BACKPACK COOLER WITH GABLE STYLE CLOSURE

Abstract

A backpack cooler comprised of a flexible exterior defined by flexible opposing front and back panels, a pair of side panels, a bottom panel and a top gable style closure to provide access to the interior is disclosed. The back panel includes a pair of straps secured to the top and bottom portion thereto for permitting the cooler to be worn on a person's back. The bottom panel is provided with molded feet in order to provide stability and prevent tipping of the cooler when placed on a flat surface. The gable style closure includes magnets at the opening to close the opening, forming a fin that is foldable to be parallel with the top of the cooler to provide a low profile, and to further prevent air from being exchanged with the air inside of the cooler.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device for carrying articles. More particularly, the invention is directed to a backpack cooler which is thermally insulated and water-impervious, has a gable style closure, and is designed to be easily carried on the wearer's back.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous types, sizes, and styles of carrying devices, backpacks, vests, and other packs have been made or proposed for use in conveniently carrying and storing various articles on a wearer's back. A basic backpack consists of a sack and two straps that loop over each shoulder. Backpacks are useful because they free the hands of the wearer for other activities and reduce bulk in the front of the wearer's body. Backpacks have become increasingly popular over the years, especially for travel and recreational activities. It is often desirable for users of a backpack to carry beverages or food within the backpack, especially when the user requires free use of his hands. However, a backpack is not typically insulated for the storage and handling of beverages and food. Thus, having a cold beverage or food available would provide convenience to the user and allow extended activity.

Portable coolers of various shapes and sizes have long been available. These coolers can be formed of polyurethane foam materials, or hard synthetic resin materials which are thermally insulated. The weight of a filled cooler can be considerable, while the hard construction makes the devices unsuitable for extended transport by hand. It has also been known in the past to provide coolers of flexible design which are adapted to be hand carried. While these coolers ameliorate the unyielding nature of a standard rectangular cooler, the problem remains that the user's hands are still not free, and thus detracts from their usefulness. Thus, there is a need for a flexible cooler container that takes advantage of the efficiency of a backpack in order to make the cooler more easily transportable.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,117 discloses a backpack cooler which utilizes an insulated foam core that is covered on the outside with a cloth sheath and has a rigid reinforcing liner which defines a well to hold two stacked six packs of 12 ounce containers. Unfortunately, this backpack cooler is specifically tailored to accommodate six pack beverages and does not allow much versatility for food items and the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,216 discloses a thermal container for insertion into a backpack having separate attachment means for securing an integral flap and sealing means to further seal an opening of said insert container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,577 discloses a backpack cooler designed to be worn on the back of a person. The backpack cooler includes a flexible enclosure having backpack straps affixed to the enclosure. The enclosure includes front, rear, side and bottom panels and an openable top panel. The top panel includes a metal zipper or slide fastener, which are prone to failure.

Such prior art systems, while working well, have not met all of the needs of manufacturers to provide a product that can be easily manufactured, packaged and shipped, or the needs of consumers requiring structural integrity combined with modularity, aesthetic appearance and an ease of access to the contents. Access to the contents of the cooler should not require the use of cumbersome zippers and the like, but should still provide a closure that retains the temperature of the inside of the cooler.

Thus, what is lacking in the art is a backpack cooler that is thermally insulated, has a gable style closure, and is designed to be easily carried on the wearer's back to allow free use of the wearer's hands. The backpack cooler should include a variable height to allow for different volumes of stored material. The backpack cooler should also include a positive latching system that can be unlatched and re-latched with one hand while the backpack is still on the user's back. The backpack cooler should also include a folded gable closure that lays flat across the top of the cooler to minimize wasted space within the cooler and provides relatively airtight configuration to keep items within the backpack cool or warm as desired. One embodiment includes a removable and replaceable waterproof liner that allows for easy cleaning and filling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A backpack cooler comprised of a flexible exterior defined by flexible opposing front and back panels, a pair of side panels, a bottom panel and a top gable style closure to provide access to the interior is disclosed. The front, back, and side panels include an outer layer of fabric, an inner layer of reflective foil, and a layer of thermal insulation between the outer and inner layers. The back panel further includes a pair of straps secured to the top and bottom portion thereto for permitting the cooler to be worn on a person's back. The bottom panel is provided with molded feet in order to provide stability and prevent tipping of the cooler when placed on a flat surface. The gable style closure includes magnets at the opening to close the opening, forming a fin that is foldable to be parallel with the top of the cooler to provide a low profile and further prevent air from being exchanged with the air inside of the cooler.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a backpack cooler that includes a gable style closure.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a backpack cooler that is adjustable to various sizes to accommodate the size of the wearer.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler that allows a user easy access to articles utilizing the gable style closure which is foldable to a position that is parallel with the top of the backpack cooler.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler that utilizes magnets to form the fin of the gable style closure.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler that includes external waterproof pockets to allow for storage of other items.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a backpack cooler that is vertically expandable and contractible to carry different sized payloads.

