MODULAR COOLER SYSTEM

Abstract

A cooler system includes a main body and a lid. A divider is removably coupled to an interior of the main body. A container is removably suspended within the interior of the main body by a lip resting on a rim of the main body and an upper edge of the divider. An accessory is removably coupled to an external flange of the main body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/816,422; attorney docket number OTI/0135US; filed on Mar. 12, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Insulating containers such as coolers are commonly used for keeping products such as food and beverages cold during transport or whenever access to electrical refrigeration is limited. For examples, such coolers may be used on a boat or for camping.

In the case of hard-sided coolers, users may find that the top surface of the cooler (i.e., the lid) to be a convenience surface for holding items such as a beverage container. The beverage container is typically a can, a bottle, or a cup such as a tumbler.

However, the lid of the cooler may not be an ideal surface for holding the beverage container for various reasons. For example, when the cooler is being used on a boat, the top surface may not reliably support the beverage container due to motion of the boat. As another example, when the cooler is being used for camping in mountain or forest regions, the only available surfaces on the ground for resting the cooler may not be flat, and therefore the top surface of the cooler is not flat in such situations. As another example, the materials and manufacturing process used to manufacture the cooler may result in the top surface of the cooler having a relatively low coefficient of friction and/or edges that curve gradually down. In such a situation, a beverage container resting on the top surface may easily fall over or fall off of the cooler when, for example, the beverage container or the cooler is bumped.

Recognizing this, some manufacturers have added circular recesses to cooler lids so that such circular recesses can serve as a cup holder to hold the beverage container. However, the circular recess typically has a diameter substantially larger than a standard beverage bottle or can so that the circular recess can accommodate a variety of sizes of beverage containers. Thus, when the beverage container is a bottle or can, the aforementioned problems still exist.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure concerns a modular cooler system in which components are selectively attachable to a cooler in a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, a cooler system includes a main body, a lid, and a divider. The divider is removably couplable to the an interior of the main body by a ridge intersecting a groove.

In another embodiment, a cooler system includes a main body and a lid. An external flange projects outwardly from the main body. An accessory is removably couplable to the external flange by an attachment fitting. A tab of the attachment fitting is configured to engage a recess in the flange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example combination cup/cup holder for use in a cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the example combination cup/cup holder according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example combination cup/cup holder for use in a cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example combination cup/cup holder for use in a cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12B is another detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is another detail perspective view of the cooler and combination cup/cup holder system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views of a cooler system according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a top view of an exemplary configuration of the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a component of the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the component of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a component of the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the component of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 is a top view of an exemplary configuration of the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17 incorporating the components of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of a portion of the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of a portion of the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view of part of the portion of the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate a method associated with the cooler system of FIGS. 16 and 17.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of this disclosure relate to components, such as a combination cup/cup holder, that can be removably attached to a portable insulating container such as a cooler. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a corresponding cooler system including one or more components, such as a combination cup/cup holder, a divider, and a cooler, in which the one or more components can be removably attached to the cooler. The cooler system incorporating the one or more components is modular in that the one or more components can be arranged into various operational configurations.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example cooler system 1. The cooler system 1 includes a cooler 100. The cooler 100 is configured to store items—such as, for example, food, beverages and/or ice—within an interior volume of the cooler 100. The cooler 100 includes a main body 101. The main body 101 includes a bottom and sides that together define the interior volume. The main body 101 may be insulated. The cooler 100 includes a lid 102 that is rotatably attached to the main body 101 via one or more hinges. Alternatively, the lid 102 may be provided without a hinge attachment to the main body 101, so that the lid 102 can be set in place on top of the main body 101 or removed by the user as desired. The lid 102 may be insulated. The lid 102 can be closed to cover the interior volume as shown in FIG. 1. The lid 102 can also be opened to allow access to the interior volume. One or more latches 103 may secure the lid 102 when the lid 102 is closed.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate detailed views of a portion of the cooler system 1. The cooler system 1 also includes at least one removable combination cup/cup holder 104. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cooler system 1 includes four combination cup/cup holders 104.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the combination cup/cup holder 104 includes a sidewall portion 105 and a bottom portion 106. The sidewall portion 105 and bottom portion 106 define a volume that can hold, for example, a beverage or a beverage container. The sidewall portion 105 may be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape, although the sidewall portion 105 may have a somewhat larger outer circumference at the top than at the bottom. Other shapes are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. The combination cup/cup holder 104 also includes an attachment portion 107. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 107 is comprised of raised threads positioned around the bottom of the sidewall portion 105.

The lid 102 includes recess 108, which can also be seen in FIG. 3. The recess 108 includes a receiving portion 109. The receiving portion 109 has a configuration that corresponds to attachment portion 107. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 109 is comprised of recessed threads positioned around the edge of the recess 108 that correspond to the attachment portion 107, e.g., the raised threads, in the combination cup/cup holder 104. The circumference of recess 108 is sized to allow the combination cup/cup holder 104 to be inserted into the recess 108. The recess 108 may also include a drainage channel formed in an edge of the recess 108 so that fluid does not accumulate in the recess 108.

When the combination cup/cup holder 104 is inserted into the recess 108 and rotated, the attachment portion 107 engages with the receiving portion 109 to removably secure the combination cup/cup holder 104 in the recess 108 and, by extension, to the cooler 100. When the combination cup/cup holder 104 is rotated in the opposite direction, the attachment portion 107 disengages from the receiving portion 109 and the combination cup/cup holder 104 is no longer secured to the cooler 100.

According to an embodiment, an inside surface of the sidewall portion 105 of the combination cup/cup holder 104 may have a diameter that matches or is slightly larger than a diameter of a standard 12 oz beverage can (which is slightly larger than a diameter of a standard 12 oz beverage bottle). Alternatively, the diameter of the combination cup/cup holder 104 may be sized to provide an interference fit to secure the standard 12 oz beverage can or standard 12 oz beverage bottle within the combination cup/cup holder 104. That is, the combination cup/cup holder 104 is sized so that the standard 12 oz beverage can and the standard 12 oz beverage bottle can fit inside, while also being sized to be comfortably held by a user when, for example, the combination cup/cup holder is used to directly hold a beverage.

