Patent Publication Number: US-2010126196-A1

Title: Multi-Function Cooler Apparatus and System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     To the full extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional patent application entitled “Multi-Function Cooler Apparatus and System,” filed on Aug. 3, 2006, on behalf of inventor Patrick McCance, and having assigned Ser. No. 60/835,222. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of coolers and ice chests and more particularly to a multifunction cooler apparatus and system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In general, in camping and other outdoor recreational activities, it is desirable to have a cooler to store food and other perishables. It is also well-known that during these activities, it is desirable to bring many other types of equipment such as standard camping equipment and entertainment equipment. It is further appreciated that a user can quickly become encumbered with all of the above-discussed equipment. As such, outdoor recreational activities can quickly become burdensome by the same equipment that was intended to contribute to the enjoyment of the outdoor recreational activities. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In general, the invention features a cooler integrated with one or more of the following elements: clock/time piece, flashlight, compass, CD/DVD player, MP3 player such as an IPOD®, speakers, and a lamp or lantern. The clock may be mounted in several different ways (Velcro®, snaps, threads) and may take on various appearances (round or square). The flashlight may be detachably mounted into the handle using snaps or Velcro®, or the flashlight may be permanently installed. The compass may be mounted in a similar fashion as the timepiece. The lamp or lantern may be integrally installed within the body, the lid and/or the handle of the cooler. 
     In general, in one aspect, the invention features a cooler apparatus, including a main body, a lid hingably disposed on the main body and a removable handle coupled to the main body. The lid could be lockable, wherein the main body of the cooler apparatus could include an extension, such as a ring, that could extend through an aperture in the lid in order to receive a lock therethrough, thus preventing unauthorized access to the contents of the cooler apparatus. Additionally, the lid could be rotational, wherein access to the interior of the cooler could be achieved without removal of the lid and/or without disturbing the plane of the lid. Further, the lid could be completely removable, thereby enabling stacking of a plurality of main bodies for shipping. 
     In one implementation, the removable handle is disposed on the lid. 
     In another implementation, the removable handle is disposed on the main body. 
     In another implementation, the removable handle is a flashlight. 
     In another implementation, the removable handle is coupled to the main body via the lid. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a handle clip disposed on the lid. 
     In another implementation, the handle clip comprises a first end and a second end. 
     In another implementation, the handle clip has a generally cylindrical profile. 
     In another implementation, the handle clip has an open side. 
     In another implementation, the open side of the handle clip faces the lid. 
     In still another implementation, the open side of the handle clip faces from the lid. 
     In yet another implementation, the second end of the handle clip includes an opening to provide a path for the transmission of light from a flashlight. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a handle clip having an open side facing the main body. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a flashlight disposed in the clip, the light transmitting end of the flashlight disposed in an opening on one end of the clip. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a timepiece disposed on the lid. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a time piece disposed on the main body. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a compass disposed on the lid. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a compass disposed on the main body. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a music player disposed on the lid. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a music player disposed on the main body. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a DVD player disposed on the lid. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a DVD player disposed on the main body. 
     In another implementation, the lid further includes a movable hatch disposed on an upper planar surface of the lid. 
     In another implementation, the hatch is slidable along the upper planar surface. 
     In another implementation, the hatch is pivotable with respect to the upper planar surface. 
     In another implementation, the hatch covers a storage recess within the lid. 
     In another implementation, the hatch is a video screen. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a computer disposed on the lid. 
     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a computer disposed on the main body. 
     In another implementation, the lid comprises a first lid and a second lid, pivotally connected to one another and to the main body. 
     In another implementation, the first lid covers a hollow interior of the main body. 
     In another implementation, the second lid covers a storage section within the first lid. 
     In another aspect, the invention features a cooler system, including a cooler body, a lid hingably connected to the cooler body, a handle disposed on the lid having a clip and a flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being removable from the clip, the ability to receive entertainment electronics disposed on the cooler body and the ability to receive camping equipment disposed on the cooler body. 
     In another aspect, the invention features a cooler system including a cooler body, a lid hingably connected to the cooler body, a handle disposed on the cooler body having a clip and a flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being removable from the clip, the ability to receive entertainment electronics disposed on the cooler body and the ability to receive camping equipment disposed on the cooler body. 
     In one implementation, the lid is a rotationally mounted lid such that access to the interior of the cooler body is accomplished by swinging the lid away from the cooler body, yet maintaining the lid within a single plane. 
