Patent Publication Number: US-10760847-B2

Title: Combination liquid and dry cooler assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a cooler device having designated compartments for the storage of liquids and bulk items. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently there are a number of solutions for keeping liquids and items at a desired temperature for extended periods of time. One of these solutions is to utilize an insulating device such as a cooler. A typical cooler has an outer shell, an inner shell forming a cavity for the placement of items, and an insulating layer sandwiched between this inner shell and outer shell to maintain temperature within the cavity of the cooler. This typical cooler is available in configurations for both dry goods and liquid goods. The general assembly of each of these coolers is the same with the main difference being the liquid cooler having a spigot on the bottom of the cooler and a generally cylindrical shape. A typical cooler for dry goods is generally rectangular and provides a space for the placement of various items. 
     For a liquid style cooler, the liquid contents are generally placed directly within the cavity of the container, wherein the insulation of the container aids in maintaining the temperature of the liquid. Often to keep the liquid contents cold, ice is added to the liquid. For a hot liquid, the internal temperature of the liquid is maintained by the insulation of the cooler itself. For dry goods, the cooler is typically packed with items and a cold source such as ice or a cold pack to keep contents cold. Liquid stored within a cooler for dry goods is often kept within separate containers. 
     Although these typical configurations are very useful for their intended purpose, they are not amenable to use for both bulk liquids and dry goods. Still further, the utilization of two separate coolers take up unnecessary space, is heavy, and requires twice the amount of ice or cooling implements. Therefore, there is a need within the marketplace for an improved cooler that combines a bulk liquid cooler with a dry cooler. Preferably this combination bulk liquid and dry cooler is available in multiple sizes and internal configuration options, is easy to transport, and adaptable to multiple uses. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved cooler apparatus is disclosed. The cooler apparatus is applicable for use as both a liquid dispensing cooler and dry goods storage cooler. Accordingly, the apparatus provides a generally insulated cavity in communication with a spigot for the placement of bulk liquids and an upper tray unit for the placement of dry goods within the insulated cavity. The apparatus is generally formed from an outer wall and inner wall and including a lid, the outer wall and inner wall are in spatial communication and defining an interstitial space. The interstitial space providing an insulating cavity for the placement of an insulating material between the outer wall and inner wall, such as, air, foam, or other similar insulating component. 
     The upper tray unit is received within an upper portion of the cavity and includes a gasket member, wherein the gasket member secures the upper tray unit within the cavity and forms a vapor barrier within the cavity. The placement of the upper tray unit within the cavity forms a segregated compartment, wherein the cavity is segregated into a liquid cavity and dry goods cavity. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gasket member is accompanied with a threaded connection. 
     The upper tray unit is configured into various forms and includes additional segregated compartments for the placement of food items. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the upper tray unit includes a central aperture, the central aperture allowing for communication with the liquid cavity, wherein the liquid cavity can be refilled and accessed without removal of the upper tray unit. Within this embodiment, the lid additionally includes a lid central aperture aligned with the central aperture of the upper tray unit and a secondary lid to allow for access to the liquid cavity without removal of the entire lid. 
     The apparatus is provided in several configurations, options, and sizes that follow the structure of the apparatus but allow for use for differing situations. Accordingly, small sizes are applicable for smaller excursions and smaller sized provisions and larger sizes are applicable for extended excursions and larger provisions. These various configurations and sizes are accordingly configured for their use and include handles, wheels, straps, and other similar transportation and grasping aids to provide for easy transport and use. 
     The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of the cooler device, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the cooler device, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view of the cooler device, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows an isometric view of the front side of an alternate embodiment of the cooler device, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows an isometric view of the rear side of an alternate embodiment of the cooler device, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the cooler device, according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the cooler device, according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention. 
     As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. 
     Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention. 
     These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications. 
     As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , the invention is directed to a combination liquid and bulk storage cooler device, generally referred to as device  10 . The device  10  is generally cylindrical and provided from a structure having an outer wall  100  and inner wall  101 , wherein the interstitial space between the outer wall  100  and inner wall  101  includes an insulating means. The insulating means providing an insulating layer for the retaining of temperature within the device  10 . The inner wall  101  defining a cavity for the placement of liquids and items and including a bottom wall and an open top portion. The inner wall  101  having a ledge  110 . The ledge  110  extending into the interior cavity and providing a resting support member for the placement of an upper tray unit  500 . 
