Refrigeration – Cooled enclosure – Portable receptacle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-01
2001-06-12
Doerrler, William (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Cooled enclosure
Portable receptacle
C062S371000, C220S560000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244066
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to coolers and more specifically to a floating cooler which may be pulled behind a raft or canoe and which will not sink even if submersed in water.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Currently, it appears that floating or submersible coolers are not available for retail purchase. A floating or submersible cooler is desirable, because prior art coolers will take-on water when submersed and may even open-up with the result of the items stored therein floating away. A canoe will sometimes be big enough to store a cooler. However, canoes often tip over with the result of the cooler being submersed in water. Sometimes, there is not enough room in a raft, boat, or canoe for one extra item and a floating cooler would solve the space problem.
Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a floating cooler which may be submersed in water without water penetrating the storage area therein and which floats in water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a floating cooler which may be pulled behind a watercraft and will not take on water if submersed. The floating cooler includes a container, a first lid, and a second lid. The container includes a bottom and a peripheral wall extending upward from the bottom. The bottom includes an inside layer, an outside layer, and an insulating layer disposed between the inside and outside layers. The peripheral wall includes an inside wall, an outside wall, and a combination insulation/air bag layer disposed between the inside and outside walls. A water drain is preferably formed in the peripheral wall near the bottom. A pair of free swinging handles are disposed on each end of the peripheral wall near a top thereof.
The first lid is pivotally attached to the top of the peripheral wall, preferably with a pair of hinges. The first lid is retained against the top of the peripheral wall with a pair of locking latches. The first lid includes a hollow shell filled with an insulating material. An opening is formed through the first lid, the opening is sized to receive the second lid. The second lid is pivotally attached to the top of the first lid, preferably with a pair of hinges. The second lid is preferably secured to the first lid with a sliding locking latch.
A second embodiment of the floating cooler includes a container and a single lid. The opening in the lid where the second lid would normally fit is replaced with a combination insulation/air bag layer disposed between extended inside and outside walls.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a floating cooler which floats in water and may be pulled behind a watercraft.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a floating cooler which is sealed to prevent water from leaking into the container when submerged in water.
Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a floating cooler which will stay closed when turned upside down or jarred against an object.
These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3367525 (1968-02-01), Elder
patent: 4871079 (1989-10-01), Doucette et al.
patent: 4927041 (1990-05-01), Hepburn
patent: 5337911 (1994-08-01), Holub
patent: 5435261 (1995-07-01), Androus
patent: 5548972 (1996-08-01), Wallace
patent: 6016933 (2000-01-01), Daily et al.
patent: 6041931 (2000-03-01), Jacques
patent: 6085926 (2000-07-01), Weiss
Doerrler William
Ersler Donald J.
Jones Melvin
LandOfFree
Floating cooler does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Floating cooler, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Floating cooler will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2476695