According to the embodiment of the cooler system 1 described above, the combination cup/cup holder 104 can be removably secured to the cooler 100, and when so secured, can function as a cup holder that holds a beverage container such as a can or a bottle. In such a configuration, the sidewall portion 105 of the combination cup/cup holder 104 provides sufficient vertical support for the beverage container so that the beverage container does not fall if the cooler 100 is bumped or if the cooler is on an uneven surface such as might be encountered at a campsite or on a boat.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the cooler system 1 described above, the combination cup/cup holder 104 can function directly as a cup. That is, a user can pour a desired beverage directly into the combination cup/cup holder 104. The rotation required to secure the combination cup/cup holder 104 to the cooler 100 or to remove the combination cup/cup holder 104 from the cooler 100 is not significant. For example, a user may need to rotate the combination cup/cup holder 104 ninety degrees or less to secure the combination cup/cup holder 104 to the cooler 100 or to remove the combination cup/cup holder 104 from the cooler 100. The rotation required to secure the combination cup/cup holder to the cooler 100 or to remove the combination cup/cup holder 104 may vary depending on, for example, the initial alignment of the threads of the attachment portion 107 relative to the threads of the receiving portion 109. That is, the combination cup/cup holder 104 may need initially to be rotated up to or even more than 180 degrees before the attachment portion 107 engages the receiving portion 109. However, the combination cup/cup holder 104 may be oriented so that the engagement portion 107 engages the receiving portion 109 with little to no initial rotation. Once the engagement portion 107 engages the receiving portion 109, the combination cup/cup holder 104 may need to only be rotated ninety degrees or less, or 45 degrees or less, or 30 degrees or less to secure the combination cup/cup holder 104 to the cooler 100 or to remove the combination cup/cup holder 104 from the cooler 100. Thus, the user can easily secure the combination cup/cup holder 104 to the cooler 100 or remove the combination cup/cup holder 104 from the cooler 100 with one hand.

As described above, the combination cup/cup holder 104 may also directly hold a beverage. That is, a user may pour a beverage into the combination cup/cup holder 104. The combination cup/cup holder 104 can then be easily secured to the cooler 100 as described above when, for example, the user wishes to set the combination cup/cup holder 104 down. For example, if the surface of the lid 102 and/or every other available surface for setting the combination cup/cup holder 104 down is uneven or unstable, the user can easily secure the combination cup/cup holder 104 to the cooler 100 without fear of the combination cup/cup holder 104 being knocked over or sliding off of the lid 102. Thus, the user can enjoy the beverage held directly in the combination cup/cup holder 104 or in a standard beverage container without fear of the beverage being spilled.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the attachment portion 107 on the combination cup/cup holder 104 and the receiving portion 109 on the lid 102 of the cooler 100 are cooperating threads. However, other embodiments of the attachment portion and receiving portion are contemplated by the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate aspects of a cooler system 2 according to second embodiment which differs from the first embodiment with respect to the attachment portion and corresponding receiving portion. Other aspects of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment described above, and the description of the first embodiment with respect to such similar aspects are applicable to the second embodiment.

The cooler system 2 according to the second embodiment includes a cooler 200 having a main body 201. The main body 201 includes a bottom and sides that together define the interior volume. The main body 201 may be insulated. The cooler 200 includes a lid 202 that is rotatably attached to the main body 201 via one or more hinges. Alternatively, the lid 202 may be provided without a hinge attachment to the main body 201, so that the lid 202 can be set in place on top of the main body 201 or removed by the user as desired. The lid 202 may be insulated. The lid 202 can be closed to cover the interior volume as shown in FIG. 6. The lid 202 can also be opened to allow access to the interior volume. One or more latches (not shown, similar to latches 103 described above) may secure the lid 202 when the lid 202 is closed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the cooler 200 and one removable combination cup/cup holder 204. As will be appreciated, more than one combination cup/cup holder 204 may be provided with the cooler 200.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the combination cup/cup holder 204 includes a sidewall portion 205 and a bottom portion 206. The sidewall portion 205 and bottom portion 206 define a volume that can hold, for example, a beverage or a beverage container. The sidewall portion 205 may be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape, although the sidewall portion 205 may have a somewhat larger outer circumference at the top than at the bottom. Other shapes are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure. The combination cup/cup holder 204 also includes an attachment portion 207. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 207 is comprised of a plurality of cam protrusions positioned around the bottom of the sidewall portion 205.

The lid 202 includes recess 208, which can also be seen in FIG. 6. The recess 208 includes a receiving portion 209. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 209 includes a plurality of cam protrusions with cam recesses 209a between adjacent cam protrusions. The cam recesses 209a are shaped to allow the attachment portion 207 to pass by the receiving portion 209 until the combination cup/cup holder is fully inserted into recess 208. That is, the receiving portion 209 including cam recesses 209a has a configuration that corresponds to attachment portion 207. The circumference of recess 208 is sized to allow the combination cup/cup holder 204 to be inserted into the recess 208 when the cam protrusions of the attachment portion 207 are aligned with the cam recesses 209a of the receiving portion 209. The recess 208 may also include a drainage channel formed in an edge of the recess 208 so that fluid does not accumulate in the recess 208

When the combination cup/cup holder 204 is inserted into the recess 208 and rotated, the attachment portion 207 is no longer aligned with the cam recesses 209a. That is, the cam protrusions of the attachment portion 207 become positioned under the cam protrusions of the receiving portion 209 to removably secure the combination cup/cup holder 204 in the recess 208 and to the cooler lid 202 (and by extension, cooler 200). When the combination cup/cup holder 204 is rotated further, or in the opposite direction, the cam protrusions of the attachment portion 207 become aligned once again with the cam recesses 209a and the combination cup/cup holder 204 is no longer secured to the cooler lid 202.

According to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, the combination cup/cup holder 204 can be rotated in the recess 208 so that the cam protrusions of the attachment portion 207 are aligned with the cam protrusions of the receiving portion 209 in an attached position, and then further rotated in the same direction to be aligned so that the cam protrusions of the attachment portion 207 are aligned with the cam recesses 209a in a released position. According to an alternative embodiment, a stop (not shown) is provided on the attachment portion 207 and/or the receiving portion so that the combination cup/cup holder 204 can be rotated to the attached position in one direction, and then must be rotated in the opposite direction to the released position.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate aspects of a cooler system 3 according to third embodiment which differs from the first and second embodiments with respect to the attachment portion and corresponding receiving portion. Other aspects of the third embodiment are similar to the first embodiment described above, and the description of the first embodiment with respect to such similar aspects are applicable to the third embodiment.

