Abstract:
An ice cooler system includes a body configured to form a fluidly sealed cavity, a first row of tubes and a second row of tube in fluid communication with the fluidly sealed cavity, the first row and the second row of tubes being configured to receive beverages, and a door pivotally attached to the body and in fluid communication with the fluidly sealed cavity. The door is configured to allow ice to pass therethrough to the cavity, which in turn is placed in contact with the first row and the second row of tubes.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to devices used to cool items, and more specifically, to a portable cooler system such as an ice chest. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Portable cooler systems, e.g., ice chests, are well known in the art and are effective means to chill food and beverages for an extended period of time. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a conventional ice chest  101  includes an insulated body  103  that forms a cavity  105  to carry food, beverage, and the like along with ice for cooling. During use, the user places ice within cavity  105  to chill the items also placed therein. A lid  107  is pivotally attached to body  103  and is configured to seal cavity  105  to maintain the chilled temperature. 
     Common disadvantages with ice chest  101  include the arduous process of sifting through the ice to locate a beverage, sandwich, and the like, which in turn results in the hands becoming cold and wet and the food becoming soggy due to package leakage. 
     Although great strides have been made in the area of portable cooler systems, many shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a conventional cooler system; 
         FIG. 2  is an oblique view of a cooler system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the cooler of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the cooler of  FIG. 3  taken at IV-IV; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the cooler system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial front view of the cooler system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  are a cross-sectional views of a cooler system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a cooler system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; and 
         FIG. 9  is a partial front view of the cooler system of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional systems. Specifically, the cooler system of the present application includes a body that forms a fluidly sealed cavity in fluid communication with a plurality of tubes configured to store beverages therein. The tubes are in communication with the ice stored within the cavity for heat transfer but keep the fluid from reaching the contents stored within the tubes. These and other unique features of the cooler system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 2  depicts a side view of a cooler system  201  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system  201  overcomes at least one of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional cooler systems. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, system  201  preferably includes one or more of a body  203  that forms a fluidly sealed cavity  401  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) for retaining ice therein. Positioned within cavity  401  are a plurality of cylindrical shaped tubes  205  that form an hollow interior area  207  for receiving a beverage. It should be noted that only one of the tubes  205  is labeled for the sake of viewing clarity. Also, it should be noted that the tubes  205  are positioned three in each row and each row is offset from each other. This feature helps facilitate ice flowing between the tubes; however, it is also contemplated having the tubes in a non-offset pattern in alternative embodiments. 
     System  201  is further provided with a lid  209  pivotally attached to body  203  and configured to secure the contents carried within the plurality of tubes  205  in a fixed position and maintain a desired cooling temperature. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , system  201  is also optionally provided with a telescopic handle  211  extending from a top surface  213 , one or more wheels  215  attached to bottom surface  217 , and a plug  219  in fluid communication with cavity  401  and extending from bottom surface  217 . During use, the handle and wheels assist in mobility of the cooler system, while plug  219  allows fluid release from cavity  401 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  in the drawings, a cross-sectional top view of system  201  is shown taken at IV-IV of  FIG. 3 . As discussed, body  203  forms a fluidly sealed cavity  401  configured to store, for example, ice therein to retain the items carried within the plurality of tubes  205  in a chilled state. In the exemplary embodiment, tubes  205  include different shapes and sizes. For example, the plurality of tubes  205  could include an elongated tube  403  configured to receive a bottle  405  partially therein, while tube  407  could be much smaller and could be configured to carry a soda can  409  therein. Larger sized tubes are also contemplated to carry the entire bottle  405 . In the exemplary embodiment, tube  403  is sized to carry the bottle to the neck portion, thus allowing the user to quickly identify the type of beverage being stored. 
     One or more retaining devices  411  are attached at the entrance of each tube and configured to retain the beverage therein. In the contemplated embodiment, device  411  is an elastic material that elastically deforms as sufficient force is applied thereto, for example, as a user pulls a bottle from the tube. Other retaining means are also contemplated in alternative embodiments. 
     Although shown as cylindrical tubes configured to carry beverages therein, it is also contemplated having other shapes and sizes, e.g., a rectangular tube embodiment configured to store food items such as, for example, sandwiches. 
     One of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the ability to separate the fluidly sealed cavity  401  form the items being chilled via the tubes. Thus, the tubes act as fluid barriers, thereby preventing the contents therein from getting wet. This is particularly desired in situations wherein the food is destroyed by water, e.g., soggy sandwiches. 
     Another unique advantage believed characteristic of the present application is the ability to quickly locate the beverage of choice without having to sift through a pool of ice water. The tubes organize the beverages in such a manner that each beverage is quickly seen as the cooler system lid is opened. In the preferred embodiment, the body and lid are composed of an elastomeric material that provides sufficiently insulation to retain the beverages at a chilled temperature. However, it is also contemplated utilizing different types of material in alternative embodiments, for example, a lid composed of a transparent material. In this contemplated embodiment, the brands of the beverages can be seen through the lid in lieu of having to open the lid for visibility. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the top view of cooler system  201 . It is contemplated utilizing a door  501  pivotally attached to top surface  213  and configured to secure to surface  213  via a latch  503 . During use, the user will open door  501  and place the ice in cavity  401 , which in turn will lodge between the outer surfaces of the plurality of tubes. After use, the door  501  is secured in a locked positioned via latch  503 . As the ice melts and as water accumulates, the user opens plug  219  for drainage. 
     In  FIGS. 7A-7C  in the drawings, top cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment is shown. System  701  is substantially similar in form and function to system  201  and incorporates the features discussed herein. 
     System  701  includes a body  703  that forms a fluidly sealed cavity  705  configured to receive ice therein. Like cavity  401 , cavity  705  is configured to is separated from the beverages via one or more tubes  709 , which in turn is fixedly attached to an insert  707 . 
     One unique feature believed characteristic of system  701  is the ability to remove insert  707  from the fluid cavity  705  during non-use and/or cleaning of the cavity. To achieve this feature, the insert is held in position via one or more fasteners  711  secured to body  703 . This feature also allows for existing cooler systems to be retrofitted with the features of system  201  discussed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9  in the drawings, a top view of a cooler system  801  is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that the features discussed herein with respect to system  201  are hereby incorporated with system  801 . Thus, system  801  is substantially similar in form and function to system  201 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, system  801  includes a lid  803  pivotally attached to a body  805  via one or more hinges  807 . A fastening device  809  is utilized to secure the lid  803  to the body  805 . During use, the user will place ice and/or other cooling means within the interior cavity by opening lid  803 , as indicated by arrow D 2 . In this contemplated embodiment, the user has a greater opening to place the ice within the interior cavity that previously discussed embodiments. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.