Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for cooling a storage container for liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a carrier that is designed to hold a plurality of beverages, such as but not limited to cans or bottles. In some embodiments, the carrier is designed to also serve as a cooler. For example, the cans or bottles may be loaded into the carrier when the top is opened. Due to the shape and/or configuration of the carrier, the carrier has ample room for not only the beverages, but also ice when in the opened position. As such, the carrier is configured to be a one-time or multi-use cooler.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting an icemaker on top of an ice bin of an ice and beverage dispenser has a lid mounted for both sliding movement and pivotal movement relative to the remainder of the adapter. The lid normally covers an inlet to the ice bin. To expose the ice bin inlet for visually inspection of the interior of the bin and/or to accommodate manual filling of the bin with ice, the lid is manually slid forward off of and then be rotated away from the bin inlet to fully expose the inlet. The lid at all times remains connected to the adapter so that it is not lost or exposed to unsanitary conditions.

Abstract: A portable insulated cooler has a bottom space adapted to hold ice cubes. A removable perforated panel suspended over the bottom space separates the bottom space from a central cooled storage area. A removable frame suspended above the central cooled areas holds ice cube containing flasks. Each flask has a large closable opening in its upper broad flat face to easily receive ice cubes. The lower broad face of the flask forms a cooling upper margin of the central cooled area so that the contents of the area are cooled from both top and bottom. The flasks have a flange around the upper face to rest upon the frame, while most of the flask is below the frame. This enables the insulated cooler top to close. By cooling from both top and bottom, the central area is more uniformly cooled. Opening the cooler top to access the central area creates less heat gain than with prior art devices.

Abstract: A portable ice bucket apparatus for storing and dispensing ice includes: (a) an upper bucket portion including an insulated bucket with an opening at the top of the bucket and an ice body chute opening in a bottom wall of the bucket; (b) a motorless lower stand portion, the upper bucket portion being detachably attachable to the stand portion; (c) a dispensing mechanism including a movable gate flap within the bucket portion, a spring-loaded lever, and a gate shaft and a dispensing lever within the stand portion, the dispensing lever being coupled to the gate shaft, the gate shaft being coupled to the spring-loaded lever, the gate shaft being coupled with the gate flap; and (d) a water drainage and collection mechanism including a reservoir in the stand portion, and preferably a drain valve; wherein the movable gate flap in a closed position substantially covers the ice body chute opening.

Abstract: The cooling device for a pet carrier is a portable system for providing an ice-cooled surface on which a pet can rest. The cooling device includes a housing defining an open interior region therein, adapted for receiving a volume of ice. An opening is formed through an upper surface of the housing, and a lid is pivotally joined to the housing for selectively and releasably covering and sealing the opening. A plurality of apertures are formed through the lid, and a plurality of spikes are secured to a lower surface of the lid and project downwardly therefrom. When the volume of ice is received within the housing, the lid may be closed and the spikes evenly distribute the ice within the housing. The ice generates cooled air, which may be transmitted through the apertures to a pet resting on the upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: A receptacle for placement in a cooler of ice. The receptacle includes a sleeve structure placement in the cooler's ice compartment, the sleeve structure having a base portion and a chamber for receipt of a drink bottle or container, food item, medicine, or other items which require, or for which it is desirable, to maintain as chilled. The chamber is configured such that upon placement of the sleeve structure into the ice compartment and being surrounded by ice, the item to be cooled is substantially isolated and free from contact with the ice. The receptacle maintains an open volume in the ice for an item and allows for the item to be withdrawn from the cooler, without ice in the cooler collapsing and filling in the void left by the removed item. This allows the item may be readily reinserted back into the cooler when desired.

Abstract: The Super Cooler will be the only cooler that is designed to keep your food cool with a variety of different types of cooling mediums, i.e. ice cubes, frozen plastic modules, etc. of different sizes, but does not take up space in the cooler. The Super Cooler with its unique side/front design will provide cooling from three different large areas as well as the “cold water” which melts into the compartment below the food. The result will be a cooler that keeps the water separated from the cooling medium, and separated from the food in the cooler, to prevent spoilage of food, the melted ice inevitably melts into the water storage space. Space for food storage will increase because the ice or frozen modules are not taking up space in the cooler area. You can actually fit more food and beverages in this cooler and they will come out of the cooler in the same condition as you put them in the cooler . . . unspoiled because they are not floating in melted ice water.