The cooler system 3 according to the third embodiment includes a cooler 300 having a main body 301. The main body 301 includes a bottom and sides that together define the interior volume. The main body 301 may be insulated. The cooler 300 includes a lid 302 that is rotatably attached to the main body 301 via one or more hinges. Alternatively, the lid 302 may be provided without a hinge attachment to the main body 301, so that the lid 302 can be set in place on top of the main body 301 or removed by the user as desired. The lid 302 may be insulated. The lid 302 can be closed to cover the interior volume as shown in FIG. 8. The lid 302 can also be opened to allow access to the interior volume. One or more latches (not shown, similar to latches 103 described above) may secure the lid 302 when the lid 302 is closed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the cooler 300 and one removable combination cup/cup holder 304. As will be appreciated, more than one combination cup/cup holder 304 may be provided with the cooler 300.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the combination cup/cup holder 304 includes a sidewall portion 305 and a bottom portion 306. The sidewall portion 305 and bottom portion 306 define a volume that can hold, for example, a beverage or a beverage container. The sidewall portion 305 may be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape, although the sidewall portion 305 may have a somewhat larger outer circumference at the top than at the bottom. Other shapes are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. The combination cup/cup holder 304 also includes an attachment portion 307.

The lid 302 includes recess 308, which can also be seen in FIG. 8. The recess 308 includes a receiving portion 309. The receiving portion 309 is a material that is complementary to the attachment portion 307 by providing for releasable attachment to the attachment portion 307. That is, the attachment portion 307 and the receiving portion 309 become releasably attached to one another upon contact, without requiring rotation of the combination cup/cup holder 304. Thus, when the attachment portion 307 contacts the receiving portion 309, the combination cup/cup holder 304 is releasably attached to the cooler lid 302 and, by extension, the cooler 300. To release the combination cup/cup holder 304 from the cooler lid 302, a user can lift the combination cup/cup holder 304 with sufficient force to overcome an attachment force between the attachment portion 307 and the receiving portion 309 (as well as the force due to gravity acting on the combination cup/cup holder 304 and its contents).

For example, the attachment portion 307 may be a magnet or a material having a high magnetic permeability. Likewise, the receiving portion 309 may be a material having a high magnetic permeability or a magnet. Both the attachment portion 307 and the receiving portion 309 may be magnets, so long as opposite poles of the magnets face each other. Alternatively, only one of the attachment portion 307 and the receiving portion 309 may be a magnet, while the other may be a material having a high magnetic permeability but not necessarily an actual magnet

In the case that both the attachment portion 307 and the receiving portion 309 are magnets, the force required to release the combination cup/cup holder 304 from the cooler lid 302 may be significantly stronger than the case of only one of the attachment portion 307 and the receiving portion 309 being a magnet while the other being a material having a high magnetic permeability but not necessarily an actual magnet. The magnitude of the force required to release the combination cup/cup holder 304 also depends on the strength of the magnetic flux from the magnet provided as attachment portion 307 and/or receiving portion 309

Alternatively, the attachment portion 307 may be a hook patch or a loop patch. Likewise, the receiving portion 309 may be a loop patch or a hook patch, as needed to correspond to a hook patch or a loop patch of the attachment portion 307 to provide for a releasable attachment when the attachment portion 307 contacts the receiving portion 309.

The recess 308 may also include a drainage channel formed in an edge of the recess 308 so that fluid does not accumulate in the recess 308.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate aspects of a cooler system 4 according to a fourth embodiment which differs from the first, second, and third embodiments in that the fourth embodiment includes a combination handle/handle portion 410 on a combination cup/cup holder 404 and a corresponding receiving slot 411 on a cooler lid 402. Any of the above-described attachment portions 107, 207, 307 and corresponding receiving portions 109, 209, 309 can also be included in the cooler system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. Other aspects of the fourth embodiment are similar to the first embodiment described above, and the description of the first embodiment with respect to such similar aspects are applicable to the fourth embodiment.

The cooler system 4 according to the fourth embodiment includes a cooler 400 having a main body 401. The main body 401 includes a bottom and sides that together define the interior volume. The main body 401 may be insulated. The cooler 400 includes a lid 402 that is rotatably attached to the main body 401 via one or more hinges. Alternatively, the lid 402 may be provided without a hinge attachment to the main body 401, so that the lid 402 can be set in place on top of the main body 401 or removed by the user as desired. The lid 402 may be insulated. The lid 402 can be closed to cover the interior volume as shown in FIGS. 10-12. The lid 402 can also be opened to allow access to the interior volume. One or more latches 403 may secure the lid 402 when the lid 402 is closed.

As can be seen in FIG. 9, the combination cup/cup holder 404 includes a sidewall portion 405 and a bottom portion 406. The sidewall portion 405 and bottom portion 406 define a volume that can hold, for example, a beverage or a beverage container. The sidewall portion 405 may be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape, although the sidewall portion 405 may have a somewhat larger outer circumference at the top than at the bottom. Other shapes are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. The combination cup/cup holder 404 may also include an attachment portion 407, which may be any one of the attachment portions 107, 207, 307 described above. Alternatively, the attachment portion 407 may be omitted.

The combination cup/cup holder 404 also includes the combination handle/attachment portion 410. For example, the combination handle/attachment portion 410 may have a general shape of a hook. The combination handle/attachment portion 410 may be configured and shaped as a handle that the user can use to hold the combination cup/cup holder 404. As will be described further, the combination handle/attachment portion 410 may also be configured and shaped to fit into a receiving slot 411 formed in the lid 402.

The lid 402 includes recess 408, as shown in FIG. 10. The recess 408 includes a receiving portion 409. The receiving portion 409 may be any one of the receiving portions 109, 209, 309 described above. Alternatively, the receiving portion 409 may be omitted.

The lid 402 also includes the receiving slot 411. For example, the receiving slot 411 may be formed in lid protrusion 412. The receiving slot 411 is shaped to receive the combination handle/attachment portion 410 so that the combination cup/cup holder 404 can be removably attached to the lid 402 and, by extension, the cooler 400. The user may use the receiving slot 411 to hold the combination cup/cup holder 404 when the receiving portion 409 is not available such as, for example, when a top surface of the lid 402 is to be used for different purposes such as food preparation or a seat, or when each receiving portion 409 is already being used, or when the receiving portion 409 is omitted.

The receiving slot 411 may be formed on a lip extending along at least one side of the lid 402; in such a case, the lid protrusion 412 may be omitted.