     In another implementation, the lid is a dual lid having a first lid connection hingably connected to the cooler body and a second lid section hingably connected to the first lid section. 
     In another implementation, the lid is removable from the cooler body, wherein a plurality of cooler bodies may be nested, such as to minimize necessary storage and/or shipping space. 
     In another implementation, the system further includes a hatch disposed on the lid. 
     In another aspect, the invention features a cooler system having an on-board storage area inside the lid, wherein, for example, utensils, fishing tackle, a DVD player, an MP3 player docking station, and the like may be stored. 
     In another aspect, the on-board storage area inside the lid could be formed as an insert, wherein a plurality of interchangeable design configurations could be accommodated. 
     In another aspect, the on-board storage area could be a tray, wherein the tray could be slidably related to the cooler body, and wherein the tray could slide lengthwise from the interior of the cooler body. 
     In still another aspect, the on-board storage area could provide suitable and accessible storage space for a rechargeable battery pack, wherein such a pack could be utilized to power and/or recharge electronic equipment, such as cellular telephones, DVD players, MP3 players, and the like. 
     One advantage of the invention is that a central cooler can incorporate several types of ancillary equipment. 
     Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention are apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an overhead view of an embodiment of a multifunction cooler apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an overhead view of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 1 , showing the exterior lid in an open position and exposing storage features; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a first end view of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a second end view of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a lid embodiment of a multifunction cooler apparatus, showing the interior organization space of an open lid; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a stacked relationship for a plurality of multifunction coolers, showing a partial cross-sectional view of a multifunction cooler apparatus with a plurality of multifunction coolers stacked therewith; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a partial cut-away, perspective view of the first end of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 5 , showing the flashlight removed from the handle; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an overhead view of a multifunction cooler apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an end view of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 10 , showing the flashlight removed from the handle; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a stacked relationship for a plurality of multifunction coolers; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a multifunction cooler apparatus according to another alternate configuration of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the multifunction cooler apparatus of  FIG. 10 , showing the DVD player in an open position; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an overhead view of a multifunction cooler apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     To the full extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional patent application entitled “Multi-Function Cooler Apparatus and System,” filed on Aug. 3, 2006, on behalf of inventor Patrick McCance, and having assigned Ser. No. 60/835,222. 
     Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to  FIG. 1  that illustrates an overhead view of an embodiment of a multifunction cooler apparatus  100 .  FIG. 10  illustrates an overhead view of an alternate embodiment of a multifunction cooler apparatus  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6 , in a typical embodiment apparatus  100  includes main body  105  and lid  110 , preferably hingedly disposed on the main body  105  via pivot points  106 . Main body  105  can be a variety of shapes and sizes, typically square, rectangular, any similar parallelepiped and the like. It is appreciated that main body  105  has a preferably hollow interior for receipt of goods to be stored and kept cool. Correspondingly, main body  105  is typically insulated. Similarly, lid  110  can be any variety of shapes and sizes and is also preferably insulated. In general, in the present embodiment, lid  110  is pivotally attached to main body  105  at pivot points  106 , thus allowing lid  110  to open to the side, exposing the hollow interior without removal of lid  110 . 
     It is understood that in other embodiments, lid  110  can be disposed on main body  105  in a variety of other ways. For example, lid  110  can alternately be connected to main body  105  in a slidable and/or rotational configuration (not shown), wherein, for example, lid  110  could be slidably mounted within rails or track members to facilitate lengthwise or crosswise movement relative to main body  105 . Further, rotational movement of lid  110  could be facilitated via alternate hinges, wherein lid  110  could swing outwardly from main body  105  in an arc defined within a single plane. Each such alternate lid configuration would facilitate access to the interior compartment of main body  105  without necessitating a disturbance of the plane of lid  110 . Further, each such alternate lid configuration could allow for complete removal of lid  110 , or could simply allow for a limited range of movement relative to main body  105 . That is, lid  110  could be removable from main body  105  such that a plurality of main bodies  105  of a plurality of apparatus  100  could be nested or stacked together. Such a configuration advantageously minimizes storage and/or shipping requirements. 
     Typically, and preferably, apparatus  100  further includes handle  115  coupled to main body  105 . In one implementation, handle  115  is disposed main body  105 . In another implementation, as discussed further below, handle  115  is disposed on lid  110 . In general, handle  115  can also be coupled to main body  105  via lid  110 . In a typical embodiment, handle  115  comprises removable flashlight  120 , which in  FIGS. 1-6  is disposed on main body  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5  and  9 , handle  115  is preferably and generally disposed on an upper end of main body  105 . Handle  115  typically includes first end  126  and second end  127 . In a typical embodiment, handle  115  has a generally cylindrical profile and is generally tubular between ends  126 ,  127 . In a typical implementation, flashlight  115  is slidably and removably retained within handle  115 , therefore enabling full functionality of handle  115  for apparatus  100 , wherein first end  126  permits removal of flashlight  120 . 