Abstract: A cooler chest includes an outer unit and a separate inner unit having a height smaller than the height of the outer unit and a space over the inner unit for storing ice cubes, the space being defined in part by porous side walls that allow for drainage of water, resulting from the melting of ice cubes, from the ice cube storage area.

Abstract: Quick access to the interior of a soft-sided cooler is provided by means of a quick access flap (26) hinged to the top panel (18) of a cooler body (10) and overlying an access opening (30). A tab (36) is made of material of significantly greater flexibility than that of which the flap (26) or the top panel (18) are formed and extends beyond the envelope of the top panel (18) so as to be readily graspable by the user of the cooler without forming a snag point on the cooler.

Abstract: A storage device (2) is provided for inter alia drink containers (22). The device (2) includes a reservoir for a temperature conditioning material (14, 16) and multiple holders (10) arranged in the reservoir. Each of the holders (10) is configured for locating a drink container (22) with a substantial portion of the same immersed in the temperature conditioning material (14, 16) when in use, whereby the drink container (22) is removable therefrom for consumption and returnable thereto for temperature conditioning. The storage device (2) further includes a first resilient member (8) associated with each of said holders (22). The first member (8) is formed with a number of displaceable elements arranged in a normal position to substantially cover the associated holder (10) and are displaceable to an open position while engaging said drink container (22) when same is located in said holder (10).

Abstract: A natural and environmentally friendly cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system includes an insulating enclosure, a block of ice within the insulating enclosure, a primary coil of tubing contacting the block of ice and beneath the block of ice for transferring fluid, a return coil of tubing beneath the block of ice for transferring fluid, and a floor pan for collecting water beneath the primary coil and the return coil. The enclosure can include sloped walls to facilitate freezing of water within the enclosure. Alternatively, the block of ice can be delivered via a service.

Abstract: An inflatable container comprises a support wall defining a storage cavity. The support wall includes a flexible material forming at least one air chamber that when full of air or other gas forms a structure for holding ice and other material received within the storage cavity of the support wall. A drainage compartment communicates with a generally lower portion of and is disposed external to the storage cavity defined by the support wall for drawing melted ice away from the storage cavity and into the drainage compartment.

Abstract: A portable cooling or heating system suitable for use on vehicle such as a car, plane or boat, that does not have its own air conditioning system. The system is intended to be combined with a portable cooler chest and includes an electric fan unit that can be powered from the power supply on a vehicle. The cooling is provided by ice and the like. The system can also be used to heat a confined space by placing a hot material in the chest.

Abstract: A cooling container suitable for cooling a beverage is provided. Inside of the container with an opened upper end and a closed bottom is divided by a partition element made of a material such as a perforated plate into at least two parts for receiving water and ice and for receiving an object to be cooled. An appropriate amount of ice blocks and cold water are put in one of the parts, and only the cold water is allowed to flow into the other part through the partition element. The object to be cooled such as canned beer or bottled wine is cooled or cool-kept by inserting it into the part of the cold water. The position of the object to be cooled received is stably retained by the partition element 20 so that the handling of the object to be cooled is conveniently made.

Abstract: A dry-compartment cooler has a dry compartment (1) with compartment walls (3) that are connected water-tightly to a compartment floor (4). The compartment walls are articulated to extend upwardly from proximate a riser framework (6) on a cooler floor (7) to proximate a bottom side of a cooler lid (8) of a predetermined cooler. One or more ice compartments (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) separate ice and water from inside surfaces of the compartment walls and from space inside of the dry compartment. The ice compartments are in fluid communication intermediate proximate the bottom side of the cooler lid and riser-framework space (9) where the riser framework is positioned under the compartment floor. The compartment walls can have heat-conveyance members (27) for conveying coldness and for deterring moisture formation on food and other items being cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling at least one fluid includes at least one fluid system comprising at least one fluid line, and a metallic unit. The fluid system is arranged in the shape of a concavely depressed coil with a top and a bottom. At the bottom of the coil an opening is defined. The metallic unit incorporates the at least one fluid system. The metallic unit has an upper surface in which is defined a concave depression, and the concave depression has defined therein a drain which extends through the metallic unit. The concave depression of the metallic unit is aligned with the concavely depressed coil, and the drain defined in the metallic unit passes through the opening at the bottom of the at least one fluid system.

