NESTABLE COOLERS

Abstract

Various examples are provided for a nestable cooler and a nestable cooler system. In one embodiment, the nestable cooler includes a hard-shelled body. A lid is coupled to the hard-shelled body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The hard-shelled body includes a first and a second longitudinal sides formed with a shelf on an interior surface of each of the first and second longitudinal sides, each shelf protruding inwardly into a cavity. The nestable cooler system can include the nestable cooler and a second nestable cooler. A base of the second nestable cooler can rest on the shelf when the second nestable cooler is disposed within the cavity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to portable coolers, and more particularly to nestable portable coolers.

BACKGROUND

For years, coolers have been used to store items that need to remain cool. Some coolers have a lid, and a body with a bottom and walls forming a cavity in which the items can be placed. Two or more coolers of this variety can be stored as a stack so that the bottom of a second one of the coolers stacks on a closed lid of a first one of the coolers, and so forth. In many cases, transporting the stack of coolers requires the utmost care since accidentally jostling the coolers may cause them to tip or fall, and the items to spill out while being moved. Some coolers include a handle assembly that allows a cooler to be more easily transported by hand. A conventional handle assembly is not a solution to the problem of transporting a stack of coolers, as in many cases the handle assembly being positioned for transport by hand renders the handle assembly unsuitable for stacking. Better solutions for storage and transport of coolers are needed.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various examples of a nestable cooler and a nestable cooler system. In one embodiment, among others, the nestable cooler includes a hard-shelled body. The hard-shelled body can include a base having a first longitudinal edge that is opposite a second longitudinal edge, and a first latitudinal edge opposite a second latitudinal edge. The hard-shelled body can include a first longitudinal side extending vertically from the first longitudinal edge of the base, and a second longitudinal side extending vertically from the second longitudinal edge. In some examples, the hard-shelled body includes a first latitudinal side extending vertically from the first latitudinal edge of the base, and a second latitudinal side extending vertically from the second latitudinal edge.

The nestable cooler can include a lid coupled to the hard-shelled body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The base, the first and second longitudinal sides, and the first and second latitudinal sides can be coupled together to form a cavity therein and an opening is formed at distal ends of each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides. Each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides can extend vertically away from the base at an obtuse angle, the opening being larger than the base. In some examples, when the lid is in the open position, the lid provides access to the opening and the cavity.

In further examples, the first and second longitudinal sides can be formed with a shelf on an interior surface of each of the first and second longitudinal sides, each shelf protruding inwardly into the cavity. The first and second latitudinal sides can be formed with a shelf on an interior surface of each of the first and second latitudinal sides, each shelf protruding inwardly into the cavity.

In some examples, the lid can comprise a ring and a cover coupled to and disposed over the ring, the cover being movable between the open position and the closed position. The cover can include a hatch that can be rotatably pivoted between a second open position and a second closed position. The cover can be fabricated using a soft material.

In some embodiments, the cover comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a transitional portion, the lower portion being coupled to and positioned around the ring, the upper portion being moveable from the open position to the closed position, the transitional portion coupling the lower portion to the upper portion, the cover further comprising a zipper coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion from one end of the transitional portion around the cover to an opposing end of the transitional portion, the zipper able to zip and unzip the upper portion from the lower portion along at least three ends of the cover that are coupled to the ring. The lower portion of the cover can be coupled to the ring comprises directly stitching a thread between the lower portion of the cover and the ring. The cover can extend beyond the base when in a fully open position, the fully open position being when the upper portion of the cover is pivoted up and around the transitional portion of the cover that is permanently affixed to the lower portion of the cover that is coupled to the ring when the lid is coupled to the hard-shelled body. The ring can be coupled to upper ends of the hard-shelled body using at least one of heat staking, snap fit and welding. In some examples, the ring can be coupled to upper ends of the hard-shelled body by being fastened (e.g., by being screwed).

In some aspects, the hard-shelled body comprises an inner liner and an outer shell, the inner liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell forming a gap therebetween. The gap can be filled with at least one of: an insulating material, or air. In some other aspects, the hard-shelled body can comprise an inner liner and an outer shell, the inner liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell forming a gap therebetween.

In another embodiment, a nestable cooler system includes a first nestable cooler. The first nestable cooler can include a hard-shelled body comprising a base having a first longitudinal edge that is opposite a second longitudinal edge and a first latitudinal edge opposite a second latitudinal edge. The hard-shelled body can include a first longitudinal side extending vertically from the first longitudinal edge of the base and a second longitudinal side extending vertically from the second longitudinal edge; and a first latitudinal side extending vertically from the first latitudinal edge of the base and a second latitudinal side extending vertically from the second latitudinal edge.

