Patent Grant
9725296
The present invention is directed to a liquid pump mechanism, particularly to a liquid pump mechanism that converts a beverage container into a beverage container having a fountain-type dispenser, and more particularly to a liquid pump mechanism that converts a sports cooler into a cooler having a fountain-type dispenser. As can be appreciated, the liquid pump mechanism can be used on or with other types of containers to dispense other types of liquids.
Sports coolers are commonly used at parties, large gatherings, parties, sporting events and the like to contain and dispense beverages at a particular. These coolers are generally about 1-50 gallon coolers. The standard cooler includes a dispensing valve near the base of the cooler. Typically the valve is opened by pressing a button or lifting a lever. As the liquid level drops in the cooler, the liquid flow out of the valve decreases. Also, since the valve is generally positioned above the bottom of the cooler, liquid remains in the cooler unless the cooler is tilted. However, the tilting of the cooler and the simultaneous opening of the dispensing valve can be very difficult due to the weight of the cooler, and weight of the remaining liquid and/or ice in the cooler. In addition, the tilting of the cooler can be dangerous and/or cause a mess if the cooler moves off the surface upon which the cooler was sitting while the cooler is being tilted. Also, the standard bottom dispenser on the cooler sticks out from the bottom side of the cooler, thus is susceptible to damage when the cooler is transported and/or stored.
In view of the current state of the art of cooler, there is a need for a dispenser that can be used on a wide variety of cooler to conveniently dispense the liquid in such a cooler without having the user tilt the cooler during the dispensement of liquid from the cooler.
The present invention is directed to a liquid pump mechanism that can be used with a cooler. The liquid pump mechanism designed to dispense beverages from a cooler. As can be appreciated, the liquid pump mechanism can be used to pump liquids other than beverages.
In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be directed to a pump system that can be easily and conveniently used by consumers to dispense beverages from small and large coolers (e.g., half gallon cooler; two liter cooler; gallon cooler; two gallon cooler; five gallon cooler; ten gallon cooler, 20 gallon cooler, 30 gallon cooler, 50 gallon cooler, 100 gallon cooler, etc.). For purposes of this invention, a cooler is defined as an insulated cooler that can hold at least a half gallon of liquid. The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is particularly useful in dispensing liquids from gallon coolers and larger coolers. The liquid pump mechanism as described in the present invention enables a user to create a fountain type dispenser from a cooler so as to enable convenient dispensing of liquid from the cooler without having to lift or tilt the cooler during the dispensement of liquid from the cooler.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid pump mechanism that includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The liquid pump mechanism generally also includes an elongated body; however, this is not required. The material and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting. Generally, the materials are durable, water resistant, and light weight. Non-limiting materials that can be used include plastic, rubber, metal, resinous material, composite material, etc. The size and shape of the top portion, the elongated body and the bottom portion are non-limiting. For example, the body of the top portion can include a circular, oval and/or polygonal cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal length of the top portion; the elongated body can include a circular and/or oval cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal length of the elongated body; and the bottom portion can include a circular, oval and/or polygonal cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion; however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the profile of the top portion is generally selected to be a low profile; however, this is not required. The low profile of the top portion, when used, enables the liquid pump mechanism to connect to the top of a cooler in a low profile mode. Generally, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is less than five inches; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is less than four inches. In another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is less than three inches. In still another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is about 0.5-4 inches. In yet another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is about 0.5-3 inches. In still yet another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is about 1-3 inches.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser activators such as, but not limited to, dispensing tabs, knobs and/or buttons. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned at least partially on one or more sides of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser activators can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism and cause liquid in a cooler to be dispensed from the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more dispenser activators can be pivotable, rotatable, depressible, contact activated, etc.; however, it can be appreciated that the activation by the one or more dispenser activators can be accomplished by other or additional means (e.g., IR sensor, RF sensor, voice activation, remote control, etc.). In one non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on or partially on the at least one side of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. The at least one dispenser activator is designed to activate the liquid pump mechanism when 1) a cup, glass etc. is pushed up against or otherwise contacts the at least one dispenser activator, and/or a user uses his/her finger to push up against or otherwise contact the at least one dispenser activator. A button, when used, can be depressible; however, this is not required. A dispensing tab, when used, can be depressible and/or pivotable; however, this is not required. A knob, when used, can be rotatable and/or depressible; however, this is not required. One or more of the dispenser activators can include a biasing arrangement (e.g., spring, flexible material, etc.) to bias the position of the at least one dispenser activator in the non-activation position; however, this is not required. When a biasing arrangement is used, the biasing arrangement can be designed to cause the dispenser activator to move or switch from an activation position to a non-activation position; however, this is not required. The activation position causes the liquid pump mechanism to energize one or more components in the liquid pump mechanism to enable the liquid