Abstract:
The present invention relates to a cooler having a plurality of beverage container holders that are adapted for retention of a beverage in a plurality of positions. More specifically, the beverage container holders are adapted to be placed and secured in a stowed position wherein the beverage container is retained within the ice chest. Also available is an extended position outside the ice chest wherein a beverage container may be inserted and retained. This design allows an open or closed beverage container to be inserted into the retainer in the extended position and then returned to the stowed position allowing the beverage to remain cool and free of foreign materials or organisms.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to coolers and ice chests. More specifically, the present invention relates a cooler device adapted to keep both opened and closed beverage containers both cool and contaminant free, while permitting easy access to the beverage containers. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     When people leave home to engage in recreational activities, such as at the park or the beach, they usually take food and beverages along with them. The food and beverages are frequently stored in a refrigerator or a cooler, for example, to bring the beverage to a desired temperature for consuming the beverage. Many beverages are packaged for sale in a bottle or can (beverage container). Upon removal of the beverage container from the cooling source, the beverage in the container changes temperature over time. Further, during consumption of the beverage, the drinker&#39;s body temperature, transmitted through the hand holding the container, also changes the temperature of the beverage over time. 
     In the prior art, to maintain the beverage in the container at the desired temperature for a longer period of time, a sleeve made from thermally insulative material can be provided to store the container during transportation and/or consumption. Various types of insulative sleeves and other insulators are well known in the art. An “Insulated Bag” is detailed in Design Pat. No. 281,546 to Charlotte S. Bradshaw. The insulated bag includes a body portion having a pair of upward-standing handles and a closure at the top for receiving cold or hot food or beverages and maintaining the food or beverages in a hot or cold condition, as desired. U.S. Pat. No. 315,477 to Michael W. Shearer, details a “Refrigerated Totebag”. The refrigerated totebag is characterized by a flexible, resilient body portion having a drawstring at the top thereof for tightening around a bottle and a handle built into the side portion of the body for carrying purposes. 
     The insulative sleeve has some drawbacks, however. The insulative sleeve typically is a cylinder that encircles the container. Necessarily, the sleeve has a larger diameter than the container. A user may have difficulty in grasping the sleeve because the size of the sleeve is too large for his or her hand to grip comfortably. Often, the sleeve is made from a material that provides little frictional resistance when gripped, further increasing the difficulty of grasping the holder. 
     Further, the insulative sleeve is frequently used to transport and consume a beverage outside. Once a container is opened, insects, such as bees, and debris can enter the container and foul the beverage. Insects pose an acute problem because they are often drawn to the sugar and other substances found in soft drinks. In the case where a bee enters a container, the bee is likely to sting a person drinking from the container, potentially resulting in serious injury to the person. The prior art sleeve can not prevent insects and debris from entering the container. 
     Another very popular type of beverage container cooler is a portable carrier, such as carriers sold under the name PLAYMATE and the trademark IGLOO by Stalnaker Plastics located at 3102 Kiowa Street, Fort Worth, Tex. These coolers typically have sloped outer surfaces or have separate trays that can be attached to the sloped surface. 
     The sloped outer surfaces of these coolers are not convenient for placement of a beverage container while beverage is being consumed. A separate tray or small table can be brought along for such a purpose but such an item is often inconvenient to store while traveling. Such an item is difficult to keep level on uneven ground or sand and does not generally provide a secure place for food or drink if the item is moved even slightly from a level position. This is especially true for beverage containers, which can easily become slippery due to moisture condensation on their outer surfaces. In addition, such an item for placement of beverage containers is usually not inexpensive and can be easily misplaced. Furthermore, such an item does not prevent the beverage from becoming warm or prevent insects and debris from entering the container. 
     Examples of other patented devices in this field include those disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. No. 415,980 (Sachs); U.S. Pat. No. 662,541 (Miskololzy); U.S. Pat. No. 2,648,954 (Wheeler et al); U.S. Pat. No. 2,979,227 (Norton et al); U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,345 (Atkinson). The unit is frozen and placed on the necks of the bottles to be kept cool. The Norton et al patent discloses a container for keeping a six-pack of bottled beverages cold. Crushed ice is placed around the bottles in the container. The Atkinson patent discloses a cooling container for keeping cans cold including a top section having a slow warming cooling gel contained therein. The Wheeler et al patent discloses a refrigerated carton including circular compartments. Dry ice is placed in the partitions between the compartments. The Sachs patent discloses a portable cooler for drinking glasses including cone-shaped partitions for receiving the bottles to be cooled. The Miskoloczy patent discloses a frozen container for keeping beverages cold. 
     While these prior beverage holders are known, these holders do not maintain the beverage in a cool state nor prevent foreign contamination of the beverage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an improved cooler. As mentioned herein above, one of the problems associated with maintaining food and beverage containers of any description in a cool condition after removal from a refrigerator or ice chest, is that of rapid heating of the container contents, sometimes causing spoilage. Another problem is that of contamination of the beverage by foreign objects including dirt and insects. In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in present coolers, the solution to the problem takes the form of an improved cooler that keeps beverages cool before and after opening the container while protecting the beverage from foreign contamination. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a cooling device is provided which is both simple and inexpensive and which overcomes the basic problems with prior art cooling methods and devices. In a preferred embodiment, the cooler includes an insulating chest insulating the interior of the chest from its warmer surroundings, and within which is located ice or another cooling medium. Along the exterior of the cooler are located receptacles capable of receiving beverage containers. Each of the receptacles also provides insulation between the interior of the receptacle from its warmer surroundings at the exterior. 