     The upper tray unit  500  includes a bottom side in communication with a gasket  502 . The gasket  502  extending along an entire edge of the bottom side and sized and shaped to engage the ledge  110 , wherein the gasket  502  and ledge  110  are coupled together to create a moisture and vapor barrier. Preferably, this coupling is a threaded connection, wherein the gasket  502  is threaded into a corresponding groove on the ledge  110 . The engagement of the gasket  502  of the upper tray  500  bottom onto the ledge  110  segregates the cavity into two compartments, the upper tray unit  500  comprising an upper portion of the device and the area below the engaged upper tray  500  forming a cavity  102  for the placement of liquid. 
     The upper tray unit  500  includes a lid  501 , the lid  501  having a handle  510 . The lid  501  removably secured to the upper tray unit  500  to enclose the upper tray unit  500  during use. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle  510  includes a trigger member that is spring-loaded and coupled to a sealing member  511 , wherein the sealing member  511  is in frictional communication with the upper tray unit  501  and engaged through the handle  501 . The handle  510  trigger member and sealing member  511  coupling includes communication with a tab member. The tab member is secured within a corresponding aperture on the upper tray unit  500 , wherein the lid  501  locks into the upper tray unit  500 . This locking mechanism allows the user to affix and remove the upper tray unit  500  from the ledge  110 . 
     The cavity  102  is in communication with a liquid delivery means  300 , wherein the liquid delivery means is coupled to an exterior of the device  10  and capable of delivering liquid stored within the cavity  102  to a separate container. Preferably the liquid delivery means  300  is a spigot or spigot-like device. Preferably the spigot  300  is capable of one-handed operation and includes a push-button operation means and tapered spout. Preferably, this push-button operation means is spring-loaded and includes a slip resistant top surface, such as a rubber or rubber-like material. 
     The device  10  includes a lid  200 . The lid  200  is received on an upper portion of the device  10  and securing and enclosing the device  10  internal portion. The lid  200  includes a handle portion  201  to aid in placement and removal of the lid  200  onto the device  10 . Preferably, the lid  200  is coupled onto the device  10  though threaded communication  202  with the device  10  upper side, wherein the lid  200  is screwed onto the device  10 . The lid  200  upper surface includes a groove  210 . The groove  210  surrounding a perimeter of the lid  200  upper surface and sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the upper tray portion  500  bottom, wherein the bottom portion of the upper tray portion  500  is secured and retained within this groove when placed on top of the lid  200 . 
     The device  10  includes handles  400 , the handles  400  located on opposed sides of the exterior of the device  10  and provide a grasping surface to allow a user to pick up and move the device  10 . 
     In use, the device  10  is utilized to provide storage for bulk liquids within the cavity  102  and dry items within the upper tray unit  500 . A user will fill the cavity  102  with their desired liquid through the top side of the device  10  with the upper tray unit  500  removed to a height of the cavity  102  slightly below the ledge  110 . The upper tray unit  500  is then placed within the interior of the device  10  and received on the ledge  110 . Dry items are placed within the upper tray unit  500 . The lid  200  is then placed on the device  10  top to secure the internal contents of the device  10 . The liquid within the cavity  102  is accessed through the liquid delivery means  300  when it is placed within a container. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 4-7  an alternate embodiment of the device  10  is shown. The device  10  is provided in a larger size with additional features to provide for increased usability. Accordingly, the device  10  is modified on both its exterior and interior. The device  10  exterior includes wheels  600 , a telescopic handle  601 , accessory holder  700 , and accessory  701 . The wheels  600  and telescopic handle  601  work in combination to allow the device  10  to be moved and transported when the device  10  is near full capacity. 
     The interior of the alternate embodiment of the device  10  includes modifications to the device  10  lid  200  and upper tray unit  500 . 
     The accessory holder  700  provides a tab-like element to receive an accessory  701  that is removably coupled to the accessory holder  700 . The accessory  700  including but not limited to small tables, cup dispensers, towel racks, lanterns, and other similar accessories that may be useful for use of the device  10 . 
     Within this alternate embodiment, the upper tray unit  500  includes a central aperture  503 . This central aperture  503  open and centrally located on the upper tray unit  500 , wherein the central aperture  503  provides access to the cavity  102  below the upper tray unit  500 . The central aperture  503  allows a user to fill-up or refill the liquid contents of the cavity  102  without the removal of the upper tray unit  500 . To accommodate refilling of the cavity  102  without the removal of the lid  200 , the lid  200  of the alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a removable lid central portion  201  aligned with the central aperture  503  and in spatial communication with the cavity  102 . 
     The lid  200  of the alternate embodiment of the present invention of the device  10 , includes a compartment  203  located on an underside of the lid  200 . The compartment  203  of the lid  200  is primarily designed to utilize the underside of the lid  200  for the storage and placement of an ice pack or ice packs to keep the contents of the device cold. 
     While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.