The main body 401 also includes handles 413, one on each side of the cooler 400. Each handle 413 includes a grip 414 and a handle recess 415. The user can lift the cooler 400 by gripping the grip 414 so that the user's fingers extend through the handle recess 415. Each handle 413 also includes a protrusion recess 416. The protrusion recess 416 is shaped to receive the lid protrusion 412 when the combination handle/attachment portion 410 of the combination cup/cup holder 404 is not being held in the receiving slot 411.

Each handle 413 may be pivotally attached to the main body 401. In FIG. 12A, the handle 413 is shown in a first position in which the grip 414 is at a lowest position and the lid protrusion 412 is not positioned in the protrusion recess 416. In other words, in the first position, the handle 413 is oriented vertically down. In FIG. 12B, the handle 413 is shown in a second position in which the grip 414 is at a highest position and the lid protrusion 42 is positioned in the protrusion recess 416. In other words, in the second position, the handle 413 is oriented vertically up. Thus, in the second position, the handle 413 secures the lid 402 closed relative to the main body 401 by virtue of the lid protrusion 412 being positioned in the protrusion recess 416. For example, when the handle 413 is in the second position, the lid 402 may be more tightly sealed to the main body 401 which may improve cooling performance of the cooler 400, whether the cooler 400 is at rest or during transport of the cooler 400.

The handle 413 may rotate between the first position and the second position. When the user is lifting the cooler 400 as described above, it is preferable for the handle 413 to be in the second position.

FIG. 13 illustrates aspects of a cooler system 5, in which a cooler 500 according to a fifth embodiment differs from the cooler 400 of the fourth embodiment in that a protrusion 512 is formed on a main body 501 of the cooler 500, in contrast to the fourth embodiment in which lid protrusion 412 is formed on the lid 402.

The cooler 500 according to the fifth embodiment includes the main body 501. The main body 501 includes a bottom and sides that together define the interior volume. The main body 501 may be insulated. The cooler 500 includes a lid 502 that is rotatably attached to the main body 501 via one or more hinges. Alternatively, the lid 502 may be provided without a hinge attachment to the main body 501, so that the lid 502 can be set in place on top of the main body 501 or removed by the user as desired. The lid 502 may be insulated. The lid 502 can be closed to cover the interior volume as shown in FIG. 13. The lid 502 can also be opened to allow access to the interior volume.

The protrusion 512 on the main body 501 includes a receiving slot 511. The receiving slot 511 is shaped to receive the combination handle/attachment portion 410 of the combination cup/cup holder 404 described above in connection with the fourth embodiment. The user may use the receiving slot 511 to hold the combination cup/cup holder 404 even when the lid 502 is moved to an open position to allow access to the interior volume of the cooler 500.

The receiving slot 511 may be formed on a lip extending along at least one side of the main body 501; in such a case, the protrusion 512 may be omitted.

The receiving slot 511 can also be used to receive a tie-down strap to secure the cooler 500 to, for example, a cargo area of a vehicle. While the receiving slot 411 of cooler 400 can also be used to receive a tie-down strap, the cooler 500 with the receiving slot 511 on the main body 501 is preferable for this function so that the lid 502 can be moved to the open position even while cooler 500 is secured with the tie-down strap.

The main body 501 also includes handles 513, one on each side of the cooler 500. Each handle 513 includes a grip 514 and at least one handle recess 515. The user can lift the cooler 500 by gripping the grip 514 so that the user's fingers extend through the handle recess 515.

Each handle 513 may be pivotally attached to the main body 501. The recess 515 is shaped and positioned so that the protrusion 512 does not interfere with movement of the handle 513.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate aspects of a cooler system 6 according to sixth embodiment which differs from the above described embodiments with respect to the attachment portion and corresponding receiving portion. Other aspects of the sixth embodiment are similar to the embodiments described above, and the description of such similar aspects are applicable to the sixth embodiment.

The cooler system 6 according to the sixth embodiment includes a cooler 600 having a main body 601. The main body 601 includes a bottom and sides that together define the interior volume. The main body 601 may be insulated. The cooler 600 includes a lid 602 that is rotatably attached to the main body 601 via one or more hinges. Alternatively, the lid 602 may be provided without a hinge attachment to the main body 601, so that the lid 602 can be set in place on top of the main body 601 or removed by the user as desired. The lid 602 may be insulated. The lid 602 can be closed to cover the interior volume as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The lid 602 can also be opened to allow access to the interior volume. One or more latches (not shown, similar to latches 103 described above) may secure the lid 602 when the lid 602 is closed.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a detailed view of a portion of the cooler 600 and one removable combination cup/cup holder 604. As will be appreciated, more than one combination cup/cup holder 604 may be provided with the cooler 600.

The combination cup/cup holder 604 includes a sidewall portion 605 and a bottom portion 606. The sidewall portion 605 and bottom portion 606 define a volume that can hold, for example, a beverage or a beverage container. The sidewall portion 605 may be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape, although the sidewall portion 605 may have a somewhat larger outer circumference at the top than at the bottom. Other shapes are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. The combination cup/cup holder 604 also includes an attachment portion 607, which is a smooth area extending around a bottom part of the sidewall portion 605.

The lid 602 includes recess 608, which can also be seen in FIG. 14. The recess 608 includes a receiving portion 609. The receiving portion 609 is a smooth sidewall of the recess 608. The receiving portion 609 has a diameter that is substantially the same as a diameter of the attachment portion 607. The attachment portion 607 and the receiving portion 609 become releasably attached to one another by a press fit. When the combination cup/cup holder 604 is placed within the recess 608, the friction between the attachment portion 607 and the receiving portion 609 cup/cup holder 604 releasably attaches the combination cup/cup holder 604 to the cooler lid 602 and, by extension, the cooler 600. To release the combination cup/cup holder 604 from the cooler lid 602, a user can lift the combination cup/cup holder 604 with sufficient force to overcome the static frictional force between the attachment portion 607 and the receiving portion 609 (as well as the force due to gravity acting on the combination cup/cup holder 604 and its contents).

By selecting materials for the attachment portion 607 and the receiving portion 609 and optimizing the respective diameters, the magnitude of the static frictional force between the attachment portion 607 and the receiving portion 609 can be within a predetermined range. For example the magnitude of the static frictional force between the attachment portion 607 and the receiving portion 609 should be sufficient to secure the combination cup/cup holder 604 in place on the lid 602 during ordinary use of the cooler 600, but not too large. The static frictional force between the attachment portion 607 and the receiving portion 609 is too large if, for example, once the static frictional force is overcome, the subsequent kinetic energy of the combination cup/cup holder 604 results in spilling a beverage held therein.

