Abstract:
An ice chest or portable cooler is disclosed which includes a unique construction which enables the cooler to maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature for an extended period of time. The top, walls, and bottom of the cooler utilize a shell which includes an inner and outer layer of a plastic and a relatively thick layer of an insulation material between the layers of plastic. The construction adds strength and rigidity to the cooler, while not increasing the weight as a result of the relatively light insulation material.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a container for maintaining the contents of the container at a desired temperature for an extended period of time. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable container, such as an ice chest, that can maintain the contents of the container at a desired temperature for an extended period of time without the use of cyclic refrigeration. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Containers for chilling the contents therein to a desired temperature and then maintaining the contents at that temperature have been known for some time. However, these containers are normally relatively large and rely on cyclic refrigeration to maintain the contents of the container at the desired temperature. The cyclic refrigeration requires the use of electricity for its operation. There exists a need to maintain certain items, such as foodstuffs, at a desired temperature in areas where electricity is not readily available. For example, when traveling in an automobile, when traveling in a relatively small watercraft and when in a remote location, such as on a picnic. 
     A common remedy to the problem of maintaining items, such as foodstuffs, at a desired temperature is to place the items and ice in a portable insulated container. Ice chests are commonly used for this task. However, ice does not stay frozen for extended periods of time and, if the container is not well insulated, the ice will melt rapidly and the contents of the container will not be maintained at the desired temperature. Dry ice or frozen carbon dioxide has been utilized in place of ice or frozen water to maintain the contents of a container at a relatively low temperature for an extended period of time. However, there are drawbacks to the use of dry ice. It is relatively expensive. It can cause damage to the skin when not handled properly. It is not readily available. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable container constructed to substantially reduce thermal conductivity between the exterior and interior of the portable container. This new and improved construction would enable the container to keep and maintain the contents thereof at a desired temperature for an extended period of time. Also, the means to maintain the temperature within the container should be relatively inexpensive and readily available. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,670 discloses a portable ice chest for keeping the contents thereof in a cooled or frozen state for a period of time. The ice chest includes an insulated cover with an inner compartment. There is also an insulated container with a bottom compartment. The cover is constructed for an air-tight fit upon the top opening of the insulated container. In order to maintain the contents of the ice chest in a frozen state, dry ice is placed in the inner compartment only. In order to maintain the contents of the container in a refrigerated state, dry ice is placed in the bottom compartment only. When no dry ice is used, the ice chest can be employed as a conventional ice chest. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,988 discloses a cooler or ice chest which has been provided with wheels so as to be readily pulled or towed. A novel handle design is employed which resists torsion. Provision is made for the handle to be folded down and stored on the cooler when it is not being used for pulling the cooler. The cooler is V-shaped, thus providing good ground clearance for the back end of the cooler when being pulled over uneven ground. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,097 discloses a portable cooler which includes a container body made from an insulating material and a top cover for the body which includes two areas, top and bottom. The bottom area having a lesser profile defining a resting edge for an intermediate drilled plate. The top area includes a plurality of removable compartments for keeping food and drinks and the ice, resting on the intermediate plate. The cooler has a liquid tank at its lower end which receives liquid defrosting from the ice through the drilled intermediate plate. The liquid tank includes a drain for removing the liquid therein. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,988 discloses a chambered cooler for insertion into an ice chest including a chest base having upstanding side walls and a bottom wall forming an open ended chest enclosure. The chest enclosure includes a chest lid for enclosing the open end of the chest enclosure. The chest is dimensioned to retain articles therein. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a cooler or ice chest which can maintain the contents thereof in a chilled or cooled state for an extended period of time. The cooler should also be portable and use conventional ice made from water for the coolant. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An ice chest or portable cooler is disclosed which includes a unique construction which enables the cooler to maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature for an extended period of time. The top, walls, and bottom of the cooler utilize a shell which includes an inner and outer layer of a plastic and a relatively thick layer of an insulation material between the layers of plastic. The construction adds strength and rigidity to the cooler, while not increasing the weight as a result of the relatively light insulation material. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a cooler having the components thereof, the top, bottom, and walls, formed of a unique construction which enables substantially reduced thermal conductivity between the inner and outer surfaces of the top, bottom, and walls. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a cooler which includes a unique construction that enables the cooler to maintain the contents therein at or below a given temperature for an extended period of time. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a cooler with a hinge which enables the cooler to be opened flush against a wall. 
     It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a hinge which provides better strength and insulation properties than conventional hinges on coolers. 
     It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a cooler which includes removable interior dividers which can also function as a cutting board. 
     It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a cooler which is available in various sizes to accommodate various needs. 
