Abstract:
A collapsible backpack cooler includes a base, a collapsible portion, a back portion, and one or more straps configured for use by a user in securing the collapsible backpack cooler to their back. The collapsible backpack cooler is configured to allow the collapsible backpack cooler to transition between an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration having a reduced volume as compared to the expanded configuration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/526,477, filed Jun. 18, 2012, which nonprovisional patent application issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,964 on Nov. 4, 2014, which patent application and patent are incorporated herein by reference, and which application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/497,943, filed Jun. 16, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the present application hereby incorporates by reference each of the following U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications: U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,580; U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,305; U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,559; U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,828; U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,653; U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,589; U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,590; U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,591; U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,510; U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,581; US 2006/0237923 A1; US 2006/0237924 A1; US 2006/0237925 A1; US 2006/0237926 A1; US 2006/0237927 A1; US 2006/0237928 A1; US 2008/0223071 A1; US 2008/0223862 A1; US 2008/0223072 A1; US 2009/0019882 A1; US 2010/0154464 A1; US 2010/0147015; US 2011/0042390 A1; US 2011/0042391 A1; US 2011/0042392 A1; US 2011/0042393 A1; US 2011/0042394 A1; US 2011/0042395 A1; US 2011/0042396 A1; US 2011/0042397 A1; and US 2011/0042398 A1. Each of these patents and application publications is incorporated herein by reference for purposes of disclosing aspects, features, and embodiments that, when combined with one or more aspects or features of the present invention as disclosed below, constitute embodiments of the present invention. Thus the present invention, inter alia, comprises enhancements, improvements, and alterations of the embodiments of the incorporated references. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
       [0002]    All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    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 can be difficult to transport or travel with. 
         [0004]    A need exists for improvement in portable coolers. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in one or more 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. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a collapsible backpack cooler. The collapsible backpack cooler includes a base, a collapsible portion, a back portion, and one or more straps configured for use by a user in securing the collapsible backpack cooler to their back. The collapsible is configured to allow the collapsible backpack cooler to transition between an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration having a reduced volume as compared to the expanded configuration. 
         [0007]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible portion comprises silicon. 
         [0008]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler further comprises a handle. 
         [0009]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler further comprises a lid. 
         [0010]    In a feature of this aspect, at least one end of one of the one or more straps is configured to be detachable. 
         [0011]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler further includes a pocket, and wherein the one or more straps are at least partially detachable for storage in the pocket. 
         [0012]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler further includes a pocket, and wherein the one or more straps are detachable for storage in the pocket. 
         [0013]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler includes a spigot. 
         [0014]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler includes a lining. In one or more implementations, the lining is an anti-microbial lining. In one or more implementations, the lining is an anti-bacterial lining. 
         [0015]    In a feature of this aspect, the one or more straps comprise shoulder straps. 
         [0016]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler includes one or more spigots. 
         [0017]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of utilizing a collapsible backpack cooler. The method includes removing one or more items from the collapsible backpack cooler; collapsing the collapsible backpack cooler from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration by at least partially collapsing one or more collapsible portions of the collapsible backpack cooler; securing the collapsible backpack cooler to the back of a user using one or more straps of the collapsible backpack cooler; traveling, by the user, with the collapsible backpack cooler secured to the user&#39;s back; and removing the collapsible backpack cooler from the back of the user. 
         [0018]    In a feature of this aspect, the one or more straps of the collapsible backpack cooler comprise two shoulder straps. 
         [0019]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler includes a spigot. 
         [0020]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler includes an anti-bacterial lining. 
         [0021]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of utilizing a collapsible backpack cooler. The method includes dispensing liquid from the collapsible backpack cooler; collapsing the collapsible backpack cooler from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration by at least partially collapsing one or more collapsible portions of the collapsible backpack cooler; securing the collapsible backpack cooler to the back of a user using one or more straps of the collapsible backpack cooler; traveling, by the user, with the collapsible backpack cooler secured to the user&#39;s back; and removing the collapsible backpack cooler from the back of the user. 