In some examples, the first nestable cooler includes a lid coupled to the hard-shelled body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The base, the first and second longitudinal sides, and the first and second latitudinal sides can be coupled together to form a cavity therein and an opening is formed at distal ends of each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides. Each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides can extend vertically away from the base at an obtuse angle, the opening being larger than the base. In some examples, when the lid is in the open position, the lid can provide access to the opening and the cavity. A shelf can be formed on at least one of an interior surface of each of the first and second longitudinal sides and an interior surface of each of the first and second latitudinal sides, the shelf protruding inwardly into the cavity.

In some examples, the nestable cooler system includes a second nestable cooler having a base and formed the same as the first nestable cooler. The second nestable cooler is insertable into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler when the lid of the first nestable cooler is in the open position. The base of the second nestable cooler can rest on the shelf. A space can be formed between an outer surface of the hard-shelled body of the second nestable cooler and an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is disposed within the cavity of the first nestable cooler. In some aspects, the shelf can be formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 20% to 60% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.

In some other aspects, the shelf can be formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 30% to 55% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.

In some other aspects, the shelf can be formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 45% to 55% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.

In some other aspects, the shelf can be formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 47% to 53% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention generally relates to portable coolers, and more particularly to nestable portable coolers.

The foregoing and other features and aspects of the invention are best understood with reference to the following description of certain exemplary embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1C show various views of a nestable cooler having a lid in a closed position in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the nestable cooler of FIG. 1 where the lid is in an intermediate open position in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C show various view of the nestable cooler of FIG. 1 where the lid is in an open position in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the nestable cooler of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5D show various views of a plurality of nestable coolers of FIG. 1A having the lid in the open position where at least one of the plurality of nestable coolers is nested within another nestable cooler in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional detailed view of a portion of FIG. 5D illustrating how at least one of the plurality of nestable coolers is nested within another nestable cooler in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the nestable cooler of FIG. 1A having a first handle and a second handle positioned in a carrying position where the first handle is coupled to the second handle in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a nestable cooler having a lid in a closed position and a first handle and a second handle in a carrying position in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 8B shows a side cross-sectional view of the nestable cooler of FIG. 8A without the first handle and the second handle in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of a nestable cooler having a lid in a closed position, a quick access hatch in a closed position, and a first handle and a second handle in a carrying position in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 9B shows a side cross-sectional view of the nestable cooler of FIG. 9A having a quick access hatch in an open position and without the first handle and the second handle in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments discussed herein are directed to portable coolers, and more particularly to nestable portable coolers. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lid may be coupled to the top of the body in any number of ways, such as by use of a hinge and/or a latch or it may be friction-fitted in certain embodiments, in lieu of being coupled by a zipper. Further, the nestable cooler may be of a different size or shape than described herein and its body may be coupled to the lid in a different manner than described herein. Further, the body of the nestable cooler may be in one or more of a number of different cooler sizes with various lengths, widths, heights, geometrical and non-geometrical shapes and/or capacities so long as one nestable cooler is capable of being nested within another nestable cooler. Further, in certain exemplary embodiments, the nestable portable cooler may be fabricated using different colors, accents, and/or different personalizations, such as by laser etching or silk screening across one or more of its surfaces. Further, in certain exemplary embodiments, the nestable portable cooler may be fabricated in various different materials, such as rubber, plastics, stainless steel, other polymers, and other metals in one or more fabricated parts of the nestable portable cooler. Further, the nestable portable cooler may include other known features including but not limited to wheels or rollers, lights, various handle types, and speakers.

Exemplary embodiments of the nestable portable cooler will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the nestable portable cooler is shown. The nestable portable cooler may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the nestable portable cooler to those people having ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

FIGS. 1A-1C show various views of a nestable cooler 100 having a lid 150 in a closed position 151 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the nestable cooler 100 of FIG. 1 where the lid 150 is in an intermediate open position 251 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 3A-3C show various view of the nestable cooler 100 of FIG. 1 where the lid 150 is in an open position 351 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the nestable cooler 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1A-4, the nestable cooler 100 can include a body 110, a lid 150, a first handle 170, and a second handle 180 according to certain exemplary embodiments.