     It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a cooler which includes a novel latch to maintain the cooler in a closed and airtight condition. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of the cooler of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a bottom view of the cooler embodiments in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  with the top removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the seal and securing means to retain the seal in the top of the cooler; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a handle for the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a closure latch of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the mounting device for the closure latch; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a drain plug of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a cutting board/divider of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a bottle cap opener of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of one of the supporting elements or feet of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a basket or container designed to be placed into the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a view of the underside of the top of the cooler in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view along line C-C in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 25  taken along line D-D; 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 25  taken along line E-E; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the top of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 30  is an underside view of the top illustrated in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the top illustrated in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the handle of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 ; and 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-sectional view of the seal in the top illustrated in  FIG. 29 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
       FIGS. 1-35 , which are now referenced, illustrate the present invention and the manner in which it is assembled. A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as a cooler or ice chest  10  in  FIG. 1 . This embodiment includes a cooler which comprises a front wall  12 , a back wall  14 , a left end wall  16 , a right end wall  18 , a top  20 , and a bottom  22 . The left end wall, right end wall, front wall, back wall, and bottom are preferably integrally formed together as a single piece. The top is hingedly secured to the back wall. Latches  24  releasably secure the top to the remainder of the cooler. 
     A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated as cooler  30  in  FIG. 2 . The second embodiment includes a cooler which comprises a front wall  32 , a back wall  34 , a left end wall  36 , a right end wall  38 , a top  40 , and a bottom  42 . The left end wall, right end wall, front wall, back wall, and bottom are preferably integrally formed together as a single piece. The top comprises two pieces  44  and  46 . Both tops  44  and  46  are hingedly secured to the back wall. Latches  48  releasably secure the top to the remainder of the cooler. Each top  44  and  46  can be individually opened and closed. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the top  20  of the embodiment  10  in  FIG. 1 . A hinge  50  includes elements  52  molded to the back  14  of the cooler as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , element  54  molded to the top  20  of the cooler as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and pin  56  ( FIGS. 4 and 7A ).  FIG. 2  illustrates the hinge construction of the second embodiment of the present invention. Hinge elements  58  are molded to the back  34  of the cooler. Hinge element  60  is molded to top  46  of the cooler and hinge element  62  is molded to the top  44  of the cooler. A single pin (not shown) permits the hinge members to pivot with respect to each other. This construction enables tops  44  and  46  to be opened and closed separately from each other. The ability to open separate tops helps to preserve and maintain the cool environment within the cooler. The hinge elements  52  and  54  in the first embodiment enable the top  20  to be raised and in vertical alignment with the back wall  14  of the cooler. The hinge elements  58 ,  60 , and  62  in the second embodiment enable the tops  44  and  46  to be raised and in vertical alignment with the back wall  34  of the cooler. 
     The front wall  12 , back wall  14 , left end wall  16 , right end wall  18 , and bottom  22  of the first embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , are molded together as a single piece. These elements include an outer layer or thickness  64  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene, and an inner layer or thickness  66  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene, see  FIGS. 4 and 5A . In a preferred embodiment the layers  64  and  66  are 6 mm thick. However, other thicknesses can also be employed. Positioned between layers  64  and  66  is a layer or thickness  68  of foam, such as polyurethane foam. This foam is relatively thick to provide substantial insulation for the cooler. In a preferred embodiment the foam is 3 inches thick. However, other thicknesses of foam insulation can also be employed. The high density plastic increases the rigidity and strength of the cooler and enables it to be manufactured in larger sizes. These larger sizes enable a greater amount of food and comestibles to be safely retained within the cooler. The larger size coolers also contain a greater amount of ice. The high density plastic enables the coolers to carry this additional ice without damage to the cooler. 
     The top  20  of the cooler has a construction similar to the front, back, end walls and bottom. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , the top  20  includes an outer layer or thickness  70  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene, and an inner layer or thickness  72  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene. In a preferred embodiment the layers  70  and  72  are 6 mm thick. However, other thicknesses can also be employed. Positioned between layers  70  and  72  is a layer or thickness  74  of foam, such as polyurethane foam. This foam is relatively thick to provide substantial insulation for the cooler. In a preferred embodiment the foam is 3 inches thick. However, other thicknesses of foam insulation can also be employed. The high density plastic increases the structural rigidity of the top of the cooler and enables it to withstand increased loads placed thereon. The foam  74  is relatively thick to provide substantial insulation for the cooler. The hinges  52 ,  54 ,  58 ,  60 , and  62  are formed completely from a high density plastic. There is no foam used in the formation of the hinges. This construction of the hinges increases the thermal nonconductivity of the cooler, thus enabling the cooler to keep and maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature. 
