Abstract:
A cooler includes a cooler body including one or more cooler walls. The cooler further includes a cover configured to be disposed around an exterior of the cooler body, the cover being sized and dimensioned to generally cover an exterior of the one or more cooler walls of the cooler body. The cover preferably includes a moisture-absorbent material. The cover also preferably includes an image, logo, symbol, or text; or a panel preferably includes the image, logo, symbol, or text, which panel is removably attachable to the cover.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/526,487, filed Jun. 18, 2012, which patent application and any patent application publications thereof and patents issuing therefrom are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which &#39;487 application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/498,342, filed Jun. 17, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the present application hereby incorporates by reference each of the following U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications: U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,580; U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,305; U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,559; U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,828; U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,653; U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,589; U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,590; U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,591; U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,510; U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,581; US 2006/0237923 A1; US 2006/0237924 A1; US 2006/0237925 A1; US 2006/0237926 A1; US 2006/0237927 A1; US 2006/0237928 A1; US 2008/0223071 A1; US 2008/0223862 A1; US 2008/0223072 A1; US 2009/0019882 A1; US 2010/0154464 A1; US 2010/0147015; US 2011/0042390 A1; US 2011/0042391 A1; US 2011/0042392 A1; US 2011/0042393 A1; US 2011/0042394 A1; US 2011/0042395 A1; US 2011/0042396 A1; US 2011/0042397 A1; and US 2011/0042398 A1. Each of these patents and application publications is incorporated herein by reference for purposes of disclosing aspects, features, and embodiments that, when combined with one or more aspects or features of the present invention as disclosed below, constitute embodiments of the present invention. Thus the present invention, inter alia, comprises enhancements, improvements, and alterations of the embodiments of the incorporated references. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
       [0002]    All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Portable coolers have long been utilized to, inter alia, transport chilled items and keep items chilled at locations without other means of chilling. However, a need exists for improvement in portable coolers. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of collapsible coolers, the present invention is not limited to use only in this context, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler. The cooler includes a cooler body including one or more cooler walls; a cover configured to be disposed around an exterior of the cooler body, the cover being sized and dimensioned to generally cover an exterior of the one or more cooler walls of the cooler body; wherein the cover comprises a moisture-absorbent material. 
         [0006]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover is flexible. 
         [0007]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover is pliable. 
         [0008]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover comprises neoprene. 
         [0009]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover comprises polychloroprene. 
         [0010]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover comprises one or more synthetic rubber materials. 
         [0011]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover is secured to the cooler body. 
         [0012]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover is secured to both a base of the cooler body and an upper rim of the cooler body. 
         [0013]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover is secured to the cooler body via snap connectors. 
         [0014]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover is a snug-fit cover. In some implementations, the cover is configured to be secured to the cooler body via a snug fit of the cover around the cooler body. 
         [0015]    In a feature of this aspect, the cooler further includes a lid. 
         [0016]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover includes one or more hinge lines configured for collapsing of the cover. 
         [0017]    In a feature of this aspect, the cooler body includes one or more hinge lines configured to allow the cooler body to transition between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; the cover includes one or more hinge lines configured to allow the cover to collapse; and the cooler body and the cover are configured such that, even when the cover is secured about the cooler body, the cooler body can transition between its expanded configuration and its collapsed configuration. 
         [0018]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover comprises a continuous band. 
         [0019]    In a feature of this aspect, the cover comprises a sheet configured to be secured to itself 
         [0020]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for handling sweating at a cooler. The method includes disposing a cover about one or more exterior walls of the cooler. The cover comprises a moisture-absorbent material. 
         [0021]    In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes a step of securing the cover to the cooler. 
         [0022]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cover configured to be disposed around an exterior of a cooler, the cover comprising a moisture-absorbent material. 
         [0023]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for handling sweating of a cooler as disclosed. 
         [0024]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for handling sweating of a cooler. 
         [0025]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using a cooler cover. 
         [0026]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler cover as disclosed. 
         [0027]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler comprising a cover as disclosed. 
         [0028]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler cover configured to handle sweating as disclosed. 
         [0029]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for handling condensation on the outside of a cooler as disclosed. 
         [0030]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler cover configured to handle condensation on the outside of a cooler as disclosed. 
         [0031]    In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein, 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cooler with wrap-around side cover in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the cooler with wrap-around side cover of  FIG. 1  showing the wrap-around side cover detached from the cooler; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the cooler with wrap-around side cover of  FIG. 1  showing the wrap-around side cover partially detached from the cooler; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a cooler of  FIG. 1  with a snug-fit wrap-around side cover in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a cylindrical cooler with wrap-around cover in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the cylindrical cooler with wrap-around cover of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6A and 6B  are side views of the cooler of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  with a snug-fit wrap-around cover in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cooler with a drop-in cover in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a wrap-around side cover which includes decorative symbols. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
         [0044]    Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
         [0045]    Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
         [0046]    Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element. 