     It is also understood that flashlight  115  could be integrally formed in the handle  115 , lid  110  or main body  105 , wherein the arrangement could be such that operation of flashlight  115  from such integral formation would enable the beam to exit from apparatus  100 , as apparatus  100  is repositioned to the desired point to be lighted thereby. Additionally, handle  115 , instead of retaining flashlight  120  via a tubular structure, could be clip-like, as further described hereinbelow. 
     As shown in the Figures, several embodiments of apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300  are illustrated. It is appreciated that the apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300  can include a variety of types of equipment, including entertainment equipment and useful and/or otherwise desirable camping equipment. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 14 , the apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300  can include timepiece  150 , preferably disposed on lid  110 . Timepiece  150  can be any variety of watch, clock and the like, both digital and analog, that can be powered by battery, electrical outlet, solar source and the like. In one implementation, timepiece  150  can be disposed on main body  105 . In another implementation, timepiece  150  can be disposed on lid  110 . 
     In another embodiment, apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300  can include compass  160 . In one implementation, compass  160  can be disposed on main body  105 . In another implementation, compass  160  can be disposed on lid  110 , such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 14 . 
     In another embodiment, apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300  can include music player  170 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Music player  170  can be any type of music player now understood or any type of music players that may be developed. For example, music player  170  can include but is not limited to audio tapes players, compact (CD) players, MP3 players such as an IPOD® and the like. Music player  170  can further be a docking station for an insertable player such as one of the above-mentioned music players, or any other suitable player. Such a docking station can include, for example, speakers, ports to transmit music data and power outlets. In one implementation, music player  170  can be disposed on main body  105 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . In another implementation, music player  170  can be disposed on lid  110  (not shown). 
     In another embodiment, the apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300  can include a digital video (versatile) disc (DVD) player  180 , wherein exemplary implementations of DVD player  180  are discussed further below with respect to  FIGS. 10 and 15 . In one implementation, DVD player  180  can be disposed on main body  105  (not shown). In another implementation, DVD player  180  can be disposed on lid  210 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 15 .  FIG. 16  also illustrates a view of another alternate embodiment of a multifunction cooler apparatus  400 , wherein DVD player  180  is incorporated. 
       FIGS. 3 and 7  illustrate views of embodiments of a multifunction cooler apparatus  100 , showing organization features defined in lid  110 . Additionally, lid  110  could be formed to include a flap (not shown), wherein the flap could extend over a ring (not shown) extending outwardly from main body  105 . In such manner, a securing device, such as a padlock or cross-bar member may be extended through the ring, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the interior contents of apparatus  100 . 
     Similar to as described above, typical apparatuses  200 ,  300 ,  400  include main body  105  and lid  110 ,  210 ,  410 , respectively, hingedly disposed on the main body  105  via pivot points  106 . Main body  105  can be a variety of shapes and sizes, typically square, rectangular, any similar parallelepiped and the like. Similarly, lid  110  can be any variety of shapes and sizes and is also insulated. In general, in the present embodiment, lid  110  is pivotally attached to main body  105  at pivot points  106 , which allows lid  110  to open to the side as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . It is understood that in other embodiments, lid  110  can be disposed on main body  105  in a variety of other ways, including being fully removable. 
     It is appreciated that main body  105  has a hollow interior for receipt of goods to be stored and kept cool. This hollow interior also facilitates stacking or nesting of main body  105  in order to minimize storage and/or shipping space requirements, especially when lid  110  is entirely removable. Further, main body  105  is typically insulated. Main body  105  can include wheels  108  for efficient transport (exemplarily depicted in FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6 ) and conventional handle  107  ( FIGS. 2 and 7 ) as a primary hold for a user during transport and carrying. An extendable handle  109  could also be included in order to facilitate transport, wherein such handle  109  could be pivotal, as shown, or could be telescopic or otherwise extendable according to any suitable means. As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 13 , each apparatus  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  is preferably dimensioned with components arranged in a manner to facilitate stacking arrangement of a plurality of apparatus for shipping and/or storage. 