Abstract: The instant invention consists of a device similar to an inverted shallow basket with a myriad of openings through which water and air may pass easily. The device, when placed into an ice chest, holds the items in the chest up out of the melted ice water, thereby keeping the items from contamination and spoilage.

Abstract: A container is provided for holding and carrying objects, including groceries, and for enabling those objects to better maintain their temperature. The container comprises an insulated body having a cavity which opens upward, a movable lid which can fit across the cavity's opening to close it, and a removable, relatively rigid, basket which fits within the cavity. The insulated body and basket has a size to enable two, but not three, standard grocery bags to stand up within the enclosed basket when the lid is shut. The basket has one or more handles which make it easy to remove its contents from the insulated body. The inside surfaces of the insulated body and the basket are tapered, so the basket can be easily withdrawn from the insulated body and so more than one basket can be stacked inside the insulated body. Space is provided between the basket and the insulated body for cooling packs.

Abstract: A cooler for storing beverage containers on ice, includes an outer container and a buoyant inner container assembly which is dimensioned to slide vertically within the outer container. A container recess is provided in the upper surface of the inner container assembly to hold beverage containers and ice, and the assembly includes a drain for the liquid formed by melting ice from the recess into the outer container. The inner container assembly has a buoyancy which will float it upon the liquid which is drained into the outer container.

Abstract: A container for holding ice and beverages includes a receptacle having an interior cavity with substantially vertical side walls, and a float positioned within the cavity to support beverages and ice, and move upwardly within the cavity as ice melts. Ribs may be added to the interior wall of the cavity to prevent tipping of the float.

Abstract: A wheeled cooler (10) is provided having an open top housing (22) with a removable cover member (24) forming a closed internal chamber (16) for the storage of articles. At least two wheel members (12) are rotatably secured to opposingly displaced sidewalls (32, 32') of the open top housing (22). The wheel members (12) have a mechanism for removably capturing each of the wheel members (12) individually within a respective transversely displaced sidewall (32, 32'). The wheel capturing mechanism (40) includes a wheel base member (42) which may be inserted in a tongue in groove connection to the sidewalls (32, 32'). In this manner there is provided a wheeled cooler (10) which may easily have the wheel members (12) removable from the housing (22) or inserted within the housing (22) for rotatable transport across a base surface (14).

Abstract: A container intended to act as a cooler for items such as beverage cans or bottles has an insulated body with watertight closures at each end each capable of acting either as a base of the cooler or a lid. Fastenings to secure the closures, and supports for the cooler are also provided; their functions may be integrated. The supports may be carrying handles, or stands forming a support on which the cooler may be inverted. The ability to invert the cooler enables the functions of adding ice and adding or removing articles to be cooled to be conveniently separated.

Abstract: An ice box is shown for storing and cooling a spherical container for carbonated drinks, of the type often referred to as a "party ball", which is characterized by a radial protrusion extending from a normally upper surface and having a pair of openings for attachment of a pump thereto. An ice box for storing and transporting a party ball includes a housing for completely surrounding both the party ball and a quantity of ice in which it is packed, a first removable cover forming an opening in the housing for insertion of a pump, and spacers on the interior of the housing maintained in position by the removable cover for ensuring that the pump-attachment protrusion is aligned with the opening. A second removable cover may also be used to provide access to the interior of the housing for adding ice without disturbing the alignment of the pump-attachment protrusion.

