This application is a non-provisional application and claims no priority to any patent or patent application.
The field of the embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable storage unit that keeps food items cool as well as provides entertainment and fun. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable cooler that includes gaming platforms useful for a variety of games, as well as a bottle opening, additional storage, and the like.
Typically, partygoers and tailgaters have been required to transport numerous items to varied locations for use in recreational activities. Often times, one must park their car in one location or otherwise travel to a disparate location by foot to a second particular location for a gathering. In many of these instances, a person is required to bring numerous separate and bulky items, such as tables, games, food, and the like, placing a considerable burden upon the traveling individual.
Popular party and tailgating activities often include dining, drinking, and games associated with said drinking such as the wildly popular beer pong and cornhole/bag toss. In order to play such games, typically, more than one person is required to transport a separate game table(s), coolers, and gaming supplies. This requires that an individual have a large amount of cargo space or requires the coordination of multiple people in attempt to ensure the required materials are all accounted for.
As mentioned, beer pong is a table top game that involves throwing or bouncing ping pong balls across a table in an attempt to land the balls in drink cups across the table. In cornhole, bean bags are attempted to be tossed and either landed on the gaming surface or thrown through a hole in the gaming surface. Each of the aforementioned games requires different materials, gaming setups, and gaming boards. The high difficultly in accommodating all these materials becomes apparent when you factor in the food and drinks and other party necessities that need to be provided at a particular location.
Thus, there is a need for a set up that enables quick and efficient transportation of such items, including game boards, gaming materials/components, coolers, and food, to virtually any location. Further, there should be game boards that are readily convertible for one game or another to allow a singular gaming set to be utilized in multiple fashions. Even still, all of said materials should be capable of being transported in a single unit, while still permitting food and drinks to be transported in the same fashion. The present invention and its embodiments meet and exceeds these objectives.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,406 pertains to a portable point/beer pong game for individual or team use. The point/game is portable where it can be broken down, carried or stored in a bag, or other suitable container. The invention can be used as a ‘Beer Pong’ game as is common or it can be used as a game where points are scored. The invention top can also be used as a floating game in a swimming pool.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,709 pertains to a portable cooler and table assembly that may be easily transported in a single, self-contained unit. The assembly may be converted for use as a table for a variety of recreational activities, e.g., dining, drinking, games such as ping pong, beer pong, table hockey, card games, board games, preparation for sporting events and meals. The table and cooler may be permanently attached to each other, or alternatively, the cooler may be detachable from the table. The table may fold or collapse to assist in converting the assembly from a compact, lightweight transportable unit into a fully extended and operable table and cooler. The table surface may contain surface features such as grooves, indentations, nets, game pieces, etc. The cooler may comprise any container that is capable of containing ice or some other refrigeration or heating system, e.g., a conventional 54 quart beverage cooler. Alternatively, the cooler may be replaced with a storage container or other storage device. The assembly may also contain various wheels, legs and handles to assist in mobility and conversion.
U.S. Patent Application 2014/0252718 pertains to a modular beer pong table comprising a plurality of planar members. Each planar member having the ability to connect to any other planar member indiscriminately by a unique mechanism that employs an alternating pattern of protrusions which can mate with any other similar set of alternating protrusions. The mating protrusions providing for a strong joint and easy assembly. The planar members along with cap-like members combine to form a briefcase-like assembly for easy transportability and storability. The briefcase-like assembly further being able to retain two specialized stands which can be used to elevate the modular beer pong table during use. The modular beer pong table having the ability to float on water. Additional planar members of a modular nature that facilitate multiple concurrent beer pong game sessions. One embodiment employing the unique method of connecting modules for use in a toy construction set.
Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention provides for a portable cooler having a variety of functionality. In particular, the portable cooler has storage for gaming platforms that can be used to provide entertainment during indoor and outdoor events. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein.
Generally the present invention and its embodiments provide for a portable cooler that is designed to provide storage and transportation for a variety of party related items. The present invention is generally embodied as a portable cooler plus gaming system. The portable cooler has rugged wheels which enable the cooler to traverse a number of terrain obstacles. Further, handles are provided which enable the cooler to be carried as needed.
The cooler has multiple storage areas for differing items such as cups, balls, and the like disposed thereon. Further, there may be a bottle opener. Internally, the cooler is preferably divided into at least two spaces or compartments. One space is intended for foods, beverages, and the like and the other space holds the gaming platforms. The gaming platforms are compact and can be unfolded into multiple configurations to be used in multiple game types. Further, in some embodiments, the gaming platforms can be used as a table to hold food and beverages and the like.