The body 110 can include an outer shell 120 and an inner liner 230. The outer shell 120 can include a base 121 having a first longitudinal edge 122, an opposing second longitudinal edge 123, a first latitudinal edge 124 and an opposing second latitudinal edge 125, a first longitudinal side 126, an opposing second longitudinal side 127, a first latitudinal side 128, and an opposing second latitudinal side 129. The first longitudinal side 126 can be coupled to the first longitudinal edge 122 of the base 121 in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 121. In other words, the angle formed between the base 121 and the first longitudinal side 126 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. Similarly, the second longitudinal side 127 can be coupled to the second longitudinal edge 123 of the base 121 in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 121. In other words, the angle formed between the base 121 and the second longitudinal side 127 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. The first latitudinal side 128 can be coupled to the first latitudinal edge 124 of the base 121 in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 121. In other words, the angle formed between the base 121 and the first latitudinal side 128 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. The vertical edges of the first latitudinal side 128 can be coupled to the first longitudinal side 126 and the second longitudinal side 128, respectively. Similarly, the second latitudinal side 129 can be coupled to the second latitudinal edge 125 of the base 121 in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 121. In other words, the angle formed between the base 121 and the second latitudinal side 129 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. The vertical edges of the second latitudinal side 129 can be coupled to the first longitudinal side 126 and the second longitudinal side 128, respectively. Hence, the outer shell 120 can define a cavity 521 (FIG. 5D) therein and form an opening (not shown) at the distal ends of the first longitudinal side 126, the second longitudinal side 127, the first latitudinal side 128, and the opposing second latitudinal side 129. The opening (not shown) can have a planar surface area that is larger than the planar surface area of the base 121 since each of the first longitudinal side 126, the second longitudinal side 127, the first latitudinal side 128, and the second latitudinal side 129 can extend upwardly and outwardly away from the edges of the base 121 that forms an obtuse angle therebetween each of the edges of the base 121. According to the exemplary embodiment, each of the first longitudinal side 126 and the second longitudinal side 127 can include a pair of handle openings 421 adjacent the distal ends where one of the pair of handle openings 421 is closer to the first latitudinal side 128 and the other of the pair of handle openings 421 is closer to the opposing second latitudinal side 129. These handle openings 421 can be used for coupling the handles 170, 180 to the outer shell 120. The outer shell 120 may be formed in multiple components or as a single molded component according to the different exemplary embodiments.

The inner liner 230 can be disposed within the cavity 521 (FIG. 5D) of the outer shell 120 and include a base 231 (FIG. 7) having a first longitudinal edge 232 (FIG. 7), an opposing second longitudinal edge 233 (FIG. 7), a first latitudinal edge 234 (FIG. 7) and an opposing second latitudinal edge 235 (FIG. 7), a first longitudinal side 236, an opposing second longitudinal side 237, a first latitudinal side 238, and an opposing second latitudinal side 239. The first longitudinal side 236 can be coupled to the first longitudinal edge 232 (FIG. 7) of the base 231 (FIG. 7) in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 231 (FIG. 7). In other words, the angle formed between the base 231 (FIG. 7) and the first longitudinal side 236 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. Similarly, the second longitudinal side 237 can be coupled to the second longitudinal edge 233 (FIG. 7) of the base 231 (FIG. 7) in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 231 (FIG. 7). In other words, the angle formed between the base 231 (FIG. 7) and the second longitudinal side 237 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. The first latitudinal side 238 can be coupled to the first latitudinal edge 234 (FIG. 7) of the base 231 (FIG. 7) in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 231 (FIG. 7). In other words, the angle formed between the base 231 (FIG. 7) and the first latitudinal side 238 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. The vertical edges of the first latitudinal side 238 are coupled to the first longitudinal side 236 and the second longitudinal side 238, respectively. Similarly, the second latitudinal side 239 can be coupled to the second latitudinal edge 235 (FIG. 7) of the base 231 (FIG. 7) in a manner that is upwardly and outwardly from the base 231 (FIG. 7). In other words, the angle formed between the base 231 (FIG. 7) and the second latitudinal side 239 can be an obtuse angle, or greater than ninety degrees. The vertical edges of the second latitudinal side 239 can be coupled to the first longitudinal side 236 and the second longitudinal side 238, respectively. Hence, the inner liner 230 can define a cavity 240 therein and form an opening 241 at the distal ends of the first longitudinal side 236, the second longitudinal side 237, the first latitudinal side 238, and the opposing second latitudinal side 239. The opening 241 can have a planar surface area that is larger than the planar surface area of the base 231 (FIG. 7) since each of the first longitudinal side 236, the second longitudinal side 237, the first latitudinal side 238, and the second latitudinal side 239 extend upwardly and outwardly away from the edges of the base 231 (FIG. 7) that forms an obtuse angle therebetween each of the edges of the base 231 (FIG. 7). Further, each of the first longitudinal side 236 and the second longitudinal side 237 can include a shelf 542 (FIG. 5D) formed therein and extending inwardly into the inner liner's cavity 240 towards the opposite longitudinal side 237, 236. Each shelf 542 (FIG. 5D) can be formed at the same elevation, which can vary depending upon the nesting percentage that is desired, which shall be described with respect to FIGS. 5A-6. Also, each shelf 542 (FIG. 5D) may extend the entire length of the first and second longitudinal sides 236, 237, or in other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the shelves 542 (FIG. 5D) extend a portion of the length of the longitudinal sides 236, 237 so long as the length is able to provide support for a nestable cooler 100 that may be inserted into the cavity 521 (FIG. 5D) of the liner 230. Although the first longitudinal side 236 and the second longitudinal side 237 can include the shelf 542 (FIG. 5D) according to the exemplary embodiment; alternatively, the first latitudinal side 238 and the second latitudinal side 239 can include the shelf 542 (FIG. 5D) or all longitudinal sides 236, 237, 238, 239 of the inner liner 230 can include the shelf 542 (FIG. 5D) in other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiments. The distal ends of the first longitudinal side 236, the opposing second longitudinal side 237, the first latitudinal side 238, and the opposing second latitudinal side 239 can form a lip 243, such that when the liner 230 is inserted into the outer shell 120, the lip 243 rests upon the distal ends of the first longitudinal side 126, the opposing second longitudinal side 127, the first latitudinal side 128, and the opposing second latitudinal side 129 of the outer shell 120. Further, once the inner liner 230 is inserted into the outer shell 120, the base 231 (FIG. 5D) of the inner liner 230 can be adjacent to the outer shell's base 121 and a gap 244 can be formed between the outer surface of the inner liner 230 and the inner surface of the outer shell 120. The gap 244 may be filled with material such as foam or some other insulation material, or it may be empty and filled with air. The inner liner 230 may be formed in multiple components or as a single molded component according to the different exemplary embodiments.

