COOLER FOR HOLDING BEVERAGE CONTAINERS

Abstract

An exemplary beverage cooler apparatus (10) has an interior area (14) with a plurality of shelves (24, 26, 28). An exemplary shelf (24, 106) is suitable for supporting beverage containers (78, 158). The shelf includes a pair of side walls (34, 108). A support plate (58, 138) is movably positionable between the side walls. Pivots (68, 146) are in fixed operative connection with the support plate. The pivots are releasably engageable in respective wall recesses (38, 40, 112, 114) in the side walls to selectively position the support plate in a level position or in a tilted position. Dividers (84, 156) are releasably engageable with the support plate to maintain beverage containers in aligned relation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary arrangements relate to devices that hold beverage containers at selected cool temperatures. Specifically, exemplary arrangements relate to an apparatus with configurable shelf arrangements that enable supporting cans, bottles or other beverage containers in selected orientations.

BACKGROUND

It is often desirable to maintain certain beverages at selected temperatures. Examples of types of beverages that it may be desirable to maintain at a selected temperature below ambient temperature are carbonated soft drinks, beer, juices or wine. However it should be understood that it may be desirable to maintain other types of beverages at selected cool temperatures.

The organized storage of beverage containers within a cooler apparatus may be accomplished using different types of shelves. However, a shelf configured for holding one size or type of beverage container, may not be suitable for holding other sizes and types of beverage containers. Further, for some types of beverage containers it may be desirable to hold the containers in different orientations.

Beverage holding coolers and the shelves that are used therein for supporting beverage containers may benefit from improvements.

SUMMARY

Exemplary arrangements provide a cooler configured for holding beverage containers. The exemplary apparatus includes an enclosure that bounds an interior area. The enclosure includes an opening to the interior area from outside the enclosure. A door is movably mounted to the enclosure. The door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening and prevents access from outside the enclosure to the interior area, and an open position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure. The exemplary door may include a transparent front panel that enables viewing the beverage containers housed within the interior area.

The exemplary cooler apparatus includes vertically spaced shelves. One or more of the exemplary shelves may be used for holding beverage containers or other articles. At least one exemplary shelf is movable along a shelf movement direction. The exemplary shelf is movable between a back position in which the shelf is fully housed within the interior area of the enclosure, and an outward position in which the shelf extends through the opening when the door is in the door open position.

The exemplary shelf is suitable for supporting a plurality of beverage containers that have a circular cross section. The beverage containers may be supported on the exemplary shelf in positions in which the container axis extends vertically or horizontally. In the exemplary arrangement the exemplary shelf is configurable so that beverage containers that are stored with the container axis extending horizontally are biased to move on the shelf toward the opening of the enclosure.

The exemplary shelf includes a pair of horizontally disposed vertically extending side walls. At least one horizontally extending brace extends in fixed operative connection with each of the side walls. The at least one brace holds the side walls in fixed relative positions. The exemplary shelf arrangement further includes at least one horizontally extending projection. In the exemplary arrangement the at least one projection includes a crossbar that extends in intermediate relation between the side walls and vertically above at least one of the at least one brace.

The exemplary shelf further includes a substantially planar support plate. The support plate is movably positionable between the side walls and above the at least one brace. The support plate includes an upper surface that is configured for engaging beverage containers, and a lower surface opposed of the upper surface. The support plate also includes a front edge and a back edge. In the back position of the shelf the front edge is closer to the opening than the back edge.

At least one pivot is in fixed operative connection with the support plate. In the exemplary arrangement the at least one pivot is positioned adjacent to the front edge of the support plate and extends horizontally outward from the support plate in a direction perpendicular to the side walls. In the exemplary arrangement each of the side walls includes a pair of horizontally spaced recesses, each of which is configured to engage a respective pivot.

In the exemplary arrangement the support plate is selectively positionable in a level position by engaging a respective pivot with a respective first recess in the side walls. In the level position the front edge of the support plate is substantially vertically level with the back edge of the support plate, and the back edge is vertically lower than the crossbar. The support plate is also selectively positionable in a tilted position by engaging each respective pivot with a respective second recess in the side walls. In the tilted position the front edge of the support plate is vertically lower than the back edge, and the back edge extends vertically above the crossbar. Also in the tilted position the lower surface of the support plate is engaged in abutting relation with the crossbar.

In the exemplary arrangement when the support plate is in the level position, a plurality of beverage containers may be positioned in engagement with the upper surface of the support plate with the container axis of each of the containers extending vertically. Alternatively with the support plate in the level position the containers may be supported on the support plate with the axis of each container extending horizontally. Further in the level position some containers may be supported with the respective container axis extending vertically while other containers may have the axis extending horizontally.

In the exemplary arrangement when the support plate is positioned in the tilted position, the upper surface of the support plate when engaged with a cylindrical wall of a beverage container, causes the container to be biased toward the front edge of the support plate. In an exemplary arrangement the shelf includes a front stop that extends between the side walls. In the tilted position a horizontal gap extends between the front edge and the front stop. The front stop prevents containers from disengaging from the support plate and from the shelf when the support plate is in the tilted position.