The gaming platforms contain the necessary legs, gaming components, and the like to enable a variety of games to be played such as beer pong and corn hole. The flexibility for these gaming platforms to have multiple uses reduces the amount of gaming devices that need be transported for a party or tailgate. By storing the gaming platforms (with the gaming components stored on parts of the gaming platforms) in the cooler, further burden is reduced in the transportation and storage of the system as a whole.
Other features included in varying embodiments may include light sources to illuminate an interior of the cooler, locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized theft of components, temporary dividers for subdividing the internal area of the cooler, telescoping handles, drains, and tie down hooks. These features may or may not be present and may be present in varying combinations with one another.
In one embodiment there is an apparatus having a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening and an interior, wherein the interior is compartmentalized to define at least two interior spaces; a lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; at least one light source configured to illuminate at least one of the at least two interior spaces; and two game platforms configured to be positioned in at least one of the at least two interior spaces, wherein in each of the two game platforms has a first section and a second section and an aperture extending through at least one of the first section or second section.
In another embodiment there is an apparatus having a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening and an interior, wherein the interior is compartmentalized to define at least two interior spaces, wherein a first interior space is capable of receiving a divider that slidably engages the first interior space, and wherein a second interior space has a dividing mechanism coupled to at least one wall of the second interior space; a bottle opener disposed on the outer surface of one of the plurality of sidewalls; a lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; a telescoping handle; at least one light source configured to illuminate at least one of the at least two interior spaces; and two game platforms configured to be positioned in at least one of the at least two interior spaces, wherein in each of the two game platforms has a first section and a second section and an aperture extending through at least one of the first section or second section, wherein a disk is capable of being retained by the aperture.
In yet another embodiment there is an apparatus having a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface and a base having an outer and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls being coupled to the base and defining an opening and an interior, wherein the interior is compartmentalized to define at least two interior spaces, wherein a first interior space is capable of receiving a divider that slidably engages the first interior space, and wherein a second interior space has a dividing mechanism coupled to at least two walls of the second interior space; a bottle opener disposed on the outer surface of one of the plurality of sidewalls; at least two storage units accessible from an outer surface of the plurality of sidewalls; a first lid member and a second lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; a telescoping handle; at least one light source configured to illuminate at least one of the at least two interior spaces; and two game platforms configured to be positioned in at least one of the at least two interior spaces, with each of the two game platforms having a first section and a second section, a hinged member coupling the first section to the second section, a first set of legs and a second set of legs, at least one storage unit coupled to an underside of the first section or second section, and a handle, wherein an aperture extends through at least one of the first section or second section, wherein a disk is capable of being retained by the aperture thereby forming a contiguous game surface.
In yet another embodiment there is an apparatus comprising a plurality of sidewalls having an outer surface and an inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening and an interior;
a liner capable of being retained in the interior; at least one lid member capable of covering or uncovering the opening; two game platforms configured coupled to the apparatus, wherein in each of the two game platforms has a first section and a second section and an aperture extending through at least one of the first section or second section, and wherein the two game platforms each have two pair of collapsible legs.
In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can store items and keep certain items hot or cold.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that has multiple storage areas.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used in a number of environments and conditions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be easily cleaned and stored when not in use.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that has multiple storage configurations.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that provides at least two game platforms to be used for entertainment and competition purposes.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is lightweight enough to be readily portable.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that employs a locking mechanism to securely store items.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that contains the necessary components for providing entertainment for a group of people.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.
Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.
Referring now to
Further, handles 108 formed from the sidewalls 101 may be present to provide a surface by which the apparatus 100 may be further manipulated. Wheels 106 provide for ease of transportation of the apparatus 100 over a variety of terrain.
In
Referring now to
The telescoping handle 126 is a handle that slidably expands or retracts as needed by the user. The handle may have between about two to about ten concentric segments that allow for proper height requirements to be attained. In some embodiments, the handle may be padded.
The cup storage 118 is designed and configured to hold a plurality of cups or other receptacles such as bowls, basins, and the like. The cup storage 118 may permit for the articles contained therein to be stacked upon one another thereby increasing the amount of items that may be stored. A locking mechanism such as a latch, clip, or the like may be used to access the cup storage and otherwise keep the cup storage 118 closed as needed.