pump mechanism to pump liquid at least partially through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on or partially on the top and/or side of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned only on the side of the body, only on the top of the body, only on the bottom of the body, or any combinations thereof. As can also be appreciated, the body of the top portion can include two or more dispenser activators (e.g., button, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, one dispenser activator can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism, and another dispenser activator can be used to deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser activators are non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, a light sensor and/or motion sensor can also or alternatively be used to activate and/or deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can optionally include one or more visual indicators used to inform a user 1) when the liquid pump mechanism is activated and/or deactivated, 2) battery power level, 3) pump malfunction, and/or 4) liquid level in cooler. The visual indicator, when used, can be printed material (e.g., on, off, etc.) a light (e.g., green light indicates on, red light indicates off, LED display, LCD display, etc.), and/or a tactile indicator (e.g., raised ribs, etc.). The one or more visual indicators can be located on any portion of the body of the top portion.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser heads that are used to dispense liquid from the liquid pump mechanism. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser heads is non-limiting. The one or more dispenser heads can be connected to the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser heads can be fixed in a single position relative to the body of the top portion or be movable relative to the body of the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more dispenser heads are connected to the body of the top portion such that the one or more dispenser heads are not movable relative to the body. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more dispenser heads are connected to the body of the top portion such that the one or more dispenser heads are movable relative to the body. In such an arrangement, the one or more dispenser heads can be rotatably and/or pivotally connected to the body of the top portion. The movement of the one or more dispenser heads can be used to 1) position the one or more dispenser heads in a desired position relative to the body of the top portion so as to dispense liquid from the liquid pump mechanism, 2) deactivate/activate the liquid pump mechanism, and/or 3) allow/prevent flow of liquid through the one or more dispenser heads. When the one or more dispenser heads are movable, one or more visual (e.g., light, electronic display, writing, arrow, marking, etc.), tactile (e.g., ribs, raised/depressed portion of body, etc.), and/or audible indicators can be used to inform a user about a desired or selectable position for the one or more dispenser heads; however, this is not required. A locking arrangement can be optionally used in association with the one or more movable dispenser heads to allow/prevent movement of the one or more dispenser heads relative to the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. The one or more dispenser heads can be optionally angled upwardly and/or include an internal passageway that angles upwardly; however, this is not required. The upward angle, when used, is designed to cause liquid contained in the one or more dispenser heads to flow back toward the top portion and/or elongated body when the one or more electric pumps are deactivated, thereby limiting or preventing liquid from dripping from the one or more dispenser heads after the one or more electric pumps are deactivate; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 0.5°-10° when a cooler is placed on a flat surface. In another non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 1°-5° when the cooler is placed on a flat surface. In still another non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 2°-3° when the cooler is placed on a flat surface.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more power sources. As can be appreciated, one or more power sources can be also or alternatively located in the elongated body and/or bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism, or can be located external to the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more power sources generally include one or more batteries and/or solar cells; however, it can be appreciated that other or additional power sources can be used (e.g., electric plug, hand crank generator, etc.). In one non-limiting design, one or more batteries are fully or partially positioned in the body of the top portion. In such a design, the top potion can optionally include a movable and/or removable battery cover on the body to enable a user to access the battery cavity in the body of the top portion so that the user can insert/remove one or more batteries from the battery cavity. The movable and/or removable battery cover, when used, can be positioned on the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries is non-limiting (e.g., A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, lantern battery, watch battery, calculator battery, etc.). One or more surfaces of the battery cover can optionally include one or more ribs or other type of gripping structures to facilitate in the moving of the battery cover on the body so that a user can access the battery cavity; however, this is not required. A locking arrangement, screws, etc. can optionally be used in association with the battery cover to lock/unlock or secure/unsecure the battery cover to the body of the top portion; however, this is not required.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes a bottom portion that is designed to be inserted through an opening in a lid of a cooler and be partially or fully submerged in a liquid in the cooler. The bottom portion shape, size and materials are non-limiting. Generally the bottom portion is formed of a lightweight, durable water resistant material (e.g., plastic, rubber, composite material, metal, etc.). The bottom portion is designed to be positioned at the bottom of the cooler or close to the bottom of the cooler when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the lid of the cooler and the lid of the cooler is connected to the body of the cooler; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of at least about 0.25 inches and generally no more than about 10 inches. