Abstract:
An insert configured to be disposed in a receptacle, the insert comprising a bottom surface, a first top surface, a second top surface, the second top surface being located further from the bottom surface than the first top surface in a first direction, the first direction being orthogonal to the bottom surface, and a chamber, the chamber residing between the first top surface and the bottom surface and the second top surface and the bottom surface, the chamber being configured to hold a liquid, is provided. An associated method is also provided.

Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The following relates to embodiments of a cooling device, and more specifically to embodiments of an insert configured to be placed within a container, or a cooling device itself. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Coolers are generally used to keep items placed therein at a reduced temperature. Coolers are used by various segments of the population including campers, sporting event spectators/participants, laborers and medical personnel. Coolers have traditionally been used by placing loose ice in the cooler with any cooler contents. However, the use of loose ice in a cooler has a number of disadvantages, including: melt water generated from melting ice inside the cooler may come into contact with cooler contents rendering them unusable or undesirable; cooler contents may become buried under loose ice and melt water thereby becoming difficult to access; loose ice and/or melt water may settle at the bottom of the cooler creating an undesirable temperature gradient in the cooler; loose ice and melt water may become dirty after coming into contact with the cooler and/or cooler contents rendering it unsafe for consumption; and loose ice and melt water cannot be drained from the cooler without removing the cooler contents. Further, the ability of loose ice to keep cooler contents at an appropriate temperature over an extended period of time is limited. 
     Gel blocks may be used as a loose ice substitute as an alternative refrigeration source. Gel blocks generally include a cooling gel that is placed in a flexible or rigid container. The container is then placed in the cooler. Although gel blocks offer some advantages over loose ice, they present users with a number of disadvantages, including: gel blocks may frost over, which limits their ability to effect cooling; gel blocks accumulate condensation, which, like loose ice, creates unwanted moisture in the cooler that can render cooler contents unusable or undesirable; gel blocks often bulge and become distorted during the freezing process, which makes stacking difficult; gel blocks will generally settle on the bottom of the cooler during use which, like loose ice, creates a temperature gradient in the cooler; gel blocks may comprise toxic chemicals or chemicals that are undesirable for consumption; and gel blocks generally must be frozen overnight before use, which limits their ability to be recharged in the field. 
     The thermoelectric cooler is yet another alternative to loose ice. However, thermoelectric coolers require a constant power source, which substantially limits their portability and use. Further, thermoelectric coolers are generally more expensive than other types of coolers. 
     Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and method that addresses some or all of the above disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect relates to an insert configured to be disposed in a receptacle, the insert comprising a first portion having an opening for receiving contents, and a second portion connected to the first portion, the second portion having a cooling surface portion that is configured to extend across at least a portion of a bottom surface of the receptacle, wherein the contents received through the opening of the first portion are located within an interior of the insert to deliver refrigeration to an interior of the receptacle. 
     A second aspect relates to an insert configured to be disposed in a receptacle, the insert comprising a bottom surface, a first back surface, a first top surface, the first top surface having a cooling surface portion, a second top surface, the second top surface being further from the bottom surface than the first top surface in a first direction, the first direction being orthogonal to the bottom surface, a first front surface, the first front surface being located between the first top surface and the second top surface in the first direction, the first front surface having a cooling surface portion, and a chamber, the chamber being located between the first front surface and the first back surface and the first top surface and the bottom surface, the chamber being configured so that fluid therein does not contact contents placed within the receptacle while delivering refrigeration to the receptacle. 
     A third aspect relates to a cooling receptacle comprising, a first wall, a floor, the floor being fixed to the wall, a first top surface, the first top surface configured to extend along at least a portion of the floor, the first top surface being fixed to the receptacle, a first front surface, the first front surface configured to extend along at least a portion of the wall, the first front surface being fixed to the first wall, and a chamber, the chamber residing in between the first top surface and the floor and the first front surface and the first wall, the chamber being configured to hold a fluid such that fluid placed therein does not contact contents placed within the receptacle while delivering refrigeration to the receptacle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a side view of a first embodiment of a cooler insert; 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a detailed cross-sectional view of the side view of the first embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 1C  depicts a cross-sectional view of the side view of the first embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front view of the first embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a back view of the first embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a bottom view of the first embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a side view of a second embodiment of a cooler insert; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional side view of the second embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a top view of the second embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 8A  depicts a cross-sectional front view of the second embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 8B  depicts a second cross-sectional front view of the second embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a back view of the second embodiment of the cooler insert; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a cooler; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the cooler; 
         FIG. 12  depicts an end view of the first embodiment of the cooler; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a side view of a second embodiment of a cooler; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a top view of the second embodiment of the cooler. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this disclosure contains many specific details, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the technology herein described. The scope of the technology shall in no way be construed as being limited to the number of constituting components, the concentration of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, the temperature employed, the order of combination of constituents thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as examples. The depictions and schemes shown herein are intended for illustrative purposes and shall in no way be construed as being limiting in the number of constituting components, connectivity, reaction steps, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, the order of reaction steps thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an aid for understanding. 
