COOLER HAVING MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS AND COOLER INSERTS FOR CREATING MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS

Abstract

A cooler insert has a base and a plurality of walls forming a compartment; at least one lid for enclosing the compartment; and, an insert-cooler positioning mechanism for positioning the cooler insert within the cooler. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may be protrusions extending from the cooler insert and abutting the cooler walls.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/620,368, filed on Jan. 22, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to coolers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cooler having multiple compartments and to an insert apparatus for creating multiple compartments in a cooler.

BACKGROUND

Coolers (i.e., thermal insulative containers) have existed for years and have become an indispensable item for many households. As such, several configurations exist in the prior art. However, despite the plethora of configurations, several problems remain. For example, most coolers have a single compartment, with, typically, food and ice to be stored therein. However, as the ice begins to melt, the food may become compromised or spoiled by absorbing the liquid. Further, if the ice is not clean, or does not remain clean, the food can become contaminated. As people frequently reach into the cooler to retrieve food, the ice becomes more contaminated and the ice begins to melt faster. Further, some items, such as canned beverages, may not be clean when placed in the ice, resulting in contaminated ice/water, which in turn contaminates food. Traditional users of coolers find themselves reaching into and removing foods that have been swimming in ice water, circulating with undesirable juices, saturated sticky bottle labels, and a myriad of other filthy cross contaminants. This is followed-up by draining melted water, adding ice, and then reaching back into the ice to properly organize contents. Further, some contents may be crushed by the addition of ice. Users have expressed significant displeasure with this experience. As such, there is a need to reduce contamination and melting of the ice in coolers, as well as improve a method of adding ice to coolers without compromising its contents.

Attempts have been made by the prior art to solve such problems. For example, insertable trays with drainage slots have been disclosed in an attempt to keep food from coming into contact with water from the melted ice. While this helps, the ice is still in contact with the food and food packaging, which may not be desirable. Further, when a user is withdrawing foodstuffs from the cooler, their hands inevitably come into contact with the ice. Not only does this contaminate the ice, but it may also be uncomfortable (i.e., too cold) for a user when they must dig through ice to find a particular item. Further, when digging through ice to find the desired item, other food items may be damaged in the process. The weight, and shifting, of ice can damage foods such as produce, sandwiches, or other foods that may be delicate. Foods that were intended by the user to remain on top of the ice, and away from water, may be inadvertently maneuvered to under the ice and into the water when shifting.

Another attempt involved food trays for placement at the top of the cooler, on top of the ice. However, the upper portion of the cooler is the least cool spot in the cooler, which may be a concern for many food items. This is of particular importance when, in some of the more economical coolers, the inner temperature of the cooler may never reach a food-safe temperature even just one inch above the ice. For this reason, and in particular, a simple bin suspended high above the ice line does not always provide adequate cooling and actually may be most susceptible to spoilage of the most perishable foods contained within the cooler.

Other attempts involve the use of re-usable ice-packs in place of ice. However, not only do these ice packs take up valuable space in the freezer and cooler, a user cannot easily re-freeze or add additional ice-packs when away from home, such as on a camping trip. Therefore, ice is still the most-used cooling agent for portable coolers, despite the risk of contamination and soggy food. Further, when a user needs to add ice, they may either remove all of the contents while additional ice is added, which is both inconvenient and risks food contamination and spoiling, or may add ice directly atop the contents, which may also damage and contaminate the contents.

As such, despite the prior art's attempts, there still remains a need for a cooler and cooler insert that segregates food, ice, and water from one another. There is also a need to easily detect the internal temperature of the cooler. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a cooler comprises a lower compartment and a plurality of upper compartments separated by vertical walls. The upper compartments are separated from the lower compartment by a panel comprising a plurality of apertures to allow water to pass therethrough. In one embodiment, the panel may be solid under at least one upper compartment, so as to completely segregate the at least one upper compartment from the lower compartment. In one embodiment, the plurality of upper compartments may have separate access lids.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a plurality of intersecting panels, the panels configured to create a plurality of compartments when inserted into a cooler, with at least one compartment being a lower compartment and configured to elevate the upper compartments thereon, the upper compartments being separated by vertical walls, the panel separating the lower compartment from the upper compartments comprising a plurality of apertures allowing water to pass therethrough and remain in the lower compartment.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a cuboid with a lid, the cuboid having a hollow interior for receiving food therein. Further, the cuboid is sized so as to be received within a cooler, wherein when the cuboid is placed within the cooler, there is a void created between at least one sidewall of the cooler and one side of the cuboid, wherein the void is sized so as to receive a standard bag of ice poured therein (e.g., 10 lb bag of ice).