     Each of the receptacles may be placed in one of two positions: stowed or extended. To facilitate the dual positions the receptacles are adapted to be extended and retracted between the two positions such as by hinges or other extension means. In the extended position, a closed or open beverage may be placed in the receptacle. The receptacle may then be closed into the stowed position. In the stowed position, the exterior of the beverage container is placed in contact with a cooling medium either directly or by conduction through air or a rigid or semi-rigid membrane. While in the closed position, the beverage container is also protected from foreign contamination. 
     Accordingly, in view of the foregoing problems of the prior art, an object of this invention to provide a new and improved insulated cooler for bottles, cans and other food, beverage and milk containers. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an insulated cooler for receiving a frozen refrigerant for contacting and maintaining the contents of the bottle, can or alternative container in a cool condition. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an insulated cooler having a liner therein adapted to receive a frozen refrigerant, wherein the liner is adapted for contacting and maintaining the contents of the bottle, can or alternative container in a cool condition by conduction through the liner. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an insulated cooler fitted with insulated receptacles that facilitate free standing of the container for contact with a frozen refrigerant thereby maintaining the contents of the insulated receptacle in a cool condition. 
     A still further object of this invention is to provide an insulated cooler having insulated receptacles having a stowed and extended position. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an insulated cooler fitted with insulated receptacles that facilitate stably and conveniently placing a free standing open or closed container in the receptacle while in the extended position. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an insulated cooler fitted with insulated receptacles that facilitate stably and conveniently placing a free standing open or closed container in the receptacle in the receptacle while in the extended position and then closing the receptacle to the stowed position, placing the container between the insulation layer and the liner thereby keeping the contents of the container cool by conduction. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a cylindrical cooler constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the interior lining in ghost. 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cooler along line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1 showing an interior liner, beverage storage compartments and several beverage container holders in stowed and extended positions. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a extendable beverage container holder having a curved exterior wall and in the extended position from the cooler compartment of the cooler in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is an elevation view of another embodiment of the invention showing a bottom-hinged extendable beverage container holder in the stowed position and showing the container wall and beverage container in ghost. 
     FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the bottom-hinged extendable beverage container holder of FIG. 8 a  in the extended position showing the container wall and beverage container in ghost. 
     FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a substantially rectangular cooler constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention showing the interior lining in ghost. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cooler along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 6 showing the interior liner, beverage storage compartments and beverage container holders. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of the cooler in FIG. 6 showing the beverage storage compartments and several embodiments of the beverage container holders in the extended or opened position. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an extendable beverage container holder having a flat exterior wall and in the extended position from the cooler compartment of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a latching mechanism for the beverage container holder. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing a peg and recess type pivot/hinge mechanism for the beverage container holder. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The above, and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments thereof to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent the same or similar parts. 
     The above described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a cooler apparatus having one or more outer walls and a bottom wall forming a container having a top opening on which can be secured a lid. The walls and lid have an insulating medium to prevent heat transfer between the container interior and the exterior environment. Within the container is a liner, into which may be placed a cooling medium such as ice, cold water, frozen gel packs or other similar cooling fluids and media. The space between the liner and the outer walls of the container form compartments, in which a beverage container can be stored. There is an aperture in the outer wall adjacent each compartment, in which is a beverage container holder adapted to be pivotably mounted. The beverage container holder may be alternately extended from the compartment or stored securely within the compartment. A beverage container stored within the compartment is thereby placed in physical contact with the interior liner and therefore in thermal contact with the cooling medium by conduction through the liner. 
     Referring to FIGS.  1  and  2 : The preferred embodiment of the cooler  1  depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is representative of a cooler  1  having an insulated container  110  comprising a bottom wall  112  with a vertical sidewall  115  rising substantially perpendicularly from the bottom wall periphery. In the preferred embodiment, the cooler  1  has a rectangular cross-section in elevation with a substantially circular cross-section in the plan view, i.e., a substantially cylindrical cooler  1 . Specifically, the cooler  1  includes an insulated container  110  having a circular bottom wall  112  with a substantially cylindrical sidewall  115  extending perpendicularly, i.e., upwardly therefrom. The sidewall  115  is integral with and perpendicular to the bottom wall  112 . These walls  112  and  115  are joined at their respective peripheries to form an essentially cylindrical container  110  configured to form an enclosure defining a volume  120  and having a top access opening  130  therein. 
     The container  110  is preferably made of a rigid high density plastic. More specifically, the container walls  112  and  115  are preferably constructed of a durable, liquid non-permeable and thermally insulative material such as polyurethane, thermoplastic and other durable materials. Preferably the container  110  is of unitary construction by means of molding such as cast or injection molding of thermoplastic materials. 
