Abstract:
A cooler with a magnetic base is provided. The cooler is particularly suited to being used with a truck because the magnetic base can secure the cooler against a metal truck bed, ensuring that the cooler will not move during transport. The base may be composed of standard magnetic material or may preferably be composed of an electromagnet that may be turned on when the cooler is stowed and then turned off when the cooler needs to be moved. The power source for embodiments with the electromagnet include either a standard battery, a rechargeable battery, or some type of external power source. The cooler can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/764,016 filed on Feb. 13, 2013, entitled “Magnetic Ice Chest.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to coolers and ice chests. 
         [0004]    Specifically, the present invention relates to coolers that are removably securable within trucks or other modes of transportation so that they do not shift or fall off the vehicle and damage the cooler itself, the contents of the cooler, or bystanders. 
         [0005]    Coolers are useful for all types of events, including hunting trips, tailgating, and camping, among others. But coolers are often difficult to store securely during transit in a truck, off-road vehicle, or a boat. If the coolers are not stored securely, they can move or tip over during transit, or even fall off of the vehicle. This can 
         [0006]    lead to a wide variety of problems, including damage to the cooler itself, damage to the contents of the cooler, or risk to other individuals in the vicinity. 
         [0007]    Several different types of solutions are available in the prior art, but they suffer from a variety of problems. Simple straps can be used to secure coolers, but they often need to be either bolted or otherwise mounted to the vehicle, which can create unsightly blemishes on the vehicle. Straps for securing the cooler can be simply tied to an attachment point on the vehicle, but not all vehicles have such attachment points. The cooler can also be secured by some type of mounted support system, but once again bolting or mounting a support system to a vehicle can cause damage, is often time-consuming and difficult, and a permanent fixture may not always be desirable. 
         [0008]    The magnetic cooler solves these issues by providing an easy, non-permanent solution. The present invention has a magnetic base that securely locks the cooler to a truck bed, to the floor of a boat, or the bed of an off-road vehicle. The magnet is strong enough to ensure that even if the cooler is heavily loaded, it will not slide or turn over during transport. In one embodiment the base of the cooler is composed of a magnetic material. In another embodiment, the base of the cooler has an electromagnet attached so that the magnetic property of the cooler can be turned on or off. The cooler can be easily loaded when the electromagnet is turned off, then once the cooler is in place the electromagnet can be turned on to lock the cooler in place against the metal bed of the vehicle. The present invention is especially useful because it allows the cooler to be securely stowed without requiring any cumbersome modification to the user&#39;s vehicle that could potentially be unsightly. Nothing could be simpler than loading the cooler into the truck bed, pressing a button, and then not having to worry at all afterwards. 
         [0009]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0010]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to cooler chests or boxes that are secured to trucks, trailers, and other transportation vehicles. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to coolers that removably attach to various trucks or trailers. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0011]    Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,309 to Hallsworth discloses a cargo box that attaches to trailers for boats, jet skis, motorcycles, and other such devices. This cargo box is bolted to the frame of the trailer to provide additional storage space for gas cans and other such support objects. The fact that the cargo box is permanently attached to a trailer is a huge detriment because the box cannot be moved around and used at events. The present invention, on the other hand, can be securely stored, while at the same time being freely movable. Boxes or coolers that are permanently affixed to the vehicle used to transport them have limited utility because so much of the usefulness of a cooler comes from the ability to carry it to the event or camp site away from the vehicle. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,670 to Bright discloses a truck box that has a removable section. The section is removable in order to make space for the storage of additional items in the truck bed. Although part of the truck box is removable, the rest of the device is still permanently mounted to the bed of the truck. Storage boxes or coolers that are permanently affixed to the vehicle are generally not desirable because, although they are firmly secured, one loses the ability to freely move them. The present invention, on the other hand, has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages because it can be firmly and reliably secured to the truck bed or other method of transport and at the same time can be removed from the truck bed and used independently from the vehicle. 
         [0013]    U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2010/0051627 to Kucks discloses a cooler chest that is removably attached to a trailer hitch receiver. The cooler chest is attached to a rigid framework that removably holds the cooler against the back of the truck or car by the trailer hitch. Although the invention accomplishes the goal of firmly and removably securing a cooler to a vehicle, it has a couple problems as well. First, it occupies the trailer hitch so it is impossible to use this device and a trailer concurrently. This could pose a problem because when going to camping or when participating in other events it is often necessary to have as much storage space as possible. Second, being secured to the trailer hitch is a very vulnerable position. The cooler is right next to the wheels of the vehicle and if the truck is traversing muddy or otherwise dirty ground, then the cooler could get filthy. Also, the cooler being stored outside the confines of the vehicle makes it much more prone to be knocked or damaged by other cars, other people, or simply objects that one may encounter. The present invention is stored securely and safely within the truck or outdoor vehicle bed or on the floor of a boat. 
         [0014]    The present invention is a new and improved cooler that provides a magnetic base in order to removably secure the cooler to a metal surface of a vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the magnet is an electromagnet that can be turned on and off to make it especially easy to load, firmly secure the cooler, and then unload the cooler with a minimal amount of effort. It substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing cooler devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of coolers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new cooler having a magnetic base wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when transporting a cooler in a truck bed, an off road vehicle bed, a boat, or any other vehicle having a metal surface capable of accommodating a cooler. 
