Abstract:
An apparatus may be a cooler capable of transporting and retaining various implements for entertainment purposes. The cooler has an interior that is preferably compartmentalized to define at least two interior spaces. A lid may be employed to cover or uncover the interior spaces. One of the interior spaces is configured to hold two game platforms. These game platforms may be used for different party games, such as corn hole and/or beer pong. The cooler further has various features and implements stored therein to ensure the proper equipment needed for such games and other forms of entertainment are contained within one unit.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application and claims no priority to any patent or patent application. 
       FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    The field of the embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable storage unit that keeps food items cool as well as provides entertainment and fun. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable cooler that includes gaming platforms useful for a variety of games, as well as a bottle opening, additional storage, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    Typically, partygoers and tailgaters have been required to transport numerous items to varied locations for use in recreational activities. Often times, one must park their car in one location or otherwise travel to a disparate location by foot to a second particular location for a gathering. In many of these instances, a person is required to bring numerous separate and bulky items, such as tables, games, food, and the like, placing a considerable burden upon the traveling individual. 
         [0004]    Popular party and tailgating activities often include dining, drinking, and games associated with said drinking such as the wildly popular beer pong and cornhole/bag toss. In order to play such games, typically, more than one person is required to transport a separate game table(s), coolers, and gaming supplies. This requires that an individual have a large amount of cargo space or requires the coordination of multiple people in attempt to ensure the required materials are all accounted for. 
         [0005]    As mentioned, beer pong is a table top game that involves throwing or bouncing ping pong balls across a table in an attempt to land the balls in drink cups across the table. In cornhole, bean bags are attempted to be tossed and either landed on the gaming surface or thrown through a hole in the gaming surface. Each of the aforementioned games requires different materials, gaming setups, and gaming boards. The high difficultly in accommodating all these materials becomes apparent when you factor in the food and drinks and other party necessities that need to be provided at a particular location. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need for a set up that enables quick and efficient transportation of such items, including game boards, gaming materials/components, coolers, and food, to virtually any location. Further, there should be game boards that are readily convertible for one game or another to allow a singular gaming set to be utilized in multiple fashions. Even still, all of said materials should be capable of being transported in a single unit, while still permitting food and drinks to be transported in the same fashion. The present invention and its embodiments meet and exceeds these objectives. 
       Review of Related Technology: 
       [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,406 pertains to a portable point/beer pong game for individual or team use. The point/game is portable where it can be broken down, carried or stored in a bag, or other suitable container. The invention can be used as a ‘Beer Pong’ game as is common or it can be used as a game where points are scored. The invention top can also be used as a floating game in a swimming pool. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,709 pertains to a portable cooler and table assembly that may be easily transported in a single, self-contained unit. The assembly may be converted for use as a table for a variety of recreational activities, e.g., dining, drinking, games such as ping pong, beer pong, table hockey, card games, board games, preparation for sporting events and meals. The table and cooler may be permanently attached to each other, or alternatively, the cooler may be detachable from the table. The table may fold or collapse to assist in converting the assembly from a compact, lightweight transportable unit into a fully extended and operable table and cooler. The table surface may contain surface features such as grooves, indentations, nets, game pieces, etc. The cooler may comprise any container that is capable of containing ice or some other refrigeration or heating system, e.g., a conventional  54  quart beverage cooler. Alternatively, the cooler may be replaced with a storage container or other storage device. The assembly may also contain various wheels, legs and handles to assist in mobility and conversion. 
         [0009]    U.S. Patent Application 2014/0252718 pertains to a modular beer pong table comprising a plurality of planar members. Each planar member having the ability to connect to any other planar member indiscriminately by a unique mechanism that employs an alternating pattern of protrusions which can mate with any other similar set of alternating protrusions. The mating protrusions providing for a strong joint and easy assembly. The planar members along with cap-like members combine to form a briefcase-like assembly for easy transportability and storability. The briefcase-like assembly further being able to retain two specialized stands which can be used to elevate the modular beer pong table during use. The modular beer pong table having the ability to float on water. Additional planar members of a modular nature that facilitate multiple concurrent beer pong game sessions. One embodiment employing the unique method of connecting modules for use in a toy construction set. 