     The container  110  also comprises a lid  140  adapted for removable attachment to and covering of the upper container access opening  130 . The lid  140  is adapted to fit within the upper container access opening  130 , such adaptation being a tight frictional fit wherein a side flange  145  of the lid  140  fits over, and in contact with the interior of the container side wall  115 . The lid  140  is also constructed of a durable, liquid non-permeable and thermally insulative material such as rigid high density plastic, polyurethane, thermoplastic and other durable materials and combinations thereof. Preferably the lid  140  is of unitary construction by means of molding such as injection molding of thermoplastic materials. The lid  140  may also comprise a thermoplastic material as a shell formed around an insulative material such as solid, foam or even gaseous insulation therein. The lid  140  may further be removable from the container access opening  130  as shown or may be otherwise removably attached with hinges, straps or the like (not shown). The lid  140  is preferably of substantially solid construction to allow the lid  140  to have significant weight rested thereon for use as a table or chair and the like. 
     The cooler  1  may have handles  17  and  18  attached to the exterior sidewall  115 . These handles  17  and  18  may be of the types that are rotatably mounted to the upper part of the sidewall  115  to rotate away from the sidewall  115  for gripping the handles  17  and  18  without contacting the exterior surface of the container  110 . Alternatively the handles  17  and  18  may be integrally molded grip holes (not shown) in the sidewall  115  of the container  110 . Additional handles (not shown) may also mounted on the exterior sidewall  115  of the container  110  on either the upper lower or central portions of these sidewall  115 , or even on the lid  140 . 
     The cooler  1  may also have a removeable tray  119  therein for dry storage of items. Preferably, the tray  119  may be placed into the interior volume  120  of the container  110  by means of the access opening  130 . The tray  119  may therefor be placed in thermally conductive contact with the a cooling medium within the container  110  while keeping the contents of the tray  119  away from direct contact with the cooling medium, which may wet goods desired to be kept dry. To this end, the tray may be a solid tray that may be placed onto the cooling medium. Most preferably, the tray comprises a rack which has opening allowing the cool air with the container to freely pass. The rack preferably has a lip  19   a  which allows the rack to be suspended from the sidewall  115  about the access opening  130 . By having a hanging rack  119 , dry goods may be stored above and out of reach of the beverages and other items in the cooling medium, while maintaining the dry goods in cooled air within the container  110 . The rack  119  preferably hangs from the interior side walls  115  at the access opening  130  without the lip  119   a  interfering with placement of the lid  140  in the access opening  130 . 
     The container  110  preferably has a thermally insulative layer  150  attached to the interior of sidewall  115 . A thermal insulator  150  may also line the bottom wall  112  of the container  110 . The thermally insulative layer  150  provides additional thermal insulation between the interior volume  120  of the container  110  and the external environment. Exemplary thermal insulators include lightweight foam insulation such as STYROFOAM. The insulation  150  interior to the container  110  may also comprise the sidewall  115  formed as a thermoplastic shell around an insulative material such as solid, foam or even gaseous insulation therein. 
     Referring again to FIGS.  1  and  2 : The exterior wall  115  of the container  110  has one or more apertures  160  therein. More specifically, the aperture  160  comprises a hole forming a door-like opening extending from the exterior environment through the wall  115  and through the insulative layer  150  and towards the central volume  120  of the container  110 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the wall  115  of the container  110  has a substantially rectangular aperture  160  extending therethrough. Preferably, the aperture  160  is large enough to place a standing beverage container therethrough. Furthermore, it is preferred that the aperture  160  extends through the sidewall  115  in close proximity to the bottom wall  112 . This allows a container to be placed in through the aperture  160  with the bottom wall  112  providing additional support to the beverage container or the container holder  180  thereon, discussed herein below. 
     The container  110  further comprises an interior liner  170  adjacent the insulator layer  150  and the apertures  160 . More specifically, the interior liner  170  preferably comprises a thin layer of liquid impermeable, thermally conductive material in contact with the interior surface of the insulator layers  150 . The liner  170  is also in contact with the bottom wall  112  of the container  110  and the exposed upper parts of the sidewall  115  around the access opening  130  of the container  110 . The liner  170  is preferably held in contact with the upper sidewall  115  and bottom wall  112  by heat sealing the liner surfaces to those walls. The liner  170  surfaces may also be glued or otherwise adhered to the sidewall  115  and bottom wall  112  and insulator layer  150 . Alternatively, sidewall  115  and bottom wall  112  as wells as the liner  170  may be of unitary molded construction and be retrofilled with an insulating medium by injection. 
     As mentioned above, the interior liner  170  preferably comprises a thin layer of liquid impermeable, thermally conductive material in contact with the interior surface of the container  110 . The liner  170  may therefor contain a cooling medium such as cold water, ice in a variety of shapes, gel packs and the like. The impermeable liner  170  contains most preferably ice in a convenient form such as cubes, slabs or even a solid block conforming to and fitting securely within the liner  170 . The cooling medium may also comprise a cylindrical shaped mass of ice inserted into the liner  170 . Because the liner  170  is thermally conductive, the coolness of the medium within the interior volume  120 , may be conducted to a container in contact with the non-insulated portions of the exterior surface of the liner  170 . 