     As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A-C  depict a side view of an embodiment of insert  100 . Embodiments of insert  100  may be configured to be disposed within a receptacle, such as a cooler or other container. Embodiments of the insert  100  may be a temperature regulator, a temperature regulator device, a temperature controller, a temperature controller device, a temperature management device, or any device that can affect or reduce a temperature within a receptacle, such as cooler or other container. Embodiments of insert  100  may include a first portion  60 , a second portion  20  and a chamber  50 . The first portion  60  may be connected to second portion  20  and may be configured to extend up therefrom. Chamber  50  may reside in first portion  60  and second portion  20 . Chamber  50  may comprise a single cavity, internal volume or void, or multiple cavities, internal volumes or voids in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, chamber  50  is capable of holding a liquid. 
     In some embodiments, insert  100  may be manufactured in one piece, wherein the first portion  60  and the second portion  20  are structurally integral. In alternative embodiments, insert  100  may be manufactured in sections. Embodiments of insert  100  may be manufactured by continuous extrusion blow molding, intermittent extrusion blow molding, rotational molding or injection blow molding, or other methods known to those having skill in the art. Insert  100  may be made from plastics or other pliable materials, such as rubber or comparable materials, and/or a combination thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , embodiments of first portion  60  of insert  100  may include a first end  11 , a top surface  61 , front surface  62 , side surface  63  and a back surface  64 . In some embodiments, top surface  61 , front surface  62 , side surface  63  and back surface  64  may have curved edges  65 . Additionally, in some embodiments, curved edges  65  may enhance the air circulation in the cooler. In some embodiments, curved edges may allow the insert to fit more securely in a cooler and/or allow easier insertion and removal of the insert  100  in and out of the cooler. In alternative embodiments, top surface  61 , front surface  62 , side surface  63  and back surface  64  may have beveled, chamfered or flat edges. Side surface  63  may be the same on both sides of the insert  100 . 
     Embodiments of front surface  62  may include a plurality of projections  70 . Projections  70  may extend along front surface  62  toward first end  11  and second end  12 . Projections  70  may form continuous ribs with a half round shape. In alternative embodiments, projections  70  may have a triangular, chamfered, square or rectangular shape. And in further alternative embodiments, projections  70  may be segmented. Embodiments of projections  70  may include tapered ends  71  proximate the first end  11 . Alternatively, projections  70  may have tapered ends proximate both ends or no tapered ends at all. In alternative embodiments, projections  70  may comprise pads. The pads may have a gumdrop, square, conical, circular, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or star shape. In further embodiments, projections  70  may comprise solid fins. Embodiments of the projections  70  may share a non-parallel arrangement with a floor of the cooler or other container, or a generally non-horizontal arrangement on the front surface  62 . A non-parallel arrangement or non-horizontal arrangement of the projections may prevent, eliminate, reduce, and/or help prevent water or moisture from developing and accumulating. This may reduce the chance of mold formation on the insert  100  or within the container. 
     In additional embodiments, front surface  62  may comprise projections that extend inwardly (e.g. towards interior or insert  100 ) to form recessed channels or grooves. Alternatively, front surface  62  may comprise projections that extend inwardly to form recessed pads. The pads may have a gumdrop, square, triangular, circular, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or star shape. Projections on front surface  62  may allow cooler contents to come into contact with portions of the front surface  62  without being contaminated with liquid that may have formed on other portions of the front surface  62 . Further, projections on front surface  62  may facilitate the circulation of air in the cooler, which can reduce the temperature gradient across the cooler. 
     Embodiments of the insert  100  may further include an inlet  84 . Inlet  84  may form part of the first portion  60  of the insert  100 . For instance, embodiments of the inlet  84  may be disposed on the top surface  61  of the insert  100 . Inlet  84  may comprise threads  85  that are configured to receive a lid, wherein the lid includes threads that matingly correspond to the threads  85  on the inlet  84  to create a more secure connection between the lid and the inlet  84 . In alternative embodiments, inlet  84  may be configured such that its circumference is substantially the same as a lid, allowing the lid to be placed thereover and held firmly in position. Alternatively, the lid may snap onto inlet  84 . In yet another embodiment, the lid may share an interference fit with the inlet  84  to retain the lid, but not require rotation of the lid with respect to the inlet  84  for removal. Further embodiments may permanently attach a lid to the inlet  84  that may hinge from an open position to a closed position, so as to reduce the chance of losing or forgetting the lid. 
