Patent Application
20240341455
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/495,632, which is entitled “BACKPACK COOLER,” was filed on Apr. 12, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to a cooler, such as a cooler with multiple storage compartments.
Certain beverages are best enjoyed at lower temperatures. For example, water on a hot day or after a physical activity can be served over ice to hydrate and cool a consumer. Consumers generally prefer other beverages, such as soda or beer, to be served at lower temperatures. Consumers may have several means for cooling beverages in their homes or other indoor environments. For example, refrigerators may include ice makers, which can readily provide ice cubes to cool beverages. Consumers may also store beverage containers, such as water bottles and soda cans, in refrigerators set to lower temperatures to cool beverages. Within environments remote from refrigerators, consumers may utilize portable coolers to store beverage containers and ice.
Embodiments provide a fluid dispensing bag to be worn by a user. The fluid dispensing bag can include a back panel configured to contact a back of the user when the fluid dispensing bag is worn by the user. The back panel can include a detachable portion configured to detachably couple with an exterior of the fluid dispensing bag. The fluid dispensing bag can also include a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment separate from the first storage compartment. The second storage compartment can be located behind the back panel such that the second storage compartment is accessible when the detachable portion of the back panel is detached from the exterior of the fluid dispensing bag. The fluid dispensing bag can also include an insulation panel separating the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment. The fluid dispensing bag can also include a fluid reservoir configured to fit within the second storage compartment and a fluid conduit engaged with the fluid reservoir and configured to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir.
In some embodiments, the fluid conduit passes through an aperture in the exterior of the fluid dispensing bag such that the fluid conduit is configured to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir when the detachable portion is coupled to the exterior of the fluid dispensing bag.
In some embodiments, the fluid dispensing bag includes a pair of shoulder straps coupled to the exterior of the fluid dispensing bag.
In some embodiments, the first storage compartment includes a dry goods storage compartment. In some embodiments, the first storage compartment includes an insulated cooler compartment. In some embodiments, the insulated cooler compartment includes a lid, the lid separating the insulated cooler compartment from the dry goods storage compartment when the lid is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the lid includes an insulating material.
In some embodiments, the insulation panel includes ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.
Embodiments also provide a fluid dispensing backpack. The fluid dispensing backpack can include a first storage compartment accessible via a first resealable opening in the exterior of the fluid dispensing backpack. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include a second storage compartment separate from the first storage compartment, the second storage compartment being accessible via a second resealable opening in the exterior of the fluid dispensing backpack. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include an insulation panel separating the first storage compartment from the second storage compartment. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include a back panel configured to contact a back of the user when the fluid dispensing bag is worn by the user. The back panel can include the second resealable opening.
In some embodiments, the first storage compartment extends from a top end of the fluid dispensing backpack to a bottom end of the fluid dispensing backpack.
In some embodiments, the first storage compartment includes a dry goods storage compartment.
In some embodiments, the first storage compartment includes an insulated cooler compartment.
In some embodiments, the fluid dispensing backpack includes an insulated lid separating the insulated cooler compartment from the dry goods storage compartment when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lid includes EVA.
In some embodiments, the insulation panel includes EVA.
In some embodiments, the second storage compartment is configured to house a removable fluid reservoir.
Embodiments also provide a fluid dispensing backpack. The fluid dispensing backpack can include a main body configured to receive a fluid, the main body being remote from a back of a user when the fluid dispensing backpack is worn by the user. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include a rear extension adjacent the main body, the rear extension configured to receive a fluid reservoir. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include a dry goods storage compartment disposed in the main body. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include an insulated cooler compartment disposed in the main body. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include a lid separating the insulated cooler compartment from the dry goods storage compartment when the lid is in the closed position. The fluid dispensing backpack can also include a back panel configured to contact a back of the user when the fluid dispensing bag is worn by the user. The back panel can include a detachable portion configured to detachably couple with the rear extension.
In some embodiments, the fluid dispensing backpack includes an insulation panel disposed between the main body and the rear extension. In some embodiments, the insulation panel includes EVA.
In some embodiments, the lid includes insulation configured to limit moisture from entering the dry goods storage.
In some embodiments, the dry goods storage compartment is accessible via a resealable opening of the main body.
The disclosed embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed embodiments, wherein like designations denote like elements.
Various embodiments of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the scope of the disclosure can be intended to cover any embodiment of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of, or combined with, any other embodiment of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the embodiments set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure can be intended to cover such an apparatus or method that can be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any embodiment disclosed herein may be implemented by one or more elements of a claim.
Although particular embodiments are described herein, many variations and permutations of these embodiments fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred embodiments are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure can be not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, and/or objectives. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
It will be recognized that while certain embodiments of the disclosure are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the disclosure, and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments and/or implementations may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.