The lid 150 can include a ring 450, a cover 152, and a zipper 165. According to some exemplary embodiments, the lid 150 includes an internal compartment 460. The ring 450 can be fabricated from plastic, but may be fabricated using other suitable materials, such as rubber, some other polymer, metal, or metal alloy, in other embodiments. The ring 450 can be a rectangular ring in shape, but may be formed in another ring shape so long as the ring shape corresponds to the shape and size of the distal ends of the inner liner 230 so that it may friction fit, or snap fit, around the distal ends of the inner liner 230. Alternatively, the ring 450 may be coupled around the distal ends of the inner liner 230 by other methods, such as welding, heat staking, or screwing for example. The ring 450 can form an opening 453 therethrough and include a proximal end 451 and a distal end 452.

The cover 152 can be fabricated from fabric according to some exemplary embodiments, but may be fabricated from other suitable materials, such as hard plastic, rubber, and so forth, in other embodiments. The cover can include a lower portion 153, an upper portion 154, and a transitional portion 157. The lower portion 153 can be ring-shaped and be dimensioned to fit about the outer perimeter of the ring 450. According to some exemplary embodiments, the lower portion 153 is stitched to the ring so that the lower portion 153 is not removeable from the ring 450. The upper portion 154 can include a planar surface 155 and a side wall 156 extending substantially perpendicular to the planar surface 155. The planar surface 155 can be about the size and dimension of the ring's opening 453 so that when the upper portion 153 is in the closed position 151, the upper portion 153 covers the ring's opening 453. The transitional portion 157 can extend from a portion of the lower portion 153 to a portion of the upper portion 154, which is to a portion of the upper portion's side wall 156. This transition portion 157 can allow the entire cover 152 to be fixedly coupled to the ring 450 and allows the upper portion 154 to rotatably pivot about the lower portion 153 to open and close the upper portion 154.

The zipper 165 can include a chain 166, a set of sliders 167, and a pull tab 168 for each of the sliders 167. The chain 166 can be stitched such that one-half of the chain 166 is stitched along the length of the upper portion's side wall 156 and the other one-half of the chain 166 is stitched along the length of the lower portion 153; however, the chain 166 can be not stitched along the length of the transition portion 157. The slider 167 can be the device that moves along the chain 166 to open or close the zipper 165. The slider 167 can be coupled to the chain 166. According to the exemplary embodiment, there can be two sliders 167, however, there may be one slider in other exemplary embodiments. Each pull tab 168 can be coupled to a respective slider 167 and allow a user to grab it and move it to move the slider 166 and hence open or close the zipper 165. According to the exemplary embodiments, when both pull tabs 168 are adjacent one another and the zipper 165 is closed, the cover 152 is in the closed position 151. Once the pull tabs 168 are moved away from one another and each positioned at opposite ends of the transition portion 157, the cover 152 may be opened or closed. Although a zipper 165 can be used to couple the lid 150 to the body 110 according to the exemplary embodiment, other coupling mechanisms, for example, one or more snap buttons, clips, or magnetic devices, can be used to assist in keeping the lid 150 in a closed position 151.

