Patent Application
20250146729
The present invention relates generally to the field of coolers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a floating cooler device that is buoyant and is also comprised of a waterproof compartment that can be used to store valuables and charge electronic devices. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
Existing water coolers known in the art are not designed to function efficiently while immersed or floating in a body of water. This limitation is a significant drawback for individuals who would like to enjoy beverages kept cold within easy reach during water-based activities. Moreover, there is a growing desire among people to use electronic devices near or in aquatic environments, such as swimming pools or the ocean. However, the prevailing concern of potential water damage to these devices often prevents this usage, as the majority of electronic gadgets are not waterproof and are susceptible to malfunction when exposed to water.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved cooler. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a floating cooler device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a floating cooler device that is designed to float and be used in a body of water. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a floating cooler device that is designed to float and be used in a body of water wherein the device is also designed to safely store electronic devices.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a floating cooler device. The device is comprised of a cooler with a buoyant body. The device is also comprised of a waterproof storage area to safely store electronic devices and other valuables. In addition, the device may be comprised of a solar panel that powers at least one charging port within the waterproof storage area that can be used to charge electronic devices.
In this manner, the floating cooler device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides an improved cooler. More specifically, the device provides a cooler that is designed to float and be used in a body of water. In addition, the device is also designed to safely store electronic devices.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a floating cooler device. The device is primarily comprised of a cooler with a buoyant body. In one embodiment, the body is made from an insulated plastic material.
The body is comprised of at least one wheel that allows the body to be rolled. The device can be wheeled by pulling at least one primary handle, wherein the body is tilted backward such that a front end of the body is off the ground. When not being used to pull the body, the handle may be rotated at least 90 degrees around at least one point in order to lock the handle in a position such that it can be used as a leg to support the body.
The interior space is preferably sealed by at least one waterproof lid that attaches to the body via at least one hinge. The lid may be locked to the body, to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid, via at least one locking mechanism.
The body may also be comprised of at least one waterproof storage area comprised of at least one waterproof lid. The interior space of the area can be used to store electronics and other items that a user does not desire to get wet. The lid may be locked to the body, to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid, via at least one locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the interior space may be comprised of at least one charging port that can be used to power/charge electronics.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a buoyant, insulated body comprised of at least one wheel, at least one handle, at least one interior space with at least one lid, at least one waterproof storage area with at least one charging port, and at least one solar panel. Then, the interior space can be filled with ice and food/beverages and the lid can be closed to secure the ice and food/beverages within the interior space. Next, at least one electronic device (or other valuable) can be placed into the storage area, wherein the electronic device can be connected to a charging port to charge the device and the lid of the area can be closed. Then, the handle can be rotated about a pivot point to allow the body to be rolled/pulled into a body of water, wherein the body floats.
Accordingly, the floating cooler device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved cooler. More specifically, the device provides a cooler that is designed to float and be used in a body of water. In addition, the device is also designed to safely store electronic devices. In this manner, the floating cooler device overcomes the limitations of existing coolers known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved cooler. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a floating cooler device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a floating cooler device that is designed to float and be used in a body of water. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a floating cooler device that is designed to float and be used in a body of water wherein the device is also designed to safely store electronic devices.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a floating cooler device primarily comprised of a cooler with a buoyant body. In one embodiment, the body is made from an insulated plastic material. The body is also comprised of at least one wheel that allows the body to be rolled. The device can be wheeled by pulling at least one primary handle, wherein the body is tilted backward such that a front end of the body is off the ground. When not being used to pull the body, the handle may be rotated at least 90 degrees around at least one point in order to lock the handle in a position such that it can be used as a leg to support the body.
The interior space is preferably sealed by at least one waterproof lid that attaches to the body via at least one hinge. The lid may be locked to the body, to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid, via at least one locking mechanism. The body may also be comprised of at least one waterproof storage area comprised of at least one waterproof lid. The interior space of the area can be used to store electronics and other items that a user does not desire to get wet. The lid may be locked to the body, to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid, via at least one locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the interior space may be comprised of at least one charging port that can be used to power/charge electronics.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a buoyant, insulated body comprised of at least one wheel, at least one handle, at least one interior space with at least one lid, at least one waterproof storage area with at least one charging port, and at least one solar panel. Then, the interior space can be filled with ice and food/beverages and the lid can be closed to secure the ice and food/beverages within the interior space. Next, at least one electronic device (or other valuable) can be placed into the storage area, wherein the electronic device can be connected to a charging port to charge the device and the lid of the area can be closed. Then, the handle can be rotated about a pivot point to allow the body to be rolled/pulled into a body of water, wherein the body floats.
Accordingly, the floating cooler device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved cooler. More specifically, the device provides a cooler that is designed to float and be used in a body of water. In addition, the device is also designed to safely store electronic devices. In this manner, the floating cooler device overcomes the limitations of existing coolers known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The body 110 may be any shape but is preferably generally rectangular. The body 110 is made from a buoyant material such that it can be used and float in water. In one embodiment, the body 110 is made from an insulated plastic material.
The body 110 is comprised of at least one wheel 111 that allows the body 110 to be rolled. The wheel 111 may be any wheel type known in the art such as an inflatable wheel, a plastic wheel, a sand wheel, etc. The device 100 can be wheeled by pulling at least one primary handle 112, wherein the body 110 is tilted backward such that a front end of the body 110 is off the ground. When not being used to pull the body 110, the handle 112 may be rotated at least 90 degrees around at least one point 113 in order to lock the handle 112 in a position such that it can be used as a leg to support the body 110, as seen in
The body 110 may also be comprised of at least one cupholder 115. The cupholder 115 may be any size, shape, and configuration in order to hold beverages or other items. The interior space 116 of the body 110 can further receive ice and beverages/food. To allow melted ice to drain from the interior space 116, the interior space 116 may be comprised of at least one drainage valve 117.
The interior space 116 is preferably sealed by at least one waterproof lid 120 that can be opened via at least one handle 121 of any type known in the art. The lid 120 attaches to the body 110 via at least one hinge 122, of any type known in the art. The lid 120 may be locked to the body 110, to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid 120, via at least one locking mechanism 124 such as, but not limited to, a latch, a clip, a key lock, a combination lock, etc.
The body 110 may also be comprised of at least one waterproof storage area 140. The storage area 140 is comprised of at least one waterproof lid 142 that may be opened via at least one handle 143 of any type known in the art. The interior space 144 of the area 140 (as seen in
In one embodiment, the interior space 144 may be comprised of at least one charging port 146 that can be used to power/charge electronics. Said charging port 146 may include, but is not limited to, a USB port, a lightning port, etc. In one embodiment, the charging port 146 is powered by at least one waterproof solar panel positioned anywhere on the body 110 and/or lid 120 of the device 100.
In one embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of at least one light 150 powered by the solar panel 130. The light 150 illuminates the area around the device 100 during use. The light 150 may illuminate any color and may have a plurality of illumination patterns (ex. flashing, continuous, etc.,) and brightness levels, all of which can be selected via at least one button 152.
In one embodiment, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one attachment point 160 that allows a rope or other similar fastener to attach to the device 100. This allows the device 100 to be towed/pulled and also prevents the device 100 from floating away when in a body of water. Said attachment point 160 may include, but is not limited to, a tow hitch, a ring, a clip, etc.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “floating cooler device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the floating cooler device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the floating cooler device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the floating cooler device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the floating cooler device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the floating cooler device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the floating cooler device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/595,973, which was filed on Nov. 3, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63595973 | Nov 2023 | US |