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a base and a plurality of walls forming a compartment; at least one lid for enclosing the compartment; and, an insert-cooler positioning mechanism for positioning the cooler insert within the cooler.

A method of using a cooler insert to reduce food contamination and spoiling, the method comprising inserting a cooler insert into a cooler, the cooler insert comprising a compartment and at least one lid to enclose the compartment; and wherein the cooler insert creates a void for ice and water between the cooler insert and the cooler.

In one embodiment, a cooler comprises one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) coupled to a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is configured (e.g., temperature-controlled circuits, microcontrollers, etc.) to illuminate a light source according to the internal temperature of the cooler. In one embodiment, the microcontroller and thermometer remain inactive until a user actuates a switch (e.g., push-button, toggle, pressure, etc.). In one embodiment, the cooler may further have an interior compartment light so that a user may more easily find contents therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler having a plurality of compartments;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-section of a cooler having a plurality of compartments;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-section of a cooler having a plurality of compartments;

FIG. 4 is an electrical diagram for temperature indication;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of a lid with LED indicators;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of a lid with LED indicators;

FIG. 5C is a side elevation view of a lid with LED indicators;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a cooler insert apparatus inside a cooler;

FIG. 7A is a perspective, cutaway view of a cooler insert and cooler;

FIG. 7B is a perspective, cutaway view of a cooler insert within a cooler;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a cooler insert;

FIG. 9 is a front, detailed cross-section view of a lid of a cooler in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with the lid removed;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with foodstuffs inside;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with food therein and a lid thereon ready for placement inside the cooler;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with food therein, lid on, and received within a cooler;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert without food therein to illustrate ice surrounding the cooler insert;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective cutaway view illustrating a cooler insert inside of a cooler, with ice and beverages also inside the cooler, but outside of the cooler insert;

FIG. 16A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 16B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 17A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 17B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 18A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 18B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 19A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 19B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 21 illustrates a cooler insert platform within a cooler;

FIG. 22 illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment;

FIG. 23A illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment;

FIG. 23B illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment;

FIG. 23C illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a cooler insert with a platform within a cooler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As previously discussed, there is a need for a cooler that keeps food, ice, and water all separated from one another. By so doing, food remains less contaminated, the ice melts slower, and the cooler remains colder. As will be appreciated from the below disclosure, the cooler and cooler inserts shown and described herein solve these needs and others.

In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 1, a cooler 100 comprises a lower compartment 102 and a plurality of upper compartments 104, 106, 108 separated by vertical walls 110. The upper compartments 104, 106, 108 are separated from the lower compartment 102 by a panel 112 comprising a plurality of apertures to allow water to pass therethrough. In one embodiment, the panel 112 may be solid under at least one upper compartment 104, 108, so as to completely segregate the at least one upper compartment 104, 108 from the lower compartment 102. For example, ice may be deposited into the middle chamber 106 (also referred to as the ice compartment). The ice sits on panels 112 (which may be grated, slotted, or have other apertures) that allow the melting water to pass therethrough into lower compartment 102. Keeping the water from the ice slows the melting process of the ice, and keeping the ice from the food not only protects the food from physical damage, but also helps prevent spoiling. Another benefit may be ease of packing the cooler. For example, the ice compartment 106 may be sized so as to receive a standard 10 lb. bag of ice. In such a scenario, a user may pack the other compartments 104, 108 with as much as desired without worry of not having enough room for ice. In other scenarios, the user may desire to input the ice first. Using the cooler disclosed herein, a user would not have to worry about inputting too much ice and not having sufficient room for the food, as the space is dictated by compartments 104, 106, 108 and are easily manageable. The panel 112 may be solid under upper compartments 104, 108 so as to keep the water from coming into contact with the food. It will be appreciated that the vertical walls 110 and the panel 112 are not insulated so that the compartments 104, 106, 108 may all remain cold. The outer walls and lid 114 of the cooler are insulated as is known in the art. The lower compartment 102 may further comprise a spigot for the release of water therein. Further, in one embodiment, the plurality of upper compartments 104, 106, 108 may have a lid 114 having separate, hinged openings for each upper compartment 104, 106, 108. In other words, with a standard cooler in the art, there is only one access lid. Whenever the lid is opened to retrieve an item, the temperature rises and the ice melts faster. To overcome this problem, the ice is kept in one compartment (e.g., compartment 106) while foodstuffs are kept in the other compartments 104, 108. By so doing, the ice compartment 106 may remain closed when a user is withdrawing foodstuffs from other compartments 104, 108, keeping the ice from melting as fast, keeping the temperature lower, which keeps food lasting longer. As such, the lid 114 comprises at least two separate, hinged openings, with at least one of the two separate, hinged openings providing access to only the ice compartment 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 114 may be configured so as to create a valley to easily funnel ice into the ice compartment 106. In one embodiment, the lids 114 may be contoured to facilitate the inputting of ice into the cooler, such as that shown in FIG. 9. However, while it may be beneficial to have multiple lids on the cooler, it is not a requirement and a cooler having one lid is hereby contemplated. In such an instance, a user would simply use care to ensure the ice was received within the desired compartment. Further, it will be appreciated that while the drawings and photos illustrate three vertical compartments 104, 106, 108 created by two vertical walls 110, such configuration is not required and any number of upper compartments may be used.