     Moreover, embodiments of inlet  84  may allow users to add or remove ice and/or water from chamber  50 . Adding or removing ice and/or water may change a temperature within the chamber  50 , and as a result, may change a temperature within an interior of the cooler. In alternative embodiments, access to the chamber  50  may be provided by partially or completely removing the top surface  61  from first portion  60 . For example, the top surface  61  may be peeled back to create an opening to the chamber  50 , and then laid back into a closed position. In some embodiments, top surface  61  may snap on and off of the first portion  60 . Alternatively, top surface  61  may be hingedly connected to first portion  60  of the insert  100 , thus allowing top surface  61  to be partially removed from first portion  60 . Allowing top surface  61  to be partially or completely removable from first portion  60  may give users a larger area in which to add ice and/or liquid to chamber  50 . In alternative embodiments, a portion of top surface  61  may be completely or partially removable. A partially or completely removable top surface  61  may also allow users to more easily access chamber  50 , which may make cleaning insert  100  easier. 
     Embodiments of top surface  61  may include an opening  87  and a holder  88 . Embodiments of the opening  87  may be an aperture, gap, hole, inlet, outlet, access point, and the like, that may be configured to accept or receive one or more tubes of a fluid outputting device. In other words, the opening  87  may allow the entry of a tube or other portion of the fluid outputting device into the chamber  50 . Embodiments of the opening  87  may be in fluid communication with chamber  50 , and may be configured to receive a flexible tube. Embodiments of a fluid outputting device may be a siphon, a condiment pump, siphon transfer pump, auto-siphon, siphon with primer bulb (squeeze siphon), battery operated pump, brass in-line shake style siphon and hand actuated bilge pump, and the like. Embodiments of the holder  88  may be configured to retain an end of a flexible tube placed through opening  87 . For example, in some embodiments, holder  88  may itself be a hole. In alternative embodiments, holder  88  may be an aperture, gap, tab, protrusion or other configuration capable of holding an end of a flexible tube. The opening  87  of the insert  100  may facilitate operable arrangement with or connection to the fluid output device that may allow users to withdraw liquid, or other fluids, from chamber  50  without having to remove insert  100  from the cooler. 
     Embodiments of first portion  60  may also include a closable opening  89  on a back surface  64  of the insert  100 . In alternative embodiments, closable opening  89  may be located on bottom surface  24 , side surface  63  or side surface  22  of the insert  100 . Closeable opening  89  may be in fluid communication with chamber  50 . Closable opening  89  may provide a method by which to drain a liquid or other flowable contents form chamber  50 . In alternative embodiments, insert  100  may include either a siphon aperture or a closable opening  89  or neither a siphon aperture nor a closable opening  89 . 
     Embodiments of first portion  60  may include a cavity  42 . Embodiments of cavity  42  may comprise an indentation, a recessed portion, a cavity, a gap, or a hole in first portion  60  of the insert  100  that may function as a handle to carry the insert  100 . Specifically, cavity  42  may be formed by creating an indentation or cavity in front surface  62  that extends into the first portion  60  toward the back surface  64 . The cavity  42  of insert  100  may allow for convenient carrying of the insert  100  because a user may extend a hand within the cavity  42  to grip the insert  100 . In some embodiments, cavity  42  may allow the insert  100  to more easily be placed into and removed from the cooler. In alternative embodiments, a cavity could be formed in side surface  63 . Alternatively, a handle may be secured or otherwise attached to the insert  100 . For example, a flexible material or a firm handle may be affixed to the first portion  60 , such as on the top surface  61 . Other embodiments may include manufacturing the insert  100  to have a handle as part of a one-piece insert. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1-5 , embodiments of the insert  100  may include a second portion  20 . In some embodiments, first portion  60  may be in contact with and extend up from second portion  20 . In some embodiments, second portion  20  may comprise a top surface  21 , side surface  22 , bottom surface  24 , and end surface  23 . Top surface  21  may include a curved portion  55 . In some embodiments, top surface  21  may be connected to front surface  62  through curved surface  55 . Top surface  21 , side surface  22 , bottom surface  24 , and end surface  23  may have curved edges  25 . In some embodiments, curved edges may allow the insert to fit more securely in a cooler and/or allow easier insertion and removal of the insert  100  in and out of the cooler. Additionally, in some embodiments, curved edges  25  may enhance the circulation of air in the cooler. In alternative embodiments, top surface  21 , side surface  22 , bottom surface  24 , and end surface  23  may have beveled, chamfered or flat edges. Side surface  22  may be the same for both sides of the insert  100 . 