It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a unique latching arrangement for a flexible backpack cooler.

An even further objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler that includes integrally molded rubber feet.

Still a further objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler that includes a gable style closure to contain the contents and minimize air exchange.

Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler having a bottom panel with molded feet to provide stability and prevent tipping of the cooler when placed on a flat surface.

Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler wherein the shoulder straps are fitted with quick-release type fasteners engageable with corresponding quick-release type fasteners on the backpack.

Still a further objective of the present invention is to provide a backpack cooler wherein a removable and replaceable sealable bag is sized to removeably fit within the flexible interior of the backpack cooler to allow the user to fill with ice.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack cooler illustrated with the gable closure in a folded position;

FIG. 2 is a rear left perspective view of the embodiment of the backpack cooler illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front left perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack cooler illustrated with the top portion in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the backpack cooler illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is right side view of the backpack cooler;

FIG. 6 is a bottom left perspective view of the backpack cooler illustrating the rubber feet provided for stability;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the backpack cooler illustrating the rubber feet provided for stability;

FIG. 8 is a left rear perspective view illustrating the top portion of the backpack cooler in a closed arrangement;

FIG. 9 is a left side view of the backpack cooler;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the backpack cooler; and

FIG. 11 is a top front right perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the backpack cooler including a removable liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, a backpack cooler 100 including a flexible front panel 10, a flexible back panel 20, a flexible left side panel 30, a flexible right side panel 70, and a partially flexible bottom panel 40. The front panel 10, back panel 20, left side panel 30, right side panel 70 and bottom panel 40 are secured together along their respective edges to construct a parallelepiped shape that includes a hollow interior 2. The connection between the panels is preferably stitching, but could be adhesive, welding or the like without departing from the scope of the invention. A top portion of the front panel 12, the back panel 22, the left side panel 32, and the right side panel 72 include permanent crease lines 126 arranged to cause the top portion of the front panel 12, the back panel 22, the left side panel 32, and the right side panel 72 to fold as a gable style closure to close and provide access to the hollow interior 2. The back panel 20 further includes a pair of shoulder straps 60, a first end 62 of the shoulder straps affixed to the back panel 20 just below the top portion of the back panel, and a second end of the shoulder straps 64 affixed to the back panel at a bottom portion of the back panel in a manner that allows the assembly to be worn as a backpack. The connection between the second end 64 of the shoulder straps 60 and the first end 62 of the shoulder straps may include an adjustable buckle 66, which may also include a quick-release type fastener. Additionally, the back panel 20 can be outfitted with a hand grip 28 for carrying the backpack cooler by hand. The hand grip 28 is flexible so as not to interfere with the wearer's back when used as a backpack. The term “flexible” as used herein means capable of bending easily without breaking, and does not include hard plastics, metals and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the structure that allows the top to fold in a gable style is illustrated. The front panel 10 includes a first crease 102 positioned between the front panel and the top portion of the front panel and a first fin crease 104, the first crease 102 and the first fin crease 104 extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across the front panel 10. The back panel 20 includes a second crease 106 positioned between the back panel and the top portion of the back panel, and a second fin crease 108, the second crease 106 and the second fin crease 108 extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across the back panel. The left side panel 30 includes a first vertical crease 110 positioned at the center portion of the top portion of the left side panel 30. The left side panel 30 also includes a third crease 114 positioned between the left side panel 30 and the top portion 32 of the left side panel, and a third fin crease 116, the third crease 114 and the third fin crease 116 extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across the left side panel 30. The left side panel 30 also includes a pair of converging triangle creases 112 extending from the third crease 114 to the first vertical crease 110. The right side panel 70 includes a second vertical crease 118 positioned at the center portion of the top portion 72 of the right side panel 70. The right side panel 70 includes a fourth crease 122 positioned between the right side panel 70 and the top portion 72 of the right side panel 70. The right side panel 70 includes a fourth fin crease 124, the fourth crease 122 and the fourth fin crease 124 extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across the right side panel 70. The right side panel also includes a pair of converging second triangle creases 120 extending from the fourth crease 122 to the second vertical crease 118. These creases provide bend lines for forming the gable style closure. In this manner, the top portion of the backpack cooler can be closed to substantially prevent the exchange of air between the hollow interior 2 and the outside air to keep objects inside the hollow chamber either hot or cold as desired. In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the front panel 10, back panel 20, left side panel 30 and right side panel 70 each include an outer layer 128 of flexible material, a middle layer of insulation 130 and an inner layer 132 of heat reflective material. The outer layer may be constructed from flexible polymers, fabrics or the like that may be waterproof or water resistant. The bottom panel 40 may be semi-rigid or rigid to provide stability to the backpack cooler and loads that are placed within the hollow interior. In at least one embodiment, the bottom panel 40 is constructed from polyvinyl sheet and may include rubber feet 44. The rubber feet 44 may be attached with fasteners such as rivets or screws, or more preferably, the feet may be integrally molded to the bottom panel 40, which may include over-molding of the bottom panel. In one embodiment, the fin portion 50 includes a perimeter rim 56 having magnets 58 embedded therein to hold the perimeter in a closed but easily openable position with the top portion of the side panels folded inwardly along the crease lines so that surfaces 57 are adjacent with respect to each other. The fin portion 50 preferably has a sufficient length to be folded flat against a top surface of the backpack cooler as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8-10. Fastener 52 may be used to secure the fin portion 50 in the folded position for transport of the backpack cooler 100. The fastener 52 cooperates with loops 54 to provide adjustability to the fastener 52. The front panel 10 and side panels 30, 70 also include external waterproof pockets 14 which allow for storage of additional items on the exterior of the backpack cooler 100. The external front pocket 14 is expandable and of a suitable depth to allow for various items, aside from food and beverages, to be stored therein. The pockets 14 are also waterproof to protect items stored therein. The pockets 14 are not in communication with the interior 2 of the backpack cooler 100. In at least one embodiment, the flexible interior 2 is further fitted with a sealable, removable bag liner 90. The bag liner 90 is form fitted to fit within the flexible interior 2 of the backpack cooler 100, and is removable to allow the user to fill, clean or replace the bag liner. This construction also allows the user of the bag to easily and quickly change the overall purpose and contents of the bag.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and that the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A backpack cooler comprising: a flexible front panel, a flexible back panel, a flexible left side panel, a flexible right side panel and a partially flexible bottom panel, said front panel, said back panel, said left side panel, said right side panel and said bottom panel secured together along their respective edges to construct a parallelepiped shape that includes a hollow interior, a top portion of said front panel, said back panel, said left side panel, and said right side panel including permanent crease lines arranged to cause said top portion of said front panel, said back panel, said left side panel, and said right side panel to fold as a gable style closure to close and provide access to said hollow interior, said back panel further including a pair of shoulder straps, a first end of said shoulder straps affixed to said back panel just below said top portion of said back panel, a second end of said shoulder straps affixed to said back panel at a bottom portion thereof in a manner that allows the assembly to worn as said backpack cooler.

2. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said front panel includes a first crease positioned between said front panel and said top portion of said front panel and a first fin crease, said first crease and said first fin crease extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across said front panel; said back panel including a second crease positioned between said back panel and said top portion of said back panel, said back panel also including a second fin crease, said second crease and said second fin crease extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across said back panel;said left side panel including a first vertical crease positioned at the center portion of said upper portion of said left side panel, said left side panel including a third crease positioned between said left side panel and said upper portion of said left side panel, said left side panel including a third fin crease, said third crease and said third fin crease extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across said left side panel, said left side panel also including a pair of converging triangle creases extending from said third crease to said first vertical crease;said right side panel including a second vertical crease positioned at the center portion of said upper portion of said right side panel, said right side panel including a fourth crease positioned between said right side panel and said upper portion of said right side panel, said right side panel including a fourth fin crease, said fourth crease and said fourth fin crease extending substantially parallel with respect to each other and horizontally across said right side panel, said right side panel also including a pair of converging second triangle creases extending from said fourth crease to said second vertical crease;said creases providing bend lines for forming said gable style closure.

3. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said front panel, said back panel, said left side panel and said right side panel each include an outer layer of flexible material, a middle layer of insulation and an inner layer of heat reflective material.

4. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said outer layer of flexible material is fabric.

5. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said fabric is waterproof.

6. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said bottom panel is constructed to be rigid.

7. The backpack cooler of claim 6 wherein said bottom panel is formed from a formed polyvinyl sheet.

8. The backpack cooler of claim 6 wherein said bottom panel includes rubber feet.

9. The backpack cooler of claim 8 wherein said rubber feet are integrally molded to said bottom panel.

10. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein a first fin portion of said front panel, above said first fin crease includes a magnet, a second fin portion of said back panel including a magnetic material, whereby said first fin portion and said second fin portion are attracted to each other to close said backpack cooler.

11. The backpack cooler of claim 10 wherein said first fin portion and said second fin portion have sufficient length to be folded flat against a top surface of said backpack cooler.

12. The backpack cooler of claim 11 including a fastener to retain said fin in said folded flat position.

13. The backpack cooler of claim 1 wherein said back panel includes a hand grip for carrying said backpack cooler by hand.

14. The backpack cooler of claim 1 including a removable and replaceable bag liner for covering the inside surface of said hollow interior of said backpack cooler.