Additionally, according to the exemplary embodiment, an internal compartment 460, which can be optional, can be formed on the interior side of the upper portion 154. An internal compartment zipper 461, similar to the zipper 165, may be used to couple to the internal compartment 460 to enable opening and closing of the internal compartment 460. Similar to the zipper 165, other coupling mechanisms can be used to assist in closing the internal compartment 460, if desired. Alternatively, the internal compartment zipper 461 can be optional. Upon the lid 150 being assembled, the lid can be coupled to the body 110. The ring 450 can be friction-fitted atop and around the distal ends of the inner liner 230.

The first handle 170 can include a first arm 171, a second arm 173, and a transverse arm 175. The first arm 171 can include a proximal end 471 and a distal end 472, wherein a connector 473 is formed adjacent the proximal end 471 and faces the second arm 173. The second arm 173 can include a proximal end 474 and a distal end 475, wherein a connector 476 is formed adjacent the proximal end 474 and faces the first arm 171. The transverse arm 175 can extends from the distal end 472 of the first arm 171 to the distal end 475 of the second arm 173. The transverse arm 175 can include a protrusion 477 extending along at least a portion of the length of the transverse arm 175 that is configured to couple to the second handle 180. The first handle 170 can be coupled to the outer shell 120 by inserting the connector 473 of the first handle's first arm 171 into the handle opening 421 that is located on the first longitudinal side 126 closer to the opposing second latitudinal side 129 and inserting the connector 476 of the first handle's second arm 173 into the handle opening 421 that is located on the second longitudinal side 127 closer to the opposing second latitudinal side 129, such that the first handle's transverse arm 175 is positionable above the outer shell 120 and the inner liner 230 when the first handle 170 is rotated into a carrying position 101.

The second handle 180 can include a first arm 181, a second arm 183, and a transverse arm 185. The first arm 181 can include a proximal end 481 and a distal end 482, wherein a connector 483 is formed adjacent the proximal end 481 and faces the second arm 183. The second arm 183 can include a proximal end 484 and a distal end 485, wherein a connector 486 is formed adjacent the proximal end 484 and faces the first arm 181. The transverse arm 185 can extend from the distal end 482 of the first arm 181 to the distal end 485 of the second arm 183. The transverse arm 185 can include a cavity 387 formed therein and extending along at least a portion of the length of the transverse arm 185 that can be configured to couple to the first handle 170. The second handle 180 can be coupled to the outer shell 120 by inserting the connector 483 of the second handle's first arm 181 into the handle opening 421 that is located on the first longitudinal side 126 closer to the first latitudinal side 128 and inserting the connector 486 of the second handle's second arm 183 into the handle opening 421 that is located on the second longitudinal side 127 closer to the first latitudinal side 128, such that the second handle's transverse arm 175 is positionable above the outer shell 120 and the inner liner 230 when the second handle 170 is rotated into the carrying position 101. When both the first handle 170 and the second handle 180 are in the carrying position 101, the protrusion 477 of the first handle's traverse arm 175 can be inserted into the cavity 387 of the second handle's traverse arm 185 whereby the protrusion 477 can be interlocked with the cavity 387 and the first handle 170 is removably coupled to the second handle 180.