In one embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2, a cooler 200 may be divided into multiple compartments 202, 204, 206. Compartment 204 occupies the entire inner housing of the cooler 200, minus the area occupied by the two compartments 202 and 206. Therefore, as illustrated, compartment 204 comprises a middle segment 204A, a bottom segment 204B, and side segments 204C. Beneath the middle segment 204A is an elevated platform 208 for keeping the ice elevated from the water as the ice melts. As the ice melts, the resulting water passes to lower segment 204B and raises into segments 204C as it increases. Displacing the water over a larger area (allowing it to rise on the outsides of compartments 202 and 206) keeps the water level lower, keeping the water from reaching the ice as fast. Also, having space along the sides not only creates an additional layer of insulation, but allows for the flow of cold air to surround compartments 202 and 206, keeping the contents colder, longer. It is noted that the bottom of compartments 202 and 206 is generally solid (but not insulated) so as to prevent the flow of water into the compartments 202 and 206. Further, a spigot 210 may be used to drain excess water when required.

It will be appreciated that multiple configurations are possible. In example one, the cooler may have ice compartments (those having a bottom that allows the water to flow into a lower compartment) on both sides of the cooler, with a center compartment for food (solid bottom portion). In example two, the ice compartment may be centered in the cooler, with food compartments on each side. In example three, as shown in FIG. 3, the cooler is separated into a food compartment 302 and an ice compartment 304. The ice compartment 304 may surround the food compartment 302 on at least two sides. At the bottom of the ice compartment 304 is one or more platforms 306 to keep the ice elevated above any water. These examples are non-limiting, and any number of configurations are possible and contemplated herein.

In one embodiment, a cooler comprises one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, etc.) coupled to a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is configured (e.g., temperature-controlled circuits, microcontrollers, etc.) to illuminate the light source according to the internal temperature of the cooler. For example, FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram wherein multiple LEDs illuminate, depending upon the temperature of the cooler. For example, a user would depress switch 402 which would then close the circuit and send power from the battery 404 to the temperature sensor 406 and to the corresponding LED 408. For example, a temperature reading of 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit would illuminate the first, green LED 408A, indicating that the cooler is remaining cold. A temperature reading of 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit would illuminate the second, yellow LED 408B, indicating that the temperature is rising. A temperature reading of 50 degrees and higher would illuminate a red LED 408C, indicating that food may be spoiling. It will be appreciated that these temperatures need not be fixed to the foregoing example, but is a general guideline. Further, the thumb switch is also not required, but helps to save on power consumption. In other words, the corresponding LED could always remain lit, without need for a user to press a switch, but the battery would drain much faster. In the alternative, an ON/OFF toggle switch may also be used, such that a user could actuate the switch for periods of time to monitor the status of the cooler. Further, a compression switch 410 may be included so as to determine when the lid of the cooler is closed versus open. In yet another example, inner cooler lights 412A-B may illuminate the interior of the cooler, such as when compression switch 410 is actuated indicating that the lid is open. This allows a user to see easier within the cooler.