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 0.5-6 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 1-4 inches. The longitudinal length of the bottom portion is generally equal to or less that the longitudinal length of the elongated body; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the ratio of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion to the longitudinal length of the elongated body is about 0.01-1:1. In another non-limiting design, the ratio of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion to the longitudinal length of the elongated body is about 0.05-0.5:1. In still another non-limiting design, the ratio of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion to the longitudinal length of the elongated body is about 0.05-0.4:1. The cross-section size and shape of the bottom portion is also non-limiting; however, the size and shape should be selected so that the bottom portion can be inserted into an opening in the lid of the cooler which the liquid pump mechanism is to be used with. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.1-3 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.25-2 inches. In still another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.5-1.5 inches. The maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion can be greater, equal to or less than the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body. In one non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body is about 0.5-3:1. In another non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body is about 0.75-2:1. In still another non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body, when used, is about 1-1.8:1. In yet another non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body is about 1.01-1.75:1. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting one embodiment, the bottom portion has a weight and density that is generally selected so that the bottom portion will sink in water and in most beverages that are consumed by humans; however, this is not required. As such, the average density of the bottom portion is generally greater than the average density of water at 25° C. (997.0479 kg/m3) such that the bottom portion will naturally sink in the water. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting one embodiment, the bottom portion has one or more openings designed to enable liquid in a container to be drawn to the interior of the bottom portion. The location, shape and size of the one or more openings on the bottom portion are non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion includes at least one opening at the bottom end of the bottom portion. One of the openings can be centrally located in the bottom end; however, this is not required. The one or more openings can be circular; however, it can be appreciated that the one or more openings can have cross-sectional shapes other than a circular shape. As can also be appreciated, the one or more openings can be positioned on other or additional locations on the bottom portion (e.g., one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion, etc.).
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes optionally one or more electric pumps. The one or more electric pumps are designed to 1) draw liquid into the bottom portion, 2) cause liquid to travel up through the elongated body, when used, and 3) cause liquid to flow to the top portion and out of one or more dispenser heads on the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more electric pumps can be partially or fully located in the top portion, the elongated body and/or the bottom portion. In one non-limiting design, the one or more electric pumps are partially or fully positioned in the elongated body and/or bottom portion. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the one or more electric pumps are fully positioned in the bottom portion. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single electric pump that is partially or fully positioned in the elongated body and/or bottom portion. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single electric pump that is fully positioned in the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The positioning of the electric pump fully or partially in the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism can result in the sound generated by the operation of the electric pump to be significantly muffled, especially when the bottom portion is partially or fully immersed in liquid in a container; however, this is not required. The one or more electric pumps generally include one or more blades that are rotated by the electric pump so as to cause liquid to flow through the liquid pump mechanism. As can be appreciated, the electric pumps can be used to also or alternatively power one or more pistons that cause liquid to flow through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the electric motor of one or more of the electric pumps is generally sealed from the liquid that enters the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The sealing of the electric motor of the one or more electric pumps has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric motor is not damaged by the liquid, 2) the liquid is not contaminated by the electric motor, and/or 3) the portion of the liquid pump mechanism that includes the one or more electric pumps can be partially or fully submerged in liquid. In one non-limiting design, one or more sealing rings are used to isolate the electric motor of the one or more electric pumps from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism; however, other or additional types of sealing arrangements can be used. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the top portion, the elongated body and/or the bottom portion are designed to fully or partially contain the one or more electric pumps and to fully or partially isolate the electric motor of the one or more electric pumps from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism. For example, the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include a chamber that houses a single electric pump and includes an opening for the shaft of the electric pump to extend therethrough, which opening includes a sealing ring to create a liquid seal between the electric motor of the electric pump shaft and the opening in the chamber; however, this is not required. Such a chamber, when used, can be centrally located on the bottom portion; however, this is not required.