Abstract: A cold plate for cooling different beverages drawn from supply cylinders, the cold plate being formed by a rectangular base over which is a run-off roof defined by sloping end and side sections. Embedded in the cold plate are cooling coils terminating in input and output terminals that project from the underside of the base, the coil inputs being coupled by upstream lines to respective supply cylinders, the coil outputs being coupled by downstream lines to a soda gun to selectively dispense the beverages. The cold plate is received in the well of a thermally-insulated sink having an open bottom bordered by a rectangular ledge. The base of the cold plate is seated on the ledge in spaced relation to the sides of the well to define a gutter in which there is a water drain. The sink is filled with ice cubes that cover the exposed surfaces of the cold plate and are in heat-exchange relationship with the cooling coils to cool the beverages flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A heat insulating cover for an upwardly open cooling container, especially deep cooling container, having a cooling chamber, the heat insulating cover comprises a plurality of cover plates arranged to abut against one another to cover the cooling chamber and to be placed on an upper edge of the cooling container, and elements forming in the cover passages for communicating one side of the cover facing toward the cooling chamber with another side of the cover facing toward a surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A patio table has a means for supporting an umbrella, incorporating a central thermally insulated container having access doors or the top surface of the table. The thermal container is cooled by an enclosure containing ice/chemical coolant or alternate refrigeration coils. A tubular member extends from the table top to a base structure of expanded area. The base structure has an enclosure for an alternate electric refrigeration unit.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for air conditioning small and confined spaces, particularly where silence of operations is important, and wherein the method involves drawing air through an ice containing chamber and passing it into the confined space desired to be cooled together with provisions for adequate drainage of melted ice and adjustments for varying the actual temperature produced. It includes specially designed radiating tubes for special effect on the cooling ability.

Abstract: A receptacle for packaging particulate ice and for selectively storing and cooling consumables including a box type receptacle with an extendable upper portion consisting of folded cardboard flaps. The upper portion of which includes expanding top flaps which fold to form a top seal through the use of frictional engagement offset notches. The upper portion of the structure is provided with circular access areas through which drinks may be inserted while being consumed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a barrel type unit into an assembly for holding chilled products, particularly, barrel units having an upper annular portion of a smaller circumference as compared to other annular portions thereof, the barrel unit also including top and bottom end closure walls, the method including supplying a kit of separate components including a tub member adapted to hold ice and product positioned therein, and a sizing device for determining the proper location for severing the barrel side wall, the tub member having an annular support flange associated with the upper portion thereof adapted to be cooperatively engageable with a peripheral edge portion of the barrel unit when the barrel unit is severed at a particular location therearound, the sizing device enabling a user to locate the particular location on the barrel side wall at which to sever the same such that the annular edge resulting therefrom will be compatible with the annular support flange associated with the tub member

Abstract: A cooler for storing ice, water and food stuff defining an insulated compartment. Several beverage container holders are disposed around the housing and include connecting openings that allow the cold water in. These holders extend below the plane of the bottom wall in order to maximize the level of the water contained in the holder and thereby increasing the heat exchange area with the container. At least one container dispensing assembly is provided for stacking up the containers adjacent to the peripheral wall and allowing the containers to roll over the bottom wall and outwardly through an aperture on the lower end of the wall. The bottom wall includes a depression in the area below the aperture to cause the water to accumulate thereon and increase the heat exchange area with the container as it passes through. A convexity on the internal surface of the bottom wall prevents any water from collecting thereon.

Abstract: A transportable keg cooler tub comprising a circular tub-like base with a pliable flexible canvas sleeve extending upwards from the top edge of the base. The sleeve enclosing a plastic liner in intimate contact with ice cubes filling the space between the liner and the enclosed beverage keg. A portion of the plastic liner pulled through an orifice on the bottom outside perimeter of the base providing drainage for the ice contained by the plastic liner.

Abstract: A device for cooling condiments, beverages and the like. The device includes an insulated chest which receives a cooling medium therein. The chest also carries a first stationary compartment and at least one second compartment. The chest has a base wall, side walls and an open top. The stationary compartment has a bottom wall, side walls, open top and a depth defined between the open top and the bottom wall thereof. Each of the second compartments has a respective bottom wall, side walls, open top and a depth defined between the open top and the bottom wall. The depth of the second compartment is less than the depth of the stationary compartment. Each of the compartments is positioned extending into the chest. Positioned thusly, the cooling medium directly contacts each of the bottom walls and at least two of the side walls of the stationary compartment, such that condiments therein are substantially surrounded by the cooling medium.

