The cooler can have a strap allowing it to be used as a stand-alone device. The cooler can have securing devices such as magnets embedded within two pockets on a side wall of the cooler. The pockets can be located on the top half of the cooler to prevent tipping and are movable within the pockets so that the magnets can be positioned to avoid obstructions on the bag. The cooler magnets can be magnetically mated with magnets used with protective covers on the outside of the purse (zero purse modifications) or with magnets embedded within the purse wall.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/421,726 filed Nov. 14, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein relate to a cooler and to methods of storing a cooler in a bag, such as a purse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Purses, handbags, messenger bags, backpacks, and other personal totes are used to carry, transport and/or store several items. For some, a purse or handbag is a catch-all device used on a daily basis to carry frequently used items.

Storage of some daily use items is undesirable in a purse or handbag. For example, cold, frozen, or chilled items including beverages, such as chilled bottles of water, soft drinks, or other beverages, frozen treats, and other similar items, can cause significant condensation to form on the outer surfaces of the beverage container. This condensation can damage or destroy many items that are frequently placed in purses and handbags such as, for example, water sensitive materials and electronics including key fobs and smart phones, paper items including documents, tissues, and greeting cards, and the like.

For this reason, cold beverages are often carried in a separate tote, such as a cooler. Conventional coolers are designed to be carried as a standalone item. Conventionally, coolers have a shell which is lined with insulation which is further lined with an interior waterproof (?) lining or shell. Because coolers must be carried, due to bulk, they also can include a handle, strap, or other similar structure.

While some conventional coolers can be small enough to fit inside of some larger purses, backpacks, or handbags, they may take up too much space, rendering the purse or handbag useless for holding additional items. Further, the cooler is unsecured in relation to the purse or handbag which can obstruct or even damage the other items carried within the purse or handbag.

Some purses or handbags include a separate compartment to hold chilled beverages. The vast majority of purses or handbags do not include this feature, however, and an owner of multiple purses or handbags will likely have one or more purses or handbags that do not have a separate beverage compartment.

There remains a need for a cooler that can be secured within a personal tote, or can be used as a combination cooler and personal tote to keep personal items separate from cooled items to minimize damage to the personal items.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein relate to a cooler and methods of storing the cooler in a bag such as a purse or handbag. The cooler can have securing devices such as magnets embedded within or otherwise secured to one or more pockets of a side wall of the cooler. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pockets can be located on the top half of the cooler to maintain a desired orientation with respect to the purse or handbag. However, the pockets can be arranged in any of a variety of configurations as desired. The magnets can be movable within the pockets such that the magnets can be positioned to avoid obstructions on the bag, or can be permanently mounted. The magnets located within the pockets can be magnetically mated with or magnetically attracted to one or more exterior magnetic devices. The exterior magnetic devices can be arranged on the outside of the purse or with magnetic devices embedded within the purse wall. Further, the cooler can have a strap allowing it to be used as a stand-alone device.

In alternative embodiments, any of a variety of fastening devices can be substituted or combined with the magnets. Such fastening devices can include, for example, snaps, buttons, buckles, latches, hook and loop systems, and the like, or combinations thereof.

In embodiments the cooler can be a waterproof cooler. This feature eliminates condensation or other liquids from exiting the cooler into the purse.

In embodiments the cooler can have brackets and a strap so that it can be used as a stand-alone device. The interior of the cooler is sized to receive bottles or cans of water, juice, or other beverages, as well as other items, such as medications, frozen treats, and the like that benefit from being kept cool.

In embodiments, a pouch can be provided for a compact, lipstick, keys, wallet, phone, or other small items or accessories. In embodiments, the cooler can have a rounded edged shape. The round edges allow the cooler to be more easily inserted into and removed from items such as purses.

In embodiments, magnetic components can be arranged within pockets of the cooler to secure the cooler in place within a bag such as a purse. The magnetic components and pockets can be sized such that the magnetic components move freely within the pockets. Alternatively, the magnetic components and the pockets can be sized such that the magnetic components are relatively restricted from movement.