     The exterior surface  170   a  of the interior liner  170  directly opposite the aperture  160  in the sidewall  115  of the container  110  forms a compartment  175  for storage of a beverage container and beverage container holder  180 . In the preferred embodiment of the compartment  175  and liner  170 , the liner  170  curves inwardly towards the central part of the interior volume  120 . The inward curve forms a compartment  175  interior wall  176  having a concave surface adapted to receive and contact a beverage container therein. The concave compartment  175  preferably conforms with the exterior surface of a beverage container, i.e., forming a cylindrical compartment  175  for a can, bottle or the like. Alternatively, the liner  170  forming the interior wall  176  of the compartment  175  may be semi-rigid, wherein the liner  170  and interior wall  176  deform in response the force if the cooling medium on one side of the liner  175 . The semi-rigid liner design also allows the liner  175  to deform in response to the beverage container against the interior wall  176  of the compartment  175 . This semi-rigid construction allows for insertion, retention and cooling of a great variety of shapes of beverage containers within the compartment  175 . 
     The compartment  175  is not only adapted to receive a beverage container therein, but also an extendable beverage container holder  180  as in FIGS. 3-5. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a beverage container holder  180  comprises an exterior wall  185  bonded to a holder bottom wall  182  and an insulative holder wall  186 . The exterior wall  185  and bottom wall  182  of the beverage container holder  180  are preferably made of a rigid high density plastic. More specifically, the exterior wall  185  and bottom wall  182  are preferably constructed of a durable, liquid non-permeable and thermally insulative material such as polyurethane, thermoplastic and other durable materials. Preferably the exterior wall  185  and bottom wall  182  of the beverage container holder  180  are of unitary construction by means of molding such as cast or injection molding of thermoplastic materials. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternate beverage container holder  180  similarly comprises an exterior wall  185  bonded to a holder bottom wall  182  and an insulative holder wall  186 . The exterior wall  185  and bottom wall  182  of the beverage container holder  180  are preferably made of a rigid high density plastic. More specifically, the exterior wall  185  and bottom wall  182  are preferably constructed of a durable, liquid non-permeable and thermally insulative material such as polyurethane, thermoplastic and other durable materials. Preferably the exterior wall  185  and bottom wall  182  of the beverage container holder  180  are of unitary construction by means of molding such as cast or injection molding of thermoplastic materials. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the exterior walls  185  are of essentially the same dimensions and preferably slightly small dimensions as the aperture  160  in order to fit securely within an aperture  160 . For example, as in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exterior wall  185  of the beverage container holder  180  in the sidewall  115  is of curved construction in order to transition uniformly to the wall  115  adjacent the aperture  160 . To facilitate the smooth transition, the radius of curvature of the exterior wall  185  of the beverage container holder  180  is substantially equal to or slightly less than the radius of curvature of the container sidewall  115 . 
     Referring now to FIGS.  2 - 5 : The beverage container holder  180  is adapted to be placed in a stowed position and one or more extended positions as in FIG.  2 ). To this end, each beverage container holder  180  has means to allow the holder  180  to be placed and retained in those two positions. For example, the beverage container holder  180  in the sidewall  115  of the cooler  1  may be pulled out or pushed in on drawer tracks  167  and  168 . Although track means  167  and  168  are contemplated to be within the scope of extending means, the preferred embodiment of the invention uses pivoting or hinge means for extension and stowage of the beverage container holder  180 . 
     Referring again to FIGS.  2  and  3 : The beverage container holder  180  in the top left aperture  160  shows an example of preferred pivoting means  90  for the beverage container holders  180 . As can be seen in the Figures, it is preferred that the beverage container holder  180  pivots about one side of the exterior wall  185  thereof. A variety of methods of pivoting means  90  are available, such as hinges molded both into the sidewall  115  and the exterior wall  185  of the beverage container holder  180 . The simplest and most preferred hinge mechanism  90  is shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. Such hinge mechanism  90  includes pips  91  and  92  located on opposing corners of the wall exterior  185  and recesses  93  and  94  in the sidewall  115  adapted to receive and retain the pips  91  and  92  respectively therein. The pips  91  and  92  are integrally molded with the exterior wall  185  of the beverage container holder  180  and the recesses  93  and  94  are preferably integrally molded into the wall  115  of the container  110  adjacent the aperture  160 . The material of construction of the container walls  115  and exterior wall  185  are sufficiently elastic to allow the pips  91  and  92  may be snapped into the recess  93  and  94 , but sufficiently rigid to retain the pips  91  and  92  within the recesses  93  and  94  respectively. The pips  91  and  92  and recesses  93  and  94  are thus aligned along a vertical axis B allowing the beverage container holder  180  to rotate or pivot about the vertical axis between a stowed and a extended position. Although the pip and recess pivot means  90  is preferred, other more complex means are contemplated such as one ore more multi-part hinges with or without a removable hinge pin, or even a piece of flexible plastic connecting one vertical side of the exterior wall  185  to the edge of an aperture  160 . In another pivoting embodiment, as shown in the bottom left aperture of the cooler  1 , the beverage container holder  180  may pivot about a vertical axis not aligned with a side edge of the holder  180  exterior wall, but an axis through the top and bottom edges of the exterior wall. A holder  180  rotating on an off-edge axis such as this operates in a similar manner to a rotating door. 