     Embodiments of top surface  21  may include a plurality of projections  30 . Projections  30  may extend along top surface  21  toward fourth end  14  and third end  13 . Projections  30  may be continuous ribs having a half round shape. In some embodiments, projections  30  may be configured to be continuous with projections  70  on front surface  62 . In alternative embodiments, projections  30  may have a triangular, chamfered, square or rectangular shape. And in further alternative embodiments, projections  30  may be segmented. Embodiments of projections  30  may include tapered ends  31  at third end  13 . Alternatively, projections  30  may have tapered ends at both ends or no tapered ends at all. In alternative embodiments, projections  30  may be configured to extend across top surface  21  in a direction substantially parallel to third end  13 . 
     In alternative embodiments, projections  30  may comprise pads. The pads may have a gumdrop, square, conical, circular, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or star shape. In further embodiments, projections  30  may comprise solid fins. In additional embodiments, top surface  21  may comprise projections that extend inwardly (i.e., toward the interior of chamber  50 ) to form recessed channels or grooves. In some embodiments, the projections may be configured to be continuous with the projections on front surface  62 . Alternatively, top surface  21  may comprise projections that extend inwardly to form recessed pads. The pads may have a gumdrop, square, triangular, circular, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or star shape. Projections on top surface  21  may allow cooler contents to be placed thereon without being contaminated with fluid in the cooler. In alternatively embodiments, top surface  21  may not have any projections. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , embodiments of bottom surface  24  may comprise a plurality of projections  40 . Projections  40  may comprise pads with a spherical shape. In alternative embodiments, projections  40  may be gumdrop, square, circular, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or star shaped. In alternative embodiments, projections  40  may comprise elongated ribs. The ribs may be continuous or segmented. In further embodiments, the ribs may have a half round, triangular, chamfered, square or rectangular shape. For example, the projections may comprise four individual ribs of one to several inches long each. Alternatively, the projections may comprise two continuous ribs that extend along the entire surface of bottom surface  24 . In some embodiments, projections  40  are used to increase air convention in the cooler thereby reducing the cooler&#39;s temperature gradient. In alternative embodiments, bottom surface  24  does not comprise any projections. 
     In one embodiment, bottom surface  24  may include four projections  40 . In some embodiments, bottom surface  24  may also comprise two tack-offs  41 . Tack-offs  41  may increase the load capacity of second portion  20  by allowing deformation around the tack-off, thereby reducing the stress on the insert. In alternative embodiments, insert  100  may include any number of tack-offs, or can include no tack-offs at all. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1B , a close up cross sectional view of second portion  20  is depicted. In this embodiment, the tack-offs  41  have a gumdrop shape. In alternative embodiments, the tack-offs may be square, rectangular, cylindrical, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or star shaped. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1-5 , embodiments of insert  100  may be a standalone component that is configured to be placed in a receptacle, such as a cooler or other container. The insert  100  may be dimensioned such that its mobility, when placed in the cooler, is substantially restricted. For example, bottom surface  24  may be dimensioned such that it extends securely between two opposing walls of a standard sized cooler. In further embodiments, bottom surface  24  may be dimensioned such that it extends securely between four walls of a standard sized cooler. In alternative embodiments, insert  100  may be fastened to the inside of a cooler. In some embodiments, the fastening agent may comprise a plastic weld or a chemical bonding agent such as glue. In alternative embodiments, the fastening agent may comprise tabular inserts, velcro, screws or nuts and bolts. Those having skill in the art should appreciate that embodiments of the insert  100  may be used in conjunction with a receptacle, cooler, or other container of any size, regardless of whether the insert  100  is sized and dimensioned to fit snugly within the container. 