Exemplary arrangements further include dividers that can be releasably engaged with the support plate. In the exemplary arrangement the dividers extend parallel to the side walls and can be positioned in a plurality of different positions horizontally across the support plate. The exemplary dividers may be used to keep rows of beverage containers that have their container axes extending horizontally and that are engaged with the support plate, in aligned relation. As a result in the exemplary arrangement when a can or other beverage container adjacent to the front edge is removed by a user, the other beverage containers move in aligned relation such that a next container in the row moves to be in abutting relation with the front stop at the front of the shelf.

Numerous other useful aspects of exemplary arrangements are described in the following Detailed Description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary beverage cooler apparatus shown with the door in the door open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary shelf of the beverage cooler apparatus with the support plate in the level position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary shelf with the support plate in the level position and supporting a plurality of beverage containers.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary shelf with the support plate shown in an intermediate position during movement from the level position to the tilted position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary shelf with the support plate in the tilted position and a plurality of dividers engaged with the support plate.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exemplary shelf with the support plate in the tilted position and supporting a plurality of beverage containers.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an exemplary divider.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the exemplary divider.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the exemplary divider.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged top perspective view of a first end of the exemplary divider.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a second end of the exemplary divider.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary divider.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the first end of the exemplary divider.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the second end of the exemplary divider.

FIG. 15 is a top front right perspective view of an alternative exemplary shelf.

FIG. 16 is a top front right perspective exploded view of an alternative support plate and reinforcement member.

FIG. 17 is a top front right perspective exploded view of the alternative support plate and shelf.

FIG. 18 is a top front right perspective view of the alternative shelf and support plate with beverage containers in supported connection therewith separated by exemplary alternative dividers.

FIG. 19 is a top view of an alternative divider.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the alternative divider.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a first end of the alternative divider.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a second end of the alternative divider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown therein an exemplary arrangement of a beverage cooler apparatus generally indicated 10. The exemplary beverage cooler apparatus is configured for holding beverage containers therein at a set desired temperature. The exemplary cooler includes an enclosure 12. The enclosure 12 bounds an insulated interior area 14. The enclosure includes an opening 16 that enables accessing the interior area 14 from outside the enclosure.

A door 18 is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure 12 through a pair of vertically disposed hinges 20. The exemplary door includes a transparent panel 22 which enables viewing the interior area 14 through the door when the door is in a closed position. The door is movable relative to the enclosure between positions including a door closed position (not shown) and a door open position as shown in FIG. 1. In the door closed position the door overlies the opening and prevents access to the interior area 14 from outside the enclosure. In the door open position the interior area 14 is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening. Of course it should be understood that this configuration for the cooler is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

The exemplary cooler further includes components that facilitate maintaining the interior area at a set user desired temperature. In exemplary arrangements this may include a refrigerant compressor, an evaporator and a condenser that provide for heat transfer from the interior area 14 to outside the interior area through the use of a suitable refrigerant material. Exemplary arrangements further include circuitry that is configured to control the refrigeration components, including a temperature sensor and a thermostat which are operative to maintain the interior area at the desired temperature. Exemplary arrangements may include lights or other components within the interior area. It should be understood that these cooler components are exemplary and in other arrangements other or different components may be used.

The exemplary cooler includes a plurality of vertically spaced shelves 24, 26 and 28. In the exemplary arrangement each of the vertically spaced shelves are movable independently from one another on a respective pair of horizontally opposed slides 30. In the exemplary arrangement with the door 18 in the open position, each shelf is movable along a shelf movement direction represented by Arrow 32. In the arrangement shown each of the shelves is movable between a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area 14 of the enclosure, and an outward position in which the shelf extends through the opening 16. Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and in other arrangements some of the shelves may be fixed in the back position and some shelves may be movable. In other arrangements all the shelves may be fixed in a back position in the enclosure. Further in other exemplary arrangements each of the shelves may have different configurations.

In the exemplary arrangement at least one shelf that is configured for supporting beverage containers such as cans or bottles which have a circular transverse cross-section, may be included in the cooler apparatus. Such a shelf may be useful for storing beverage containers in a manner which provides for compact storage of a plurality of containers as well as enhanced user access to the containers. Exemplary shelf 24 which is configured for supporting a plurality of beverage containers is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 through 14.

Exemplary shelf 24 in an operative position includes a pair of horizontally disposed vertically extending side walls 34. In the exemplary arrangement the side walls 34 are mirror images of one another. Each of the side walls is engaged with a respective slide 30 in the manner previously discussed, which enables the shelf to be movable between the outward position and the back position. Each exemplary side wall extends parallel to the shelf movement direction 32 and perpendicular to the plane of the opening 16. Each of the side walls includes an upper side wall portion 36. The exemplary upper side wall portion is vertically lower with closer proximity to the opening 16 when the shelf is in the back position. In the exemplary arrangement each upper side wall portion 36 is angled outwardly away from the area that is horizontally bounded by the side walls 34.