In one embodiment, magnetic components, with or without covers, can be selectively arranged on the exterior of the purse to magnetically mate with the cooler magnetic components. This allows the cooler to be used with any purse without the need to make any modifications to the purse. In an alternative embodiment, the purse can have magnetic components coupled to a sidewall for being magnetically mated with the cooler.

In an alternative embodiment, a single magnetic component can be arranged above the center of gravity of the cooler. Having the magnetic component arranged above the center of gravity can prevent the cooler from twisting or rotating under the weight of the cooler or contents of the cooler.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments described herein can be more completely understood with reference to the detailed description corresponding to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a cooler, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a cooler, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a cooler in an open configuration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a cooler without a strap, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a cooler with a strap, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cooler being aligned with the interior of a bag, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cooler within a bag, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cooler within a bag showing covered magnets in place on the exterior of a bag, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isolation view of covered magnets, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooler having a pouch, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified bag having pockets for containing securing devices, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cooler within a purse, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cooler shown in FIG. 12 with the cover in an open position.

FIG. 16 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a cooler.

FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a cooler.

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Embodiments shown and described herein include a cooler and method of storing the cooler in a bag such as a purse or handbag. Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, according to an embodiment, a cooler 50 is depicted. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cooler 50 includes a housing 58 and a top 51. In embodiments, housing 58 includes a bottom 52, two opposed ends 53 and 54, a first side 55, and a second side 56. Together, bottom 52, two opposed ends 53 and 54, a first side 55, and a second side 56 form a container having an interior 80 and exterior 81. In one embodiment, top 51 and bottom 52 are rounded to avoid sharp angled edges.

In one embodiment, housing 58 comprises a thermally insulative material having low thermal conductivity. The material of housing 58 can also be waterproof or water resilient. In alternative embodiments, the material of housing 58 can be waterproof or water resilient, but not insulative. In embodiments, the material of top 51 can be identical to housing 58 or be made of a different material or style of material.

The material of housing 58, and additionally top 51, could be made of multiple layers of material such as a decorative material (leather, plastic, canvas, etc.) on the outside and the interior could be made of a thermally insulative material (foam, insulative plastic, etc.) and, additionally, a water resilient inner lining (add materials). In other embodiments, other combinations of layers and materials can make up housing 58 and top 51.

In alternative embodiments not depicted herein, housing 58 can comprise only first side 55 and second side 56. In this embodiment, first side 55 and second side 56 are coupled at the edges, via stitch or other weldment, to create a pouch. In yet another embodiment, housing 58 can comprise first side 55, second side 56, and two opposed ends 53 and 54. In this embodiment, first side 55, second side 56, and two opposed ends 53 and 54 are coupled together in a similar fashion to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5, but the bottom edge of first side 55 and second side 56 are coupled directly together, via stitch or other weldment. This embodiment eliminates the need for bottom 52. In embodiments, bottom 52, opposed ends 53 and 54, first side 55, second side 56, and top 51 can be made of one continuous piece of material, separate materials that are coupled together, via stitch or other weldment, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, top 51 includes a cover 70. Cover 70 can be hingedly coupled, at a first end, to a top portion of one of either first side 55, second side 56, opposed end 53 or opposed end 54. At a second end of cover 70, a selectively detachable device, such as a zipper, clip, hook and loop, magnetic snap, or other suitable means of selectively attaching and detaching, is arranged such that the second end of top 51 can selectively detach to a top portion of one of either first side 55, second side 56, opposed end 53 or opposed end 54. In embodiments, cover 70 serves to open and close access to housing 58 and is selectively secure to housing 58 via selectively detachable device. In some embodiments, cover 70 can form a liquid-tight seal that reduces or eliminates liquid from escaping interior 80.

In alternative embodiments, first side 55 and second side 56 can selectively couple at the top portions, via zipper or hook and loop, for example, which eliminates the need for top 51.