For example, the lid 602 including the receiving portion 609 may be formed from blow molded polyethylene. The main body 601 may likewise be formed from blow molded polyethylene. As another example, the lid 602 including the receiving portion 609 may be formed from rotationally molded polyethylene. The main body 601 may likewise also be formed from rotationally molded polyethylene. As another example, the combination cup/cup holder 604 may be formed from injection molded polyethylene. The material used for the combination cup/cup holder 604 may be a material that is approved for food and beverage contact, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). An outer surface of the combination cup/cup holder 604 may be provided with a rubberized texture to improve, for example a user's grip.

In a case that the material used for the combination cup/cup holder 604 is not approved for food and beverage contact, the combination cup/cup holder 604 may be provided with one or more holes (not shown) in the bottom portion 606. By including holes in the bottom portion 606, the combination cup/cup holder 604 is still suitable for holding a separate beverage container such as a can or bottle, but not for directly holding a beverage. In such a case, the combination cup/cup holder 604 can also still function as cup for holding non-beverage items such as fishing tackle, camping items, food containers or the like.

FIGS. 16 to 24B illustrate a seventh embodiment of a cooler system. The cooler system 7 according to the seventh embodiment includes a cooler 700 having a main body 701. The main body 701 includes an inner body 720 disposed in an outer body 740. The inner body 720 includes a floor 725 and sidewalls 721, 722, 723, 724 (collectively shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 21) that together define an interior volume. The outer body 740 includes a bottom and sides, such that the floor 725 and sidewalls 721, 722, 723, 724 of the inner body 720 are spaced apart from the respective bottom and sides of the outer body 740. The main body 701 may include insulation in the space between the inner body 720 and the outer body 740. The cooler 700 includes a lid 702 that may be similar to any of the lids 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and 602 of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the lid 702 is rotatably attached to the main body 701 via one or more hinges. Alternatively, the lid 702 may be provided without a hinge attachment to the main body 701, so that the lid 702 can be set in place on top of the main body 701 or removed by the user, as desired. The lid 702 may be insulated. The lid 702 can be closed to cover the interior volume, and can also be opened to allow access to the interior volume, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. One or more latches 703 may secure the lid 702 when the lid 702 is closed.

The main body 701 includes handles 713 (one of which is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17), one on each side of the cooler 700. Each handle 713 includes a grip 714 and at least one handle recess 715. The main body 701 also includes one or more hand-holds 718 extending from an external flange 742 on the outer body 740. A bottle opener 719 is attached to the outer body 740. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the bottle opener 719 may be omitted.

FIG. 16 illustrates a first groove 731 in a first sidewall 721 of the inner body 720. The first groove 731 runs substantially vertically from an upper end proximal to a rim 736 at an upper portion of the inner body 720 to a lower end proximal to the floor 725. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the first sidewall 721 may include more than one groove. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that a second sidewall 722 (shown in FIG. 18) opposite to the first sidewall 721 may include a second groove 732 (shown in FIG. 18) corresponding to the first groove 731. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the second sidewall 722 may include more than one groove, each groove corresponding to a groove in the first sidewall 721. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that other sidewalls of the inner body 720 may include at least one groove.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the floor 725 of the inner body 720 may include a groove that runs from a location proximal to the first groove 731 in the first sidewall 721 to a location proximal to the second groove 732 in the second sidewall 722. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the floor 725 of the inner body 720 may include more than one groove, each groove corresponding to respective grooves in the sidewalls of the inner body 720. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the floor 725 of the inner body 720 may not include a groove.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the cooler system 7 with a divider 770 disposed in the inner body 720. FIG. 17 is a perspective view, and FIG. 18 is a view from above. The divider 770 extends horizontally from the first sidewall 721 to the second sidewall 722. As shown in FIG. 18, a first ridge 772 of the divider 770 is disposed in the first groove 731 in the first sidewall 721 of the inner body 720, and a second ridge 773 of the divider 770 is disposed in the second groove 732 in the second sidewall 722 of the inner body 720. Hence, the divider 770 is held in place. An upper edge 774 of the divider 770 is at a level in the inner body 720 proximal to the rim 736 of the inner body 720, and a lower edge 775 (shown in FIG. 19) of the divider 770 is proximal to the floor 725 of the inner body 720. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the lower edge 775 of the divider 770 may be disposed abutting the floor 725 of the inner body 720. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the lower edge 775 of the divider 770 may be disposed in a groove in the floor 725 of the inner body 720. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the lower edge 775 of the divider 770 may be disposed above and separated from the floor 725 of the inner body 720. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the first and/or second sidewalls 721, 722 of the inner body 720 may include a ridge instead of the first groove 731 and/or the second groove 732. In such embodiments, the divider 770 may include a corresponding groove in place of the first ridge 772 and/or the second ridge 773.

FIG. 17 also illustrates the cooler system 7 with a container 760 disposed in the inner body 720. As illustrated, the container 760 may be a basket. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the container 760 may be of another form, such as a bowl, a dish, a basin, a tray, or such like. The container 760 may be suspended within the inner body. As illustrated, the container 760 has a lip 762. The lip 762 may be configured to rest on at least a portion of the rim 736 of the inner body 720. The lip 762 may be configured to rest on at least a portion of the upper edge 774 of the divider 770. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the lip 762 may not be configured to rest on the upper edge 774 of the divider 770. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the lip 762 may not be configured to rest on the rim 736 of the inner body 720. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the cooler system 7 may include more than one divider 770. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the cooler system 7 may include more than one container 760.

The cooler system 7 is modular in that the divider 770 is configured to be removable from, and replaceable into, the inner body 720. In embodiments in which two or more sides of the inner body 720 include more than one groove, the divider 770 may be positioned in any one of multiple locations in the inner body 720 according to the insertion of a ridge 772, 773 of the divider 770 into a selected groove. Additionally, a user may selectively use one divider 770, multiple dividers 770, or no dividers 770.