In the exemplary arrangement each side wall 34 includes a first wall recess 38 and a second wall recess 40. The first and second wall recesses are horizontally disposed from one another, with the second wall recess being positioned closer to the opening 16 to the interior area. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 each exemplary first wall recess 38 extends through the upper side wall portion of the respective side wall. Each respective second wall recess 40 is positioned in a curved surface 42 that bounds the upper side of the respective side wall that is forward of the upper side wall portions 36. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

The exemplary shelf 24 further includes a pair of braces 44, 46. Each of braces 44 and 46 extends horizontally between the side walls 34 and is in fixed operative connection with each of the side walls. The braces 44, 46 serve to hold the side walls engaged in fixed relative positions parallel to one another. In the exemplary arrangement the back brace 44 which is positioned at the inward side of the shelf 24, includes a rear portion 48. The rear portion 48 includes a plurality of air flow openings 50 that extend vertically therethrough. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

The exemplary shelf 24 further includes at least one horizontally extending projection 52. The horizontally extending projection extends perpendicular to and is in fixed operative connection with each of the side walls, 34 and extends vertically above back brace 44 and the front brace 46. In the exemplary arrangement the at least one horizontally extending projection 52 is part of a crossbar 54. The crossbar 54 extends horizontally intermediate of and between the side walls and vertically above the rear portion 48 of back brace 44. A backstop 56 extends perpendicular to and horizontally intermediate of the side walls 34 and vertically higher than the crossbar 54. The exemplary backstop 56 is disposed rearward away from the crossbar 54 and further away from the opening 16 of the enclosure. The exemplary backstop also extends vertically higher than the upper side wall portions 36 at the inner end of the side walls. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and other structures and configurations may be used in other arrangements.

The exemplary shelf 24 further includes a substantially planar support plate 58. Support plate 58 includes an upper surface 60 and an opposed lower surface 62. When used herein the term substantially planar refers to a majority of the upper surface 60 of the support plate being within a single plane. The exemplary support plate 58 is sized to be movable in intermediate relation between the side walls 34. In some exemplary arrangements the support plate may be comprised of a nonporous material or may be comprised of a material that includes openings such as a screen or grate. In some exemplary arrangements the support plate may be comprised of a transparent or translucent material. Numerous different materials may be used for the support plate in different exemplary arrangements.

The exemplary support plate 58 includes a front edge 64 and a back edge 66. The front edge 64 is the edge of the support plate that is closest to the opening 16 of the enclosure when the exemplary movable shelf is in the back position and fully within the enclosure. The back edge 66 is disposed furthest from the opening when the shelf is in the back position.

The exemplary support plate 58 has in fixed operative connection therewith a pair of horizontally disposed pivots 68. In the exemplary arrangement each of the pivots is positioned adjacent to the front edge 64 and extends horizontally outward from the support plate along a horizontally extending pivot axis 70. In the exemplary arrangement each pivot is comprised of a pivot projection that extends perpendicular to the shelf movement direction. In the exemplary arrangement each pivot projection is attached to and extends outward from a horizontally extending reinforcement member 72. The reinforcement member 72 extends in underlying relation of the support plate 58 adjacent to the front edge 64 and is in fixed attached connection with the support plate such as through an adhesive or other types of fasteners.

While in the exemplary arrangement the pivots are comprised of horizontally extending projections, in other arrangements other types of structures may be utilized as pivots which enable the support plate to be releasably engaged with the side walls or other structure of the shelf, in a manner that enables the support plate to move and be positioned vertically and rotationally between the side walls. For example in other arrangements the pivots may include recesses that engage projections or other functionally similar structures that extend from the side walls to releasably engage the support plate, and that enable movement of the support plate in a manner like that later discussed. In still other exemplary arrangements other types of structures which provide for releasable operative movable engagement between the support plate and the side walls may be used.

The exemplary shelf further includes a front stop 74. The exemplary front stop 74 extends perpendicular to and horizontally between the side walls 34. The exemplary front stop is positioned forward of the second wall recesses 40 and is attached to each side wall at the forward end of the curved surface 42. The exemplary front stop 74 is disposed forward of the front brace 46 and in the exemplary arrangement extends vertically above braces 46 and 44.

The exemplary shelf enables the support plate 58 to be selectively positioned to facilitate the storage of beverage containers on the shelf. The exemplary support plate may be positioned in a level position which is shown in FIG. 2. In the level position the upper surface 60 of the support plate 58 adjacent the front edge 64 is substantially vertically level with the upper surface adjacent to the back edge 66. In the level position the front stop extends somewhat vertically above the front edge. When used herein substantially vertically level refers to a condition in which the upper surface of the support plate is tilted by less than 5°.