Consumers can use portable coolers for both athletic and recreational activities. But portable coolers can be bulky and difficult to transport as, generally, portable coolers are box-shaped enclosures filled with ice and beverage containers. For example, some coolers need to be lifted via handle attachments for a consumer to grip with their hands. Because of the added weight from the ice and beverages, lifting these coolers and transporting them to various environments can be challenging. Some coolers include wheels such that a handle attachment of a cooler can be pulled to roll the cooler alongside a consumer. However, it can be difficult to roll coolers over some terrains, such as rough outdoor terrains with uneven surfaces and debris. Consumers require portable coolers that are easily transportable in various environments, including indoor and outdoor environments, inclines, and rough terrains.
Portable coolers can be used by consumers for both athletic and recreational activities. For example, athletes or spectators can use portable coolers at sporting events, such as professional or amateur competitions. Consumers can also bring portable coolers to store water for recreational activities, such as camping, rock climbing, and hiking. Consuming water can be important in these activities to limit or prevent dehydration. However, portable coolers can be inconvenient to use for quickly and easily hydrating. For example, portable coolers can have a common lid that is opened for accessing every stored beverage container. Accordingly, retrieving water for one consumer can expose every beverage container to the ambient environment, causing ice that facilitates cooling of some portable coolers to melt. In addition, it can be burdensome to open the common lid to retrieve water, as the lid may be heavy. Consumers may prefer to access water while the portable cooler is closed to maintain the cooling of the remaining beverage containers and to avoid having to open the portable cooler lid while fatigued from physical activity.
Consumers can use portable coolers for beverages other than water. For example, consumers may desire soda or beer after an athletic or recreational activity once they are hydrated. Accordingly, portable coolers may store a variety of beverages. Portable coolers may include a common lid that is opened for accessing every stored beverage container, as discussed above. However, consumers may prefer to store different beverages in individually accessible compartments.
Systems and methods described herein provide a backpack cooler. The backpack cooler can be easily transportable in a variety of environments. In addition, the backpack cooler can store one or more beverage containers. At least one of the beverage containers can be accessible while the backpack is closed such that a consumer can consume the beverage without opening the backpack cooler. As described herein, the backpack cooler can be a fluid dispensing bag having one or more storage compartments separate from each other, such as a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment. The first storage compartment can be accessible via a first resealable opening in the exterior of the fluid dispensing bag. The first storage compartment can include a dry goods storage compartment and an insulated cooler compartment. The second storage compartment can be accessible via a second resealable opening in a back panel of the exterior of the fluid dispensing bag. An insulation panel can separate the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment. A fluid reservoir can fit within the second storage compartment with a fluid conduit passing through an aperture in the exterior of the fluid dispensing bag.
Systems and methods will now be described with reference to the figures.
Fluid dispensing bag 100 can be capable of being carried by a consumer, or user. With reference to
As shown with reference to
Front end 102 can be remote from a user when fluid dispensing bag 100 is worn. Back panel 146 can oppose front end 102 along rear end 110. Accordingly, back panel 146 can contact a back of the user when fluid dispensing bag 100 is worn by the user.
Fluid dispensing bag 100 can store one or more beverages, or beverage containers. As fluid dispensing bag 100 can be wearable, or otherwise capable of being carried by a user, fluid dispensing bag 100 can provide portable storage for one or more beverage containers. Fluid dispensing bag 100 can include one or more storage compartments to store beverages containers. Referring to
Storage compartments of fluid dispensing bag 100 can be separated. Accordingly, second storage compartment 144 can be separate from first storage compartment 138. Referring to
As shown, rear extension 124 can extend outwardly from main body 116. Rear extension can include a smaller volume than main body 116. With reference to
Exterior portion 112 can include a cavity 114 extending through main body 116 and rear extension 124. First storage compartment 138 in main body 116 can include at least a portion of cavity 114. Similarly, second storage compartment in rear extension 124 can include at least a portion of cavity 114.
Storage compartments of fluid dispensing bag 100 in cavity 114 can be accessed by one or more releasable openings extending through exterior portion 112. For example, first storage compartment 138 can be accessible via a resealable opening in exterior portion 112. Similarly, second storage compartment 144 can be accessible via a resealable opening in exterior portion 112. In fully closed position 10, resealable openings can be closed such that storage compartments of fluid dispensing bag 100 in cavity 114 are inaccessible through exterior portion 112. Referring to
Referring to
Back panel 146 can be detachable from rear extension 124 to provide a resealable opening extending through exterior portion 112. As shown in
First portion 148 be attached and detached via a back panel attachment 128 that can extend along the interface of first portion 148 and rear extension 124. Back panel attachment 128 can be a zipper or a hook and loop fastener, for example. Back panel 146 extending along a back panel fully closed axis 2 of rear extension 124 can position first portion 148 proximate to rear extension 124 such that back panel attachment 128 can attach first portion 148 to rear extension 124. Back panel 146 extending along back panel fully closed axis 2 can close second storage compartment opening 161. Back panel 146 extending along a back panel fully opened axis 4 of rear extension 124 can position first portion 148 remote from rear extension 124 such that back panel attachment 128 can detach first portion 148 from rear extension 124. Back panel 146 extending along back panel fully opened axis 4 can open second storage compartment opening 161.