In embodiments, cooler 50 is configured to accommodate bottles and cans of liquid such as water or juice. Cooler 50 can also be used with other types of liquids and containers, or other items, in alternative embodiments.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a bracket 60 is arranged on one end 53 and a bracket 61 is arranged on the other end 54. A strap 62 can selectively couple to brackets 60 and 61 to serve as handle to carry cooler 50. In this embodiment, cooler 50 can be used as a standalone device.

Referring to FIG. 1, embodiments of side 56 includes one or more pockets 100 and 110, which are internal components of cooler 50 and are therefore depicted in phantom. In this embodiment, pockets 100 and 110 can be generally square and can have a width and height of approximately 2.54 cm to 7.62 cm, or 1-3 inches. In embodiments, one or more magnetic components 101 and 111 can be arranged within pockets 100 and 110. One or more magnetic components 101 and 111 are smaller than the interior dimension of the pocket, such that one or more magnetic components 101 and 111 are freely movable within pockets 100 and 110. In embodiments, pocket 100 and 110 can be arranged in the top one half of cooler 50. Arranging pockets 100 and 110 in the top half, or at least above the center of gravity when the cooler is full, of cooler 50 increases stability in an upright position.

While not shown, it is appreciated that there could be one or more pockets 100 and 110 arranged on the bottom of the cooler in addition to one or more pockets 100 and 110 being arranged on the top portion of cooler 50.

FIG. 6 depicts cooler 50 being inserted into an interior 40 of a bag, such as a purse 10. While purse 10 is shown as an illustrated embodiment, other bags, such as handbags, messenger backs, backpacks, and other personal totes can be used in other embodiments.

Purse 10, also seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, has a top 11, a bottom 12, two ends 13 and 14, and two sides 15 and 16. A handle 20 is on the top of side 15 and a handle 21 is on the top of side 16. Side 15 includes a sidewall 30. FIG. 8 depicts one or more magnetic components 120 and 130 arranged on the exterior of purse 10 and adjacent to magnetic components 101 and 111. In one embodiment, magnetic component 120, for example, includes a cover 121, is also illustrated in FIG. 9. Magnetic component 130, shown in FIG. 8, also has a cover 131. Magnetic components 120 and 130 are configured to pair with magnetic components 101 and 111. In embodiments, magnetic components 120 and 130 are placed on the exterior of purse 10 and adjacent to magnetic components 101 and 111 which are located in the interior of purse 10. The covers 121 and 131 are made of a material that is generally resistant to causing damage, such as scuffs or permanent indentations into common purse materials. The covers can be material matched, texture matched and color matched to the material, texture and/or color of the purse. In other embodiments, the cover can take various shapes, colors, and textures for artistic effect.

In embodiments, magnetic components 101, 111, 120, 130, as well as 241, 251, 401, 411, 452, 580, and 585 (discussed below) can be permanent magnets or ferromagnetic material. In embodiments where one magnetic component is ferromagnetic and does not induce a magnetic field on its own, i.e., a permanent magnet, the adjacent magnetic component that it pairs with, e.g. magnetic component 101 is paired with magnetic component 120, must be a permanent magnet. In other words, each magnetic component pair must include at least one permanent magnet. In embodiments, a permanent magnet version of the magnetic component can be made of rare earth magnets, e.g. neodymium and samarium-cobalt, ceramic magnets, or other suitable permanent magnets. A ferromagnetic version of the magnetic component can be made of any metal containing iron, nickel, cobalt and any other ferromagnetic material. Further, attachment between the various embodiments of the bag and the cooler could be accomplished by other means of selective detachability. For example, various embodiments of the cooler and the bag could be a zipper, clip, hook and loop, Velcro®, button snap or other suitable means of selectively detaching.