     Additionally, feet  104  can be disposed on main body  105 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , in order to enhance balance and secure positioning during use of apparatus  100 , wherein feet  104  could be adapted for height adjustment features in order to adapt to varying terrain. Further, drain  103  could be defined in main body  105  in order to facilitate removal of water and/or other fluids from the interior thereof. 
     Typically, apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  further include removable flashlight  120  relatedly coupled to main body  105 . In one implementation, removable flashlight  120  is disposed on handle  115 , and in another, on lid  110 . In yet another implementation, removable flashlight  120  is disposed on the main body  105 . In general, removable flashlight  120  can also be related to main body  105  via lid  110 . 
     In a typical embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , removable flashlight  120  is related to main body  105 . Main body  105  thus can further include handle  115  with handle clip  125  generally disposed thereon. Referring still to  FIGS. 10-13 , and now also to  FIG. 14 , handle clip  125  typically includes first end  126  and second end  127 . In atypical embodiment, handle clip  125  has a generally cylindrical profile and is generally separated into two distinct detached ends  126 ,  127 . In the implementation shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, flashlight  120  is placed into handle clip  125  and functions as a handle for apparatus  300 . 
     Typically, apparatus  200  further includes removable flashlight  120  coupled to main body  105  via handle  115 . In one implementation, handle clip  125  is generally and centrally disposed on handle  115 , such that when handle  115  is pivotally extended into a carrying position, handle clip  125  is on an upper end thereof. Handle clip  125  typically has a generally cylindrical profile, wherein flashlight  120  is placed therein, retaining functionality of handle  115  for apparatus  100 , irrespective of the inclusion or removal of flashlight  120  from handle clip  120 . Handle clip  125  removably secures flashlight  120  in place, preferably via resilient, snap-in arrangement. 
     As described, handle clip  125  generally has a cylindrical profile, and is typically a half-pipe with the open end of the half-pipe profile facing away from lid  110  and main body  105 , as shown in  FIGS. 10-13 . It is appreciated that handle clip  125  does provide a clipping effect on flashlight  120 . Therefore, during movement of apparatus  200 , flashlight  120  remains clipped into handle clip  125 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 . Since handle clip  125  can face upward as described, flashlight  120  can sit directly in handle clip  125  and still transmit light. Furthermore, with handle clip  125  defined as a single integral piece without a detached first and second end  126 ,  127 , when a user engages apparatus  200 , an upward force can be placed directly onto handle clip  125  without engaging and applying a force directly to flashlight  120 . 
     Alternately, as described and shown in  FIG. 14 , handle clip  125  generally has a cylindrical profile, and is a half-pipe with the open side of the half-pipe profile facing toward main body  105 . With the half-pipe profile facing main body  105 , placement of flashlight  120  into handle clip  125  provides an efficient handle for apparatus  300 . In general, with flashlight  120  placed into handle clip  125 , when a user grasps flashlight  120  (essentially becoming removable handle  115 ), the user can apply a force on apparatus  300  which causes handle clip  125  to apply a force on flashlight  115 , which provides the user a secure hold on apparatus  100 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 14 , second end  127  of handle clip  125  includes opening  128  to provide a path for the transmission of light from a flashlight  120 . Therefore, the light transmitting end of the flashlight  120  is typically disposed in opening  128  on one end  127  of handle clip  125 . In this way, when the user grasps apparatus  300  via removable flashlight  120 , the user can face opening  128  in the direction in which user is facing or walking and can illuminate flashlight  120  to provide light while walking or otherwise engaging in an activity that may require the user to illuminate an area while holding apparatus  100 . Even if the selected embodiment does not result in the light facing in the same direction in which the user is facing or walking when transporting apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , the immediately surrounding are can be illuminated, and the user can still have flashlight  120  readily available if needed to provide light while walking or otherwise engaging in an activity that may require the user to illuminate an area while holding apparatus  100 . In the presently described embodiments, handle clip  125  is a single integral piece, typically U-shaped and pivotally connected to main body  105 . 
     In a further alternate, apparatus  200  could be formed such that handle  115  could be generally tubular, and without handle clip  125 , (not shown) wherein flashlight  120  could slide within handle  115  in a removable fashion, such that light could be transmitted essentially from within or proximate the upper end of handle  115 . 