         [0047]    Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
         [0048]    When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
         [0049]    Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses. 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a rectangular cooler  10  with wrap-around side cover  20  in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the cooler  10  with a wrap-around side cover  20  of  FIG. 1  showing the wrap-around side cover  20  detached from the cooler  10 .  FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the cooler  10  with a wrap-around side cover  20  of  FIG. 1  showing the wrap-around side cover  20  partially detached from the cooler  10 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the cooler  10  comprises a base  12 , an upper rim  14 , a lid  16 , and a cooler wall  18  extending between the base  12  and the upper rim  14 . The base  12  and the upper rim  14  include a plurality of male snap connectors  22  adapted to mate with female snap connectors  24  on the wrap-around side cover  20 . Although the cooler  10  and wrap-around side cover  20  are shown with snap connectors  22 , 24 , alternative contemplated embodiments include other types of connectors to attach the wrap-around cover to the cooler. 
         [0051]    In one or more preferred embodiments, the wrap-around side cover  20  is constructed from a flexible, elastic, moisture-absorbent material, such as neoprene, polychloroprene, or other synthetic rubber materials. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the process of attaching the wrap-around side cover  20  to the cooler  10 . The wrap-around side cover  20  is positioned around the cooler wall  18 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . Next, the female snap connectors  24  on the wrap-around side cover  20  are aligned with, and attached to, the male snap connectors  22  on the base  12  and upper rim  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1  with a snug-fit wrap-around side cover  20 ′ in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The snug-fit wrap-around side cover  20 ′ resembles the wrap-around side cover  20 ; however, the snug-fit wrap-around side cover  20 ′ is adapted to fit more snuggly around the cooler wall  18 . In one or more preferred embodiments, the snug-fit wrap-around side cover  20 ′ includes one or more hinge lines  30 . The hinge lines  30  are thinner, and thus more flexible and more deformable, than other portions of the snug-fit wrap-around cover  20 ′. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side views of a preferred embodiment of a cylindrical cooler  110  with a wrap-around side cover  120  in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the cooler  110  comprises a base  112 , an upper rim  114 , a lid  116 , and a cooler wall  118  extending between the base  112  and the upper rim  114 . The base  112  and the upper rim  114  include a plurality of male snap connectors  122  adapted to mate with female snap connectors  124  on the wrap-around side cover  120 . Although the cooler  110  and wrap-around side cover  120  are shown with snap connectors  122 , 124 , alternative contemplated embodiments include other types of connectors to attach the wrap-around cover to the cooler. 
         [0055]    Similar to the wrap-around side cover  20 , in one or more preferred embodiments, the wrap-around side cover  120  is constructed from a flexible, elastic, moisture-absorbent material, such as neoprene, polychloroprene, or other synthetic rubber materials. 
         [0056]    Further shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  is the process of attaching the wrap-around side cover  120  to the cooler  110 . The wrap-around side cover  120  is positioned around the cooler wall  118 , as seen in  FIG. 5A . Next, the female snap connectors  124  on the wrap-around side cover  120  are aligned with, and attached to, the male snap connectors  122  on the base  112  and upper rim  114 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are side views of the cooler  110  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  with a snug-fit wrap-around side cover  120 ′ in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The snug-fit wrap-around side cover  120 ′ resembles the wrap-around side cover  120 ; however, the snug-fit wrap-around side cover  120 ′ is adapted to fit more snuggly around the cooler wall  118 . In one or more preferred embodiments, the snug-fit wrap-around side cover  120 ′ includes one or more hinge lines  130 . The hinge lines  130  are thinner, and thus more flexible and more deformable, than other portions of the snug-fit wrap-around cover  120 ′. 
         [0058]    Further illustrated by  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is the process of attaching the snug-fit wrap-around side cover  120 ′ to the cooler  110 . The snug-fit wrap-around side cover  120 ′ is positioned around the cooler wall  118 , as seen in  FIG. 6A . Next, the female snap connectors  124  on the snug-fit wrap-around side cover  120 ′ are aligned with, and attached to, the male snap connectors  122  on the base  112  and upper rim  114 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cooler  210  with a slide-on cover  220  in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The slide-on cover includes a base, a wall  212 , and a rim  214  along the top of the wall  212  defining a cooler opening  216 . In one or more preferred embodiments, the slide-on cover  220  is constructed from a flexible, elastic, moisture-absorbent material, such as neoprene, polychloroprene, or other synthetic rubber materials. To use the slide-on cover  220 , the cooler  210  is simply inserted into the cooler opening  216  such that the slide-on cover  220  substantially surrounds the cooler wall  218 . 
         [0060]    In one or more preferred implementations, a cover includes one or more decorative images, logos, or symbols, and/or text. For example,  FIG. 8  illustrates the cooler of  FIG. 1  with a cover  320  having decorative images  342 . In one or more preferred implementations, decorative images, logos, symbols, or text is painted, sewn, stitched, or imprinted. In one or more preferred implementations, a sticker or panel including a decorative image, logo, symbol, or text is secured to a cover. In some preferred implementations, a decorative image, logo, symbol, or text associated with a college, university, team, or sporting event is utilized. 
         [0061]    In one or more preferred commercial implementations, a cover is configured to allow one or more panels including one or more images, logos, symbols, and/or text to be removably secured to the cover. In this way, multiple interchangeable panels including different images, logos, symbols, and text can alternately be utilized with a single cover. In some preferred implementations, such removable securement is facilitated by snap connectors, adhesive, straps, Velcro, or other known fastening or securement methods. 
         [0062]    Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.