     Referring not to FIGS.  2  and  4 - 5 : While in the preferred embodiment of the invention the beverage container holders  180  pivot about a vertical axis B, it is also contemplated that the pivot mechanism  90  may be pivotable about a horizontal axis C at the bottom of the aperture  160  and the exterior wall  185  of the beverage container holder  180 . It is preferable for the pivot mechanism  90  to be vertically aligned rather than horizontally aligned because the beverage container holder  180  may be extended while maintaining a beverage therein in a horizontal position. The beverage container holder  180  of FIG. 4 and 5 shows that a beverage container in the holder  180  is tipped when the beverage container holder  180  is placed in the extended position. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the beverage may be tipped off horizontal in the stowed position in order to allow the container to be more easily accessible in the extended position. More specifically, the bottom wall  182  of the holder  180  is topped off horizontal in order that beverage container may be accessible (i.e., extending beyond the side wall  115 ) while the holder need not be extended as far from the container side wall  115  as would be necessary in the bottom wall  182  were horizontal. 
     Referring to FIG.  10 . Each beverage container holder  180  preferably has latching means  95  thereon, allowing the beverage container holder  180  to be retained securely in the stowed position. Preferably, the latching means  95  is located on an edge of the exterior wall  185  of the beverage container holder  180  and the adjacent edge of the aperture  160 , and most preferably on the exterior wall  185  and aperture  160  edges opposite the pivot means  90 . The latching means  95  preferably comprises the simplest and most economical means similar to the pivoting means  90 . Namely, the latching means  95  is preferably similar to a pip  91  and recess  93 . The latching edge of the exterior wall  185  preferably has a rib  96  thereon which may latch by snapping into a groove  97  in the adjacent wall in the aperture  160 . A tab  98  adjacent the rib  96  may also be provided to act as a stop for the beverage holder exterior wall  185  against the sidewall  115 . The tab  98  also acts as means for opening or extending the beverage container holder  180  from the stowed position such as by pulling on the tab  98  with a finger. It is also contemplated that other latching means may be used such as hook and eye, hasp, snap buttons, and a variety of other conventional latching means. 
     Referring again to FIGS.  3  through  5 : The beverage container holder  180  also comprises an insulative holder wall  186  and bottom wall  182  adjacent the exterior wall  185 . In the holder  180  of FIG. 3, the bottom wall  182  comprises a substantially horizontal surface attached to substantially perpendicularly to the exterior wall  185  and is of sufficient size and durability to retain a beverage container thereon. The holder of FIG. 4 however comprises a similar bottom wall  182 , with the exception that the bottom wall  182  is attached at an angle with the exterior wall, i.e., an acute angle towards the top of the exterior wall  185 . Most preferably, the bottom wall  182  has a substantially semicircular shape, the interior portion (i.e., the portion towards the central volume  120  and liner exterior wall  176 ) of which comprises a rounded portion conforming to the circumference of a beverage container thereon. The thermally insulative holder wall  186  provides additional thermal insulation between the compartment  175 , and the exterior wall  185  and external environment. Exemplary thermal insulators include lightweight foam insulation such as STYROFOAM. The insulator may also comprise the exterior wall  185  formed as a thermoplastic shell around an insulative material such as solid, foam or even gaseous insulation therein. 
     The insulative holder wall  186  is also adapted to help retain a beverage container. The insulative holder wall  186  preferably has a concave vertical surface adapted to securely retain a container primarily along the vertical direction, whereas the bottom wall  182  of the beverage container holder primarily retains the beverage container horizontally. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the insulative holder wall  186 , the liner exterior wall  176  and the bottom wall  182  together form a substantially cylindrical compartment  175  for retention of a beverage container. When the beverage container holder  180  is placed in the stowed position, the insulative holder wall  186  as well as the latching mechanism  195  keeping the beverage container holder  180  closed, place the beverage container within the compartment  175  into thermally conductive contact with the liner  170  and thereby with the cooling medium therein. Also, when the beverage container holder  180  is in the stowed position, the top of the beverage container is kept out of contact with the external environment, thus prevent warming of the beverage or contamination of an opened beverage by insects, dirt and the like. 
     Thus, the cooler  1  allows a user to fill the interior volume  120  of the container  110  with a cooling medium within the thermally conductive liner  170 . Food and beverages may be placed in the interior volume  120  to keep them cool. Additionally, beverage containers may also be placed in the compartments  175  to keep them cool by thermally conductive contact with the cooling medium through the liner  170 . The beverages may be accessed and consumed by opening the beverage container holders  180  into the extended position. Opened or closed beverage containers may be kept cool and contaminant free by returning the beverage container holder  180  to its stowed position. 
