Abstract:
A cooler comprises a main body which includes a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween. The cooler further comprises a removable wheel assembly which includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. The two coaxial wheels are removably securable to the axle. The cooler still further comprises a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body which includes a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. The cooler yet further comprises a lid including two wheel storage recesses, each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain one of the coaxial wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess sized and dimensioned to receive and retain the axle of the wheel assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/498,310, 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 
     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 
     The present invention generally relates to portable coolers. Portable coolers are commonly used to transport chilled items, or to keep items chilled at a location. However, portable coolers, when loaded, can be very heavy, and thus difficult to transport. Some known portable coolers utilize wheels to facilitate transport. 
     A need exists for improvement in wheeled portable coolers. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, certain contexts, the present invention is not limited to use only in such contexts, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler. The cooler includes a main body, a removable wheel assembly, and a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to a base of the main body. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the cooler further includes a lid, and the lid is configured to receive and retain the removable wheel assembly for storage when it is not secured to a base of the main body. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler. The cooler includes a main body including a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween; a removable wheel assembly; and a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the removable wheel assembly includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. In some implementations, the axle includes two recessed portions adapted to align with a clip of the wheel fastening system when the removable wheel assembly is secured to the main body by the wheel fastening system. In some implementations, the base includes a u-shaped channel sized and dimensioned to correspond to an axle of the removable wheel assembly. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the wheel fastening system includes a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. 
     In a feature of this aspect, wherein the cooler further includes a lid. In some implementations, the lid includes one or more recesses configured to receive components of the wheel assembly. In some implementations, the lid includes one or more recesses configured to receive and retain components of the wheel assembly. In some implementations, the lid includes two wheel storage recesses, each being configured to receive and retain a wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess configured to receive and retain an axle of the wheel assembly. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the cooler includes a handle. In some implementations, the handle is telescoping. In some implementations, the handle is removably attachable to the base. In at least one variation, the cooler includes a lid having a handle storage recess for storage of the handle. In some implementations, the handle is telescoping and removably attachable to the base. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler. The cooler includes a main body including a base, an upper rim, and one or more cooler walls extending therebetween; a removable wheel assembly which includes two coaxial wheels, and an axle. The two coaxial wheels are removably securable to the axle. The cooler further includes a wheel fastening system configured to secure the removable wheel assembly to the base of the main body, the wheel fastening system including a mount, a clip hingedly connected to the mount, and a locking clasp configured to lock the clip into a closed position to secure the wheel assembly. The cooler still further comprises a lid which includes two wheel storage recesses, each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain one of the coaxial wheel of the wheel assembly, and an axle storage recess sized and dimensioned to receive and retain the axle of the wheel assembly. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler as disclosed. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of removing wheels from a cooler as disclosed. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of securing wheels to a cooler as disclosed. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of removing wheels from a cooler and storing them using recesses in a lid of the cooler as disclosed. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method as disclosed. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system as disclosed. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus as disclosed. 
     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 
       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, 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cooler having a removable wheel assembly in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the cooler of  FIG. 1  with the lid in a closed orientation; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the cooler of  FIG. 1  shown without the removable wheel assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed bottom view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed side view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a front perspective view of the removable wheel assembly of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10B  is a front view of the removable wheel assembly of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a front view of the removable wheel assembly of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11B  is a side view of the removable wheel assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a front view of the removable wheel assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11D  is a side view of the removable wheel assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11E  is a front view of the removable wheel assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIGS. 13-17  are perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a cooler having a removable wheel assembly and a removable telescoping handle assembly in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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.” 
     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.” 
     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. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cooler  10  in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The cooler  10  comprises a base  20 , an upper rim  30 , a lid  40 , and a cooler wall  50  extending between the base  20  and the upper rim  30 . The cooler further comprises a removable wheel assembly  60  attached to the base  20 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1  with the lid  40  in a closed orientation. The top surface  42  of the lid  40  includes a plurality of recesses including two wheel storage recesses  44  and an axle storage recess  46 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1  with the removable wheel assembly  60  removed from the base  20 . The base  20  has a generally rectangular perimeter and includes a bottom surface  22  having a U-shaped channel  24  adapted to receive the removable wheel assembly  60  therein. 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1  including the removable wheel assembly  60  disposed within the U-shaped channel  24 . The removable wheel assembly comprises two coaxial wheels  62  and an axle  64 . The removable wheels assembly  60  facilitates rolling motion of the cooler  10  from one location to another and is preferably constructed of a material capable of supporting the weight of the items stored in and on the cooler  10 . It is preferred that the removable wheel assembly  60  be able to support at least about ninety pounds. It is more preferred that the removable wheel assembly  60  be able to support at least about one hundred and ten pounds. 