Back panel 146 extending along back panel fully opened axis 4 can be at an angle a from back panel fully closed axis 2 as back panel 146. From any angle above about zero degrees to about angle a, fluid dispensing bag 100 can be in a second storage compartment open position 12, in which second storage compartment opening 161 is open. Second storage compartment opening 161 being open such that fluid dispensing bag 100 is in second storage compartment open position 12, can allow second storage compartment 144 to be accessible. In other words, second storage compartment 144 can be located behind back panel 146 such that second storage compartment 144 can be accessible when first portion 148 of back panel 146, or the detachable portion, is detached from exterior portion 112 of fluid dispensing bag 100. As shown in
Second storage compartment 144 can receive and store, or house, one or more beverage containers. Accordingly, second storage compartment 144 being accessible when fluid dispensing bag 100 is in second storage compartment open position 12 can render accessible beverage containers stored in second storage compartment 144. Second storage compartment 144 can receive and store a fluid reservoir 200, for example. Fluid reservoir 200 can fit within second storage compartment 144. In other words, fluid reservoir 200 can generally fill rear extension cavity 126 such that fluid reservoir 200 is fitted in second storage compartment 144 of rear extension 124. Fluid reservoir 200 can be retained in rear extension 124. Rear extension 124 can include one or more detachable straps 130, for example, which can extend across rear extension cavity 126 and second storage compartment 144 to prevent fluid reservoir 200 from being removed from rear extension 124.
Fluid reservoir 200 can be accessible in both fully closed position 10 (
Fluid dispensing bag 100 can include one or more openings through which fluid conduit 204 can pass, or extend, through to dispense fluid from fluid reservoir 200 exterior to rear extension 124. As shown in
Second end 208 of fluid conduit 204 can be retained along one or more sides of fluid dispensing bag 100. For example, as shown in
As discussed with reference to
Fluid dispensing bag 100 can be in a first storage compartment open position 14, in which first storage compartment opening 160 is open. As shown in
First storage compartment 138 can include a lid 140. First storage compartment 138 can also include an insulated cooler compartment 143. Lid 140 can close insulated cooler compartment 143. First storage compartment 138 can receive and store, or house, one or more beverage containers 300 (
Insulated cooler compartment 143 can include an insulating material. For example, insulated cooler compartment 143 can include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Lid 140 can also include an insulating material. For example, lid 140 can include EVA foam.
As shown in
A cross-section view of fluid dispensing bag 100 is shown in
Dry goods storage compartment 172 can be accessible via a resalable opening of main body 116. For example, dry goods storage compartment 172, as part of first storage compartment 138, can be accessible when first storage compartment opening 160 is open. Dry goods storage compartment 172 can be disposed above insulated cooler compartment 142 in first storage compartment 160. Accordingly, lid 140 can separate insulated cooler compartment 142 from dry goods storage compartment 172 in lid closed position 18, in which lid 140 is closed. As discussed above, lid 140 can include an insulating material. Accordingly, insulated lid 140 can separate insulated cooler compartment 142 from dry goods storage compartment 172 in lid closed position 18, in which lid 140 is closed. In this way, lid 140 can limit moisture from entering dry goods storage compartment 172 such that dry goods stored in dry goods storage compartment 172 remain dry.
As also shown in
First storage compartment 138 can be disposed between front end 102 and insulation panel 166 in main body 116. Accordingly, dry goods storage compartment 172 and insulated cooler compartment 142 of first storage compartment 138 can be disposed in main body 116 between front end 102 and insulation panel 166. Second storage compartment 144 can be disposed between insulation panel 166 and rear end 110. Accordingly, fluid reservoir 200 (
It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or embodiments of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to include any specific characteristics of the features or embodiments of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation,” “including but not limited to,” or the like; the term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “such as” should be interpreted as “such as, without limitation”; the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and should be interpreted as “example, but without limitation”; adjectives such as “known,” “normal,” “standard,” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like “preferably,” “preferred,” “desired,” or “desirable,” and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the present disclosure, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment.
Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms “about” or “approximate” and the like are synonymous and are used to indicate that the value modified by the term has an understood range associated with it, where the range may be ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%, or ±1%. The term “substantially” is used to indicate that a result (e.g., measurement value) is close to a targeted value, where close may mean, for example, the result is within 80% of the value, within 90% of the value, within 95% of the value, or within 99% of the value. Also, as used herein “defined” or “determined” may include “predefined” or “predetermined” and/or otherwise determined values, conditions, thresholds, measurements, and the like.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63495632 | Apr 2023 | US |