     Referring now to FIGS.  6  and  7 : Another embodiment of the cooler  2  depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 is representative of a cooler  2  with a substantially rectangular cross-section in both the plan and elevation view. Specifically, the cooler  2  includes an insulated container  10  having a rectangular bottom wall  12  with a rectangular rear wall  14 , a rectangular front wall  16  and a pair of rectangular sidewalls,  22  and  24 , extending upwardly therefrom. The pair of sidewalls  22  and  24  form a first sidewall  22  and a second sidewall  24 . The first and second sidewalls  22  and  24  are integral with and perpendicular to the rear and front walls  14  and  16 . These walls  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  are joined at their respective peripheries to form an essentially rectangularly prismatic container  10  configured to form an enclosure defining a volume  100  and having a top access opening  30  therein. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the walls may be joined to each other having a slight radius, wherein corner are rounded for safety and aesthetic purposes. 
     The container  10  is preferably made of a rigid high density plastic. More specifically, the container walls  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  are preferably constructed of a durable, liquid non-permeable and thermally insulative material such as polyurethane, thermoplastic and other durable materials. Preferably the container  10  is of unitary construction by means of molding such as cast or injection molding of thermoplastic materials. 
     The container  10  also comprises a lid  40  adapted for removable attachment to and covering of the upper container access opening  30 . The lid  40  is adapted to fit within the upper container access opening  30 , such adaptation being a tight frictional fit wherein a side flange  45  of the lid  40  fits over, and in contact with the interior of the container front, rear and side walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24 . The lid  40  is also constructed of a durable, liquid non-permeable and thermally insulative material such as rigid high density plastic, polyurethane, thermoplastic and other durable materials and combinations thereof. Preferably the lid  40  is of unitary construction by means of molding such as injection molding of thermoplastic materials. The lid  40  may also comprise a thermoplastic material as a shell formed around an insulative material such as solid, foam or even gaseous insulation therein. The lid  40  may further be removable from the container access opening  30  as shown or may be otherwise removably attached with hinges, straps or the like (not shown). The lid  40  is preferably of substantially solid construction to allow the lid  40  to have significant weight rested thereon for use as a table or chair and the like. The cooler  2  may also have a removeable tray (not shown) inserted in the access opening  30  as described herein above for the cooler  1  of FIG.  1 . 
     The cooler  2  may have handles  7  and  8  attached to the exterior sidewalls  22  and  24 . These handles  7  and  8  may be of the types that are rotatably mounted to the upper part of the sidewalls  22  and  24  to rotate away from the sidewalls  22  and  24  for gripping the handles  7  and  8  without contacting the exterior surface of the container  10 . Alternatively the handles  7  and  8  may be integrally molded grip holes (not shown) in the sidewalls  22  and  24  of the container  10 . Additional handles (not shown) may also mounted on the exterior of the container  10  on the sidewalls  22  and  24 , front and rear walls  14  and  16 , on either the upper lower or central portions of these walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24 , or even on the lid  40 . 
     The container  10  preferably has a thermally insulative layer  50  attached to the interior of each front, rear and side wall  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24 . A thermal insulator  50  may also line the bottom wall  12  of the container  10 . The thermally insulative layer  50  provides additional thermal insulation between the interior volume  100  of the container  10  and the external environment. Exemplary thermal insulators include lightweight foam insulation such as STYROFOAM. The insulation  50  interior to the container  10  may also comprise the walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  formed as a thermoplastic shell around an insulative material such as solid, foam or even gaseous insulation therein. 
     Referring now to FIGS.  7  and  8 : The exterior walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  of the container  10  have one or more apertures  60  therein. More specifically, the aperture  60  comprises a hole forming a door-like opening extending from the exterior environment through the wall  14 ,  16 ,  22  or  24  and through the insulative layer  50  and towards the central volume  100  of the container  10 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the front wall  14  of the container  10  has a substantially rectangular aperture  60  extending therethrough. Preferably, the aperture  60  is large enough to place a standing beverage container therethrough. Furthermore, it is preferred that the aperture  60  extends through the wall(s) in close proximity to the bottom wall  12 . This allows a container to be placed in through the aperture  60  with the bottom wall  12  giving support to the container or the container holder, discussed herein below. 
     The container  10  further comprises and interior liner  70  adjacent the insulator layer  50  and the apertures  60 . More specifically, the interior liner  70  preferably comprises a thin layer of liquid impermeable, thermally conductive material in contact with the interior surface of the insulator layers  50 . The liner  70  is also in contact with the bottom wall of the container and the exposed upper parts of the side walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  around the access opening  30  of the container  10 . The liner  70  is preferably held in contact with the upper front, rear and side walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  and bottom wall  12  by heat sealing the liner surfaces to those walls. The liner  70  surfaces may also be glued or otherwise adhered to front, rear and side walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  and bottom wall  12  and insulator layer  50 . Alternatively, the front, rear and side walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  and bottom wall  12  as wells as the liner may be of unitary molded construction and be retrofilled with an insulating medium by injection. 