     Latches  24  and  48  are employed to keep the cooler top closed. These latches also help to maintain the top in a sealed condition with respect to the front, back and end walls of the cooler. Latches  24  and  48  are constructed the same, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The top portion of each latch includes an aperture  76  into which a pin can be inserted. A spherical or ball shaped element  77  is located adjacent an end of the latch which includes a handle  79 . A latch attaching member  78  is secured to a front portion of the tops  20 ,  44 , and  46 . The latch attaching member  78  includes extensions or ears  80  and  82  which extend outwardly from the latch member ( FIG. 15 ). Each of the extensions,  80 ,  82  include an aperture  84 ,  86  respectively. The top of each of the latches  24 ,  48  is positioned between the extensions  80  and  82 . A pin is inserted in apertures  76 ,  80 , and  82 . This construction enables the latches  24 ,  48  to pivot between a down, closed position and an up, open position. 
     When the latches  24 ,  48  are in their closed positions they engage slots  88  ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ). Slots  88  are located along the top edge of the front walls  12 ,  32  of the cooler. Slots  88  include indents, not shown, which receive the ball portion  78  of the latches  24 ,  48 . The positioning of the ball in the indent helps to maintain the latches in a closed position.  FIG. 5A  illustrates the interlocking engagement of the latch  24 ,  48  and slot  88 . This engagement enables the tops  20 ,  44  and  46  to maintain a relatively tight seal against the top edges of the front, back and end walls of the coolers. This tight seal enables the cooler to maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature for an extended period of time, far beyond that of other coolers. 
     A seal  90  ( FIG. 12 ) is located underneath the tops  20 ,  44  and  46  of the coolers. The seal  90  extends completely around the periphery of the tops. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , the seal  90  is located inwardly from the outer circumferential edge of the tops. The seal  90  is set into a groove  92  which extends around the periphery of the tops of the cooler. The seal is maintained in the groove by a friction fit between the seal  90  and the groove  92 . A portion  94  of the seal  90  is inserted into the groove  92  to hold the seal in the groove ( FIG. 12 ). Other means, such as fasteners, adhesive, etc., can also be utilized to maintain the seal  90  in groove  92 . Seal  90  includes a flexible portion  96  which deforms and maintains a sealed condition when the top is closed and the latches are engaged. The interior  98  of the seal may contain air or other gases. These gases can help to maintain the contents of the cooler at or below a desired temperature. 
     The seal  90  abuts against a ridge  100  ( FIGS. 4 ,  8 , and  11 ) which extends around an upper edge of the front, back and end walls of the cooler. The ridge helps to assure an air tight, thermal barrier between the exterior of the cooler and the interior of the cooler. The flexibility of the seal  90  permits the seal to compensate for any imperfections in the ridge  100 , should any imperfections occur. The seal  90  is preferably formed as a single piece. However, the seal  90  can also be formed as multiple pieces which are abutted together in the groove  92 . While the material used for the seal  90  is preferably an elastomeric material, any other similar, flexible material, such as rubber, plastics, felt, etc., can also be used to make the seal  90 . 
     The bottoms  22  and  42  of the coolers  10  and  30  have a plurality of feet or supports  102  located thereon ( FIGS. 4-6  and  23 ). A detailed view of the foot or support  102  is illustrated in  FIG. 19 . Each foot or support  102  includes a plurality of apertures  104 . The feet or supports  102  space the bottom of the cooler away from the surface that the cooler is placed on. A plurality of skid rails or bars  103  are also located on the bottom of the cooler, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . These feet and rails help to protect the bottom of the cooler from abrasion and other deleterious affects of interaction between the cooler and support surfaces. While a preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes four feet or supports  102 , any number of supports can be utilized on a cooler. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an opener  106  for a bottle cap. The opener  106  is preferably located on an underside of the top of the cooler, as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . However, the opener  106  can be located anywhere on the cooler. A plug or stopper  108  is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The plug or stopper  108  is inserted into an aperture or opening  110  ( FIG. 9 ) located adjacent the bottom and at one end of the interior of the cooler. The aperture  110  is utilized to drain fluids, such as water, from the interior of the cooler. While the preferred embodiment of the plug  108  is illustrated as threaded, it can also have other shapes and be held in the aperture  110  by a friction fit. Further, the plug can employ a mechanism which expands the exterior of the plug after it has been inserted into the aperture  110 . 