The lighting described above may be located on the outside of the cooler for ease of reading without need to open the lid (various configurations shown in FIGS. 5A-C). For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a lid 500 comprising a panel of LEDs 502 that indicate the internal temperature of the cooler. As shown in FIG. 5B, a lid 510 comprises a compression switch 502, temperature sensor 504, a plurality of LEDs 506, and a battery compartment 508. In another example, as shown in FIG. 5C, a lid 520 may comprise a compression switch 522, temperature sensor (not visible in this view), a plurality of temperature indicator LEDs 526, a battery compartment 528, and cooler storage LEDs 530. In one embodiment, the lighting may be located on the inside of the cooler, signaling the temperature status to a user whenever the cooler is opened. Such a configuration may be accomplished using a compression switch between the lid and the body of the cooler. In one embodiment, the cooler comprises temperature indicating lights on the outside of the cooler housing, while further having white LEDs on the inside of the cooler for illumination.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert apparatus 600 comprises a food compartment 602, the food compartment 602 being formed from a base 604, sidewalls 606, and a lid 608B. The food compartment 602 is placed into cooler 610, where the sidewalls 606 each rest on an ice platform 612. The ice platform 612 is a removably insertable apparatus that has apertures therein so as to allow water to flow therethrough. In one example, a user may remove lid 608A or 608B so as to add ice to the cooler 610. The ice would then surround the food compartment 602. The ice platforms 612 aid in slowing the melted water from coming into contact with the ice, thereby keeping the ice frozen longer. Further, ice adjacent to the walls 606 creates a higher overall thermal dynamic performance, particularly noticeable in economy coolers which don't provide as much insulation. As a result, food is kept at a cooler temperature, which keeps it safer for consumption. Given the high amount of sicknesses that result from spoiled food in traditional coolers, the need to keep food colder is needed in the art, and is solved by the cooler insert 600.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the ice platforms 712 are a raised surface, being elevated by two or more legs 714. As an example of use, a user would place the two ice platforms 712 into the cooler 710, each being on an opposite side of the cooler. The user would then insert the food compartment 702 (also referred to herein as a “cooler insert”) between (or slightly resting on, as shown in FIG. 6) each ice platform 712. With a lid secured over the food compartment 702, the user would then dump ice 720 into the resulting ice compartments 716, where the ice will rest on ice platforms 712. As the ice begins to melt, the resulting water will pass through the apertures in the surface of the ice platforms 712 and flow into the void 718 underneath the food compartment 702 and ice compartments 712 (the void created by the legs 714 of the platforms 712 and legs 715 of the cooler insert 702). The result is ice that is not in contact with foodstuffs and that also has minimal contact with water. This keeps the cooler colder, and for longer, than previous attempts in the art. It will be appreciated that the size of the food compartment 702 may vary so as to accommodate varying sizes of coolers. Further, the sidewalls 706 and base 704 may have overlapping portions that allow the food compartment to be slidably adjusted to the fit of a cooler. For example, a simple tongue and groove configuration may be used. In other words, the base 704 may be comprised of two plates, an upper plate and a lower plate. The lower plate would be held proximal to the upper plate by a set of grooves on the bottom side of the upper plate. The lower plate would be sized so as to fit within the grooves and slide therein. The sidewalls could be configured in a similar manner. In such an instance, the user could adjust the length and/or width of the food compartment to fit within their cooler.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a plurality of intersecting panels, the panels configured to create a plurality of compartments when inserted into a cooler, with at least one compartment being a lower compartment and configured to elevate the upper compartments thereon, the upper compartments being separated by vertical walls, the panel separating the lower compartment from the upper compartments and comprising a plurality of apertures allowing water to pass therethrough and remain in the lower compartment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cooler insert 800. FIG. 8A is a side view of the cooler insert 800 comprising a first compartment 802, a second compartment 804, and a third compartment 806. As shown, the first compartment 802 and third compartment 806 comprise a solid (preferably non-insulated) base 803, 805, respectively. First compartment 802 and third compartment 806 preferably receive foodstuffs. Second compartment 804 preferably receives ice, with the ice resting on platform 807. The platform 807 has apertures so as to allow the melted water to pass therethrough and underneath all three compartments 802, 804, 806. This configuration aids in cooling the food compartments 802, 806 as well as keeps the ice in compartment 804 from melting as fast.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a possible lid configuration for a cooler insert. For example, cooler insert 900 comprises a first compartment 902, a second compartment 904, and a third compartment 906. The outer lids 908, 910 may have angled tops 909, 911 that funnel the ice into the center compartment 904 (when center lid 912 is removed). This allows a user to easily fill the center compartment 904 with ice with little mess.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a cooler insert 1000. As shown the cooler insert 1000 may have a cuboid form factor, the cuboid formed from a base 1002 and walls 1004. The cooler insert 1000 further comprises a lid 1006, the cuboid having a hollow interior 1008 for receiving food therein. Further, the cooler insert 1000 is sized so as to be received within a cooler, wherein when the cooler insert 1000 is placed within the cooler, there is a void 1009 (FIG. 14) created between at least one sidewall of the cooler and one side of the cooler insert 1000, wherein the void is sized so as to receive a standard bag of ice poured therein (e.g., 10 lb. bag of ice). The voids between the walls 1004 and the cooler may be ensured by using one or more insert-cooler positioning mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the insert-cooler positioning mechanisms may comprise protrusions 1010. The protrusions 1010 abut the cooler walls to ensure a void is created for receiving ice. The protrusions 1010 may also keep the cooler insert from sliding within the cooler. The protrusions 1010 may be fixed (e.g., solid plastic), or may be selectively extendable (e.g., telescopic, twist and lock, screw-extendable, spring-driven, etc.). The base 1002 may be elevated on one or more legs 1012, which is another example of an insert-cooler positioning mechanism. This allows ice, melted water, and/or cold air to pass under the cooler insert 1000 when in the cooler. Because the ice can surround the cooler insert 1000, the contents in the interior 1008 are kept at cooler temperatures. In other words, placing a tray or food on top of the ice does not keep food as cold as when surrounding the food by ice. Because the food can be kept at a lower position in the cooler than much of the ice, the temperature where the food is located (inside of the cooler insert 1000) is significantly cooler, which overcomes issues in the prior art. However, the insert-cooler positioning mechanism may also comprise a lip for resting on the ledge of the cooler walls.

