Patent ID: 8516848

Claim:
A rigid platform insert assembly to be removably installed in a portable ice chest or cooler for preparation and dispensing of food and drink, said cooler having an inner liner with four vertical sides extending upward from a horizontal bottom to a shoulder at the upper portion of the cooler, the cooler having an upper edge that is provided with a hinged insulated closure that is held open by a strap connecting the closure to the inner liner, the insert assembly comprising: a rigid rectangular planar platform adapted to fit onto all four sides of the shoulder; a circular through first aperture in the platform having a certain diameter; a container adapted to fit into the circular aperture, the container having an extended horizontal rim greater than said certain diameter adapted to hold the container in the first aperture by the rim; the container adapted to receive a scoop for ice cubes; a rectangular through second aperture in the platform large enough to enable access to ice cubes below the platform; a lid for the second aperture having an upper layer large enough to cover the aperture, and a lower layer dimensioned to fit into the aperture; a slit in the platform adjacent the second aperture adapted for receiving a tongue portion of the upper layer to hold the lid vertically when access through the aperture is desired; and a cutout on a side of the platform for passage of the strap when the lid is held open.