     The end walls  16 ,  18 ,  36  and  38  of the coolers are provided with handles to assist in lifting and carrying the coolers. Each handle  112  ( FIG. 13 ) is preferably rope. Other materials could also be utilized to form handle  112 . The handle  112  also preferably includes a grip  114  at one end thereof. The grip  114  can be provided with depressions or grooves into which an individual can place their fingers to obtain a better and more comfortable grip on the handle  112 . The handles  112  are normally resting flat against the end walls of the coolers, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, when it is desired to lift and carry the coolers, the handles will pivot about end portions  116  so as to extend outwardly from the end walls of the coolers and enable an individual to transport the cooler. 
     The interior of the coolers can be divided into compartments by the use of one or more dividers  118 ,  FIG. 17 . The dividers  118  are preferably formed from high density polyethylene. However, other materials can also be employed to make the dividers  118 . The interior of the coolers can be provided with slots  120 . There is a pair of slots  120  for each divider  118  to be inserted into. The slots are formed on the interior surface of the coolers, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The slots are formed on the interiors of the front and back walls of the cooler directly across from each other ( FIG. 8 ). This enables a divider  118  to be easily placed into a pair of slots  120  and divide the interior of the cooler into individual compartments. While an embodiment of the invention ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) illustrates the cooler being divided into  4  compartments, the cooler can be provided with one or any number of compartments. The divider  118  can also function as a cutting board. Because it is made from a high density plastic, it is resistant to cuts and abrasions. Further, since it is made from a plastic material it can be readily washed or cleansed after it has been used for cutting foods or other substances. 
     One of more baskets  122  or containers can be used to hold and retain objects within the cooler. A single basket  122  is illustrated in  FIG. 20 . The basket is made from a plurality of wires  124  which are bent and secured together. The wires  124  are made from a material which is resistant to moisture and/or coated with a material which is resistant to moisture. The baskets  122  are provided with support extensions  126  at the ends thereof. The support extensions  126  are placed onto ledges  128  or  130  which extend along the front and back walls of the coolers ( FIG. 5A ). The ledges  130  are at a lower elevation within the interior of the coolers than ledges  128 . The extensions  126  of the baskets  122  which are placed on the lower ledges  130  are shorter that the extensions  126  of the baskets places on the upper ledges  130 . This enables the baskets to bypass the upper ledge  128  and be secured to the lower ledge  130 . The baskets  122  enable items to be stored and organized within the coolers. In addition, the baskets  122  enable one or more groups of items to be easily removed from the cooler so that other items in the cooler can be readily accessed. The basket with items removed then can easily replaced back into the cooler. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 24-35 . This embodiment is a smaller version of the previous embodiments.  FIG. 24  illustrates this embodiment  140  with the top removed. This embodiment is preferable used to hold small items, as a lunch or a few beverages for example. This embodiment includes a front wall  142 , a back wall  144 , a left end wall  146 , a right end wall  148 , a top  150 , and a bottom  152 . The left end wall, the right end wall, the front wall, the back wall, and the bottom are preferably integrally formed together as a single piece. The top  150  is hingedly secured to the back wall. Latches  152  releasably secure the top to the remainder of the cooler. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates the top  150  of the embodiment  140  of  FIG. 24 . A hinge includes elements  154  molded to the back  14  of the cooler as illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 28 , element  156  molded to the top  150  of the cooler as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , and pin  158  ( FIG. 24 ). The hinge elements  154  and  156  in this embodiment enable the top  150  to be raised and in vertical alignment with the back wall  144  of the cooler. 
     The front wall  142 , back wall  144 , left end wall  146 , right end wall  148 , and bottom  152  of this embodiment are molded together as a single piece. These elements include an outer layer or thickness  160  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene, and an inner layer or thickness  162  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene, see  FIG. 28 . In a preferred embodiment the layers  160  and  162  are 6 mm thick. However, other thicknesses can also be employed. Positioned between layers  160  and  162  is a layer or thickness  164  of foam, such as polyurethane foam. This foam is relatively thick to provide substantial insulation for the cooler. In a preferred embodiment the foam is 3 inches thick. However, other thicknesses of foam insulation can also be employed. The high density plastic increases the rigidity and strength of the cooler and enables it to be manufactured in larger sizes. These larger sizes enable a greater amount of food and comestibles to be safely retained within the cooler. The larger size coolers also contain a greater amount of ice. The high density plastic enables the coolers to carry this additional ice without damage to the cooler. 