     As mentioned above, the interior liner  70  preferably comprises a thin layer of liquid impermeable, thermally conductive material in contact with the interior surface of the container  10 . The liner  70  may therefor contain a cooling medium such as cold water, ice in a variety of shapes, gel packs and the like. The impermeable liner  70  contains most preferably ice in a convenient form such as cubes, slabs, cylinders or even a solid block conforming to and fitting securely within the liner  70 . Because the liner is also thermally conductive, the coolness of the medium within the interior volume  100 , may be conducted to a container in contact with the non-insulated portions of the exterior surface of the liner  70 . 
     The exterior surface  70   a  of the interior liner  70  directly opposite the aperture  60  in the wall  14 ,  16 ,  22  or  24  of the container  10  forms a compartment  75  for a beverage container and beverage container holder  80 . In the preferred embodiment of the compartment  75  and liner  70 , the liner  70  curves inwardly towards the central part of the interior volume  100 . The inward curve forms a compartment interior wall  76  having a concave surface adapted to receive and contact a beverage container therein. The concave compartment  75  preferably conforms with the exterior surface of a beverage container, i.e., forming a cylindrical compartment  75  for a can, bottle or the like. Alternatively, the liner  70  forming the interior wall  76  of the compartment  75  may be semi-rigid, wherein the liner  70  and interior wall  76  deform in response the force if the cooling medium on one side of the liner  75 . The semi-rigid liner design also allows the liner  75  to deform in response to the beverage container against the interior wall  76  of the compartment  75 . This semi-rigid construction allows for insertion, retention and cooling of a great variety of shapes of beverage containers within the compartment  75 . 
     The compartment  75  is not only adapted to receive a beverage container therein, but also a extendable beverage container holder  80 . More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, a beverage container holder  80  comprises an exterior wall  85  bonded to a holder bottom wall  82  and an insulative holder wall  86 . The exterior wall  85  and bottom wall  82  of the beverage container holder  80  are preferably made of a rigid high density plastic. More specifically, the exterior wall  85  and bottom wall  82  are preferably constructed of a durable, liquid non-permeable and thermally insulative material such as polyurethane, thermoplastic and other durable materials. Preferably the exterior wall  85  and bottom wall  82  of the beverage container holder  80  are of unitary construction by means of molding such as cast or injection molding of thermoplastic materials. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, the exterior wall  85  is of essentially the same dimensions and preferably slightly small dimensions as the aperture  60  in order to fit securely within an aperture  60 . For example, as in FIGS. 7 and 8, the exterior wall  85  of the beverage container holder  80  in the center of a rear or front wall  14  or  16  is of flat construction in order to transition uniformly to the wall  14  or  16  adjacent the aperture  60 . Also as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a beverage container holder  80  may also be located in an aperture  60  on a corner adjacent a front or rear wall  16  or  14  and a side wall  22  or  24 . For example, a beverage container holder  80  on a corner aperture  60  such as the corner adjacent the front and right side walls  16  and  24 , therefor has an exterior wall  85  shaped like and conforming to the corner aperture  60  and transitioning smoothly to the adjacent walls  16  and  24 . Furthermore, the beverage container holder  80  may also comprise a design such as the holder  180  of FIGS. 3 through 5. 
     Referring now to FIGS.  5  and  6 : Whether the beverage container holder  80  is in a front, rear or corner aperture  60  of the container  10 , it is preferred that the beverage container holder  80  is adapted to be placed in a stowed position (as in FIG. 7) and one or more extended positions (as in FIG.  8 ). To this end, each beverage container holder  80  has means to allow the holder to be placed and retained in those two positions. For example, the beverage container holder  80  in the front wall of the cooler  2  of FIG. 6 may be pulled out or pushed in on drawer tracks  67  and  68 . Although track means  67  and  68  are contemplated to be within the scope of extending means, the preferred embodiment of the invention uses pivoting or hinge means for extension and stowage of the beverage container holder  80 . 
     Referring now to FIGS.  7  through  9 : The beverage container holders  80  in the rear wall  14  aperture  60  and left rear corner aperture  60  show examples of preferred pivoting means  90  for the beverage container holders  80 . As can be seen in the Figures, it is preferred that the beverage container holder  80  pivots about one side of the exterior wall  85  thereof. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional elevation of a variety of places for edges along which the beverage containers may pivot along a vertical axis. A variety of methods of pivoting means  90  are available, such as hinges molded both into the wall  14 ,  16 ,  22  or  24  and the exterior wall  85  of the beverage container holder  80 . The simplest and most preferred hinge mechanism  90  is shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. Such hinge mechanism  90  includes pips  91  and  92  located on opposing corners of the wall exterior  85  and recesses  93  and  94  in the wall  14 ,  16 ,  22  or  24  adapted to receive and retain the pips  91  and  92  respectively therein. The pips  91  and  92  are integrally molded with the exterior wall  85  of the beverage container holder  80  and the recesses  93  and  94  are preferably integrally molded into the wall  14 ,  16 ,  22  or  24  of the container  10  adjacent the aperture  60 . The material of construction of the container walls  14 ,  16 ,  22  and  24  and exterior wall  85  are sufficiently elastic to allow the pips  91  and  92  may be snapped into the recess  93  and  94 , but sufficiently rigid to retain the pips  91  and  92  within the recesses  93  and  94  respectively. The pips  91  and  92  and recesses  93  and  94  are thus aligned along a vertical axis A allowing the beverage container holder to rotate or pivot about the vertical axis between a stowed and a extended position. Although the pip and recess pivot means  90  is preferred, other more complex means are contemplated such as one ore more multi-part hinges with or without a removable hinge pin, or even a piece of flexible plastic connecting one vertical side of the exterior wall  85  to the edge of an aperture  60 . It is also contemplated that the pivot mechanism  90  may be pivotable about a horizontal axis (as in FIGS. 4 and 5) at the bottom of the aperture  60  and the exterior wall  85  of the beverage container holder  80 . 