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes an elongated body connected between the top portion and the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The elongated body, when used, includes one or more channels along the longitudinal length of the elongated body so that liquid can flow from the bottom portion, through the elongated body and to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. Generally the elongated body is a single piece component; however, this is not required. The elongated body can be a separate component or be integrally formed with the top portion and/or the bottom portion. The length, shape, cross-section shape, color and/or materials of the elongated body are non-limiting. The elongated body can be partially or fully formed of a flexible material (e.g., plastic, rubber, composite material, metal, etc.); however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the elongated body is a separate component from the top portion and/or the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The elongated body can be designed to be permanently or detachably connected to the top portion and/or the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism. When the elongated body is connected to the bottom portion, the elongated body is fluidly connected to one or more openings in the bottom portion. Generally, the bottom portion includes one or more openings in the top of the bottom portion that allows liquid to flow out of the bottom portion after the liquid has been drawn into the bottom portion; however, it can be appreciated that one or more openings can be positioned on other or additional regions of the bottom portion. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion includes a single top opening and a bottom portion of the elongated body is designed to be connected to the top opening (e.g., positioned into the opening in the bottom portion, fitted about the opening in the bottom portion, etc.). In another and/or alternative one non-limiting embodiment, the elongated body has a generally cylindrical shape; however, the elongated body can have other or additional shapes. The cross-section shape and size of the elongated body can be generally uniform along the longitudinal length of the elongated body; however, it can be appreciated that the cross-section shape and/or size of the elongated body can vary along the longitudinal length of the elongated body. The length of the elongated body is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 1-50 inches. In another non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 2-40 inches. In still another non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 6-30 inches. The cross-section size of the elongated body is also non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.1-3 inches. In another non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.25-2 inches. In still another non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.5-1.25 inches. In still another and/or alternative one non-limiting embodiment, one or more portions of the elongated body can be designed to be flexible and/or be formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. When the elongated body is designed to be partially or fully flexible, such a design allows the elongated body to be more conveniently positioned in different shaped and/or sized cooler. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body is formed of a flexible tubular material. The tubular material can be clear, partially clear, or colored to prevent viewing of the interior of the elongated body.
In still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting embodiment, the elongated body can be a multi-piece component that is telescoping; however, this is not required. The telescoping elongated body can include two telescoping sections; however, it can be appreciated that the telescoping elongated body can be formed of three or more telescoping sections (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.). The telescoping elongated body can be designed to adjust the length of the elongated body based on the depth of the interior portion of the cooler to which the liquid pump mechanism is connected. Generally the telescoping sections are formed of a rigid material so that the telescoping sections can move relative to one another; however, this is not required. In another and/or alternative one non-limiting embodiment, one or more electric wires can partially or fully extend through the elongated body; however, this is not required. For example, when one or more electric pumps are located in the elongated body and/or the bottom portion, and the power supply is located in the top portion, elongated body and/or the bottom portion, one or more electric wires may be required to be positioned within the elongated body and/or along the outside of the elongated body. In one non-limiting design, when the power supply for the one or more electric pumps is separated from the one or more electric pumps that are partially or fully positioned in the elongated body and/or bottom portion the liquid pump mechanism, one or more electric wires are positioned in one or more portions of the interior of the elongated body so as to electrically connect one or more electric pumps to the power supply. When one or more electric wires are positioned in one or more portions of the interior of the elongated body, the one or more electric wires can be isolated from liquid that flows through one or more passageways in the interior of the elongated position that are used to allow liquid to flow through the elongated body; however, this is not required. The isolation of the one or more electric wires has one or more advantages, namely 1) the one or more electric wires are not damaged by the liquid, and/or 2) the liquid is not contaminated by the one or more electric wires. The isolation of the one or more wires, when used, can be achieved in several ways such as, but not limited to, 1) creating a separate passageway in the interior of the elongated body for the one or more electric wires which separate passageway is not in liquid communication with the one or more passageways for the liquid, 2) encasing the one or more electric wires in a tubing or other type of material, which tubing or material creates a separate passageway that is not in liquid communication with the one or more passageways for the liquid, and/or 3) coating the one or more electric wires with a coating (e.g., plastic coating, etc.) to isolate the current conducting wire from the liquid flowing in the elongated body. When a coating or tubing is used, such coating or tubing is generally water resistant and does not react or contaminate water or other types of beverages for human consumption; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, a tube is positioned in the at least one of the fluid passageways in the interior of the elongated body. One or more electric wires are positioned in the tube so as to isolate the one or more electric wires from any liquid that flows in the fluid passageway that includes the tube.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is designed to fit into and removably or irremovably connected to the lid of a cooler. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is rotatably connected to the lid of the cooler to enable the top portion be swivel relative to the lid; however, this is not required. The lid can optionally include structures that control the amount of rotation of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism on the lid. The lid can optionally include structures that can be used to inhibit or prevent dispensement of liquids from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism when the top portion is rotated to a certain portion on the lid.