Abstract: A cold plate apparatus for use as a part of a beverage dispensing machine with an ice storage container. The apparatus is designed to be placed in the bottom of the ice storage container where ice may reside on the top surface of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a block of aluminum through the interior of which run coils of tubing for carrying beverage liquids and having appropriate inlets and outlets. The apparatus provides means for optimizing the heat transferred from the beverage liquids to the ice. Means area also provided which minimize the time any accumulated layer of water due to the melting of ice resides on top of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved portable cooler for carrying and cooling a 15-pak of beverages including a sealable cavity for pyramid-stacked containment of 12 or 16 oz. canned beverages, a plastic insert for retaining the lower layers of cans in side-by-side relation and supporting stacking of subsequent layers of cans upward, and dual storage spaces for ice about said beverage cans. The exterior of the portable cooler further includes such features as a flap with a velcro fastener for closing said sealable cavity, multiple pockets for paraphernalia, and a carrying strap.

Abstract: A portable cooling apparatus for cooling a keg has a cylindrical or truncated cone shaped sleeve made of semi-rigid water-proof material which is open at both ends. The sleeve is slipped over the keg and clamped at its lower end to the lower portion of the keg with a barrel lock or strap. The upper end faces upward and is flared open by the semi-rigid structure of the sleeve material, which allows ice to be filled in and packed directly around the sides of the keg. The sleeve can have pleats or slats at its lower end which are gathered around the keg, and a drainage spout for allowing water to drain out from the lower end of the sleeve.

Abstract: Transport- and storage container for cooled goods, for example fresh fish, using ice as cooling medium and comprising a first container of an impact-resisting and heat insulating material, and a second self-supporting container shaped so that it can be received as an insert in the first container. The second container is of a water-proof material and has in its bottom distance members for keeping the cooled goods separated from the water from the melted ice. The distance members consist of a number of vertical cells forming a lattice work upon which the cooled goods is intended to rest and which cells communicate with each other through overflows.

Abstract: A chambered chest in which articles are to be placed to be cooled or heated, or kept at constant temperature. The chest is designed to hold blocks or cubes of ice, together with the articles to be cooled.

Abstract: A portable cooler includes a main cavity chest for storing foodstuffs and coolant. An auxiliary cavity is used to store beverages which can be consumed simultaneously while being cooled. A partition separates the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity for enabling cool air to be circulated from the main chamber to the auxiliary chamber while preventing items in the main chamber to enter the auxiliary chamber.

Abstract: A beverage cooler has a cold plate and a plastic ice cube bin secured to the cold plate by an adaptor which is permanently adjoined to plastic walls of the hopper. The adaptor has a tongue, a plate arm which fits into a rabbet on the cold plate, a foam flange which extends out into foam insulation and a plate flange fastened to the cold plate; the plastic hopper walls have a foot molded into the plate flange and rivets molded into the tongue. A method of manufacturing the plastic ice bin has the plastic walls being molded onto the adaptor, preferably by rotomolding using polyethylene as the material. A beverage cooler construction has a rotomolded exterior shell fastened to the plastic ice hopper by a spacer and top molding and has insulated beverage outlet lines which exit the shell through an offset under the molding rim.

Abstract: A foamed polystyrene beverage container cooler. In one embodiment an annular wall is nestably received between a base and lid each of which defines a cylindrical inner cavity to receive a half barrel size beverage container. The outlet of the container extends centrally through an aperture located in the top wall of the lid locating the container concentrically with respect to the cylindrical inner surface of the cooler allowing ice to circumferentially surround the container. A skirt and rim mating combination between the annular wall and the lid and between the annular wall and the base secure the components together. In an alternate embodiment, a cooler to receive a pony keg includes a base and lid each of which has an annular wall defining a cavity sized to allow ice to surround the keg. The keg outlet extends through an aperture in the lid locating the keg concentrically with respect to the interior surface of the cooler.