         [0010]    Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention provides for a portable cooler having a variety of functionality. In particular, the portable cooler has storage for gaming platforms that can be used to provide entertainment during indoor and outdoor events. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0011]    Generally the present invention and its embodiments provide for a portable cooler that is designed to provide storage and transportation for a variety of party related items. The present invention is generally embodied as a portable cooler plus gaming system. The portable cooler has rugged wheels which enable the cooler to traverse a number of terrain obstacles. Further, handles are provided which enable the cooler to be carried as needed. 
         [0012]    The cooler has multiple storage areas for differing items such as cups, balls, and the like disposed thereon. Further, there may be a bottle opener. Internally, the cooler is preferably divided into at least two spaces or compartments. One space is intended for foods, beverages, and the like and the other space holds the gaming platforms. The gaming platforms are compact and can be unfolded into multiple configurations to be used in multiple game types. Further, in some embodiments, the gaming platforms can be used as a table to hold food and beverages and the like. 
         [0013]    The gaming platforms contain the necessary legs, gaming components, and the like to enable a variety of games to be played such as beer pong and corn hole. The flexibility for these gaming platforms to have multiple uses reduces the amount of gaming devices that need be transported for a party or tailgate. By storing the gaming platforms (with the gaming components stored on parts of the gaming platforms) in the cooler, further burden is reduced in the transportation and storage of the system as a whole. 
         [0014]    Other features included in varying embodiments may include light sources to illuminate an interior of the cooler, locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized theft of components, temporary dividers for subdividing the internal area of the cooler, telescoping handles, drains, and tie down hooks. These features may or may not be present and may be present in varying combinations with one another. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment there is an apparatus having a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening and an interior, wherein the interior is compartmentalized to define at least two interior spaces; a lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; at least one light source configured to illuminate at least one of the at least two interior spaces; and two game platforms configured to be positioned in at least one of the at least two interior spaces, wherein in each of the two game platforms has a first section and a second section and an aperture extending through at least one of the first section or second section. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment there is an apparatus having a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening and an interior, wherein the interior is compartmentalized to define at least two interior spaces, wherein a first interior space is capable of receiving a divider that slidably engages the first interior space, and wherein a second interior space has a dividing mechanism coupled to at least one wall of the second interior space; a bottle opener disposed on the outer surface of one of the plurality of sidewalls; a lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; a telescoping handle; at least one light source configured to illuminate at least one of the at least two interior spaces; and two game platforms configured to be positioned in at least one of the at least two interior spaces, wherein in each of the two game platforms has a first section and a second section and an aperture extending through at least one of the first section or second section, wherein a disk is capable of being retained by the aperture. 
         [0017]    In yet another embodiment there is an apparatus having a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface and a base having an outer and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls being coupled to the base and defining an opening and an interior, wherein the interior is compartmentalized to define at least two interior spaces, wherein a first interior space is capable of receiving a divider that slidably engages the first interior space, and wherein a second interior space has a dividing mechanism coupled to at least two walls of the second interior space; a bottle opener disposed on the outer surface of one of the plurality of sidewalls; at least two storage units accessible from an outer surface of the plurality of sidewalls; a first lid member and a second lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; a telescoping handle; at least one light source configured to illuminate at least one of the at least two interior spaces; and two game platforms configured to be positioned in at least one of the at least two interior spaces, with each of the two game platforms having a first section and a second section, a hinged member coupling the first section to the second section, a first set of legs and a second set of legs, at least one storage unit coupled to an underside of the first section or second section, and a handle, wherein an aperture extends through at least one of the first section or second section, wherein a disk is capable of being retained by the aperture thereby forming a contiguous game surface. 
         [0018]    In yet another embodiment there is an apparatus comprising a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening and an interior; 
         [0019]    a liner capable of being retained in the interior; at least one lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; two game platforms configured coupled to the apparatus, wherein in each of the two game platforms has a first section and a second section and an aperture extending through at least one of the first section or second section, and wherein the two game platforms each have two pair of collapsible legs. 
