Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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APPARATUS HAVING RIGID THERMALLY-INSULATED CONTAINER, TABLE
ASSEMBLY AND COLLAPSIBLE THERMALLY-INSULATED CONTAINER
[001] TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] Some aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to) an
apparatus
including a rigid thermally-insulated container, a table assembly, and a
collapsible
thermally-insulated container.
[003] BACKGROUND
[004] A cooler, a portable ice chest, an ice box, or a cool box is a
thermally-
insulated box configured to keep food or beverages cool. For instance, ice
cubes are
placed in the cooler to keep the contents cool. Ice packs are sometimes used
as they
contain a gel material sealed inside that may be cooled prior to placement in
the
cooler.
[005] SUMMARY
[006] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there exists a
need to
mitigate (at least in part) problems associated with existing coolers. After
much study
of the known systems and methods along with experimentation, an understanding
of
the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated below.
[007] In order to mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified
with existing
systems and/or methods for coolers, there is provided (in accordance with an
aspect)
an apparatus including a rigid thermally-insulated container; a table assembly
configured to be selectively attachable to the rigid thermally-insulated
container; and
a collapsible thermally-insulated container configured to be selectively
attachable to
the table assembly.
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[008] In order to mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified
above, in
accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of operating an
apparatus
including a rigid thermally-insulated container, a table assembly, and a
collapsible
thermally-insulated container, in which the method includes selectively
attaching the
table assembly to the rigid thermally-insulated container, and selectively
attaching the
collapsible thermally-insulated container to the table assembly.
[009] In order to mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified
above, in
accordance with an aspect, there is provided other aspects as identified in
the claims.
[0010] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now
become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description
of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by
reference to
the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken
in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIGS. la to id (SHEET 1 of 15 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of
an
apparatus including a rigid thermally-insulated container;
[0014] FIGS. 2a to 21 (SHEETS 2 to 6 of 15 SHEETS) depict views of
embodiments
of an apparatus including a rigid thermally-insulated container and a table
assembly;
[0015] FIGS. 3a to 3g (SHEET 7 of 15 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of
a
table assembly and a lid assembly for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 2a to
21;
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[0016] FIGS. 4a to 4b (SHEETS 8 and 9 of 15 SHEETS) depict views of
embodiments of an apparatus including a rigid thermally-insulated container, a
table
assembly, a lid assembly and a table-support assembly;
[0017] FIGS. 5a to 5j (SHEETS 10 to 14 of 15 SHEETS) depict views of
embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 4a; and
[0018] FIGS. 6a and 6b (SHEET 15 of 15 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments
of
an apparatus including a rigid thermally-insulated container, a table
assembly, a lid
assembly, a table-support assembly, and a collapsible thermally-insulated
container.
[0019] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by
phantom
lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain
instances,
details not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details
that
render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
throughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the several
figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to
scale. For
example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be
emphasized
relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various
presently
disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that
are
useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not
depicted in
order to facilitate a less obstructed view of the various embodiments of the
present
disclosure.
[0021] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
100 apparatus
101 internal lid cavity
102 rigid thermally-insulated container
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103 container lid
104 table assembly
105 entrance
106 collapsible thermally-insulated container
107 drain port
108 lid assembly
109 table interface
110 table-support assembly
111 container front wall
113 container interior
115 container side wall
117 container bottom wall
119 container rear wall
120 pivot
121 container interface
122 lid interface
123 vertically-aligned groove
125 horizontally-aligned groove
127 recess zone
129 interior chamber
130 touch fastener
200 flashlight
202 corkscrew
204 flat style bottle opener
206 cooler pack
208 ice
900 ground
910 user
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[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[0023] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not
intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the
described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative"
means
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation
described
herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred
or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations
described
below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the
art to
make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit
the scope
of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of the
description
herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front,"
"vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented
in the
drawings. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or
implied
theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary
or the
following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and
processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following
specification, are simply exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or
concepts
defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered
as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood
that "at least
one" is equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications,
options,
variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described with
reference to
the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the
subject
matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the
particular
aspects depicted and described.
[0024] FIGS. la to id depict views of embodiments of an apparatus 100
including a
rigid thermally-insulated container 102. FIG. la and FIG. lb depict side
views. FIG.
lc depicts a top view. FIG. id depicts a front view.
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[0025] As depicted, the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 includes a
container
lid 103 defining an internal lid cavity 101, and a pivot 120 operatively
connected to
the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 and to the container lid 103. The
pivot 120
is configured to facilitate pivotal movement of the container lid 103 relative
to the
rigid thermally-insulated container 102 between a closed condition (depicted
in FIG.
la) and an open position (depicted in FIG. lb). The container includes rigid
or non-
collapsible instances of side walls, a front wall, a back wall and a bottom
wall and
associated structural portions. In addition, the rigid thermally-insulated
container 102
also includes a container front wall 111, instances of a container side wall
115, a
container rear wall 119 and a container bottom wall 117 (all rigid walls). The
container front wall 111, the container side wall 115 and the container rear
wall 119
extend vertically from the container bottom wall 117. The container front wall
111,
the container side walls 115, the container rear wall 119 and the container
bottom wall
117 are positioned (and attached) in such a way as to define a container
interior 113.