The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise several variations. For example, in one embodiment, the insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise magnets, hooks and loops (e.g., Scuba Velcro®) or other mechanisms. An insert-cooler positioning mechanism may allow the void beneath the cuboid to be smaller without the water from the melted ice causing the cuboid to float. In one embodiment, an insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise one or more protrusions, shelfs, or other panel insert, may be used to elevate the ice in the void and prevent the ice from coming into contact with the bottom of the cooler.

While a 10 lb. bag has been used in one or more examples above, the present invention should not be so limited. In one embodiment, an ice compartment, or void, is configured to receive a solid ice block, loose ice, ice packs (e.g., re-usable gel packs), or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, a compartment may be specifically configured to receive a re-usable pack, and may be in addition to one or more ice compartments, or voids. The compartments may hold more, or less, than 10 lbs. of ice, depending upon cooler size and configuration. While the segregation of food, ice, and water has been discussed, it will be appreciated that a user may desire that some items remain with the ice, such as cans (e.g., soda). For example, FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of a cooler 1102 having a cooler insert 1100 therein. As shown, the cooler insert 1100 is sized so as to allow ice 1104 and cans 1106 to be interposed between insert wall 1108 and the cooler 1102. For example, the ice void 1110 may be sized so as to receive a 6-pack of soda and a 10 lb. bag of ice. Again, the foregoing is only an example and should not be limiting. Although not visible, the cooler insert may have legs or be coupled to a platform that allows ice 1104 and/or melted water to pass thereunder.

FIGS. 16A-B illustrate one configuration of a cooler insert 1150 within a cooler 1152. As shown, the cooler insert 1150 may comprise protrusions 1154 as an insert-cooler positioning mechanism. The cooler insert 1150 may further comprise legs 1156, allowing ice and/or water to pass under the base 1158 of the cooler insert 1150. As shown, the cooler insert 1150 may be less in width than the opening of the cooler, allowing beverages 1157 to be placed in the cooler, along with ice 1159.

FIGS. 17A-B illustrate one configuration of a cooler insert 1170 within a cooler 1172. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise a lip 1174 that rests on a ledge of the walls of the cooler 1172. In such a configuration, the base 1176 of the insert 1170 may be suspended above the base 1178 of the cooler 1172, allowing ice 1179 and/or water to pass under the cooler insert 1170.