As shown in FIG. 2 in the exemplary arrangement when the support plate 58 is in the level position each pivot 68 is releasably engaged in a respective second wall recess 40. The front edge 64 of the support plate 58 is positioned closely adjacent to the front stop 74. The rear area of the support plate 58 adjacent to the back edge 66 extends in abutting vertically overlying relation above a forward portion 76 of back brace 44. In this exemplary arrangement the forward portion 76 of brace 44 does not include the air flow openings 50 which enable air flow within the enclosure vertically in the area at the back of the shelves. Further in the level position of the support plate 58, the back edge 66 of the support plate is vertically lower than the crossbar 54. In this exemplary configuration the crossbar 54 helps to prevent beverage containers from being positioned in overlying relation of the air flow openings 50. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

FIG. 3 shows the shelf 24 with the support plate 58 in the level position. A plurality of beverage containers 78 are in supported connection with the upper surface 60 of the support plate 58. The beverage containers are shown with each container axis 80 extending vertically. In this configuration the shelf 24 is configured to hold a plurality of beverage containers in this configuration. However it should be understood that with the support plate of the shelf in the level position shown, a plurality of beverage containers may be stored on the shelf with the axis of the containers extending horizontally as well as containers with the container axis extending vertically. It should be understood that although beverage containers in the form of cans are shown, other types of beverage containers such as bottles may be supported on the shelf as well. Of course items other than beverage containers may also be positioned on the shelf.

The exemplary shelf 24 may be selectively configured to have the support plate 58 positioned in a tilted position such as is shown in FIG. 5. To change the exemplary support plate 58 that is in the level position to the tilted position, the pivots 68 are disengaged from the second wall recesses 40 in the side walls 34 and moved to be engaged with the first wall recesses 38 as represented in FIG. 4. With the pivots engaged in the recesses 38, the support plate 58 is positioned further rearward between the side walls and is also rotatable as represented by Arrow P. With pivots 68 engaged in the recesses 38, the back edge 66 of the support plate can be pivoted downward until the lower surface of the support plate is engaged in abutting relation with the top of the crossbar 54.

As shown in FIG. 5 in the tilted position of the support plate 58 the front edge 64 is vertically lower than the back edge 66. The upper side wall portions 36 continuously extend a uniform distance above the upper surface 60 of the tilted support plate 58, and horizontally away from the support plate, between the front edge 64 and the back edge 66. In the exemplary arrangement the outwardly tapered upper side wall portions 36 are configured to engage the inwardly tapered ends of beverage containers such as beverage cans that may be positioned on the shelf with the container axis extending horizontally. Further in the tilted position of the support plate 58, the backstop 56 extends vertically above the support plate and above the side walls 34. The exemplary backstop 56 serves to prevent containers from disengaging from the support surface at the back of the shelf.

In the exemplary arrangement with the support surface in the tilted position, a horizontal gap 82 extends between the front edge 64 of the support plate and the front stop 74. The horizontal gap 82 is sized to be somewhat smaller than a diameter of the beverage container. The gap is also sized so that a beverage container with the container axis extending horizontally can be positioned such that a portion of the cylindrical outer wall of the container extends in the gap. In some arrangements the somewhat smaller diameter ends of a container may be in engaged relation with the curved surface 42 of the side wall. In the exemplary arrangement the front stop 74 extends vertically higher than the front edge 64 of the support plate in the tilted position.

This exemplary configuration enables beverage containers to be positioned with the container axes extending horizontally and aligned in rows in supported connection with the upper surface 60 of the support plate 58. Such containers 78 as shown in FIG. 6, may be operatively biased to roll toward the gap 82 at the front of the shelf. Once engaged in the gap the containers are held rotationally stationary by the front stop 74. As can be appreciated, a forward container may be removed from the front of a row by lifting the container vertically and the container that is positioned behind the first container will roll forward until a portion of the cylindrical outer wall of the container extends in and is engaged in the gap 82 between the support plate and the front stop 74 due to the support surface being in the tilted position. This tilted configuration of the support plate provides a beverage container dispensing function because the containers in each row will move forward to the front of the shelf as containers in front of them are removed.

The exemplary shelf 24 includes a plurality of horizontally spaced dividers 84. The exemplary dividers 84 are positioned to extend vertically upward from the upper surface 60 of the support plate 50. The exemplary dividers can be horizontally positioned in a plurality of positions across the support plate 58. The exemplary dividers 84 may be selectively positioned horizontally in any location across the support surface. This enables the dividers to be used to separate rows of beverage containers that are positioned on the support plate. The ability to selectively position the dividers in a plurality of locations horizontally on the support plate enables the exemplary shelf to maintain aligned rows of beverage containers of different sizes. Of course it should be understood that the approach of using dividers is exemplary and in other arrangements dividers may not be used or other guide structures may be utilized for maintaining beverage containers in aligned relation.

The exemplary dividers 84 that are used with the exemplary shelf 24 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7 through 14. Each divider includes an elongated body 86. In the exemplary arrangement the dividers are comprised of resilient material. The elongated body 86 includes a lower portion 88 and a central upright fin 90. The fin 90 extends upward from the lower portion when the divider is in the operative position.