         [0020]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can store items and keep certain items hot or cold. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that has multiple storage areas. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used in a number of environments and conditions. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be easily cleaned and stored when not in use. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that has multiple storage configurations. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that provides at least two game platforms to be used for entertainment and competition purposes. 
         [0027]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is lightweight enough to be readily portable. 
         [0028]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that employs a locking mechanism to securely store items. 
         [0029]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that contains the necessary components for providing entertainment for a group of people. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cooler in a closed configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the cooler in a closed configuration. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a back view of an embodiment of the cooler in a closed configuration. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cooler in an open configuration demonstrating at least some of the internal components. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the cooler in an open configuration. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a table of the present invention in a folded configuration. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the table in an unfolded configuration. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the table in an unfolded configuration. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is perspective view of the table in one game configuration. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the table in another game configuration. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cooler. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a cooler body. 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a cooler cover. 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a cooler tray. 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a top view of a tray lid. 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is a top view of an alternate tray lid. 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is an alternate game table in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0047]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0048]    Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is an embodiment of an apparatus  100  shown from a perspective view. The apparatus  100  generally has sidewalls  101  and lid members  102 . There may be one lid member or multiple lid members as shown. The lid member(s)  102  may be manipulated using recesses  110  formed from part of the lid member  102 . A front tie down hook  104  may allow articles to be held down on the lid member  102  when the lid member is closed. A rear tie hook  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) is preferably used in conjunction with the front tie hook  104 . The tie hooks are configured to receive a fastening mechanism, not shown, that can be used to secure the position of an article to be secured thereto. 
         [0050]    Further, handles  108  formed from the sidewalls  101  may be present to provide a surface by which the apparatus  100  may be further manipulated. Wheels  106  provide for ease of transportation of the apparatus  100  over a variety of terrain. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 2 , the apparatus  100  is viewed from a side. Features include the lid members  102 , front tie hook  104 , rear tie hook  112 , wheels  106 , handle  108 , and a leveling foot  114 . The leveling foot  114  may extend or retract via a variety of mechanisms to allow the apparatus  100  to remain level and upright, or to otherwise be positioned at an angle. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the apparatus is shown from a back view. Shown are the lid members  102 , bottle opener  116 , cup storage  118 , storage  122 , locking mechanism  124 , drain  120 , wheels  106 , telescoping handle  126 , and handles  108 . 
         [0053]    The telescoping handle  126  is a handle that slidably expands or retracts as needed by the user. The handle may have between about two to about ten concentric segments that allow for proper height requirements to be attained. In some embodiments, the handle may be padded. 
         [0054]    The cup storage  118  is designed and configured to hold a plurality of cups or other receptacles such as bowls, basins, and the like. The cup storage  118  may permit for the articles contained therein to be stacked upon one another thereby increasing the amount of items that may be stored. A locking mechanism such as a latch, clip, or the like may be used to access the cup storage and otherwise keep the cup storage  118  closed as needed. 
         [0055]    The storage  122  enables a plurality of items to be stored therein. The storage  122  may take various forms including hollow spaces, slidable drawers, and the like. As with the cup storage  118 , a comparable or different locking mechanism may be used thereon to prevent the contents from spilling. The bottle opener  116  is adhered to an outer surface of the cooler and can be used to open a variety of beverages. 
         [0056]    The locking mechanism  124  may be the same or different as the other locking mechanisms described herein. Preferably, this locking mechanism  124  is a number code or keyed entry that requires a specific combination or apparatus to access the lock. The contents protected by this locking mechanism  124  may include the contents of the cooler, the mechanism of wheels, or control locking mechanisms that are used on multiple components (i.e. both the cooler and the cup storage.) 
         [0057]    In  FIG. 4 , there is an illustration showing how the first game platform  134  and the second game platform  136  reside in the apparatus. A dividing mechanism  128  divides the first interior space  140  roughly in half thereby providing space for both platforms. In other embodiments, the dividing mechanism  128  is offset to one side or the other of the first interior space  140 . 