     Referring to FIGS.  7  through  9 : Each beverage container holder  80  preferably has latching means  95  thereon, allowing the beverage container holder  80  to be retained securely in the stowed position. Preferably, the latching means  95  is located on an edge of the exterior wall  85  of the beverage container holder  80  and the adjacent edge of the aperture  60 , and most preferably on the exterior wall  85  and aperture  60  edges opposite the pivot means  90 . The latching means  95  preferably comprises the simplest and most economical means similar to the pivoting means  90 . Namely, the latching means  95  is preferably similar to a pip  91  and recess  93 . The latching edge of the exterior wall  85  preferably has a rib  96  thereon which may latch by snapping into a groove  97  in the adjacent wall in the aperture  60 . A tab  98  adjacent the rib  96  may also be provided to act as a stop for the beverage holder exterior wall  85  against the wall  14 ,  16 ,  22  or  24 . The tab  98  also acts as means for opening or extending the beverage container holder  80  from the stowed position such as by pulling on the tab  98  with a finger. It is also contemplated that other latching means may be used such as hook and eye, hasp, snap buttons, and a variety of other conventional latching means. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 7 through 9. The beverage container holder  80  also comprises an insulative holder wall  86  and bottom wall  82  adjacent the exterior wall  85 . The bottom wall  82  comprises a substantially horizontal surface attached to substantially perpendicularly to the exterior wall and is of sufficient size and durability to retain a beverage container thereon. Most preferably, the bottom wall has a substantially semicircular shape, the interior portion (i.e., the portion towards the central volume  100  and liner exterior wall  76 ) of which comprises a rounded portion conforming to the circumference of a beverage container thereon. The thermally insulative holder wall  86  provides additional thermal insulation between the compartment  75 , and the exterior wall  85  and external environment. Exemplary thermal insulators include lightweight foam insulation such as STYROFOAM. The insulator may also comprise the exterior wall  85  formed as a thermoplastic shell around an insulative material such as solid, foam or even gaseous insulation therein. 
     The insulative holder wall  86  is also adapted to help retain a beverage container. The insulative holder wall  86  preferably has a concave vertical surface adapted to securely retain a container primarily along the vertical direction, whereas the bottom wall  82  of the beverage container holder retains the beverage container primarily horizontally. As can be seen the insulative holder wall  86 , the liner exterior wall  76  and the bottom wall  82  together form a substantially cylindrical compartment  75  for retention of a beverage container. When the beverage container holder  80  is placed in the stowed position, the insulative holder wall  86  as well as the latching mechanism  95  keeping the beverage container holder  80  closed, place the beverage container within the compartment  75  into thermally conductive contact with the liner  70  and thereby with the cooling medium therein. Also, when the beverage container holder  80  is in the stowed position, the top of the beverage container is kept out of contact with the external environment, thus prevent warming of the beverage or contamination of an opened beverage by insects, dirt and the like. 
     Thus, the cooler  2  allows a user to fill the interior volume  100  of the container  10  with a cooling medium within the thermally conductive liner  70 . Food and beverages may be placed in the interior volume  100  to keep them cool. Additionally, beverage containers may also be placed in the compartments  75  to keep them cool by thermally conductive contact with the cooling medium through the liner  70 . The beverages may be accessed and consumed by opening the beverage container holders  80  into the extended position. Opened or closed beverage containers may be kept cool and contaminant free be returning the beverage container holder  80  to it s stowed position. 
     While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Many other variations are possible, for example: 
     The cooler need not be cylindrical or a rectangular prism, but a wide variety of other container configurations are possible. 
     The cooler may hold several beverages such as the cooler shown that has six compartments or may have as few as one compartment up to many more. 
     The cooler may have beverage container holders in a vertically spaced configuration in the sidewalls as well as horizontally spaced. 
     A variety of cooling media may be used such as ice cubes, ice blocks, gel packs, dry ice, cold water or other appropriate media capable of thermally conducting to items desired to be cool. 
     The beverage container holders may be configured to hold cylindrical containers such as cans or bottles and may hold a variety of other containers including square cartons or other shapes of beverage and food containers. 
     The beverage container holders may be configured to extend by pivoting at a side or bottom edge, or may extend as a drawer, or may be rotatable about a central axis coincident with the beverage container center (like a rotating door). 
     The cooler may have as few as one to very many handles for carrying of the cooler.