One non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that can be used to enable convenient dispensing of liquid from coolers without having to lift and then pour or tip and then pour a liquid from the cooler.
Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that can convert a cooler into a fountain-type drink dispenser.
Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a electric pump in the base portion to pump liquid upwardly through an elongated body and to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate several non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein;
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same,
The cooler body is not limited in shape, size, material or color. Generally, the cooler body is formed of a durable material such as a plastic material; however, other or additional materials can be used. The cooler body generally is formed of multiple layers to facilitate in the insulation of a liquid in the interior of the cooler body; however, this is not required. The cooler body includes an internal cavity 202 that is designed to hold a liquid. The capacity of the internal cavity is non-limiting. Generally the internal cavity is designed to hold 1-60 gallons of liquid; however, other sizes can be used. The general shape of the internal cavity is generally cylindrical as illustrated in
The top portion 210 of the cooler body generally includes a threaded region 212 that is designed to engage a corresponding threaded region on the cooler lid 300 so that the cooler lid can be connected and disconnected from the top portion of the cooler body; however, this is not required. The threaded region can fully or partially encircle the top portion of the cooler body. As illustrated in
The top portion of the cooler body can optionally include one or more handles 214, 216. The number of handles, and the size and shape of the one or more handles are non-limiting. Generally the one or more handles are integrally formed with and non-detachable from the cooler body; however, it can be appreciated that the handles can be designed to be detachable from the body of cooler body.
The cooler body can optionally include one or more outer surface structures that can be used to facilitate in the carrying of the cool body, movement of the cooler body and/or the securing of the cooler body to a fixture. The number, shape and size of the outer surface structures are non-limiting. As illustrated in
The cooler lid 300 is designed to be removable connected to the cooler body; however, this is not required. The cooler lid is not limited in shape, size, material or color. Generally, the cooler body is formed of a durable material such as a plastic material; however, other or additional materials can be used. The cooler lid can be formed of multiple layers to facilitate in the insulation of a liquid in the interior of the cooler body; however, this is not required. The materials used to form the cooler lid can be the same or different from the materials used to form the cooler body. The bottom of the cooler lid includes one or more threads that are designed to engage with the threaded region 212 on the cooler body to facilitate in the connection and detachment of the cooler lid from the cooler body. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid can include other or additional structures to enable the cooler lid to be connected to the cooler body in other ways.
The cooler lid is generally shaped such that when connected to the top portion of the cooler body, one or more corresponding structures on the cooler body and cooler lid are aligned; however, this is not required. For example, the cooler lid includes two handle portions 310, 312. The handles are generally positioned on the outer peripheral regions of the cooler lid; however, this is not required. These handle portions can be used to facilitate in the insertion and/or removal of the cooler lid form the cooler body. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The top portion of the cooler lid can include a recessed pump cavity 330. As illustrated in
The bottom surface of the recessed pump cavity includes a pump opening 340. The pump opening passes fully through the cooler lid as illustrated in
Positioned about the pump opening is one or more rotational slots 350, 352. The one or more slots may or may not fully through the cooler lid. The one or more rotational slots can fully or partially encircle the pump opening. As illustrated in
The cooler lid can optionally include a dispenser tab cavity 360. The dispenser tab cavity, when used, can be positioned on one or more sides of the recessed pump cavity. As illustrated in
Referring now to
The liquid pump mechanism 400 includes a top portion 410, an elongated body 440 and a bottom portion 460. The materials and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting.
As illustrated in
As best illustrated in
Positioned in the interior 472 of the body 462 of the bottom portion 460 is an electric pump 480. The electric pump is designed to rotate a blade 482 which causes liquid in the cooler body to be drawn through opening 470 and into the interior 472 of bottom portion 460 as illustrated by the arrows in
A top opening 490 is positioned at or near the upper tapered end 464 of the bottom portion. As illustrated in
Generally, the lower end of the elongated body 440 is irremovably connected to the bottom portion 460; however this is not required. The elongated body is illustrated as having a generally cylindrical shape; however, the elongated body can have other or additional shapes. The cross-section shape and size of the elongated body is illustrated as being generally uniform along most of the longitudinal length of the elongated body; however, it can be appreciated that the cross-section shape and/or size of the elongated body can vary along the longitudinal length of the elongated body. The length of the elongated body is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 2-50 inches, and typically about 5-30 inches. The cross-section size of the elongated body is also non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.25-3 inches, and typically about 0.5-2 inches. One or more portions of the elongated body can be designed to be flexible and/or be formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. When the elongated body is designed to be partially or fully flexible, such a design allows the elongated body to be more conveniently positioned in different shaped and sized containers. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body is formed of a flexible tubular material. The tubular material can be clear, partially clear, or colored or coated to partially or fully prevent viewing of the interior of the elongated body. Generally the elongated body is a single, flexible piece of material; however, this is not required.