FIGS. 5A-5D show various views of a plurality of nestable coolers 100 of FIG. 1A having the lid 150 in the open position 351 where at least one of the plurality of nestable coolers 100 is nested within another nestable cooler 100 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional detailed view of a portion of FIG. 5D illustrating how at least one of the plurality of nestable coolers 100 is nested within another nestable cooler 100 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 5A-6, the nesting of an upper nestable cooler 100B within a lower nestable cooler 100A is described herein. The lower nestable cooler 100A can be positioned such that the first handle 170 is rotatably positioned adjacent the outer shell's second latitudinal side 129, the second handle 180 can be rotatably positioned adjacent the outer shell's first latitudinal side 128, and the lid 150 is unzipped so that the cover 152 is positioned in the open position 351. As seen, the upper portion 154 of the cover 152 can extend beyond the base 121 of the outer shell 120 when in the open position 351. Therefore, when the nestable cooler 100A is positioned on a surface (not shown), the upper portion 154 of the cover 152 can rest upon the surface (not shown) at an angle greater than perpendicular from the planar surface formed from the distal edges of the sides 126, 127, 128, 129. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the upper portion 154 of the cover 152 may be shorter such that the upper portion 154 of the cover 152 does not reach the surface (not shown) when in the open position 351 and the upper portion 154 of the cover 152 rests at a perpendicular angle from the planar surface formed from the distal edges of the outer shell's sides 126, 127, 128, 129 when in the open position 351. The upper nestable cooler 100B can then be positioned above the lower nestable cooler 100A and inserted into the cavity 521 of the lower nestable cooler 100A. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first handle 170 of the upper nestable cooler 100B is rotatably positioned adjacent the outer shell's second latitudinal side 129 of the lower nestable cooler 100A and the second handle 180 of the upper nestable cooler 100B is rotatably positioned adjacent the outer shell's first latitudinal side 128 of the lower nestable cooler 100A. Optionally, the lid 150 of the upper nestable cooler 100B is unzipped so that the cover 152 of the upper nestable cooler 100B is positioned in the open position 351. Alternatively, the lid 150 of the upper nestable cooler 100B may remain in the closed position 151. In the event another nestable cooler 100C is to be nested within the upper nestable cooler 100B, the upper nestable cooler 100B is positioned in the manner of the lower nestable cooler 100A, and the additional nestable cooler 100C is positioned above and inserted within the inner liner's cavity 521 of the previous upper nestable cooler 100B that is now in the position of the lower nestable cooler 100A. This process can continue until another nestable cooler 100 is not desired to be nested into another nestable cooler 100. In the exemplary embodiments shown, there are four nestable coolers 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D that are nested into one another. As shown more clearly in FIG. 5D and FIG. 6, once the upper nestable cooler 100B is inserted within the lower nestable cooler 100A, the base 121 of the upper nestable cooler 100B rests upon and is supported by the shelves 542 formed within the inner liner 230 of the lower nestable cooler 100A. Depending upon the percent nesting that is desired, the elevation of the shelves 542 can be pre-determined prior to formation. According to some exemplary embodiments, the percent nesting is 20% to 60%, which is the percentage of the upper nestable cooler 100B that is nested into the lower nestable cooler 100A. According to some exemplary embodiments, the percent nesting is 30% to 55%, which is the percentage of the upper nestable cooler 100B that is nested into the lower nestable cooler 100A. According to some exemplary embodiments, the percent nesting is 45% to 55%, which is the percentage of the upper nestable cooler 100B that is nested into the lower nestable cooler 100A. According to some exemplary embodiments, the percent nesting is 47% to 55%, which is the percentage of the upper nestable cooler 100B that is nested into the lower nestable cooler 100A. According to some exemplary embodiments, the percent nesting is 47% to 53%, which is the percentage of the upper nestable cooler 100B that is nested into the lower nestable cooler 100A. According to some exemplary embodiments, the percent nesting is 50% to 55%, which is the percentage of the upper nestable cooler 100B that is nested into the lower nestable cooler 100A. Some examples of the angles that the outer shell 120 of the nestable cooler 100 is formed are (i) five degrees (5°) draft angle for 23% nesting, (ii) seven degrees (7°) draft angle for 38% nesting, (iii) ten degrees (10°) draft angle for 50% nesting, (iv) thirteen degrees (13°) draft angle for 55% nesting, and (v) fifteen degrees (15°) draft angle for 58% nesting.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the nestable cooler 100 of FIG. 1A having the first handle 170 and the second handle 180 positioned in the carrying position 101 where the first handle 170 is coupled to the second handle 180 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the coupling of the first handle 170 to the second handle 180 is shown. As mentioned above, the first handle 170 can include the transverse arm 175 which includes the protrusion 477 extending along at least a portion of the length of the transverse arm 175. Further, the second handle 180 can include the transverse arm 185 which includes the cavity 387 formed therein and extending along at least a portion of the length of the transverse arm 185. It is this protrusion 477 that is configured to mate with the cavity 387, thereby interlocking the first handle 170 with the second handle 180. This can allow a user to carry the nestable cooler 100 with ease and comfort as two handles 170, 180 interlocked to form a single carrying arm. Although the exemplary embodiment provides one mechanism for coupling the first handle 170 to the second handle 180, other mechanisms known to people having ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing may be used in other embodiments.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a nestable cooler 800 having a lid 850 in a closed position 151 and a first handle 170 and a second handle 180 in a carrying position 101 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8B shows a side cross-sectional view of the nestable cooler 800 of FIG. 8A without the first handle 170 and the second handle 180 in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. Nestable cooler 800 is similar to nestable cooler 100 except that lid 850 can include not only the internal compartment 460 like nestable cooler 100, but also include an external compartment 860. External compartment 860 can be formed similarly to internal compartment 460 and may include a zipper 861 or similar closing mechanism.