     As further seen in  FIG. 3 , the bottom  22  of the base  20  includes a wheel fastening system, including a mount  12  affixed to the bottom  22  of the base  20 , a clip  14  hingedly connected to the mount  12 , and a locking clasp  16 . The clip  14 , when in an open position, allows for the insertion and removal of the removable wheel assembly  60  from the U-shaped channel  24 . The clip  14 , when in a closed position, holds the removable wheel assembly  60  within the U-shaped channel  24 . The clip  14  is locked into the closed position with the locking clasp  16 . 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed bottom view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the wheel fastening system locked in the closed position. 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed side view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the wheel fastening system locked in the closed position. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the wheel fastening system in the closed position with the locking clasp  16  disengaged from the clip  14 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the wheel fastening system in the closed position with the locking clap  16  disengaged from the clip  14 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the wheel fastening system in the open position, permitting the removal of the removable wheel assembly  60  from the U-shaped channel  24 . 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the wheel fastening system in the open position and the removable wheel assembly  60  disposed within the U-shaped channel  24 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a front perspective view of the removable wheel assembly  60  disengaged from the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 10  B is a front view of the removable wheel assembly  60  of  FIG. 10A . The removable wheel assembly  60  includes a pair of removable wheels  62 , an axle  64 , and a pair of locking pins  66 . The wheels  62  include a central aperture  68  adapted to receive an outer portion of the axle  64  therethrough. The axle  64  includes a central portion of a first diameter disposed between the removable wheels  62  and two outer portions each having a second diameter that is small than the first diameter. The outer portions of the axle  64  are adapted to penetrate a central aperture  68  of a wheel  62 . The central portion of the axle  64  further includes two recessed portions  65  adapted to align with the clip  14  when the removable wheel assembly  60  is disposed within the U-shaped channel  24 . Each outer portions of the axle  64  further includes a small opening  70  adapted for receipt of a locking pin  66 . The locking pin  66  prevents the wheel  62  from sliding off the axle  64 . 
       FIG. 11A  is a front view of a removable wheel assembly  60  of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 11B  is a side view of the removable wheel assembly  60  of  FIG. 11A . In  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the wheel  62  is shown engaged with the outer portion of the axle  64 , the outer portion of the axle  64  penetrating through the central aperture  68  of the wheel  62 . The wheel  62  is locked in place with a locking pin  66  in the small opening  70  of the axle  64 .  FIG. 11C  is a front view of the removable wheel assembly  60  of  FIG. 11A .  FIG. 11D  is a side view of the removable wheel assembly  60  of  FIG. 11A . In  FIGS. 11C and 11D , the locking pin  66  has been removed from the small opening  70 , thus permitting the wheel  62  to be slidably disengaged from the outer portion of the axle  64 .  FIG. 11E  is a front view of the removable wheel assembly  60  of  FIG. 11A , illustrating the wheel  62  removed from the outer portion of the axle  64 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the cooler  10  of  FIG. 1  with the removable wheel assembly  60  removed from the bottom  22  of the base  20  of the cooler  10 , disassembled, and stored within the plurality of recesses on the lid  40 . As shown, the wheel storage recesses  44  on the lid  40  are adapted to receive and store the wheels  62 , and the axle storage recess  46  on the lid  40  is adapted to receive and store the axle  64 . The plurality of recesses on the lid  40  provide for convenient storage of the removable wheel assembly  60  while not in use. Although not shown in  FIG. 12 , it is contemplated that the locking pins  66  may be stored within either or both of the wheel storage recesses  44  or the axle storage recess  46 . 
       FIGS. 13-17  are perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a cooler  110  with a removable wheel assembly. The cooler  110  is generally identical in structure to the cooler  10  described hereinabove with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 , except with respect to any changes illustrated and those changes now described. 
     In particular, rather than having a permanently affixed and non-retractable handle, the cooler  110  includes a telescoping handle  180  that is removable from the base  120  of the cooler  110 . It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, a cooler in accordance with one or more aspect of the present invention may include a handle that is removable and telescoping, removable and non-telescoping, or telescoping and non-removable. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the cooler  110  with the handle  180  attached to the base  120  and fully extended.  FIG. 14  illustrates the cooler  110  with the handle  180  attached to the base  120  and partially retracted.  FIG. 15  illustrates the cooler  110  with the handle  180  attached to the base  120  and totally retracted.  FIG. 16  illustrates the cooler  110  with the handle  180  completely retracted and detached from the base  120 . 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the cooler  110  of  FIG. 13  with the removable, telescoping handle  180  removed from the base  120 . Furthermore,  FIG. 17  illustrates the lid  140  of the cooler  110  having a plurality of recesses for storage. The lid  140  includes a handle storage recess  148  adapted to receive and store the handle  180 . The handle storage recess  148  provides for convenient storage of the handle  180  while the handle  180  is not in use. 
     Although one or more telescoping handles have been illustrated, other telescoping handles that may telescope to varying degrees, i.e. that may collapse down to a smaller size, are also contemplated. Further, although one or more telescoping handles are illustrated as having a general u-shape, in at least some implementations a telescoping handle includes only a single bar, that single bar being configured to telescope. Further, in at least some implementations, a handle may be configured to collapse into a main body of a cooler. 
     In at least some implementations, a cooler includes a drain conduit, which may comprise a drain opening and a plug, or may comprise a spigot. 
     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.