     In some embodiments, back surface  64  and front surface  62  may extend along a cooler wall and bottom surface  24  and top surface  21  may extend along the cooler floor. Chamber  50  may reside in between back surface  64  and front surface  62  and bottom surface  24  and top surface  21 . In some embodiments, chamber  50  may extend under top surface  21  and up along front surface  62  to inlet  84 . Inlet  84  and opening  87  may be in fluid communication with chamber  50 . In use, chamber  50  may be substantially filled with ice and water through inlet  84  to affect, reduce, regulate, and/or manage a temperature within the receptacle housing the insert  100 . Moreover, items placed in the cooler may be placed on top surface  21  and may be further placed against front surface  62 . Items placed within the receptacle may be cooled through a contact with top surface  21  and front surface  62 . The items may also be simultaneously cooled by the air cooled by the presence of the insert  100  within the receptacle (e.g. cooler). In some embodiments, as ice placed in chamber  50  melts, ice may settle toward first end  11  in chamber  50  and water may settle near second end  12  of chamber  50 . Cold melt water may travel down chamber  50  toward second end  12  forcing warmer water in chamber  50  to travel from second end  12  toward first end  11 . Thus, the position of the melting ice in the insert may generate a circulating effect that reduces the temperature gradient in the cooler. Further, in some embodiments, the higher that back surface  64  extends up the adjacent cooler wall, the more the temperature gradient in the cooler may be reduced. 
     In some embodiments, in use, liquid may be removed from chamber  50  of insert  100  through opening  87 . Liquid may be removed with a siphon, pump or other means as would be known to one of skill in the art. Ice may subsequently be added to chamber  50  through inlet  84  or, if removable, top surface  61 . Thus, the cooler may be recharged by introducing ice or other cooling agents into the insert  100  without having to first remove the insert  100  from the cooler and/or the contents/items from the cooler. Further, only ice may be needed to recharge the cooler. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 6A-6B  depict an embodiment of insert  200 . Embodiments of insert  200  may share the same or substantially the same structure and/or function as insert  100 . For instance, embodiments of insert  200  may include a first portion  260 , a second portion  220 , and a chamber  350 . However, embodiments of insert  200  may include a third portion  290 . The first portion  260  and the third portion  290  may be connected to second portion  220  and may be configured to extend up therefrom. Chamber  250  may reside in first portion  260 , second portion  220  and third portion  290 . Chamber  250  may comprise a single cavity, internal volume or void, or multiple cavities, internal volumes or voids in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, chamber  250  is capable of holding a liquid. 
     In some embodiments, insert  200  may be manufactured in one piece, wherein the first portion  260 , the second portion  220  and the third portion  290  are structurally integral. In alternative embodiments, insert  200  may be manufactured in sections. Embodiments of insert  200  may be manufactured by continuous extrusion blow molding, intermittent extrusion blow molding, rotational molding or injection blow molding, or other methods known to those having skill in the art. Insert  200  may be made from plastics or other pliable materials, such as rubber or comparable materials, and/or a combination thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , embodiments of insert  200  may include a first portion  260 . The first portion  260  may have a first end  211 , a top surface  261 , front surface  262 , side surface  263  and a back surface  264 . In some embodiments, top surface  261 , front surface  262 , side surface  263  and back surface  264  may have flat edges. In alternative embodiments, top surface  261 , front surface  262 , side surface  263  and back surface  264  may have curved, beveled or chamfered edges. In some embodiments, curved, beveled or chamfered edges may allow the insert to fit more securely in a cooler and/or allow easier insertion and removal of the insert  200  in and out of the cooler. Side surface  263  may be the same on both sides of the insert  200 . 
     Embodiments of insert  200  may include a third portion  290 . The third portion  290  may have a fifth end  215 , a top surface  291 , front surface  292 , side surface  293  and a back surface  294 . In some embodiments, top surface  291 , front surface  292 , side surface  293  and back surface  294  may have flat edges. In alternative embodiments, top surface  291 , front surface  292 , side surface  293  and back surface  294  may have curved, beveled or chamfered edges. In some embodiments, curved, beveled or chamfered edges may allow the insert to fit more securely in a cooler and/or allow easier insertion and removal of the insert  200  in and out of the cooler. Side surface  293  may be the same on both sides of the insert  200 . 
     In embodiments of insert  200 , front surface  262  and front surface  292  may not include any projections. In alternative embodiments, one or both of front surface  262  or front surface  292  may include a plurality of projections. For example, front surface  262  may include projections that extend between first end  211  and second end  212 , and front surface  292  may include projections that extend between fifth end  215  and second end  212 . The projections may be substantially similar to the projections described above with regard to insert  100 . In some embodiments, projections on front surface  262  and front surface  292  may allow cooler contents to come into contact with portions of front surface  262  and front surface  292  without being contaminated with liquid that may have formed on other portions thereof. Further, in some embodiments, projections may facilitate the circulation of air in the cooler, which may reduce the temperature gradient across the cooler. 