Abstract: A beer keg cooler has a container and a removable lid of relatively thick wall insulated construction larger than a keg to be accommodated by the cooler so that ice may be packed around the keg. A flexible, web shaped harness is secured to the inner wall of the container and straps of the harness are secured by buckles so that the harness can be adjusted to bridge across the container in tight engagement against the keg to secure the keg in position and to prevent the keg from floating as the ice melts. The container has a notch formed in its upper rim to accommodate beverage dispensing equipment and the lid has a central opening for the same purpose. A flexible flap over the lid opening seals any portion of the opening not required for this purpose.

Abstract: An inflatable insulated barrel cooler comprising a cylindrical, open topped, closed bottom, container constructed of sheet plastic or vinyl reinforced fabric. The cooler is somewhat rigid when inflated and in use yet is easily stored when collapsed. Insulation is provided by the trapped air of inflation. The cooler accommodates both 1/2 and 1/4 barrel sizes by incorporating a sleeve insert.

Abstract: A portable cooler or ice chest comprising a container for ice insulated on the sides with a drain and a base compartment with insulated recesses situated beneath the container. Adapted to fit in the recesses are closable bins for storage and cooling of beverages or items. The bins are separate from the container but not by insulation.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiments of the present apparatus, a tray or platform standing above the bottom of an ice chest is disclosed. The tray is a generally horizontal planar member having a number of slots or openings formed therein, and further comprising a set of feet which support the horizontal member in an elevated position. In an alternate embodiment, the tray rests on a set of raised transverse members integrally formed in the bottom of the ice chest.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding a beverage container such as a beer keg while the exterior of the container is being subjected to a cold liquid is disclosed. In one embodiment, there is a plastic housing which is formed with a generally cup-shaped internal cavity, the cavity having a bottom cavity wall and cavity sidewalls. The housing is also formed with an opening for allowing the container and the cold liquid to be inserted in and removed from the cavity. A plurality of ribs are positioned in the cavity that have an inner centering edge which is spaced radially inward from the cavity sidewalls. The inner edges are suitable to hold the container away from the sidewalls when the container is inserted in the cavity and positioned radially inward of the inner edge. In another preferred form, there is also provided a platform positioned in the cavity and affixed to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A portable ice chest includes a food compartment and a pair of side-by-side, curved chutes for dispensing beverage containers by gravity through the first wall of the chest. A segregated ice compartment cools both the food compartment and the container chute. Access to both the ice and food compartments is gained through either a lid on the top of the chest or a door in the side of the chest. A separate door in the front of the chest allows access to a dispensing station to which the containers are delivered by the chutes. One embodiment of the chest includes a seat and backrest to allow an individual to employ the chest as a seat.

Abstract: A portable cooler has an inner container and an insulated jacket with means for closing the opening to the container. The container is constructed of a heat-conducting material, the outer jacket is provided with one or more pockets, the interior of which communicate with a portion of the heat-conducting wall of the container so that items to be warmed or cooled by the contents of the container may be stored in the pocket. The latter is accessible without opening the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a standard conventional bucket into a bucket suitable for uses such as by fishermen for storage of bait, tackle, food and other such items. The converted bucket is also advantageously used for picnicing and by hunters and the like. The apparatus comprises a circular, planar base member having perforations along a continuous sector and a solid surface along the remainder thereof. The base member is adapted to receive a plurality of divider panels extending vertically above the base member and a plurality of support legs extending vertically below the base member. The divider panels from cold volume spaces above the perforated portion of the base member for storing food, bait and the like, while the panels form warmer volume spaces above the non-perforated portion of the base member for storing tackle, clothing and the like. The legs permit the base member to extend above ice which cools through the base member perforations.

Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus for the removal of sodium carbonate from cyanide plating baths. The method involves the precipitation of sodium carbonate by the effect of cooling the cyanide plating bath liquid. A container is submerged in the solution with the container opening extending above the plating bath solution level. The container is filled with dry ice and water which produces a temperature of approximately zero degrees centigrade inside of the container. The solution adjacent to the exterior of the container is cooled so that excess sodium carbonate is precipitated as a crystalline deposit. After a desired interval, the container is removed with the encrustation of sodium carbonate for disposal.