As mentioned above, the interior of the elongated body includes one or more passageways 444 to enable liquid to flow from the lower end of the elongated body to the upper end 446 of the elongated body 440. The lower end 442 is illustrated as being stretched about connection flange 492 on the bottom portion. An adhesive can also be used to secure the elongated body to the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The outer surface of the connection flange 492 can include one or more connection ribs 493 to facilitate in maintaining the connection between the elongated body and the bottom portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to form a connection between the bottom portion and the elongated portion. Generally, the connection between the bottom portion and the elongated body forms a liquid proof seal; however, this is not required.
The elongated body can include one or more inner passageways. The inner passageway 444 of the elongated body can include one or more electric wires 500, 502; however, this is not required. The electric wires can be coated with an insulating and/or protective material 504, 506; however, this is not required. When the power supply for the electric pump is partially or fully positioned in the top portion 410 and/or elongated body 440, one or more electric wires are typically positioned in one or more portions of the inner passageway of the elongated body so as to electrically connect the electric pump to the power supply. When one or more electric wires are positioned in the inner passageway of the elongated body, the one or more electric wires can be isolated from the liquid in the inner passageways; however, this is not required. The isolation of the one or more electric wires has one or more advantages, namely 1) the one or more electric wires are not damaged by the liquid, and/or 2) the liquid is not contaminated by the one or more electric wires. The isolation of the one or more wires, when used, can be achieved in several ways such as, but not limited to, 1) creating a separate passageway in the interior of the elongated body for the one or more electric wires which separate passageway is not in fluid communication with the one or more passageways for the liquid, 2) encasing the one or more electric wires in a tubing or other type of material, which tubing or material, and/or 3) coating the one or more electric wires with a coating (e.g., plastic coating, etc.). As illustrated in
Referring now to
As illustrated in
The body 412 of the top portion 410 of the liquid pump mechanism 400 has a generally oval or circular cross-sectional shape; however, it will be appreciated that the body can have many different shapes and/or sizes. The maximum cross-sectional size of the body is generally selected so that the body properly fits in the recessed pump cavity of the cooler lid and larger than in the pump opening in the recessed pump cavity. Such a design can be used to prevent the top portion from inadvertently falling inside the cooler. However, with respect to the bottom portion and the elongated body, the maximum cross sectional size is generally selected so that the bottom portion and the elongated portion can fit through the pump opening in the recessed pump cavity.
The dispenser head 414 is illustrated as being positioned on the top surface of body 412; however, it will be appreciated that the dispenser head can be positioned on other or additional regions of the body of the top portion. Likewise, dispenser tab 420 is illustrated as being positioned on the dispenser head; however, it will be appreciated that the dispenser tab 420 can be positioned on other or additional regions of the top portion 410. As can further be appreciated, the size and/or shape of the dispenser head and the dispenser tab is non-limiting. The dispenser tab, body of the top portion, and/or the dispenser head can include a safety feature (e.g., tab lock, deactivation switch, dispenser head lock and unlock position, etc.) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the electric pump by a user; however this is not required.
The dispenser head includes a fluid channel 417 that is positioned between and fluidly connected to the dispenser opening 416 and central channel 419. The shape and size of fluid channel 417, dispenser opening 416 and central channel 419 is non-limiting. Fluid channel 417 is generally angled upwardly between the point of connection to the central channel and the fluid channel. The upward angle of the fluid channel can be at a constant slope; however, this is not required. The upward angle is generally at about 1-10°, typically 2-7°, and more typically about 2-5°; however, other angles can be used. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The top portion 410 of the liquid pump mechanism is designed to be rotatably connected to the cooler lid; however, this is not required. As illustrated in
The bottom surface 435 of the top portion can also include one or more positioning tabs 441. As illustrated in
As can be appreciated, the cooler lid can be designed for use with two or more liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. In such an arrangement, the cooler lid would include a plurality of the structures discussed above to enable two or more liquid pump mechanism to be simultaneously used on the cooler as described above with regard to the single liquid pump mechanism.