The cooler system 7 is modular in that the container 760 is configured to be removable from, and replaceable into, the inner body 720. Additionally, a user may select a first form of container 760 (such as a basket) to replace a container 760 of a different, second, form (such as a bowl). Furthermore, the user may select a container 760 of a first size to replace a container 760 of a different, second, size. For example, a first container 760 of a first size may be configured to be disposed in the inner body 720 when a divider 770 is disposed in a first location in the inner body 720, and a second container 760 of a different, second, size may be configured to be disposed in the inner body 720 when the divider 770 is disposed in a different, second, location in the inner body 720.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate the divider 770. FIG. 19A is a perspective view, and FIG. 19B is a cross section. The divider 770 includes a plate 771 shaped and sized to match an interior profile of the inner body 720. Thus, the first ridge 772 and the second ridge 773 are configured to be inserted into, and removable from, the first and second grooves 731, 732, respectively. A handle 776 is incorporated between the upper edge 774 and a coolant chamber 777. The coolant chamber 777 is configured to hold a coolant, such as water gelled with sodium polyacrylate. The divider 770 may be placed in a freezer in order to cool the coolant prior to inserting the divider 770 into the cooler 700. Hence, the divider 770 may promote the maintenance of a desired temperature within the cooler 700. A cap 778 covering a coolant filling port is located at the lower edge 775 of the divider 770.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a second embodiment 770′ of the divider 770. FIG. 20A is a perspective view, and FIG. 20B is a cross section. Aspects similar to those of divider 770 are labeled with the same reference numerals as those for divider 770. The divider 770′ is configured similarly to divider 770, except for the coolant chamber. The coolant chamber of the divider 770 is separated into two coolant chambers 777-1, 777-2 by a groove 779 on each face that runs from a location proximal to the handle 776 to a location proximal to the lower edge 775. Caps 778 located at the lower edge 775 of the divider 770′ cover coolant filling ports corresponding to each coolant chamber 777-1, 777-2. In some embodiments it is contemplated that the coolant chambers 777-1, 777-2 may be linked such that coolant may be placed into the coolant chambers 777-1, 777-2 via a single filling port.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of an exemplary configuration of dividers 770 and 770′ installed in the inner body 720 of the cooler 700. Divider 770-A is configured as per the divider 770′. A first ridge 772-A of divider 770-A is disposed in the first groove 731 of the first sidewall 721, and a second ridge 773-A of divider 770-A is disposed in the second groove 732 of the second sidewall 722, opposite the first sidewall 721. Divider 770-B is also configured as per the divider 770′. A first ridge 772-B of divider 770-B is disposed in groove 779-A1 of the divider 770-A between the two coolant chambers 777-A1, 777-A2. A second ridge 773-B of divider 770-B is disposed in a third groove 733 of a third sidewall 723 of the inner body 720 of the cooler 700. Divider 770-C is configured as per the divider 770. A first ridge 772-C of divider 770-C is disposed in groove 779-A2 of the divider 770-A between the two coolant chambers 777-1A, 777-2A, and a second ridge 773-C of divider 770-C is disposed in a fourth groove 734 of a fourth sidewall 724 of the inner body 720 of the cooler 700. Divider 770-D is configured as per the divider 770. A first ridge 772-D of divider 770-D is disposed in groove 779-B of the divider 770-B between the two coolant chambers 777-61, 777-B2. A second ridge 773-D of divider 770-D is disposed in a fifth groove 735 of the first sidewall 721.

It is contemplated that suitably-sized containers 760 may be installed between any of the first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls 721, 722, 723, 724 and the corresponding dividers 770-A, 770-B, 770-C, 770-D. It is to be noted that the configuration of dividers 770-A, 770-B, 770-C, 770-D in FIG. 21 is just one example of the many possible configurations facilitated by divider 770 and divider 770′.

Returning to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, the cooler system 7 includes one or more accessory 704. It is contemplated at least one accessory 704 may be configured as a cup, a cup holder, and/or any other sort of receptacle. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, one accessory 704 may be configured to be a different size and/or shape to another accessory 704. Each accessory 704 is coupled to the cooler 700 at a corresponding attachment point 750 on the flange 742. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cooler 700 may include additional attachment points 750 for additional accessories 704. It is contemplated that the accessories 704 may be repeatedly attached to, and detached from, any available attachment point 750.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate the top and bottom, respectively, of an exemplary attachment point 750. As shown in FIG. 22A, the attachment point 750 includes an upper recess 752 in an upper face 744 of the flange 742. The upper recess 752 is configured as a slit which is generally parallel to an edge 748 of the flange 742. It is contemplated that an angle between the edge 748 of the flange 742 and an orientation of the slit may be five degrees or less. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the slit may not be generally parallel to the edge 748 of the flange 742. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the upper recess 752 may not be configured as a slit, and thus may take the form of a different shape, such as a triangle, a circle, an oval, and such like.

As shown in FIG. 22B, the attachment point 750 includes a lower recess 756 in a lower face 746 of the flange 742. The lower recess 756 is configured as an elongated indentation which is generally parallel to the edge 748 of the flange 742. It is contemplated that an angle between the edge 748 of the flange 742 and an orientation of the elongated indentation may be five degrees or less. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the elongated indentation may not be generally parallel to the edge 748 of the flange 742. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the lower recess 756 may not be configured as an elongated indentation, and thus may take the form of a different shape, such as a triangle, a circle, an oval, and such like. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the recess may be configured as a slit, similar to the upper recess 752.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate an accessory 704 coupled to the cooler 700 at an attachment point 750 on the flange 742. FIG. 23A provides a view of the upper face 744 of the flange 742, FIG. 23B provides a view of the lower face 746 of the flange 742, and FIG. 23C provides a cross-sectional view from the side. In the example shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C, the accessory 704 is in the form of a cup holder, it being understood that other accessories 704 in other forms may be coupled to the cooler 700. As illustrated, the accessory 704 has a sidewall portion 705 and a bottom portion 706. The accessory 704 has, or is coupled to, an attachment fitting 780. As illustrated, the attachment fitting 780 extends from the sidewall portion 705, and has a body 782 with an upper projection 784 and a lower projection 794. An upper tab 786 of the upper projection 784 is located in the upper recess 752, and a lower tab 796 of the lower projection 794 is located in the lower recess 756.

FIG. 23C shows the slit configuration of the upper recess 752 includes a first side 753 and an opposite second side 754. The first side 753 is closer to the edge 748 of the flange 742 than is the second side 754. It is contemplated that the first side 753 may be substantially perpendicular to the upper face 744 of the flange 742. For example, the first side 753 may be oriented at angle of from seventy to ninety degrees to the upper face 744 of the flange 742. It is contemplated that the second side 754 may be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the upper face 744 of the flange 742 that is smaller than the angle of the first side 753. The upper tab 786 of the upper projection 784 of the attachment fitting 780 is disposed against the first side 753. FIG. 23C also shows the indentation configuration of the lower recess 756 includes a third side 758 closer to the edge 748 of the flange 742 than is the remainder of the lower recess 756.