     The top  150  of the cooler has a construction similar to the front, back, end walls and bottom. As illustrated in  FIG. 33 , the top  1500  includes an outer layer or thickness  166  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene, and an inner layer or thickness  168  of a high density plastic, such as polyethylene. In a preferred embodiment the layers  166  and  168  are 6 mm thick. However, other thicknesses can also be employed. Positioned between layers  166  and  168  is a layer or thickness  170  of foam, such as polyurethane foam. This foam is relatively thick to provide substantial insulation for the cooler. In a preferred embodiment the foam is 3 inches thick. However, other thicknesses of foam insulation can also be employed. The high density plastic increases the structural rigidity of the top of the cooler and enables it to withstand increased loads placed thereon. The foam  170  is relatively thick to provide substantial insulation for the cooler. The hinges  154  and  156  are formed completely from a high density plastic. There is no foam used in the formation of the hinges. This construction of the hinges increases the thermal nonconductivity of the cooler, thus enabling the cooler to keep and maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature. 
     Latches  152  are employed to keep the cooler top closed. These latches also help to maintain the top in a sealed condition with respect to the front, back and end walls of the cooler. Latches  152  are similar to latches  24  and  48  of the aforementioned embodiments. The top portion of each latch includes an aperture into which a pin can be inserted. A latch securing member, similar to member  78  is secured to a front portion of the top  150 . The latch member includes extensions or ears which extend outwardly from the latch member. The top of each of the latches  152  is positioned between these extensions. A pin is inserted in apertures of the latch and latch member. This construction enables the latches  152  to pivot between a down, closed position and an up, open position. 
     A seal  172  ( FIG. 35 ) is located underneath the top  150  of the cooler. The seal  172  extends completely around the periphery of the top. As illustrated in  FIGS. 31 and 33 , the seal  172  is located inwardly from the outer circumferential edge of the tops. The seal  172  is set into a groove  174  which extends around the periphery of the tops of the cooler. The seal is maintained in the groove by a friction fit between the seal  172  and the groove  174 . A portion  176  of the seal  172  is inserted into the groove  174  to hold the seal in the groove ( FIG. 35 ). Other means, such as fasteners, adhesive, etc., can also be utilized to maintain the seal  172  in groove  174 . Seal  172  includes a flexible portion  178  which deforms and maintains a sealed condition when the top is closed and the latches are engaged. The interior  180  of the seal may contain air or other gases. These gases can help to maintain the contents of the cooler at or below a desired temperature. 
     The seal  172  abuts against a ridge which extends around an upper edge of the front, back and end walls of the cooler. The ridge helps to assure an air tight, thermal barrier between the exterior of the cooler and the interior of the cooler. The flexibility of the seal  172  permits the seal to compensate for any imperfections in the ridge, should any imperfections occur. The seal  172  is preferably formed as a single piece. However, the seal  172  can also be formed as multiple pieces which are abutted together in the groove  174 . While the material used for the seal  172  is preferably an elastomeric material, any other similar, flexible material, such as rubber, plastics, felt, etc., can also be used to make the seal. 
     The bottom of this embodiment of the cooler can be provided with feet and a skid bar similar to the feet  102  and skid bars  103  of the previous embodiments. This embodiment can also be provided with a bottle opener similar to  106  in  FIG. 18 . An aperture  182  ( FIG. 28 ) is located adjacent the bottom and at one end of the interior of the cooler. A plug or stopper, not shown, is inserted into aperture. The aperture is used to drain fluids, such as melted ice, from the interior of the cooler. While the preferred embodiment of the plug is threaded, it can also have other shapes and be held in the aperture  182  by a friction fit. Additionally, the plug can employ a mechanism which expands the exterior of the plug after is has been inserted into the aperture. 
     A single handle  184  ( FIG. 34 ) is utilized to lift and carry this embodiment of the cooler. The ends  186  of handle  184  are pivotally secured in apertures  188  ( FIG. 28 ) at the upper portion of the end walls. This enables the handle to be pivoted to an upright position for carrying and to a lower position enabling the top of the cooler to be opened. Handle  34  is preferably made from wire, but any other materials can also be utilized. 
     The interior of the cooler can be divided into compartments by the use of one or more dividers similar to dividers  118  ( FIG. 17 ). The dividers  118  are preferably formed from high density polyethylene. However, other materials can also be employed to make the dividers  118 . The interior of the cooler can be provided with slots  190 . There is a pair of slots  190  for each divider  118  to be inserted into. The slots are formed on the interior surface of the coolers, as illustrated in  FIG. 28 . The slots are formed on the interiors of the front and back walls of the cooler directly across from each other. This enables a divider  118  to be easily placed into a pair of slots  190  and divide the interior of the cooler into individual compartments. The divider  118  can also function as a cutting board. Because it is made from a high density plastic, it is resistant to cuts and abrasions. Further, since it is made from a plastic material it can be readily washed or cleansed after it has been used for cutting foods or other substances. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.