DETACHABLE COMBINATION CUP/CUP HOLDER FOR COOLER AND RELATED SYSTEM

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a combination cup/cup holder is configured to use with a cooler. The combination cup/cup holder includes a bottom portion and a sidewall portion extending from the bottom portion. The bottom portion and sidewall portion define an interior volume for holding a liquid and for holding a beverage container. The combination cup/cup holder includes an attachment portion to removably engage a corresponding receiving portion on the cooler.

Description

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

According to an embodiment, a combination cup/cup holder is configured to use with a cooler. The combination cup/cup holder includes a bottom portion and a sidewall portion extending from the bottom portion. The bottom portion and sidewall portion define an interior volume for holding a liquid and for holding a beverage container. The combination cup/cup holder includes an attachment portion to removably engage a corresponding receiving portion on the cooler.

According to another embodiment, a cooler and a combination cup/cup holder system includes a cooler having a main body and a lid, the lid including a receiving portion, and a combination cup/cup holder. The combination cup/cup holder includes a bottom portion, a sidewall portion extending from the bottom portion, the bottom portion and sidewall portion defining an interior volume for holding a liquid and for holding a beverage container, and an attachment portion configured to removably engage the receiving portion on the cooler.

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, 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; and

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; and

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

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 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 related to a corresponding cooler system comprising a combination cup/cup holder and a cooler, wherein the combination cup/cup holder can be removably attached to the cooler.

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 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 500 according to a fifth embodiment which differs from the cooler 400 of the fourth embodiment in that the fifth embodiment includes a protrusion 512 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 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.

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 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 combination cup/cup holder for use with a cooler, comprising:

a bottom portion;

a sidewall portion extending from the bottom portion, the bottom portion and sidewall portion defining an interior volume for holding a liquid and for holding a beverage container; and

an attachment portion configured to removably engage a corresponding receiving portion on the cooler.

2. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a thread raised on an exterior surface of the sidewall portion, the thread configured to removably engage a corresponding recessed thread on the cooler.

3. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes at least one cam protrusion raised on an exterior surface of the sidewall portion, the at least one cam protrusion configured to removably engage a corresponding cam recess on the cooler.

4. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes at least one cam recess on an exterior surface of the sidewall portion, the at least one cam recess configured to removably engage a corresponding cam protrusion on the cooler.

5. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a material having a high magnetic permeability configured to removably engage a magnet on the cooler.

6. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a magnet configured to removably engage a material having a high magnetic permeability on the cooler.

7. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a loop patch configured to removably engage a hook patch on the cooler.

8. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a hook patch configured to removably engage a loop patch on the cooler.

9. The combination cup/cup holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a hook configured to fit into a slot on the cooler.

10. A cooler and combination cup/cup holder system: comprising:

a cooler having a main body and a lid, the lid including a receiving portion; and

a combination cup/cup holder, wherein the combination cup/cup holder includes: a bottom portion, a sidewall portion extending from the bottom portion, the bottom portion and sidewall portion defining an interior volume for holding a liquid and for holding a beverage container, and an attachment portion configured to removably engage the receiving portion on the cooler.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the receiving portion is formed in a circular recess on the lid.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the attachment portion includes a thread raised on an exterior surface of the sidewall portion, the thread configured to removably engage a corresponding thread on the cooler.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the attachment portion includes at least one cam protrusion raised on an exterior surface of the sidewall portion, the at least one cam protrusion configured to removably engage a corresponding cam recess on the cooler.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the attachment portion includes at least one cam recess on an exterior surface of the sidewall portion, the at least one cam recess configured to removably engage a corresponding cam protrusion on the cooler.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein the attachment portion includes a material having a high magnetic permeability configured to removably engage a magnet on the cooler.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein the attachment portion includes a magnet configured to removably engage a material having a high magnetic permeability on the cooler.

17. The system according to claim 10, wherein the attachment portion includes a loop patch configured to removably engage a hook patch on the cooler.

18. The system according to claim 10, wherein:

the cooler includes a slot, and

the combination cup/cup holder includes a hook configured to fit into the slot.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the slot is formed in the main body.

20. The system according to claim 18, wherein the slot is formed in the lid.