         [0058]    In a second interior space  142  there is a removable divider  130 . This divider  130  may slidably engage a groove (not shown) within the second interior space  142 . A power switch  132  is also shown to control the operative state of the LEDs as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is a top view demonstrating the interior space of the apparatus. In addition to the dividing mechanism  128 , there are also drainage slots  144  in the bottom of the first interior space to allow for drainage of fluids and other material from the drain  120  (see  FIG. 3 ). In the second interior space  142  are the grooves  146  by which the divider  128  interacts, as well as the LEDs  138  for illuminating the interior of the apparatus. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 6-7  demonstrate a view of one of the gaming platforms. Generally, the gaming platforms have a first section  148 , a second section  156 , a veneer  154 , a handle  150 , and a disk  152 . The first and second section are hingably coupled via a hinge  162  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0061]    In  FIG. 8 , there is a view of an underside of the gaming platform. The underside contains a first set of legs  158 , a second set of legs  160  a disk storage  164 , a leg retainment mechanism  166 , and a mesh storage  168  with a gaming component  170  contained therein. The gaming component  170  may be virtually any game components including beanbags, balls, cones, flags, and the like or any combination thereof. 
         [0062]    The first set of legs  158  may be shorter in length than the second set of legs  160 . It is intended that matching sets from each section of the gaming platform are to be used in conjunction with one another, although in some embodiments, one may intermix the set of legs to provide a unique gaming experience. At least one of the sets of legs may be height adjustable. The disk storage  164  allows for the disk  153  to be removed from the veneer  154  and be securely stowed. The removal of the disk leaves an aperture which may be used for various entertainment games. The disk  152  may be rotatably lockable or otherwise capable of being secured in place. The disk storage  164  may provide the similar or same features that enable the disk to be secured in place on with the veneer  154 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show the gaming platform(s) set up in two different gaming configurations. In  FIG. 9 , the gaming platform is set up using the first set of legs. Note that in this embodiment, two of the four legs are larger than the other two. In other embodiments, all legs may be the same or different heights. Additionally, the first section  148  and the second section  156  have been rotated about the hinge  162  to provide for a “flat” veneer  152 . The disk has been removed thereby leaving an aperture  172  through which a gaming components may be tossed, thrown, or slid. One game that may be played with such a configuration is typically called “bag toss” or “cornhole.” The table design is your standard beer pong table design with adjustable legs attached by a hinge to the bottom of the table. These legs can be folded in order to be stored away and fit in the cooler. The “cornhole” legs are shorter than the beer pong table legs and are placed directly next to the “beer pong table” legs. There are only 2 cornhole legs compared to the 4 beer pong legs due to the needed slope of a cornhole set. These 2 shorter “cornhole” legs allow the beer pong table to turn into a cornhole set with ease. 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 10 , both gaming platforms have been set up using the second set of legs  160 . Note how, in this embodiment, the legs closest to each of the gaming platforms have been offset to allow the gaming platforms to be brought together. The disks  152  have been left to remain forming a continuous playing surface or veneer  154 . The legs have a first section  174  and a second section  176 , via which the height may be independently adjusted. One game that may be played in this configuration is typically called “beer pong” or “Beirut.” In the event that liquids are spilled on the veneer  154  or the veneer  154  otherwise becomes compromised, the veneers  154  may be removable for cleaning or otherwise replaceable. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11- 17 , there is an alternate form of the multi-componential cooler. The cooler has side walls  101  defining an interior into which a liner  182  may be positioned. Further, the cooler has wheels  106 , a handle  108 , and speakers  178 . The speakers  178  may be Bluetooth® speakers or may be hard wired into the cooler. The speakers  178  reside and are retained in an aperture  186 . The handle  108  may be telescoping or slidable in relation to the cooler and when not in use can be positioned within a recess  188  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0066]    The liner  182  has a lid member  102  having cup holders  180 , as well as two dry storage lids  184  coupled to the liner  182 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , there are magnetic locks  190  positioned on the liner  182  to help retain the dry storage lids  184  in a closed position. The cup holders  180  may be rubber lined or lined with another resilient material to adequately grip the beverage placed therein. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the cup holders  180  may be positioned in each of the four corners of the lid member  102 . In other embodiments, other arrangement of the cup holders  180  may be utilized. