Refrigeration – Cooled enclosure – Portable receptacle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-04
2001-02-06
Doerrler, William (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Cooled enclosure
Portable receptacle
C062S371000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182465
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to portable coolers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable cooler of two-piece construction that allows beverages to be cooled in the container in which they are purchased.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional cooler or ice box is one common solution for the storage of items to be cooled and/or the transportation of items to be kept cool relative to ambient temperature. One typical application for the conventional cooler provides the capability of keeping beverages cool at a remote location. These coolers are typically filled with a cooling source, such as ice, as well as the desired beverage, whether in cans, bottles, or other types of containers. These coolers are also used to store other materials. The cooler satisfactorily insulates the items stored therein and thereby maintains the beverage at a relatively cool temperature over the course of a day.
The conventional cooler, however, is nonetheless inconvenient in certain respects. For example, the conventional cooler is somewhat expensive to purchase, is relatively cumbersome to handle and store, and is typically unavailable for use on spur of the moment. Moreover, typical coolers need to be purchased separate from the containers in which they are purchased, which adds additional cost. Thus, there exists room for improvement to known methods and apparatus for keeping items cooler than ambient temperature.
To solve some of these convenience problems, as well as availability of prior coolers, attempts have been made to provide portable coolers that also serve as the container that houses the beverages when purchased. These packages are typically constructed of cardboard and therefore when filled with ice, tend to lose their strength, and thus their portability over a period of time as the ice melts. Further, these portable coolers are also difficult to transport in that the handles do not provide sufficient strength to carry a full complement of beverages in their containers, as well as cooling means, such as ice. Accordingly, improvement is still necessary in the area of portable coolers that also serve as containers for the beverages or other items at point of purchase.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable cooler that is stronger, more durable, and less expensive than prior portable coolers of similar construction.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable cooler constructed of a cardboard material that can hold beverages and ice for a period of at least 24 hours without significant degradation.
In accordance with the above and other objects of the present invention, a two-piece portable cooler for holding and transporting a plurality of beverage containers therein is provided. The portable cooler includes a first cardboard blank having an inner surface and an outer surface. The first cardboard blank has a plurality of fold lines thereon, allowing the first cardboard blank to be folded to form an outer shell piece. The resultant outer shell piece has a bottom portion, a pair of opposing side portions, a pair of opposing end portions, a carrying portion, and a cavity portion defined by the inner surface of the first cardboard blank after folding. The cooler also includes a second cardboard blank having an inner surface and an outer surface. The second cardboard blank has a plurality of fold lines thereon allowing the second cardboard blank to be folded to form an insert piece. The resultant insert piece has a bottom portion, a pair of opposing side portions, a pair of opposing end portions, and a cavity portion defined by the inner surface of the second cardboard blank. The inner surface of the second cardboard blank is coated with a water resistant or water barrier coating. The outer shell piece is designed to receive the insert portion in the outer shell piece cavity portion, such that the plurality of beverage containers may be cooled therein with ice or other cooling means without water or vapor being transferred to the outer shell piece and thereby minimizing degradation and bulging of the portable cooler.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.
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Box USA
Doerrler William
Jones Melvin
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