FIGS. 18A-B illustrate a configuration of a cooler insert 1190 within a cooler 1192. The insert-cooler positing mechanism may comprise one or more magnets 1194. For example, the base 1196 of the cooler 1192 may either be metal or have magnets coupled thereto. The cooler insert 1190 may be metal and/or likewise have magnets coupled thereto. Accordingly, the cooler insert 1190 is magnetically positioned within the cooler 1192. This keeps the cooler from floating as ice melts, and likewise prevents the cooler insert 1192 from moving within the cooler 1192. In other words, no protrusions are utilized in this embodiment, but ice 1199 is able to surround the cooler insert 1190.

FIGS. 19-B illustrates a configuration of a cooler insert 1200 within a cooler 1202. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise hinged protrusions 1204 that are hinged on the cooler insert 1200. For example, the hinged protrusion 1204 allows movement of the cooler insert 1200 in a first direction (e.g., downward into the cooler 1202), but prohibits movement in a second direction (e.g., upward from the cooler 1202) without user intervention. The hinged protrusion 1204 may have a rubber end that engages a sidewall of the cooler 1202, which in turn puts tension on the hinged protrusion 1204 and cooler insert 1200, thereby preventing the cooler insert 1200 from floating. If a user desires to remove the cooler insert 1200 from the cooler 1202, the user may press the hinged protrusion 1204 against the walls of the cooler insert 1200 so as to disengage the hinged protrusion 1204 from the cooler 1202. While hinged protrusions 1204 are used as an example, other mechanisms may be used. For example, the insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise twist and lock telescoping protrusions, screw-drive protrusions, or other mechanisms.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise a cooler insert 1300 comprising grooves 1302 formed from protrusions 1304. The grooves 1302 receive tongues 1306. Tongues 1306 may be an integral part of a cooler 1308 or may be a bracket 1310 that may be received over the wall of a cooler. The tongue-in-groove configuration prevents the cooler insert 1300 from unwanted movement and may also allow for ideal ice placement (e.g., adjacent and/or below the cooler insert 1300).

FIG. 21 illustrates a cooler insert platform 1400 within a cooler 1402, the cooler insert platform 1400 functioning as the insert-cooler positioning mechanism. The platform 1400 may comprise protrusions 1404 for engaging the walls of the cooler 1402 to restrict movement of the platform 1400 within the cooler 1402. As described elsewhere herein, these protrusions 1404 may be fixed or selectively extendable. The platform 1400 may also comprise magnets, tongue-and-groove features, or other mechanisms for coupling the platform 1400 to the cooler insert (not visible in this view).

FIG. 22 illustrates cooler insert 1500 within cooler 1502. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprising a drain-plug attachment. For example, a male portion 1504 is inserted into the drain, creating a seal. The male portion 1504 may be secured through the drain using outer portion 1505. In one example, as shown, a vertical member 1506 extends upwardly from the male portion 1504, where a cooler insert 1500 may be secured thereto (e.g., tonge-and-groove, magnets, hook and loop, etc.). In one embodiment (not shown), the vertical member 1506 is replaced with a horizontal platform, allowing the base of the cooler insert to couple thereto, which may or may not be suspended over the base of the cooler. FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate cooler insert 1600 within cooler 1602. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprising a male portion 1604 inserted into the drain of the cooler 1602. A horizontal member 1604 couples to the male portion 1604, with the cooler insert 1600 coupling to the horizontal member 1604 to prevent unwanted movement and to secure the cooler insert 1600 in the desired position. As shown in FIG. 23C, the horizontal member 1614 may comprise extensions 1616 to accommodate varying sizes of coolers. The extensions be may screw-driven, spring actuated, twist and lock, etc.

FIG. 24 illustrates a cooler insert 1700 within cooler 1702. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises one or more horizontal members 1704 and a platform 1706. The platform 1706 may have magnets 1708 coupled thereto for securing the cooler insert 1700 thereon. As shown, the cooler insert 1700 may also have magnets 1710. The horizontal members 1704 generally aid in creating a void between the base 1712 of the cooler insert 1700 and the base 1714 of the cooler 1702. This allows water and/or ice to fill the void, keeping food within the cooler insert 1700 colder, longer.

It will be appreciated that the cooler insertable systems disclosed above could be made from any number of materials, such as plastics, PVCs, rubbers, carbon fibers, aluminum, stainless steel, or any other material that is corrosion resistant. In one embodiment, the material may be rigid. In another embodiment, the material may be flexible so as to contour to the shape of the cooler.