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 15 and 16  demonstrate two different form factors of the dry storage lids  184 . Each of the lids  184  generally has a hinge  192  and a latch catch  194 . The hinge  192  is meshed with the liner  182  (see  FIG. 14 ) to be coupled to the liner. The latch catch  194  preferably has a magnet either located on an outer surface or internally that allows the dry storage lid  184  to interact with the magnetic lock  190  of  FIG. 14 . As shown, the lids  184  may have varying shapes and dimensions to fit the corresponding shape on the liner. Virtually any shape or dimension capable of being positioned within the cooler may be utilized. 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , there is an alternate game board to be used in accordance with the present invention. Here, the game board has a disk  152  and a triangle  196  area. The disk  152  is removable allowing the aforementioned “cornhole” to be played. The collapsible legs  198  can also be configured to suit this particular game&#39;s needs. The triangle  196  comprises markings that define an area for cups to be set upon to play “Beirut” or “beer pong” or any variation thereof. The collapsible legs  198  can be used to change the height of the table independently in the event that the table is desired to be at varying heights or have differing heights between ends of the table. Additionally, the collapsible legs  198  can be removed and used for other games such as “ladder ball.” For such a game, the legs are fully extended and the cross bars forming the legs are utilized as functional components for which the ladder balls can be thrown and retained thereon. 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, the cooler may have an alternative embodiment, where the bottle opener, cup storage, and storage compartments are not present. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements of the apparatus may be: height from wheel to top of the gaming platform is 25.50 inches; the width from handle to handle is 31.22 inches and the depth from tie down to tie down is 23.14 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel dimensions are 3 inches in diameter and the height from the ground to the wheel is 4.5 inches. However, the gaming platform may be of varying heights, lengths and widths to accommodate a variety of intended and foreseeable uses. For instance, the gaming platform, storage and table games can be larger, smaller, and miniature and or oversized for display reasons. 
         [0070]    In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming platform may be equipped with charging stations for a variety of wireless and mobile devices. Charging stations may include USB and HDMI ports. The gaming platform may be adapted and configured to act as a “hotspot” for an Internet connection and/or be equipped to engage a Bluetooth® device such as Bluetooth® speakers that can connect to any smart phone device. In another embodiment of the invention, the speakers would be high quality and water proof. In another embodiment of the invention, a battery pack would be included. The battery pack would be used to charge a plurality of devices such as tablets, computers and smart phones. 
         [0071]    In another embodiment, the components of the gaming platform may be manufactured with recycled plastic or be made out of bamboo/polynomial wood. Such woods are very strong, flexible and possesses green properties. In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be composed of metals, composite metals such as aluminum and water proof and resistant materials. 
         [0072]    In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming tables may be attached or stored in a cubby or compartment which is located on the outside of the gaming platform. This exterior compartment or storage space would be attached to the back side of the gaming platform. In this alternative embodiment, the exterior compartment would be in addition to or instead of the interior storage compartment. In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming platform may accommodate other gaming options such as “ladders” or “horseshoes.” 
         [0073]    In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming platform may be equipped with additional compartments for storing multiple accessories such as portable/foldable chair, a foldable bench, a disposable BBQ Grill, a tent, and other outdoor and gaming activities and accessories. The portable/foldable tables that the gaming platform may accommodate could be used for hunting, fishing, and emergency uses. 
         [0074]    In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be used for indoor games and uses. In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be equipped with a plurality of advertising means such as interactive displays and sides with insets and inlays for banners, graphics and other promotional marketing materials. For example, the NFL, NHL, and the MLB (all National sports leagues and associations) may use the gaming platform to display their logo. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming platform itself would be condensable and foldable into a compact and portable unit. In another embodiment of the invention, all sides and walls of the gaming platform may be interconnected by hinges such to enable the sides or walls to collapse. In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be equipped with an electric or solar powered light sources such as a lantern, back, front and side lights and a flashlight. In yet another embodiment, the gaming platform may be composed of material that may float on water. In yet another embodiment, the gaming platform may be equipped with electric and remote controlled wheels to allow the gaming platform to be controlled remotely and tugged around easier. 
         [0075]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.