The cooler of the present invention has the advantage over the standard dispensers on cooler in that 1) the dispensing arrangement of the present invention can dispense liquids in the cooler even when the liquid level in the cooler is low without having to tip the cooler, 2) the dispensing arrangement provides for more convenient dispensing of liquid from the cooler to a user, and/or 3) the dispensing arrangement can reduce damage to the dispenser during the transport and/or storage of the cooler. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid and/or liquid pump mechanism can be offered or sold separately from and standard cooler. In such a situation, the cooler lid to the standard cooler is merely substituted for the cooler lid and/or liquid pump mechanism. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid and liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be used on other coolers that can be used with a similar sized top portion or lid. As such, the liquid pump mechanism arrangement can be designed to be used with different coolers that can accommodate the lid that includes the liquid pump mechanism.
As mention above, the ability to swivel the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism has the advantage of moving at least a portion of the dispenser head into the interior region of the cooler lid so as to reduce or prevent damage to the dispenser head when the cooler is being transported or not in use. The swiveling of the top portion can also be used to activate/deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The swiveling of the top portion can also be used to stop or limit flow of flow through the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
The present invention is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/653,809 filed Oct. 17, 2012, which in turn claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/548,944 filed Oct. 19, 2011; 61/669,847 filed Jul. 10, 2012; and 61/672,957 filed Jul. 18, 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/653,809 filed Oct. 17, 2012, which in turn claims priority on U.S. application Ser. No. 12/792,287 filed Jun. 2, 2010, which in turn claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/183,719 filed Jun. 9, 2009, which are both incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2545350 | Fuld | Mar 1951 | A |
| 3224329 | Cates | Dec 1965 | A |
| 4238054 | Chen | Dec 1980 | A |
| 4274562 | Medeiros et al. | Jun 1981 | A |
| 4429813 | DeFreitas | Feb 1984 | A |
| 4440328 | DeFreitas | Apr 1984 | A |
| 4444358 | Spohn et al. | Apr 1984 | A |
| 4464983 | Chappell et al. | Aug 1984 | A |
| 4506812 | DeFreitas | Mar 1985 | A |
| 4646798 | Yoo | Mar 1987 | A |
| 5104012 | McAllister et al. | Apr 1992 | A |
| 5240151 | Worm | Aug 1993 | A |
| 5305927 | Caveza | Apr 1994 | A |
| 5855120 | Kim | Jan 1999 | A |
| 5921441 | Small et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
| 5921445 | Schmitz et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
| 6056154 | Fowler | May 2000 | A |
| 6056166 | Schmitz et al. | May 2000 | A |
| 6070755 | Evans et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
| 6390315 | Giddings et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
| 6793099 | Sleiman | Sep 2004 | B1 |
| 6824013 | Harrison et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 8177098 | Penny | May 2012 | B2 |
| 9156671 | Taylor | Oct 2015 | B2 |
| 20010030201 | Gerhardt | Oct 2001 | A1 |
| 20050155659 | Rahimzadeh et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20060255052 | Svitak | Nov 2006 | A1 |
| 20060273094 | Cohen | Dec 2006 | A1 |
| 20070145060 | Connors et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
| 20080066820 | Williams et al. | Mar 2008 | A1 |
| 20080136164 | Knappmiller | Jun 2008 | A1 |
| 20090050712 | Vitantonio | Feb 2009 | A1 |
| 20090056363 | Lee | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20100147701 | Field | Jun 2010 | A1 |
| 20100308083 | Taylor | Dec 2010 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 202008004666 | Jan 2009 | DE |
| 1384436 | Feb 1975 | GB |
| 9408865 | Apr 1994 | WO |
| 9701490 | Jan 1997 | WO |
| 0166943 | Sep 2001 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| European Search Authority, Supplemental European Search Report for related application No, EP 10784067 dated Feb. 27, 2013. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20150344286 A1 | Dec 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61548944 | Oct 2011 | US | |
| 61669847 | Jul 2012 | US | |
| 61672957 | Jul 2012 | US | |
| 61183719 | Jun 2009 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13653809 | Oct 2012 | US |
| Child | 14805965 | US | |
| Parent | 12792287 | Jun 2010 | US |
| Child | 13653809 | US |