     Embodiments of the insert  200  may further include an inlet  284 . Inlet  284  may form part of the first portion  260  of the insert  200 . For instance, embodiments of the inlet  284  may be disposed on the top surface  261  of the insert  200 . Inlet  284  may be substantially similar to inlet  84  discussed above with regard to insert  100 . In alternative embodiments, third portion  290  may have an inlet or third portion  290  and first portion  260  may have an inlet. In additional alternatives, neither first portion  260  nor third portion  290  have an inlet. 
     In alternative embodiments, access to the chamber  250  may be provided by partially or completely removing the top surface  261  from first portion  260 . For example, the top surface  261  may be peeled back to create an opening to the chamber  250 , and then laid back into a closed position. In some embodiments, top surface  261  may snap on and off of the first portion  260 . Alternatively, top surface  261  may be hingedly connected to first portion  260  of the insert  200 , thus allowing top surface  261  to be partially removed from first portion  260 . Allowing top surface  261  to be partially or completely removable from first portion  60  may give users a larger area in which to add ice and/or liquid to chamber  250 . In alternative embodiments, a portion of top surface  261  may be completely or partially removable. A partially or completely removable top surface  261  may also allow users to more easily access chamber  250 , which may make cleaning insert  200  easier. In alternative embodiments, top surface  291  or a portion thereof may be partially or completely removable. In alternative embodiments, top surface  291  or a portion thereof and top surface  261  or a portion thereof may be partially or completely removable. In additional embodiments, neither top surface  291  nor top surface  261  are partially or completely removable. 
     Embodiments of top surface  261  may include an opening  287  and a holder  288 . The opening  287  and the holder  288  may be substantially similar to the opening  87  and holder  88  discussed above with regard to insert  100 . In alternative embodiments, top surface  291  or both top surface  261  and top surface  291  may include an opening and holder. In additional alternatives, neither top surface  261  nor top surface  291  may include an opening and holder. 
     Embodiments of first portion  260  may also include a closable opening  289  on a back surface  264  of the first portion  260  of the insert  200 . In alternative embodiments, closable opening  289  may be located on bottom surface  224 , back surface  294 , side surface  293 , side surface  263  or side surface  222 . The closeable opening may be substantially similar to the closeable opening discussed above with regard to insert  100 . In alternative embodiments, insert  200  may include either a siphon aperture or a closable opening  89  or neither a siphon aperture nor a closable opening  89 . 
     Embodiments of first portion  260  may include a cavity  242 . The cavity  242  may be substantially similar to the cavity  42  discussed above with regard to insert  100 . Cavity  242  may be formed in front surface  262 . In alternative embodiments, front surface  292  or both front surface  292  and front surface  262  may have a cavity. In alternative embodiments, a cavity could be formed in side surface  263  or  293 . Alternatively, a handle may be secured or otherwise attached to the insert  200 . For example, a flexible material or a firm handle may be affixed to the first portion  260  or third portion  290 , such as on the top surface  261  or top surface  291 . Other embodiments may include manufacturing the insert  200  to have a handle as part of a one-piece insert. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 6-9 , embodiments of the insert  200  may include a second portion  220 . In some embodiments, first portion  260  and third portion  290  may be in contact with and extend up from second portion  220 . In some embodiments, second portion  220  may comprise a top surface  221 , side surface  222  and bottom surface  224 . Top surface  221  may include a curved portion  255  and curved portion  257 . In some embodiments, top surface  221  may be connected to front surface  262  through curved surface  255 , and top surface  221  may be connected to front surface  292  through curved surface  257 . Top surface  221 , side surface  222  and bottom surface  224  may have flat edges. In alternative embodiments, top surface  221 , side surface  222  and bottom surface  224  may have curved, beveled or chamfered edges. In some embodiments, curved, beveled or chamfered edges may allow the insert to fit more securely in a cooler and/or allow easier insertion and removal of the insert  200  in and out of the cooler. Side surface  222  may be the same for both sides of insert  200 . 
     In some embodiments, top surface  221  may not comprise any projections. In alternative embodiments, top surface  221  may include a plurality of projections. The projections may extend along top surface  221  toward fourth end  214  and third end  213 . In alternative embodiments, the projections may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to third end  213 . The projections may be substantially similar to the projections discussed above with regard to insert  100 . 
     In alternative embodiments, bottom surface  224  may comprise a plurality of projections. The projections may be substantially similar to the projections  40  discussed above with regard to insert  100 . In additional alternatives, bottoms surface  224  may comprise one or more tack-offs. Tack-offs may increase the load capacity of second portion  220  by allowing deformation around the tack-off, thereby reducing the stress on the insert. The tack-offs may be substantially similar to the tack-offs discussed above with regard to insert  100 . 