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of a nestable cooler 900 having a lid 950 in a closed position 151, a quick access hatch 960 in a closed position 961, and a first handle 170 and a second handle 180 in a carrying position 101 in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9B shows a side cross-sectional view of the nestable cooler 900 of FIG. 9A having a quick access hatch 960 in an open position 962 and without the first handle 170 and the second handle 180 in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. Nestable cooler 900 is similar to nestable cooler 100 except that lid 950 includes the quick access hatch 960 in lieu of the internal compartment 460 (FIG. 4). The quick access hatch 960 can be moveable between the closed position 961 where a user cannot gain access to the contents within the nestable cooler 900 with the lid 950 being in the closed position 151 and the open position 962 where a user can access the contents within the nestable cooler 900 with the lid 950 being in the closed position 151. The quick access hatch 960 can operate in conjunction with a press button 964 which interlocks with a portion of the quick access hatch 960. When the press button 964 is depressed, the quick access hatch 960 is no longer interlocked with the press button 964 causing the quick access hatch 960 to move into the open position 962. When the quick access hatch 960 is pushed into the closed position 961, the quick access hatch 960 and the press button 964 interlock with one another causing the quick access hatch 960 to remain in the closed position 961. The quick access hatch 960 and/or the press button 964 can operate in conjunction with one or more snap buttons, clips, or magnetic devices for causing the quick access hatch 960 to remain in the closed position 961.

Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which portable nesting coolers pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that these portable nesting coolers are not to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this application. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., can be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

For any figure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in such figure. Further, if a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “distal”, “proximal”, and “within” are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and are not meant to limit the embodiments described herein. In the various embodiments described herein, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include plural alternatives, e.g., at least one. The terms “including”, “with”, and “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language), unless specified otherwise.

Various numerical ranges are disclosed herein. When Applicant discloses or claims a range of any type, Applicant's intent is to disclose or claim individually each possible number that such a range could reasonably encompass, including end points of the range as well as any sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges encompassed therein, unless otherwise specified. Numerical end points of ranges disclosed herein are approximate, unless excluded by proviso.

Values, ranges, or features may be expressed herein as “about”, from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such values, or ranges are expressed, other embodiments disclosed include the specific value recited, from the one particular value, and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that there are a number of values disclosed therein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. In another aspect, use of the term “about” means±20% of the stated value, ±15% of the stated value, ±10% of the stated value, ±5% of the stated value, ±3% of the stated value, or ±1% of the stated value.

Claims

1. A nestable cooler, comprising: a hard-shelled body comprising: a base having a first longitudinal edge that is opposite a second longitudinal edge and a first latitudinal edge opposite a second latitudinal edge;a first longitudinal side extending vertically from the first longitudinal edge of the base and a second longitudinal side extending vertically from the second longitudinal edge; anda first latitudinal side extending vertically from the first latitudinal edge of the base and a second latitudinal side extending vertically from the second latitudinal edge, anda lid coupled to the hard-shelled body and movable between an open position and a closed position,wherein the base, the first and second longitudinal sides, and the first and second latitudinal sides are coupled together to form a cavity therein and an opening is formed at distal ends of each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides,wherein each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides extend vertically away from the base at an obtuse angle, the opening being larger than the base, andwherein when the lid is in the open position, the lid provides access to the opening and the cavity.

2. The nestable cooler of claim 1, wherein the hard-shelled body comprises an inner liner and an outer shell, the inner liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell forming a gap therebetween.

3. The nestable cooler of claim 2, wherein the gap is filled with at least one of: an insulating material, or air.

4. The nestable cooler of claim 1, wherein the first and second longitudinal sides are formed with a shelf on an interior surface of each of the first and second longitudinal sides, each shelf protruding inwardly into the cavity.

5. The nestable cooler of claim 1, wherein the first and second latitudinal sides are formed with a shelf on an interior surface of each of the first and second latitudinal sides, each shelf protruding inwardly into the cavity.