Each divider includes a first end 92 and a second end 94 that is opposed of the first end. The exemplary first end 92 includes a hook 96. The exemplary hook 96 is configured to extend around one of the front edge or the back edge of the support plate. In the arrangement shown the hook 96 extends around the front edge. The exemplary hook 96 includes a projection 98 that is configured to extend below the lower surface of the support plate and parallel to the shelf movement direction. In the exemplary arrangement the projection 98 releasably engages the lower surface 62 of the support plate 58.

The exemplary second end of each divider 84 includes a finger 100. The exemplary finger comprises a resilient finger that is configured to extend across one of the front edge or the back edge of the support plate. In the exemplary arrangement shown the finger extends vertically across the back edge of the support plate. The exemplary finger 100 is configured to releasably engage the lower surface 62 of the support plate. The exemplary finger 100 includes a projection 102 with a pair of tapered tabs 104. The tapered tabs are configured to enable the resilient finger 100 to be pressed downward while extending across the adjacent edge. The exemplary finger 100 is sufficiently resiliently deformable such that when the tabs 104 have moved below the lower surface 62 of the support plate, the tabs are operative to hold the second end 94 in engaged relation with the support plate. Further in this exemplary arrangement with the resilient finger engaged with the support plate, the finger may be manually deformed so that the tabs 104 are moved away from the lower surface, enabling the divider to be disengaged from the support surface. In the exemplary arrangement this is accomplished by releasing the finger and moving the hook of the divider on the opposed end away from the edge with which it is engaged. Of course it should be understood that these engaging structures for the dividers are exemplary and in other arrangements other structures may be used.

As shown in FIG. 5 in the exemplary arrangement the first ends 92 of the exemplary dividers 84 have the respective hooks 96 thereof engaged with the front edge 64 of the support plate. The second ends 94 have the resilient fingers 100 engaged with the back edge 66. However it should be understood that the orientation of the exemplary dividers may be reversed. Further in other exemplary arrangements dividers may have one type of the structures described for releasably engaging the support plate, at both ends of the respective divider. Of course numerous different releasably engaging structures may be used in other arrangements.

FIG. 15 shows an alternative exemplary shelf 106. Shelf 106 is similar to shelf 24 previously described except as otherwise indicated.

Shelf 106 includes a pair of side walls 108 with respective upper side wall portions 110. Similar to side walls 34, each of the side walls 108 includes a respective first wall recess 112 and a second wall recess 110. Shelf 106 further includes a front stop 116.

Exemplary shelf 106 includes horizontally extending braces that are in fixed connection with the side walls 108. The braces include a front brace 118. Front brace 118 includes a generally planar upper surface 120. An exemplary back brace 122 extends in fixed connection with the side walls. Back brace 122 includes a forward portion 124. Forward portion 124 includes a planar upper surface 126 that in the operative position of the shelf extends parallel and at the same vertical level as planar upper portion 120 of the front brace 118.

The exemplary back brace 122 includes a rearward portion 128. The rearward portion 128 of the back brace in an operative position of the shelf is vertically higher than the forward portion 124. The rearward portion of the back brace includes a plurality of vertically extending air flow openings 130 therethrough. Air flow openings 130 enable air flow through the back brace 122. The exemplary rearward portion 128 also includes a plurality of finger engaging apertures 132. A backstop 134 extends upward from the rearward portion 128. Backstop 134 is similar to the previously discussed backstop 56.

In the exemplary arrangement a horizontally extending projection portion 136 of the rearward portion 128 of the back brace 122 that is disposed toward the front stop 116 from the apertures 132 and air flow openings 130, serves as a horizontally extending projection and a crossbar in a manner similar to crossbar 54 of the previously described arrangement.

The alternative shelf arrangement including shelf 108 includes a support plate 138. Support plate 138 is similar to support plate 58 and includes an upper surface 140 and lower surface 142. A reinforcement member 144 similar to reinforcement member 72 is in fixed operative connection with the support plate. The exemplary reinforcement member 144 is in attached connection with the lower surface 142 of the support plate through a suitable adhesive or other fasteners. Similar to reinforcement member 72, reinforcement member 144 includes outward extending pivots 146. The pivots are releasably engageable with the first wall recesses 112 and the second wall recesses 114.

The exemplary alternative reinforcement member 144 includes a plurality of horizontally spaced recesses 148. Recesses 148 extend inward into the reinforcement member parallel to the shelf movement direction and are disposed inward from the front edge 150 of the support plate. Similar to the previously described support plate 58, support plate 138 includes a back edge 152. The exemplary support plate further includes a pair of resilient pads 154 on the lower surface 142 and adjacent to the back edge 152. The resilient pads are configured to engage the planar upper surface 126 on the forward portion 124 of the back brace 122 when the support plate is in a level position, and to engage the horizontally extending projection portion 136 when the support plate is in the tilted position. The exemplary pads 154 may be used to prevent rattling between the support plate and the back brace due to vibration which may occur during beverage cooler operation. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