It is appreciated from the foregoing that the cooler and cooler insert overcome problems in the prior art by keeping the food, ice, and water separated from one another; namely, the cooler and cooler insert described above allow for the food to remain less contaminated, slow the ice melting, and keep the cooler colder for longer periods. Further, the cooler insert described herein allows a user to easily pack it with food due to its lightweight construction. Further, it allows for ease of cleaning due to being removable from the cooler. Further, because the cooler insert herein is enclosed to keep the food separate from water, a user need not waste time in waterproofing foodstuffs. For example, a user need not place foodstuffs in a Ziploc® bag to prevent water damage, as water will not enter the cooler insert—saving a user time and money, as well as reducing plastic waste. Further, because the cooler insert may be in contact with ice on several sides, the temperature inside of the cooler insert is significantly lower than traditional coolers, as shown in an example below. This enhances the safety of traveling with perishable foods. Even more, the ability to add ice during multi-day use is improved, as a user need not worry about removing foodstuffs to add additional ice. Instead, the cooler insert may remain in place while additional ice is added and/or water is drained, which is a significant improvement over the prior art.

In preliminary testing, ice was placed in a 48 qt Coleman Cooler and the temperature about two inches above the ice was measured (about 4 inches from the bottom of the cooler). The coldest temperature recorded was 42 degrees. In comparison, a cooler insert (e.g., cuboid) was placed within the cooler, with the same amount of ice then added. Temperatures as low as 37 degrees were recorded at the same height (about four inches from the bottom of the cooler). Therefore, the distribution of ice along the sides of the cooler make a significant impact on the internal temperature.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A cooler insert receivable within a cooler, the cooler insert comprising:

a base and a plurality of walls forming a compartment;

at least one lid for enclosing the compartment;

an insert-cooler positioning mechanism for positioning the cooler insert within the cooler.

2. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises at least one leg extending from the base, creating a void for ice and water between the base of the compartment and the base of the cooler.

3. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises at least one protrusion extending from the walls, creating a void for ice and water between the walls of the compartment and the walls of the cooler.

4. The cooler insert of claim 3, wherein the protrusions may be selectively extendable to accommodate varying cooler sizes.

5. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein the protrusions comprise springs for exerting an outward force on the inner walls of the cooler to aid in preventing unwanted movement of the cooler insert within the cooler.

6. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises a lip for resting on a ledge of the cooler walls.

7. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises a coupling bracket within the cooler.

8. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises an adjustable platform, the platform positionable within the cooler and secured using tension, the cooler insert coupling to the adjustable platform.

9. The cooler insert of claim 8, wherein the cooler insert is coupled to the adjustable platform using magnets.

10. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler position mechanism comprises a drain plug attachment.

11. The cooler insert of claim 10, wherein a platform extends horizontally from the drain plug attachment, the cooler insert coupleable to the platform.

12. The cooler insert of claim 10, wherein a vertical member extends vertically from the drain plug attachment, the cooler insert coupleable to the vertical member.

13. The cooler insert of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of compartments.

14. The cooler insert of claim 13, wherein the cooler insert creates a void between the walls and base of the cooler and the walls and base of the cooler insert for ice and water.

15. A cooler insert receivable within a cooler, the cooler insert comprising:

a base and a plurality of walls forming a compartment;

a lid for enclosing the compartment;

at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the base or walls, the protrusion abutting the inner walls or base of the cooler to keep the cooler insert at a predetermined distance from the base or sidewalls.

16. The cooler insert of claim 15, wherein protrusions extend from both the base and the walls and abut the base and the walls of the cooler, respectively, creating a void for ice and water between the walls and base of the cooler insert and the walls and base of the cooler.

17. The cooler insert of claim 15, wherein the protrusions comprise selectively extendable tension rods.

18. A method of using a cooler insert to reduce food contamination and spoiling, the method comprising:

inserting a cooler insert into a cooler, the cooler insert comprising a compartment and at least one lid to enclose the compartment; and

wherein the cooler insert creates a void for ice and water between the cooler insert and the cooler.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the cooler insert comprises a plurality of segregated compartments and a plurality of lids for each compartment.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the cooler insert comprises an insert-cooler position mechanism.