In use and referring to FIGS. 6-8, cooler 50 can be inserted into purse 10, wherein side 56 is placed immediately adjacent sidewall 30 of purse 10. Magnetic components 101 and 111 can be freely movable within their respective pockets 100 and 110. In alternative embodiments, magnetic components 101 and 111 can be arranged in a fixed position via template, bracket or pockets configured to constrict movement of magnetic components 101 and 111. Magnetic component 120 is positioned on the exterior of purse 10 and near pocket 100. In embodiments, magnetic component 120 magnetically mates with magnetic component 101 through the material of sidewall 30. In embodiments, magnetic component 120 magnetically mates with magnetic component 101 where there are no obstructions caused by straps, closures or other items on the purse. Magnetic component 120 is positioned on the exterior of purse 10 and near pocket 100. In embodiments, magnetic component 120 magnetically mates with magnetic component 101 through the material of sidewall 30. In embodiments, magnetic component 120 magnetically mates with magnetic component 101 where there are no obstructions caused by straps, closures or other items on the purse. Cooler 50 is accordingly securely held within purse 10, and is secured in a manner wherein inadvertent tipping relative to purse 10 is unlikely, as the securement devices fasten above the cooler center of gravity.

It is appreciated that while magnets are shown to be one preferred type of securing device, that other types of securing devices can be used in alternative embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10, embodiments of side 55 can include a wall 90. In this embodiment, wall 90 includes a pouch 91 that is suitable to hold small items such as lip stick and other personal accoutrements. Pouch 91 can be internally accessible within cooler 50 or, alternatively, from the exterior of cooler 50.

In an alternative embodiment and referring to FIG. 11, a purse 210 has a top 211, a bottom 212, ends 213 and 214, and two sides 215 and 216. A handle 220 is on the top of side 215 and a handle 221 is on the top of side 216. Side 215 has a sidewall 230. In embodiments there are one or more pockets 240 and 250 illustrated in wall 230. In embodiments, magnetic component 241 is contained within pocket 240. A magnet 251 is contained within pocket 250. The magnetic components 241 and 251 are preferably smaller in size than their respective pockets 240 and 250 wherein the magnets are movable within the pockets. In embodiments, there could be more or fewer pockets in alternative embodiments. In embodiments, the width between the center of pockets 240 and 250 of the purse is preferably the same as the width between pockets 100 and 110 of the cooler 50.

In use, cooler 50 is insertable into purse 210. Pocket 100 can come into close engagement with pocket 240 wherein magnetic component 101 magnetically mates with magnetic component 241. Similarly, pocket 110 can come into close engagement with pocket 250 wherein magnetic component 111 magnetically mates with magnetic component 251.

Turning now to FIGS. 12-15, an alternative embodiment is depicted in which a cooler 350 having a housing 358 and a top 351 is provided for receiving an item 5 such as a beverage bottle. Housing 358 has a bottom 352, an end 353, an end 354, a side 355 and a side 356. Top 351 includes a cover 370. Cover 370 can seal or cover an interior 380 of cooler 350 in a water tight manner, thereby separating interior 380 from an exterior 381. Cover 370 can selectively secure to housing 358 using various securement devices such as a zipper, hook and loop, or other suitable securing device. In embodiments, a wall 390 is provided having one or more pockets 400. A magnetic component 401 is arranged within pocket 400 and, in some embodiments, is allowed to move freely within pocket 400. Pocket 400 can be located on the top half of cooler 350.

A purse 410 is provided and can receive the cooler 350. A magnetic component 411 can be embedded within the purse sidewall (or otherwise affixed to purse 410, or is usable with the purse). In alternative embodiments, magnetic component 411 cannot be affixed to purse 410 and, in use, is instead positioned on the exterior of purse 410 and adjacent to pocket 400 of cooler 350. Cooler 350 can be inserted into purse 400 in an upright manner. Magnetic component 411 can magnetically engage magnetic component 401 of cooler 350 to hold cooler 350 in place and in an upright manner relative to purse 410. In this embodiment, cooler 350 is unlikely to twist or rotate relative to purse 410 as the weight of cooler 350 and the contents of the cooler would act below the magnetic connection point. In alternative embodiments, cooler 350 can be secured with two or more pockets 400, each including one or more magnetic components 411, in order to accomplish a secured position of cooler 350 within purse 410.