As can be appreciated the exemplary shelf arrangement provides for the support plate 138 to be selectively positioned in either a level position or in a tilted position. This is done in a manner similar to the previously described arrangement. Engagement of each respective pivot 146 in a respective second wall recess 114 causes the support plate 138 to be in a horizontally level position supported by engagement with the planar upper surfaces 120, 126 of the respective front brace 118 and back brace 122. Moving the support plate 138 so that the pivots 146 are respectively engaged with respective first wall recesses 112 is operative to cause the support plate 138 and the pads 154 adjacent to the back edge 152 to be operatively engaged with the horizontally extending projection portion 136. This causes the support plate to be in the tilted position. Like the previously described arrangement, in the tilted position containers having a cylindrical cross-section that are engaged with the support plate and have the container axis extending horizontally are biased to move forward such that the cylindrical outer wall of the beverage container extends into a horizontal gap that extends between the front edge 150 of the support plate and the front stop 116. As a result the forwardmost container in a line of such containers is held in the horizontal gap between the front edge of the support plate and the front stop 116 until the container is manually removed.

A plurality of dividers 156 may be releasably engaged with the support plate 138 and the shelf 106. Similar to dividers 84 previously discussed, dividers 156 may be positioned in a plurality of different horizontal positions on the support plate. The dividers 156 may be positioned in selected horizontal locations to maintain beverage holding containers such as containers 158 in aligned relation such as is shown in FIG. 18.

Dividers 156 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 19-22. The exemplary dividers 156 include a body 160 comprised of a resilient material. The resilient material is sufficiently rigid to maintain the overall shape of the divider despite the forces applied by containers thereto. The body 160 includes a lower portion 162. The lower portion 162 includes a lower face 164 that is configured to be in abutting relation with the upper surface 140 of the support plate. The body 160 further includes a fin 166. The fin 166 extends in an opposed direction from the lower face 164.

The exemplary divider includes a first end 168 and a second end 170. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 21 the first end 168 includes a hook 172. The hook is configured to be positioned at the front edge 150 of the support plate 138. The exemplary hook extends around the front edge and includes a pair of disposed projections 174 that in the operative position of the divider extend parallel to the shelf movement direction and below the lower surface 142 of the support plate. The projections 174 of the exemplary hook 172 are configured to extend in the recesses 148 of the reinforcement member 144. The projections 174 of the exemplary hook arrangement extend in the recesses 148 in nested relation to maintain the divider 156 in a fixed horizontal position relative to the support plate. In the exemplary arrangement the resilient character of the dividers facilitate the ability to engage the hook 172 and the projections 174 thereof in position extending around the front edge of the support plate with the projections in engagement with a recess of the reinforcement member.

The exemplary second end 170 includes a finger 174. In the operative position of the divider 158 the finger 174 extends vertically across the back edge 152 of the support plate 138. In the tilted position of the support plate the finger 174 of a respective divider is configured to releasably engage in a finger engaging aperture 132 that is adjacent to the horizontally extending projection portion 136 of the back brace 122. In the exemplary arrangement the fin 166 includes an extending portion 176 that extends rearward and below the finger 174 in the operative position. The extending portion 176 of the fin is configured to be releasably engaged in a slot portion 178 of a respective finger engaging aperture 132 in which the finger is received.

The exemplary second end 170 of divider 156 includes a projection 180 which includes tabs 182. In a manner similar to tabs 104 previously discussed, tabs 182 may operate to engage the lower surface of the support plate to hold the support plate and the divider in engaged relation. Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

As represented in FIG. 18 each exemplary recess 148 that extends in the reinforcement member 144 adjacent the front edge 150 is in aligned relation with a respective finger engaging aperture 132 when the pivots 146 are engaged in the respective first wall recesses 112. This helps to assure that the dividers 158 when engaged with the support plate are aligned in parallel relation. The placement of the recesses 148 and the apertures 132 further help to assure that the dividers 158 can be positioned in locations that provide proper spacing for the type and size of beverage containers that are supported on the support plate. As a result when the containers are positioned with the respective axes thereof extending horizontally and the cylindrical wall surfaces of the containers are in engaged relation with the upper surface 140 of the support plate, and with the support plate in the tilted position, the containers are enabled to readily roll freely toward the gap between the front edge 150 of the support plate and the front stop 116. The exemplary configuration of the dividers and the shelf further help to assure that the positions of the dividers can be readily changed to accommodate different sizes and types of beverage holding containers. In addition the exemplary dividers can be readily removed from engagement with the support plate and the support plate can be moved between the level position and the tilted position.

Thus the exemplary arrangements described herein achieve improved operation, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices, and attain the useful results that are described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions and illustrations herein are a way of examples, and the new and useful features are not limited to the exact features and configurations that have been shown and described.

Further it should be understood that the features and/or relationships associated with one exemplary arrangement can be combined with features and/or relationships from another exemplary arrangement to produce other arrangements. That is, various features and/or relationships from various arrangements can be combined in further arrangements. The new and useful scope of the disclosure herein is not limited only to the exemplary arrangements that have been shown and described.