It is contemplated that the third side 758 of the lower recess 756 may be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the lower face 746 of the flange 742 that is smaller than the angle of the first side 753 with respect to the upper face 744 of the flange 742. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the third side 758 of the lower recess 756 may be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the lower face 746 of the flange 742 that is smaller than the acute angle of the second side 754 with respect to the upper face 744 of the flange 742. The lower tab 796 of the lower projection 794 of the attachment fitting 780 is disposed against the third side 758. An engagement surface 788 of the body 782 abuts the edge 748 of the flange 742, thereby promoting a robust attachment of the attachment fitting 780 to the flange 742 with little or no slop. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the engagement surface 788 may not abut the edge 748 of the flange 742. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the engagement surface 788 may be sufficiently close to the edge 748 of the flange 742 so as to provide a robust attachment of the attachment fitting 780, and hence the accessory 704, to the flange 742.

When the lid 702 is fully or partially open, a user may couple an accessory 704 to an attachment point 750, and may decouple the accessory 704 from the attachment point 750. However, additionally, FIG. 23C also shows how an accessory 704 is fastened against becoming decoupled from the cooler 700 when the lid 702 is closed. When the lid 702 is closed, the upper projection 784 is trapped between the upper face 744 of the flange 742 and the lid 702. Thus, the upper projection 784 is hindered from moving upwards away from the upper face 744 of the flange 742. Because the upper tab 786 is located in the upper recess 752 against the first side 753 of the upper recess 752, the upper tab 786 is hindered from becoming detached from the upper recess 752. Hence, even if the lower tab 796 becomes dislodged from the lower recess 756, the engagement between the lid 702, the upper projection 784, and the upper face 744 of the flange 742 maintains attachment of the accessory 704 to the cooler 700.

It is contemplated that other accessories 704 may include such items as a mount for a camera, a mount for a mobile telephone or tablet, a table, or a holder for fishing rods. It is contemplated that accessories 704 may include at least one attachment fitting 780. It is contemplated that accessories 704 may be configured to be removably coupled to at least one attachment fitting 780. It is contemplated that some accessories 704 may be removably coupled to the cooler 700 by multiple attachment fittings 780, whereby each attachment fitting 780 is removably coupled to a corresponding attachment point 750. For example, each of two adjacent attachment points 750 may receive an attachment fitting 780 of a table or a holder for multiple fishing rods.

The use of the upper and lower recesses 752, 756 in the flange 742, and optionally the lid 702, for coupling and holding in place accessories 704 to the cooler 700 provides a compact and ergonomic design for accessory attachment. Therefore, although at least some portions of the flange 742, the attachment points 750, and/or the attachment fitting 780s may include parts made of metal, it is contemplated that the flange 742, the attachment points 750, and/or the attachment fitting 780s may include parts made of plastic. Additionally, it is contemplated that the flange 742, the attachment points 750, and/or the attachment fitting 780s may be injection molded. Furthermore, some accessories 704, such as the cup holder illustrated in the figures, may be injection molded as single components including an attachment fitting 780. The use of plastic parts, including injection molded parts, for the accessories and/or the attachment fittings 780 provides for the accessory attachments to be light weight, low cost, yet robust.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an exemplary method of coupling an accessory 704 to the flange 742 of the cooler 700. In the example shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the accessory 704 is a cup holder, it being understood that other accessories 704 and separate attachment fittings 780 may be coupled to the cooler 700 in a similar fashion to that shown in the figures. The method of coupling an accessory 704 to the flange 742 of the cooler 700 begins with the lid 702 open or at least partially open, thereby revealing the upper recess 752 in the upper face 744 of the flange 742. As shown in FIG. 24A, the method involves inserting the upper tab 786 of the attachment fitting 780 of the accessory 704 into the upper recess 752 while the lower tab 796 of the attachment fitting 780 is not fully engaged with the lower recess 756. It is contemplated that a user may utilize the second side 754 of the upper recess 752 as a guide for inserting the upper tab 786 into the upper recess 752.

The method includes using the engagement between the upper tab 786 and the upper recess 752 as a hinge about which to rotate the attachment fitting 780 of the accessory 704 in the direction of arrow R, resulting in the configuration shown in FIG. 24B. Rotation of the attachment fitting 780 of the accessory 704 in the direction of arrow R performs an insertion of the lower tab 796 of the attachment fitting 780 into the lower recess 756. Selecting the material properties of the lower projection 794 and lower tab 796 to provide a degree of flexibility combined with resilience facilitates the lower projection 794 and lower tab 796 being deflected initially away from the upper projection 784, and then elastically deforming back toward the upper projection 784 upon the lower tab 796 entering the lower recess 756. The lower tab 796 thereby becomes disposed against the third side 758 of the lower recess 756. Additionally, rotation of the attachment fitting 780 in the direction of the arrow R moves the upper tab 786 within the upper recess 752 to become disposed against the first side 753 of the upper recess 752. Furthermore, rotation of the attachment fitting 780 in the direction of the arrow R moves the engagement surface 788 from the position shown in FIG. 24A to a position corresponding to that shown in FIG. 23C.

Completion of coupling the attachment fitting 780 to the flange 742 may be accompanied by an audible “click”, thereby signaling a successful coupling to the user. It is contemplated that the method may include a further operation of closing the lid 702, thereby securing the attachment fitting 780 to the flange 742 of the cooler 700. However, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that the coupling of the attachment fitting 780 to the flange 742 of the cooler 700 may be sufficiently secure without necessitating the operation of closing the lid 702.

For embodiments in which either the accessory 704 is coupled to the attachment fitting 780 before the attachment fitting 780 is coupled to the flange 742, or the accessory 704 and the corresponding attachment fitting 780 are made as a single piece, the coupling operation described above results in the coupling of the accessory 704 to the flange 742. For embodiments in which the accessory 704 is not coupled to the attachment fitting 780 before the attachment fitting 780 is coupled to the flange 742, the coupling method may include an operation of coupling the accessory 704 to the attachment fitting 780 during or after coupling the attachment fitting 780 to the flange 742.