In an alternative embodiment of a cooler 450 having a pocket 451 movably containing a magnetic component 452 is illustrated in FIG. 16. In this embodiment pocket 451 is illustrated in a different location within a cooler wall as compared to the previously described cooler.

In an alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 17, a cooler 550 includes a housing 555. Housing 555 includes a first side 560 and a second side 565. First side 560 includes a plurality of pockets 570 and 575. Pockets 570 and 575 are configured to have a plurality of magnetic components 580 and 585 positioned therein. In one embodiment, pockets 570 and 575 are configured to span the entire height of first side 560, yet remain separate from each other. In this embodiment, the plurality of magnetic components 580 and 585 can move within the expanded pockets 570 and 575 allowing for a greater likelihood of connection to external magnetic components.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described can be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed can be used without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof can comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof can be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim can refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. A system for securing a cooler within a tote, the system comprising:

a cooler including— a housing made of a moisture-impermeable material, the housing defining an internal cavity, a layer of thermal insulation arranged within the housing and configured to insulate the internal cavity, and a first plurality of magnetic components mechanically coupled to the housing; and

a second plurality of magnetic components, each of the plurality of magnetic components being configured to secure the housing in a desired position within or to the tote by magnetic attraction to corresponding magnetic components of the first plurality of magnetic components.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a closure mechanism comprising a top hingedly coupled at a first end to a top portion of a first side of the housing.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a top hingedly coupled at a second end to a top portion of one of the sides and detachably coupled at a second end to a second side of the housing.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a closure mechanism coupled at a first end to a top portion of a first side of the housing and coupled at a second end to a top portion of a second side of the housing, wherein the closure mechanism is a zipper.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic components of the second plurality are fixedly attached to a bag.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing is water resilient.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the magnetic components of the first and/or second plurality of magnetic components is a permanent magnet.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes at least one pocket configured to have a first and/or second plurality magnetic component positioned within.

9. A system for securing a cooler within a bag, the system comprising:

a bag;

a cooler, the cooling including— a housing made of a moisture-impermeable material, the housing defining an internal cavity, a layer of thermal insulation arranged within the housing and configured to insulate the internal cavity, and a first plurality of magnetic components mechanically coupled to the housing; and

a second plurality of magnetic components, each of the plurality of magnetic components being configured to secure the housing in a desired position within or to the tote by magnetic attraction to corresponding magnetic components of the first plurality of magnetic components.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a closure mechanism comprising a top hingedly coupled at a first end to a top portion of a first side of the housing.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a top hingedly coupled at a second end to a top portion of one of the sides and detachably coupled at a second end to a second side of the housing.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a closure mechanism coupled at a first end to a top portion of a first side of the housing and coupled at a second end to a top portion of a second side of the housing, wherein the closure mechanism is a zipper.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic components of the second plurality are fixedly attached to the bag.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the housing is water resilient.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more of the magnetic components of the first and/or second plurality of magnetic components is a permanent magnet.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the housing includes at least one pocket configured to have a first and/or second plurality magnetic component positioned within.

17. A system for securing a cooler within a tote, the system comprising:

a cooler including— a housing made of a moisture-impermeable material, the housing defining an internal cavity, a layer of thermal insulation arranged within the housing and configured to insulate the internal cavity, and a first plurality of attachment components mechanically coupled to the housing; and

a second plurality of attachment components, each of the plurality of attachment components being configured to be arranged to secure the housing in a desired position within or to the tote by selectively coupling to corresponding attachment components of the first plurality of attachment components.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment components of the second plurality are fixedly attached to a bag.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first and/or second plurality of attachment components are selectively detachable fastening devices.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the selectively detachable fastening devices are a zipper, snap button, button, clip, hook and loop, buckle, tie strap, or a combination thereof.