6. The nestable cooler of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a ring and a cover coupled to and disposed over the ring, the cover being movable between the open position and the closed position.

7. The nestable cooler of claim 6, wherein the cover comprises a hatch that can be rotatably pivoted between a second open position and a second closed position.

8. The nestable cooler of claim 6, wherein the cover is fabricated using a soft material.

9. The nestable cooler of claim 6, wherein the cover comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a transitional portion, the lower portion being coupled to and positioned around the ring, the upper portion being moveable from the open position to the closed position, the transitional portion coupling the lower portion to the upper portion, the cover further comprising a zipper coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion from one end of the transitional portion around the cover to an opposing end of the transitional portion, the zipper able to zip and unzip the upper portion from the lower portion along at least three ends of the cover that are coupled to the ring.

10. The nestable cooler of claim 9, wherein the lower portion of the cover are coupled to the ring comprises directly stitching a thread between the lower portion of the cover and the ring.

11. The nestable cooler of claim 9, wherein the cover extends beyond the base when in a fully open position, the fully open position being when the upper portion of the cover is pivoted up and around the transitional portion of the cover that is permanently affixed to the lower portion of the cover that is coupled to the ring when the lid is coupled to the hard-shelled body.

12. The nestable cooler of claim 6, wherein the ring is coupled to upper ends of the hard-shelled body using at least one of heat staking, snap fit and welding.

13. The nestable cooler of claim 1, further comprising: a first handle comprising: a first arm comprising a proximal end coupled to the first longitudinal side and a distal end;a second arm comprising a proximal end coupled to the second longitudinal side opposite the first arm and a distal end; anda transverse arm extending from the distal end of the first arm to the distal end of the second arm; anda second handle comprising: a first arm comprising a proximal end coupled to the first longitudinal side and a distal end;a second arm comprising a proximal end coupled to the second longitudinal side opposite the first arm of the second handle and a distal end; anda transverse arm extending from the distal end of the first arm of the second handle to the distal end of the second arm of the second handle, the transverse arm forming a cavity therein,wherein the first handle is rotatable from adjacent the first latitudinal side to over the lid and the second handle is rotatable from adjacent the second latitudinal side to over the lid, andwherein the transverse arm of the first handle interlocks with the transverse arm of the second handle when a portion of the transverse arm of the first handle is received within the cavity formed in the transverse arm of the second handle.

14. The nestable cooler of claim 13, wherein the cavity of the transverse arm of the second handle extends a length of the transverse arm of the second handle.

15. A nestable cooler system, comprising: a first nestable cooler, comprising: a hard-shelled body comprising: a base having a first longitudinal edge that is opposite a second longitudinal edge and a first latitudinal edge opposite a second latitudinal edge;a first longitudinal side extending vertically from the first longitudinal edge of the base and a second longitudinal side extending vertically from the second longitudinal edge; anda first latitudinal side extending vertically from the first latitudinal edge of the base and a second latitudinal side extending vertically from the second latitudinal edge, anda lid coupled to the hard-shelled body and movable between an open position and a closed position,wherein the base, the first and second longitudinal sides, and the first and second latitudinal sides are coupled together to form a cavity therein and an opening is formed at distal ends of each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides,wherein each of the first and second longitudinal sides and the first and second latitudinal sides extend vertically away from the base at an obtuse angle, the opening being larger than the base,wherein when the lid is in the open position, the lid provides access to the opening and the cavity,wherein a shelf is formed on at least one of an interior surface of each of the first and second longitudinal sides and an interior surface of each of the first and second latitudinal sides, the shelf protruding inwardly into the cavity; anda second nestable cooler having a base and formed the same as the first nestable cooler,wherein the second nestable cooler is insertable into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler when the lid of the first nestable cooler is in the open position, the base of the second nestable cooler resting on the shelf.

16. The nestable cooler system of claim 15, wherein a space is formed between an outer surface of the hard-shelled body of the second nestable cooler and an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is disposed within the cavity of the first nestable cooler.

17. The nestable cooler system of claim 15, wherein the shelf is formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 20% to 60% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.

18. The nestable cooler system of claim 15, wherein the shelf is formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 30% to 55% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.

19. The nestable cooler system of claim 15, wherein the shelf is formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 45% to 55% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.

20. The nestable cooler system of claim 15, wherein the shelf is formed within an inner surface of the hard-shelled body of the first nestable cooler so that 47% to 53% of the second nestable cooler is disposed within the first nestable cooler when the second nestable cooler is inserted into the cavity through the opening of the first nestable cooler and the shelf of the first nestable cooler provides support to the second nestable cooler.