Having described features, discoveries and principles of the exemplary arrangements, the manner in which they are constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new and useful features, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising: a cooler configured to hold beverage containers including:an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area, wherein the enclosure includes an opening to the interior area,a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure, wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,a shelf, wherein the shelf is adapted to support thereon a plurality of beverage containers each having a circular cross section,wherein the shelf is movably mounted in operative supported connection with the enclosure,movable along a shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,wherein the shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes a pair of horizontally disposed vertically extending side walls,at least one brace, wherein the at least one brace extends horizontally between the side walls, andis in fixed operative connection with each of the side walls,at least one horizontally extending projection, wherein the at least one projection extends perpendicular to each of the side walls,is in fixed operative connection with each of the side walls, andis positioned vertically above at least one of the at least one brace,a substantially planar support plate, wherein the support plate is movably positionable between the side walls and above the at least one brace,is configured to support the plurality of beverage containers,includes at least one pivot, wherein the at least one pivot is operative to enable the support plate to be selectively positioned in either a level position in which a front edge of the support plate which is closest to the opening when the shelf is in the back position, is substantially vertically level with a back edge of the support plate that is furthest away from the opening when the shelf is in the back position, ora tilted position in which the front edge is vertically lower than the back edge, wherein in the tilted position the support plate is engaged with the at least one horizontally extending projection and in the level position the support plate is not engaged with the at least one horizontally extending projection,whereby in the level position the beverage containers may be supported on the shelf with the axis of each respective container extending either vertically or horizontally, and in the tilted position the beverage containers may be supported on the shelf with the axis of each respective container extending horizontally such that the containers are biased to move toward the front edge.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one pivot enables the support plate to be rotatable relative to the side walls about a horizontally extending axis,wherein in the back position of the shelf and in the tilted position of the support plate, the axis is further away from the opening than when the support plate is in the level position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein in the back position of the shelf and in the tilted position of the support plate, the front edge is further away from the opening than when the support plate is in the level position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the shelf further includes a front stop,wherein the front stop extends perpendicular to each of the side walls,horizontally intermediate of the side walls, andin the back position of the shelf and in the level position of the support plate, closer to the opening than the front edge, andvertically higher than the front edge.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the shelf further includes a front stop,wherein the front stop extends perpendicular to each of the side walls,horizontally intermediate of the side walls, andin the back position of the shelf and in the tilted position of the support plate, closer to the opening than the front edge,wherein a horizontal gap smaller than a beverage container diameter extends between the front edge and the front stop,wherein the horizontal gap is configured to receive a portion of a cylindrical outer wall of a beverage container therein when a container axis of the beverage container extends horizontally.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein each side wall includes a respective upper side wall portion,wherein in the back position of the shelf, each upper side wall portion is vertically lower with closer proximity to the opening.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein each side wall includes a respective upper side wall portion,wherein in the back position of the shelf and in the tilted position of the support plate, each upper side wall portion is vertically lower with closer proximity to the opening, andcontinuously extends a uniform distance above the support plate between the front edge and the back edge.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein each side wall includes a respective upper side wall portion,wherein in the back position of the shelf and in the tilted position of the support plate, each upper side wall portion is vertically lower with closer proximity to the opening, andextends above and horizontally away from the support plate between the front edge and the back edge.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein in the level position, the support plate is above and in abutting engaged relation with the at least one brace.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one brace includes a back brace, wherein the back brace includes a forward portion and a rearward portion,wherein in the back position of the shelf the forward portion is closer to the opening than the rearward portion,wherein the rearward portion includes a plurality of air flow openings that extend vertically through the rearward portion,wherein in the level position, the support plate extends in abutting overlying relation of the forward portion and does not block any air flow openings.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one horizontally extending projection includes a crossbar, wherein the crossbar extends horizontally intermediate of the side walls, andvertically above at least one of the at least one brace.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one horizontally extending projection includes a crossbar, wherein the crossbar extends horizontally intermediate of the side walls, andvertically above at least one of the at least one brace,wherein in the tilted position of the support plate, the support plate is engaged with and the back edge extends vertically above the crossbar, and in the level position of the support plate, the back edge extends below the crossbar.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one horizontally extending projection includes a crossbar, wherein the crossbar extends horizontally intermediate of the side walls, andvertically above at least one of the at least one brace,wherein in the tilted position of the support plate, the support plate is engaged with and the back edge extends vertically above the crossbar, and in the level position of the support plate, the back edge extends below the crossbar,and wherein the shelf further includes a backstop, wherein the backstop extends horizontally intermediate of the side walls, andin the back position of the shelf and the tilted position of the support plate, vertically above and further away from the opening than the back edge.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one pivot includesa pair of horizontal pivot projections, wherein each respective horizontal pivot projection extends perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,is in fixed operative connection with the support plate adjacent to the front edge,wherein each side wall includes a respective recess, wherein a respective pivot projection is releasably engageable in a respective recess.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one pivot includesa pair of either horizontal pivot projections or pivot recesses, wherein each respective horizontal pivot projection or recess extends perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,is in fixed operative connection with the support plate adjacent to the front edge,wherein each side wall includes a respective wall projection or wall recess operative to releasably engage a respective pivot projection or pivot recess.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the at least one pivot includesa pair of horizontal pivot projections, wherein each respective horizontal pivot projection extends perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,is in fixed operative connection with the support plate adjacent to the front edge,wherein each side wall includes respective first and second wall recesses, wherein the first and second wall recesses are disposed from one another in the shelf movement direction,wherein in the back position of the shelf the first wall recesses are disposed further from the opening than the second wall recesses,wherein in the level position of the support plate each respective pivot projection is releasably engaged in one respective second wall recess, and in the tilted position of the support plate each respective pivot projection is releasably engaged in one respective first wall recess.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the shelf further includes at least one divider, wherein each divider extends parallel to the shelf movement direction, andis releasably engageable with the support plate.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the shelf further includes at least one divider, wherein each divider is selectively positionable horizontally in engagement with the support plate,wherein each divider includes the elongated body that extends above an upper surface of the support plate and parallel to the shelf movement direction,a hook, wherein the hook is positioned at a first end of the body,extends around one of the front edge or the back edge, andextends parallel to the shelf movement direction below a lower surface of the support plate.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein each shelf further includes at least one divider, wherein each divider is selectively positionable horizontally in engagement with the support surface,wherein each divider includes an elongated body that extends above an upper surface of the support plate and parallel to the shelf movement direction,a finger, wherein the fingeris positioned at a first end of the body,extends vertically across the back edge,and at least one of releasably engages a lower surface of the support plate, andreleasably engages a finger engaging aperture adjacent to the at least one horizontally extending projection.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein each shelf further includes at least one divider, wherein each divider is selectively positionable horizontally in engagement with the support surface,wherein each divider includes an elongated body that extends above an upper surface of the support plate and parallel to the shelf movement direction,a hook, wherein the hook is positioned at a first end of the body,extends around the front edge,andextends parallel to the shelf movement direction below a lower surface of the support plate,a finger, wherein the finger is positioned at a second end of the body opposed of the first end,extends vertically across the back edge, and at least one of releasably engages a lower surface of the support plate, and releasably engages a finger engaging aperture adjacent to the at least one horizontally extending projection.