     In some embodiments, insert  200  may be a standalone component that is configured to be placed in a receptacle, such as a cooler or other container. The insert  200  may be dimensioned such that its mobility when placed in the cooler is substantially restricted. For example, bottom surface  224  may be dimensioned such that it extends securely between two opposing walls of a standard sized cooler. In further embodiments, bottom surface  224  may be dimensioned such that it extends securely between four walls of a standard sized cooler. In alternative embodiments, insert  200  may be fastened to the inside of a cooler. In some embodiments, the fastening agent may comprise a plastic weld, velcro or a chemical bonding agent such as glue. In alternative embodiments, the fastening agent may comprise tabular inserts, screws or nuts and bolts. 
     In some embodiments, back surface  264  and front surface  262  may extend along a first cooler wall, back surface  294  and front surface  292  may extend along a second cooler wall and bottom surface  224  and top surface  221  may extend along the cooler floor. Chamber  250  may reside in between back surface  264  and front surface  262 , back surface  294  and front surface  292  and bottom surface  224  and top surface  221 . In some embodiments, chamber  250  may extend under top surface  221  and up along front surface  262  to inlet  84 . Chamber  250  may also extend up along front surface  292  to top surface  291 . Inlet  284  and opening  287  may be in fluid communication with chamber  250 . In use, chamber  250  may be substantially filled with ice and water through inlet  284  and/or removable top surface  291  to affect, reduce, regulate, and/or manage a temperature within the receptacle housing the insert  200 . Moreover, items placed in the cooler may be placed on top surface  221  and may be further placed against front surface  262  and/or front surface  292 . Items placed within the receptacle may be cooled through a contact with top surface  221 , front surface  262  and front surface  292 . The items may also be simultaneously cooled by the air cooled by the presence of the insert  100  within the receptacle (e.g. cooler). In some embodiments, as ice placed in chamber  250  melts, ice may settle toward first end  211  and fifth end  215  in chamber  250 , and water may settle near second end  212  of chamber  250 . Cold melt water may travel down chamber  250  toward second end  212  forcing warmer water in chamber  250  to travel from second end  212  toward first end  211  and fifth end  215 . Thus, the position of the melting ice in the insert may generate a circulating effect that reduces the temperature gradient in the cooler. Further, in some embodiments, the higher that back surface  264  and/or back surface  294  extend up the adjacent cooler wall, the more the temperature gradient in the cooler may be reduced. 
     In some embodiments, in use, liquid may be removed from chamber  250  of insert  200  through opening  287 . Liquid may be removed with a siphon, pump or other means as would be known to one of skill in the art. Ice may subsequently be added to chamber  250  through inlet  284  or, if removable, top surface  261  or top surface  291 . Thus, the cooler may be recharged by introducing ice or other cooling agents into the insert  200  without having to first remove the insert  100  from the cooler and/or the contents/items from the cooler. Further, only ice may be needed to recharge the cooler. 
     With continued reference to the drawings,  FIG. 10-12  depict an embodiment of a cooler  300 . Embodiments of cooler  300  may be a container, a receptacle, a housing, an openable enclosure, and the like. Embodiments of the cooler  300  may be a temperature regulator, a temperature regulator device, a temperature controller, a temperature controller device, a temperature management device, or any device that affect or reduce a temperature within its interior and capable of storing and/or accepting contents. Embodiments of cooler  300  may include a plurality of walls, such as a first wall  364 , a second wall  367 , a third wall  366 , a fourth wall  363 , a floor  324 , a partition  360 , and a chamber  350 . In some embodiments, partition  360  may comprise a top surface  321 , front surface  362  and top surface  361 . In some embodiments, chamber  350  may reside between front surface  362  of partition  360  and wall  364  and top surface  321  of partition  360  and cooler floor  324 . Chamber  350  may comprise a single cavity, internal volume or void, or multiple cavities, internal volumes or voids in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, chamber  350  may be capable of holding a liquid. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of walls, floor and partition may be manufactured in one piece, wherein the walls, floor and partition are structurally integral. In alternative embodiments, cooler  300  may be manufactured in sections. Embodiments of cooler  300  may be manufactured by continuous extrusion blow molding, intermittent extrusion blow molding, rotational molding or injection blow molding, or other methods known to those having skill in the art. Cooler  300  may be made from plastics or other pliable materials, such as rubber or comparable materials, and/or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, top surface  321  may comprise curved portion  355 , and top surface  321  may be connected to front surface  362  through curved portion  355 . In alternative embodiments, one or more additional walls, surfaces or the floor may include a curved portion. In further alternatives, the surfaces, walls and floor may be substantially flat. 
