Patent ID: 7341164
Filing Date: 2008-03-11
Classification: F16M,F25D

Abstract:
1. An ice chest or cooler having locking retractable legs comprising: an insulated container having an outer wall, an inner wall, and insulation therebetween and defining a sidewall having an upper portion having an upper lip and a basewall; a plurality of retractable legs each having upper ends, lower ends, and being extendable generally downward from said basewall at said sidewall through apertures therein between a retracted position substantially within said sidewall between said outer wall and said inner wall and at least one extended position; a leg lock corresponding to each said retractable leg proximate said base of said insulated container; at least one leg lock receiver located in and proximate said upper end and in said lower end of each said retractable legs; a guide for each said retractable leg located between said outer wall and said inner wall; a pair of opposed handles located on the upper portion of said sidewall for carrying said container; each said handle having a lock release actuator proximate said handle; each said lock release actuator being so located as to be manipulated by a user while carrying said container by said handles; and a linkage between said lock release actuator and said lock; whereby, upon a user carrying said container by said handles, said release actuators may be manipulated so as to act on said linkage, thereby releasing said leg locks from engagement with said lower lock receivers of said legs, said legs descending upon release by the force of their weight to an extended position upon which said lock engages its respective upper lock receiver, thereby locking said legs in an extended position for convenient use; and whereby said legs may be retracted by manipulating said release actuators, which act on said linkage and release said leg lock from said upper lock receiver and allowing said container to descend by its own weight or by the user pushing downward on said container or said handles until said lock engages its respective lower lock receiver, thereby locking said legs in a retracted position.