         [0016]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cooler device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a cooler that is firmly securable in any vehicle having a metal surface that is capable of accommodating the cooler. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooler that is freely and easily removable from the vehicle without using any permanent methods of fixation. 
         [0019]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cooler that has an electromagnet so the magnetic properties of the present invention can be turned on and off depending upon whether the cooler is being stowed or removed from the truck. 
         [0020]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cooler that has an electromagnet that is freely rechargeable. 
         [0021]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a top down view of an embodiment of the present invention with the lid raised. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the present invention in use in a truck bed. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a view of the internal structure of the base for an embodiment that has an electromagnet embedded in the base. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the magnetic cooler. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for securing the cooler within a truck bed. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic cooler  19  is composed of a front wall  11 , a pair of side walls  12 , a back wall  13 , and a base  15  defining an opening. Although the cooler  19  is rectangular in shape as depicted, any configuration having the necessary wall elements is contemplated. The cooler is composed of any type of material that provides sufficient insulation to keep its contents cool during storage, as is well known and established in the prior art. The magnetic cooler further has a hingeably attached lid  14  for covering the opening. The cooler also has a pair of handles  17 , with one being attached to each of the side walls  12 . 
         [0030]    Depending upon the embodiment, the base  15  may be composed of either magnetic material or have an integrated electromagnet. The preferred embodiments utilize an integrated electromagnet in the base, such as the depicted embodiment, and have an activations means  16  disposed at any point on the outside of the cooler  19 . In the depicted embodiment, the activation means  16  consists of a switch, but it could also be a button or any other means sufficient to turn the electromagnet on and off. Being able to turn the magnetic properties of the base on and off is especially useful because if the base is unmagnetized, then it will be easier to load and unload the cooler from the truck bed or other location because the attraction between the magnetic base and the metal surface of the truck bed will be negated. 
         [0031]    A variety of methods for providing electrical energy to the electromagnet are contemplated. The depicted embodiment uses an external power source  30  of any type to provide electrical energy to the electromagnet. This external power source  30  may be a battery, the car itself through an adapter, or any other type of suitable power source. The external power source  30  is designed to be connected to the cooler  19  while in transport in order to keep the electromagnet running. In one embodiment the external power source  30  is permanently connected to the cooler  19 . In another embodiment the external power source  30  is detachably connected to the cooler  19 . The external power source  30  may or may not be connected by a cord and the connection between the cooler  19  and the external power source  30  may be disposed at any point along the external face of the cooler  19 . No specific type of external power source  30  is contemplated for the present invention. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a back perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the back wall  13  has a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners  18  disposed along its external face. The hook-and-loop fasteners  18  are a secondary means of securement that are optionally available to use. The hook-and-loop fasteners  18  along the back wall  13  would engage with complimentary hook-and-loop fasteners disposed along the back or side walls of the truck bed. 
         [0033]    This embodiment further has an electrical plug  32  disposed on the external face of one of the side walls  12 . No particular electrical plug  32  is contemplated by this disclosure and the electrical plug  32  may be adapted to engage with all manner of outlets and connections. Power may be provided through the electrical plug  32  to either directly run the electromagnet during use or to recharge a battery or other internal power source within the cooler  19 . No particular type of power transfer to either recharge or run the electromagnet while in use is specifically claimed by this disclosure. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention. The front wall  11 , side walls  12 , base  15 , and back wall  13  define an inner compartment that can be used to store ice, food, or anything else that the user wishes. This embodiment utilizes an internal power source  31  to provide electrical energy to the electromagnet contained within the base. The internal power source  31  may be replaceable or rechargeable. No specific type of internal power source  31  is contemplated, as long as it is capable of powering the electromagnet. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of the present invention. The present invention is ideally suited to being stored on a truck bed. The magnetic base allows the cooler to be securely stored on the metal surface of the truck bed and ensures that the cooler will not tip or fall off. When in use, the magnetic cooler can be easily loaded into the truck bed. For the preferred embodiment having the electromagnet, the electromagnet is then activated through the activation means  16  and the cooler is then stored securely until the electromagnet is deactivated through the activation means  16 . The electromagnet is powerful enough to hold the present invention in place against the metal truck bed during the course of normal travel to and from sporting events, camping trips, and other such outings. At that point, the magnetic cooler can then be easily unloaded from the truck bed. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a view of the internal structure of the base for the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which has an electromagnet embedded in the base. The electromagnet  20  in the base  15  is composed of a solenoid having multiple turns. The electromagnet  20  is turned on and off by the activation means  16 . The electromagnet has a standard electromagnet configuration that is well known and practiced in the prior art. When the activation means  16  is in the on position, electrical current flows through the solenoid, which generates a magnetic field in a predetermined direction. When in use, the electromagnet generates a sufficient magnetic field to firmly secure a fully loaded cooler in place during transit. 
         [0037]    Overall, the present magnetic cooler provides a unique structure for non-permanently, but firmly, securing a cooler while in transit on any suitable vehicle having a metal surface. If coolers are not secure properly during transit, they can move or even fall off, which can damage the cooler itself, the goods within the cooler, and bystanders. Other means of securing a cooler either require permanent fixation of a support structure to the vehicle or are not adequate to truly immobilize a heavy, fully loaded cooler. After use, the magnetic cooler can be easily and quickly removed from the vehicle and taken wherever the user wishes. 
         [0038]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0039]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.