     Embodiments of top surface  361  may include a removable portion  361 A and fixed portion  361 B. Removable portion  361 A may be completely removable or partially removable. For example, removable portion  361 A may be peeled back to create an opening to the chamber  350 , and then laid back into a closed position. In some embodiments, removable portion  361 A may snap on an off of insert  300 . Alternatively, removable portion  361 A may be hingedly connected to insert  300 , thus allowing removable portion  361 A to be partially removed from insert  300 . Allowing removable portion  361 A to be partially or completely removable from insert  300  may give users a larger area in which to add ice and/or liquid to chamber  350 . A partially or completely removable portion  361 A may allow users to more easily access chamber  350 , which may make cleaning insert  300  easier. In alternative embodiments, top surface  361  may not include a removable portion, but may itself be completely or partially removable. In alternative embodiments, top surface  361  may not be removable. In some embodiments, top surface  361  may include an inlet. 
     Embodiments of top surface  361  may include an opening  387  and a holder  388 . Opening  387  and holder  388  may be located on fixed portion  361 B. In alternative embodiments, opening  387  and holder  388  may be located on removable portion  361 A. Opening  387  and holder  388  may be substantially the same as opening  87  and holder  88  discussed above in regards to insert  100 . 
     In alternative embodiments, one or more of front surface  362  and top surface  321  may include a plurality of projections. The projections may be substantially similar to the projections discussed above with regard to insert  100 . In alternative embodiments, front surface  362  and top surface  321  may not include any projections. 
     In some embodiments, wall  367  may include a closeable opening  389 . Closeable opening  389  may allow users to remove water from cooler  300  without having to remove contents placed therein. In alternative embodiments, closeable opening  389  may be located in floor  324 , or wall  364 ,  366  or  363 . In alternative embodiments, cooler  300  may not include a closeable opening  389 . 
       FIGS. 13-15  depict an embodiment of cooler  400 . Embodiments of cooler  400  may share the same or substantially the same structure and/or function as cooler  300 . For instance, embodiments of cooler  400  include a first wall  464 , a second wall  467 , a third wall  466 , a fourth wall  463 , a floor  424 , a partition  460 , and a chamber  450 . Partition  460  may include a top surface  461 , front surface  462 , top surface  421 , front surface  492  and top surface  491 . Chamber  450  may reside between front surface  462  of partition  460  and wall  464 , and top surface  421  of partition  460  and cooler floor  424 , and front surface  492  of partition  460  and wall  467 . Chamber  450  may comprise a single cavity, internal volume or void, or multiple cavities, internal volumes or voids in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, chamber  450  may be capable of holding a liquid. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of walls, floor and partition may be manufactured in one piece, wherein the walls, floor and partition are structurally integral. In alternative embodiments, cooler  400  may be manufactured in sections. Embodiments of cooler  400  may be manufactured by continuous extrusion blow molding, intermittent extrusion blow molding, rotational molding or injection blow molding, or other methods known to those having skill in the art. Cooler  400  may be made from plastics or other pliable materials, such as rubber or comparable materials, and/or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, top surface  421  may comprise curved portion  457  and curved portion  455 . Top surface  421  may contact front surface  492  through curved portion  457 , and top surface  421  may contact front surface  462  through curved portion  455 . In alternative embodiments, one or more additional walls, surfaces or the floor may include a curved portion. In further alternatives, the surfaces, walls and floor may be substantially flat. 
     Embodiments of top surface  461  may include a removable portion  461 A and fixed portion  461 B. Removable portion  461 A may be substantially the same as removable portion  361 A discussed above with regard to insert  300 . In alternative embodiments, top surface  461  may not include a removable portion, but may itself be completely or partially removable. In alternative embodiments, top surface  461  may not be removable. In some embodiments, top surface  461  may include an inlet. In alternative embodiments, top surface  491  may also include a completely or partially removable portion. Alternatively, top surface  491  may be completely or partially removable itself or may not be removable at all. In additional embodiments, top surface  491  may include an inlet. 
     In alternative embodiments, one or more of front surface  462 , top surface  421 , and front surface  492  may include a plurality of projections. The projections may be substantially similar to the projections discussed above with regard to insert  100 . 
     Fabrication of the insert and cooler together may allow users to maximize the volume in which they can store items while obtaining the benefits of the insert described above. 
     The present invention is disclosed above by preferred embodiments. However, persons skilled in the art should understand that the preferred embodiments are illustrative of the present invention only, and should not be interpreted as restrictive of the scope of the present invention. Hence, all equivalent modification and replacements made to the aforesaid embodiments should fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the legal protection for the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.