         [0022]    In a feature of this aspect, the collapsible backpack cooler includes an anti-bacterial lining. 
         [0023]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a collapsible backpack cooler. The collapsible backpack cooler includes a cooler body, the cooler body including a collapsible portion; and one or more straps configured for use by a user in securing the collapsible backpack cooler to their back. The collapsible is configured to allow the collapsible backpack cooler to transition between an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration having a reduced volume as compared to the expanded configuration. 
         [0024]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a collapsible backpack cooler as disclosed. 
         [0025]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of utilizing a collapsible backpack cooler as disclosed. 
         [0026]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of traveling with a collapsible backpack cooler. 
         [0027]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of utilizing a collapsible backpack cooler. 
         [0028]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method as disclosed. 
         [0029]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus as disclosed. 
         [0030]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system as disclosed. 
         [0031]    In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein, 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a backpack collapsible cooler in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the backpack collapsible cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the backpack collapsible cooler of  FIG. 1  in use in an expanded configuration; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the backpack collapsible cooler of  FIG. 1  in use in a collapsed configuration; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are rear views of a preferred embodiment of a backpack collapsible cooler in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a backpack collapsible cooler in an expanded configuration in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the backpack collapsible cooler of  FIG. 7  in a collapsed configuration; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the backpack collapsible cooler of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    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. 
         [0042]    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. 
         [0043]    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. 
         [0044]    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. 
         [0045]    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. 
         [0046]    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.” 
         [0047]    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.” 
         [0048]    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. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a backpack collapsible cooler  10  in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a rear view of the backpack collapsible cooler  10  of  FIG. 1 . The backpack collapsible cooler  10  comprises a base  12 , a collapsible portion  14 , a back  16 , and a handle  18 . The back  16  includes one or more shoulder straps  20  permanently attached proximate the top of the back  16  and one or more rings  22  proximate the bottom of the back  16 . Each shoulder strap  20  includes a clip  24  at the bottom thereof adapted to attach to the one or more rings  22 . In one or more alternative embodiments, the back does not include one or more rings to which the one or more shoulder straps are removably attachable. Rather, both ends of the one or more shoulder straps are permanently attached to the back. 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the backpack collapsible cooler  10  of  FIG. 1  in use in an expanded configuration.  FIG. 4  is a side view of the backpack collapsible cooler  10  of  FIG. 1  in use in a collapsed configuration. As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a user can place his arms through the shoulder straps  20  to transport the cooler on his back. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are rear views of a preferred embodiment of a backpack collapsible cooler  110  in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The cooler  110  is generally similar to the cooler  10  described hereinabove with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 , except with respect to any changes illustrated and those changes now described. In particular, the backpack collapsible cooler  110  includes a pocket  126  on the back  116  for storage of the one or more shoulder straps  120 . As most clearly illustrated by  FIG. 6 , the shoulder straps  120  may be detached from the rings  122  and stored in the pocket  126 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a backpack collapsible cooler  210  in an expanded configuration in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a side view of the backpack collapsible cooler  210  of  FIG. 7  in a collapsed configuration.  FIG. 9  is a top view of the backpack collapsible cooler  210  of  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the backpack collapsible cooler  210  includes two rings  222  attached thereto. In at least one preferred embodiment, the rings  222  are proximate a top portion of the cooler  210  and diametrically opposed to one another. As seen in  FIG. 9 , the cooler  210  includes one or more straps  220  having clips  224  at the ends thereof adapted to attach to the rings  222 . When attached to the rings  222 , a user may place his or her arms through the straps  220  to carry the cooler  210  on his or her back. 
         [0053]    In at least some preferred implementations, a backpack collapsible cooler includes a lining. Preferably, such lining comprises an anti-microbial and/or anti-bacterial lining. 
         [0054]    In one or more preferred implementations, a backpack collapsible cooler includes one or more spigots. In one or more preferred implementations, a backpack collapsible cooler functions as a backpack collapsible water cooler. 
         [0055]    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.