Receptacles – Floating container
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-08
2001-07-03
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Floating container
C004S496000, C220S592150, C446S153000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253950
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to floating coolers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a floating cooler which is self stabilizing and in the form of an object, which can be a creature or a treasure chest, for example.
2. Related Art
There exist a number of types thermal insulated devices which have been used in water and maintain an upright position. For example, various floating rafts or water craft have integrated coolers into their structure. Still other coolers have been designed for use in connection with water craft as an “in-tow” cooler behind the craft under relatively rough water conditions.
While these coolers have met with some success, there remains a need for a floating cooler which is used in quiet and rough water conditions and provide an aesthetically pleasing effect to the user, wherein certain aesthetic features characteristic of the object provide desired carrying functions. Accordingly, the present invention provides a cooler which achieves functionality in its aesthetically pleasing design.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object to improve coolers.
It is another object to improve floating coolers.
It is still another object to provide a cooler which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the user.
It is another object to provide a self-stabilizing floating cooler.
Accordingly, one embodiment is directed to floating cooler configured in accordance with a predetermined creature configuration, which includes a buoyant thermally insulated housing, the housing including a bottom portion, a side portion connected to the bottom portion and extending upward therefrom and forming an open enclosure therebetween, wherein the open enclosure defines a cavity and the housing includes an exterior configuration which is generally shaped as a portion of a torso characteristic of the predetermined creature. The cooler further includes a buoyant thermally insulated lid openably connected to the side portion in a manner to generally seal the open enclosure, wherein the lid includes an exterior configuration which is generally shaped as another portion of the torso which is characteristic of the predetermined creature. Further, the cooler includes at least one buoyant appendage extending from the housing in a manner to aid in stabilization of the housing, wherein the appendage includes an exterior configuration which is generally shaped as an appendage characteristic of the predetermined creature.
The appendage can be configured with a receptacle surface for carrying a beverage or the like. The appendage can be thermally insulated and include a removably connectable lid to retain the beverage therein.
Still in another embodiment, the floating cooler can be configured in accordance with a predetermined ornate object, such as a treasure chest or island with ornate objects extending from the chest serving as either stabilizers or drink receptacles.
Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon viewing the drawings and reading the detailed description hereafter.
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Blanford Michael A.
Buck Ronald
Campbell Wesely
Graham P. William
Merek Joe
Shoap Allan N.
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