     As shown in the Figures, several embodiments of apparatuses  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  are illustrated, wherein it is appreciated that a variety of types of equipment may be included, such as entertainment equipment and useful and/or otherwise desirable camping equipment. In one embodiment  400 , shown in  FIG. 15 , lid  410  further includes a movable hatch  190  disposed on an upper planar surface of the lid. In general, hatch  190  can be slidable along the upper planar surface of lid  110  as shown by directional arrows A in  FIG. 16 . In another implementation, a portion of lid  110  can be pivotable with respect to the upper planar surface of lid  110 , such as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 15 . Thus, in certain implementations, hatch  190  and/or other defined portions and/or sub-regions of lid  110  can cover a storage recess  191  within lid  110 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , video screen  192  can be disposed in hatch  190 . Video screen  192  can be a display for DVD player  180  or a laptop computer (not shown) or any other device requiring a video screen such as a gaming console and the like. 
     In one embodiment, lid  110  can be composed of two lid portions, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . First lid portion  111  and second lid portion  112  are typically pivotally connected to one another and to main body  105 . In a typical implementation, first lid portion  111  covers a hollow interior of main body  105  and second lid portion  112  covers a storage section  191  within first lid portion  111 , thus second lid portion  112  relatedly defining hatch  190 . Turn locks or snap locks (not shown) can lock lid portions  111 ,  112  with respect to one another. 
     In general, the recesses  191  within first lid portion  111  can have a variety of uses, functions and form factors. Recesses  191  can be used to store picnic equipment such as utensils, grill utensils, plates, table cloths, spices/condiments napkins and the like. Recesses can further include any of the entertainment equipment as described above, either integrally connected or removable. A separate pop-up section can include a video screen similar to as described above, and similar to as depicted in  FIG. 15 . 
     Therefore, in the embodiments described above, a cooler system is provided including a cooler body, a lid hingably connected to the cooler body, a handle disposed on the lid having a clip and a flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being removable from the clip, the ability to receive entertainment electronics disposed on the cooler body and the ability to receive camping equipment disposed on the cooler body. A cooler system is also provided, including a cooler body, a lid hingably connected to the cooler body, a handle disposed on the cooler body having a clip and a flashlight disposed in the clip, the flashlight being removable from the clip, the ability to receive entertainment electronics disposed on the cooler body and the ability to receive camping equipment disposed on the cooler body. In a typical implementation, the lid is a dual lid having a first lid connection hingably connected to the cooler body and a second lid section hingably connected to the first lid section. The cooler systems can also include a hatch disposed on the lid. 
     In an alternate embodiment, apparatus  100  could be provided with an on-board light, such as a lamp or lantern, in addition to or in lieu of flashlight  110 . It will be appreciated that such on-board light can be embedded in the cooler body, the lid of the cooler, and/or the handle, wherein upon operation, light may emanate therefrom. 
     Additionally, flashlight  115  may be alternately defined as a permanent and/or detachable component of the cooler body and/or the lid. 
     Further, the storage area inside the lid can be formed as a dedicated, permanent storage area for various items, such as, for exemplary purposes only, tailgating utensils, fishing tackle box components, or the box itself, DVD player, MP3/IPOD docking station, or the like. Or the storage area can be provided with optional inserts wherein the manufacturer may provide various options for selectable organization and storage of goods. 
     Additionally, the storage tray within the lid could be defined within an exterior access port, such that slidable removal from the interior cooler compartment is facilitated in order to access the items stored within the storage tray without opening the cooler itself. 
     Moreover, in another alternate embodiment, apparatus  100  could include a storage compartment for a rechargeable battery pack, wherein such a rechargeable battery pack could enable on-board, remote recharge of electronic goods, such as cellular telephones, DVD players, MP3 players, and the like. 
     According to a variety of alternate embodiments, clock  150  and/or compass  160  could be removably mounted in several different ways (Velcro®, snaps, threads) and may take on various appearances (round or square). Further, such means of attachment could also be utilized for flashlight  120  in lieu of, or in addition to, clip  125 . 
     As discussed, the attachment arrangement for lid  110  can vary for different embodiments. For example, it is anticipated that lid  110  could be hingedly disposed on the main body for traditional upward rotation, or that lid  110  could be hingedly disposed on the main body for slidable rotation within a single plane relative to the upper edge of main body  105 . Further, any of such configurations could be lockable. Such lockable configurations can serve to further facilitate the definition of handle  115  within lid  110 , maintaining closure of apparatus  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  during transport. 
     Lastly, with respect to the various embodiments of apparatus  100 , it is intended that the various configurations and sizes thereof are dimensioned in order to allow for stacking during shipping, thereby enabling minimized space requirements and decreased shipping costs per unit through increased capacity per shipment. 
     The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.