21. Apparatus comprising: a cooler configured to hold beverage containers including:an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area, wherein the enclosure includes an opening to the interior area,a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure, wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,a shelf, wherein the shelf is operative to support a plurality of beverage containers each having a respective circular cross section,wherein the shelf in an operative position includes a pair of horizontally disposed vertically extending side walls,at least one brace, wherein the at least one brace extends horizontally between the side walls, andis in fixed operative connection with each of the side walls,at least one horizontally extending projection, wherein the at least one horizontally extending projection extends perpendicular to each of the side walls,is in fixed operative connection with the shelf, andextends vertically above one of the at least one brace,a substantially planar support plate, wherein the support plate is movably positionable between the side walls,extends above one of the at least one brace,is operative to support on an upper surface of the support plate the plurality of beverage containers,at least one pivot in fixed operative connection with the support plate, wherein a respective one of the at least one pivot is releasably operatively engageable with one of the respective side walls in at least two horizontally disposed locations,wherein when a respective pivot is engaged with a respective side wall in a first location the support plate is caused to be in a level position in which a front edge of the support plate which is closest to the opening, is substantially vertically level with a back edge of the support plate that is furthest away from the opening, andwherein when a respective pivot is engaged with the respective side wall in a second location horizontally disposed from the first location, the support plate is in a tilted position in which the front edge is vertically lower than the back edge and a lower surface of the support plate is operatively engaged with the at least one horizontally extending projection,whereby in the level position of the support plate the beverage containers are supportable in engagement with the upper surface of the support plate with the axis of each respective container extending either vertically or horizontally, and in the tilted position of the support plate the beverage containers are supportable in engagement on the upper surface of the support plate with the axis of each respective container extending horizontally such that the containers are biased to move toward the front edge.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21wherein the at least one pivot includes a respective pivot horizontal projection that extends outward from the support plate on each respective horizontal side adjacent to the front edge, andwherein each side wall includes a respective wall recess configured to releasably engage a respective pivot horizontal projection at the first location, and another wall recess configured to releasably engage the respective pivot horizontal projection at the second location.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21wherein the at least one horizontally extending projection includes a crossbar, wherein the crossbar extends horizontally intermediate of the side walls, andextends vertically above one of the at least one brace,wherein in the tilted position the lower surface of the support plate is in engaged relation with the crossbar, andwherein in the level position the back edge of the support plate is vertically lower than the crossbar.

24. The apparatus according to claim 21wherein the shelf further includes at least one divider,wherein the at least one divider extends parallel to the side walls,extends vertically above the upper surface of the support plate, andis releasably engageable with the support plate in a plurality of horizontally disposed locations on the upper surface.