The storage 122 enables a plurality of items to be stored therein. The storage 122 may take various forms including hollow spaces, slidable drawers, and the like. As with the cup storage 118, a comparable or different locking mechanism may be used thereon to prevent the contents from spilling. The bottle opener 116 is adhered to an outer surface of the cooler and can be used to open a variety of beverages.
The locking mechanism 124 may be the same or different as the other locking mechanisms described herein. Preferably, this locking mechanism 124 is a number code or keyed entry that requires a specific combination or apparatus to access the lock. The contents protected by this locking mechanism 124 may include the contents of the cooler, the mechanism of wheels, or control locking mechanisms that are used on multiple components (i.e. both the cooler and the cup storage.)
In
In a second interior space 142 there is a removable divider 130. This divider 130 may slidably engage a groove (not shown) within the second interior space 142. A power switch 132 is also shown to control the operative state of the LEDs as shown in
Referring now to
In
The first set of legs 158 may be shorter in length than the second set of legs 160. It is intended that matching sets from each section of the gaming platform are to be used in conjunction with one another, although in some embodiments, one may intermix the set of legs to provide a unique gaming experience. At least one of the sets of legs may be height adjustable. The disk storage 164 allows for the disk 153 to be removed from the veneer 154 and be securely stowed. The removal of the disk leaves an aperture which may be used for various entertainment games. The disk 152 may be rotatably lockable or otherwise capable of being secured in place. The disk storage 164 may provide the similar or same features that enable the disk to be secured in place on with the veneer 154.
In
Referring now to
The liner 182 has a lid member 102 having cup holders 180, as well as two dry storage lids 184 coupled to the liner 182. As shown in
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the cooler may have an alternative embodiment, where the bottle opener, cup storage, and storage compartments are not present. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements of the apparatus may be: height from wheel to top of the gaming platform is 25.50 inches; the width from handle to handle is 31.22 inches and the depth from tie down to tie down is 23.14 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel dimensions are 3 inches in diameter and the height from the ground to the wheel is 4.5 inches. However, the gaming platform may be of varying heights, lengths and widths to accommodate a variety of intended and foreseeable uses. For instance, the gaming platform, storage and table games can be larger, smaller, and miniature and or oversized for display reasons.
In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming platform may be equipped with charging stations for a variety of wireless and mobile devices. Charging stations may include USB and HDMI ports. The gaming platform may be adapted and configured to act as a “hotspot” for an Internet connection and/or be equipped to engage a Bluetooth® device such as Bluetooth® speakers that can connect to any smart phone device. In another embodiment of the invention, the speakers would be high quality and water proof. In another embodiment of the invention, a battery pack would be included. The battery pack would be used to charge a plurality of devices such as tablets, computers and smart phones.
In another embodiment, the components of the gaming platform may be manufactured with recycled plastic or be made out of bamboo/polynomial wood. Such woods are very strong, flexible and possesses green properties. In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be composed of metals, composite metals such as aluminum and water proof and resistant materials.
In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming tables may be attached or stored in a cubby or compartment which is located on the outside of the gaming platform. This exterior compartment or storage space would be attached to the back side of the gaming platform. In this alternative embodiment, the exterior compartment would be in addition to or instead of the interior storage compartment. In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming platform may accommodate other gaming options such as “ladders” or “horseshoes.”
In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming platform may be equipped with additional compartments for storing multiple accessories such as portable/foldable chair, a foldable bench, a disposable BBQ Grill, a tent, and other outdoor and gaming activities and accessories. The portable/foldable tables that the gaming platform may accommodate could be used for hunting, fishing, and emergency uses.
In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be used for indoor games and uses. In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be equipped with a plurality of advertising means such as interactive displays and sides with insets and inlays for banners, graphics and other promotional marketing materials. For example, the NFL, NHL, and the MLB (all National sports leagues and associations) may use the gaming platform to display their logo. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming platform itself would be condensable and foldable into a compact and portable unit. In another embodiment of the invention, all sides and walls of the gaming platform may be interconnected by hinges such to enable the sides or walls to collapse. In another embodiment, the gaming platform may be equipped with an electric or solar powered light sources such as a lantern, back, front and side lights and a flashlight. In yet another embodiment, the gaming platform may be composed of material that may float on water. In yet another embodiment, the gaming platform may be equipped with electric and remote controlled wheels to allow the gaming platform to be controlled remotely and tugged around easier.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.