Decoupling an attachment fitting 780 from the cooler 700 involves a reversal of the operations described above. It is contemplated that the user may initiate decoupling by using a finger or a tool to provide leverage against an end of the lower tab 796 prior to, or in conjunction with, rotating the attachment fitting 780 in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow R in FIG. 24A. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the user may initiate decoupling merely by rotating the attachment fitting 780 in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow R in FIG. 24A.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the flange 742 may be attached to, or part of, the lid 702 instead of the outer body 740. In such embodiments, the configuration of the upper recess 752 in the upper face 744 of the flange 742 and the lower recess 756 in the lower face 746 of the flange 742 may be substantially the same as described herein. Alternatively, in some embodiments having the flange 742 attached to, or part of, the lid 702, it is contemplated that the shape and style of the upper recess 752 may be provided on the lower face 746 of the flange 742, and the shape and style of the lower recess 756 may be provided on the upper face 744 of the flange 742. In such embodiments, an accessory may be provided with an alternative attachment fitting that is upside down compared to the attachment fitting 780 of the present disclosure, and the methods of coupling and decoupling such an accessory (or alternative attachment fitting for an accessory) are essentially the same as described herein with respect to FIGS. 24A and 24B while accounting for the upside down nature of the alternative accessory fitting.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the top surface of the lid 702 of the cooler 700 may incorporate one or more of the recesses 108, 208, 308, 408, 608 and receiving portions 109, 209, 309, 409, 609 of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that an accessory 704, such as the cup holder, may be configured to be coupled to the cooler 700 at an attachment point 750 on the flange 742 and also may be configured to be coupled to the lid 702 of the cooler 700 at one or more of the recesses 108, 208, 308, 408, 608 of the present disclosure.

The cooler system 7 provides for a modular cooler assembly including a cooler having a main body and a lid. One or more dividers may be used to separate the interior volume of the cooler into multiple compartments. One or more removable containers may be suspended within the interior volume by engagement of a lip of the one or more containers with a rim of the main body and/or with an upper edge of a divider. Accessories, such as cup holders, may be removably attached to a flange of the main body, and may be fastened in place by closing a lid of the cooler.

Thus, the cooler system 7 provides flexibility in organizing stowage in the cooler, and in using accessories attached to the exterior of the cooler.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the attachment portion of the combination cup/cup holder may include, for example, features from a combination of two or more of the embodiments described above, for removable attachment to the cooler via the receiving portion on the lid of the cooler. For example, the attachment portion and the receiving portion may include the cooperating threads according to the first embodiment as well as the contact attachment via magnets or hook and loop patches according to the third embodiment. As another example, the attachment portion and the receiving portion may include the features of any of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and/or the sixth embodiment, along with the combination handle/attachment portion and corresponding receiving slot according to the fourth and fifth embodiments.

As described above, the combination cup/cup holder may be used to hold beverages directly or to hold a beverage container. However, the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, the combination cup/cup holder may be used to hold other items, such as bait and/or tackle for fishing, kindling and/or an ignition source for starting a campfire, or any other item that a user wishes to set down onto an easily accessible container that can remain securely in place.

According to another example, useful inserts other than the combination cup/cup holder may be removably attached to the cooler. Such inserts only need to have the attachment portion that cooperates with the receiving portion on the lid of the cooler. For example, a magnetic tray that includes raised threads around an outer circumference thereof may be provided for removable attachment to the cooler of the first embodiment, provided that the raised threads are configured to cooperate with the recessed threads of the corresponding receiving portion on the cooler lid. Such a magnetic tray may be used for, for example, securely holding fishing hooks or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art could appreciate that such a magnetic tray could be provided with any of the attachment portions described above for removable attachment to the corresponding receiving portion on the cooler. Further, any number of accessories may be provided with an appropriate attachment portion described herein for removable attachment to the cooler via the corresponding receiving portion on the lid of the cooler. Likewise, any number of accessories may be provided with an appropriate attachment fitting described herein for removable attachment to the cooler via a corresponding attachment point on the cooler.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A cooler system comprising:

a main body;

a lid; and

a divider removably couplable to an interior of the main body by a first ridge intersecting a first groove.

2. The cooler system of claim 1, wherein the divider is removably couplable to the interior of the main body by a second ridge intersecting with a second groove.

3. The cooler system of claim 2, wherein the first and second grooves are located in respective first and second sidewalls of the interior of the main body.

4. The cooler system of claim 3, wherein the divider comprises a chamber containing a coolant.

5. The cooler system of claim 3, further comprising:

a removable container including a lip,

wherein the lip is configured to suspend the removable container from a top surface of the divider or from a rim of the main body.

6. A cooler system comprising:

a main body;

a flange projecting outwardly from the main body;

a lid; and

an accessory removably couplable to the flange by an attachment fitting, the attachment fitting including a first tab configured to engage a first recess in the flange.

7. The cooler system of claim 6, wherein:

the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position; and

when the lid is in the closed position and the attachment fitting is coupled to the flange, the lid holds the first tab in engagement with the first recess.

8. The cooler system of claim 7, wherein the attachment fitting includes a second tab configured to engage a second recess in the flange.

9. The cooler system of claim 8, wherein the first recess is located in an upper face of the flange, and the second recess is located in a lower face of the flange.

10. The cooler system of claim 9, wherein the attachment fitting comprises:

a body extending from a sidewall portion of the accessory;

a first projection extending from the body, the upper projection including the first tab; and

a second projection extending from the body, the lower projection including the second tab.

11. The cooler system of claim 9, wherein the attachment fitting further comprises:

an engagement surface on the body configured to bear against an edge of the flange.

12. The cooler system of claim 11, wherein the engagement surface is located between the first projection and the second projection.

13. The cooler system of claim 12, wherein the first recess comprises a first side substantially perpendicular to the upper face of the flange.

14. The cooler system of claim 13, wherein the first recess comprises a second side oriented at an acute angle to the upper face of the flange.

15. The cooler system of claim 14, wherein the first side and the second side form boundaries of a slot oriented generally parallel to an edge of the flange.

16. The cooler system of claim 15, wherein the edge of the flange is closer to the first side than to the second side.

17. The cooler system of claim 16, wherein the second recess comprises a third side oriented at an acute angle to the lower face of the flange.

18. The cooler system of claim 17, wherein the acute angle of the third side with respect to the lower face of the flange is less than the acute angle of the second side with respect to the upper face of the flange.

19. The cooler system of claim 18, wherein the attachment fitting comprises injection molded plastic.

20. The cooler system of claim 19, wherein the accessory and the attachment fitting are molded as a unitary component.