The container lid 103 is configured to be pivotally movable relative to the
container
interior 113 (to facilitate user access to the container interior 113). It
will be
appreciated that in accordance with another option, the container lid 103 may
remain
detached from the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 and is simply
positioned at
(and movable away from) the entranceway leading to the interior 113 (in order
to
open and close the rigid thermally-insulated container 102, if so desired,
without
having to pivotally connect the container lid 103 to the rigid thermally-
insulated
container 102). The interior 113 is configured to receive a cooler pack 206
and/or ice
208 and food (user items) to be kept cool. The rigid thermally-insulated
container 102
includes a thermal-insulation material placed in the interior of the container
side walls
115, the container front wall 111, the container rear wall 119 and the
container bottom
wall 117 and the container lid 103.
[0026] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted, opposite container
side walls
115 define or provide a table interface 109. For instance, the table interface
109
includes (provides or defines) a groove or a horizontally-aligned groove
defined by a
vertically extending wall of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. In
general
terms, the table interface 109 is configured to interface with a table
assembly 104
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(depicted in FIG. 2a). For instance, the table interface 109 may be configured
to snap-
fit with the table assembly 104 (for convenience, if so desired). It will be
appreciated
that the table interface 109 may include any type of quick connect and
disconnect
device. It will be appreciated that there are many options contemplated for
the
placement (location) of the table interface 109 relative to the rigid
thermally-insulated
container 102. FIGS. la to id depict one option for the placement of the table
interface 109. FIGS. 2f to 21 depict another option (the preferred option) for
the
placement of the table interface 109.
[0027] Referring to FIG. la, the container lid 103 is positioned in a
closed state
(condition). Referring to FIG. lb, the container lid 103 is positioned in an
open state.
Referring to FIG. lc, the container lid 103 has been removed for improved
viewing of
the interior of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. Referring to FIG.
id, the
container lid 103 is positioned in the open state.
[0028] The rigid thermally-insulated container 102 is configured to have a
rigid
structure; specifically, the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 is
configured to be
non-collapsible. For instance, the rigid thermally-insulated container 102
includes
side walls upstanding from a bottom wall and configured to define an interior
space
therein, and a container lid 103 is configured to selectively open and close
the
entrance leading to the interior space of the rigid thermally-insulated
container 102.
The rigid thermally-insulated container 102 includes an insulation material
placed in
the interior of the side walls and of the bottom wall.
[0029] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. le, there is depicted an option
in which
the instances of the table interface 109 are positioned on a top edge of the
vertically-
extending wall of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 (such as the
container
side walls 115). The instances of the table interface 109 are spaced apart
from each
other. The manner in which the table interface 109 of FIG. le is used is
depicted in
FIG. 2f.
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[0030] FIGS. 2a to 21 depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100
including the
rigid thermally-insulated container 102 and the table assembly 104. FIG. 2a
depicts a
front view. FIG. 2b depicts a perspective view. FIG. 2c depicts a top view.
FIGS. 2d
and 2e depict top views. FIGS. 21 to 2h depict side views. FIGS. 2i and 2j
depict top
views. FIGS. 2k and 21 depict perspective views.
[0031] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2a, the table assembly 104
includes a
container interface 121. The container interface 121 extends from the table
assembly
104. For instance, the container interface 121 may include a tab, a dowel or a
pin. The
container interface 121 is configured to interface with the table interface
109 of the
rigid thermally-insulated container 102. The table interface 109 and the
container
interface 121 are configured to securely connect and interface with each
other. For
instance, it will be appreciated that the table interface 109 may include any
combination and permutation of tabs and grooves, and the container interface
121
may include any combination and permutation of tabs and grooves. For instance,
the
container interface 121 may be snap-fitted to the table interface 109, or the
container
interface 121 may be friction fitted to the table interface 109, etc.
[0032] Generally, the table interface 109 and the container interface 121
are
configured to be selectively attachable to and selectively detachable from
each other.
The user may selectively attach the table interface 109 and the container
interface 121
together in order to attach the table assembly 104 to the rigid thermally-
insulated
container 102. Of course, once the table interface 109 and the container
interface 121
are selectively detached from each other, the apparatus 100 may be stored
away.
[0033] In accordance with another option, the container interface 121 of
the table
assembly 104 is configured to be slide engageable with the table interface 109
of the
rigid thermally-insulated container 102. The container interface 121 of the
table
assembly 104 may be configured to be lockably engageable to and disengageable
from the table interface 109 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102
(if so
desired). The table assembly 104 and the container interface 121 may be molded
as a
single one-piece unit, if so desired.
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[0034] Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b, the container lid
103 is
placed in an open state relative to the rigid thermally-insulated container
102, and the
container lid 103 is pivotally connected to the rigid thermally-insulated
container 102.
It will be appreciated that the container lid 103 may be permanently detached
from the
rigid thermally-insulated container 102 (if so desired), or that the container
lid 103
may be operatively coupled with the rigid thermally-insulated container 102.
An
additional support is provided for the table assembly 104 as depicted (for
instance) in
the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5a to 5j.
[0035] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2c, 2d and 2e, the container
interface
121 of the table assembly 104 is configured to be slide engageable with the
table
interface 109 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. It will be
appreciated that
the container interface 121 of the table assembly 104 may be configured to be
slide
engageable with the table interface 109 that is provided by a selected wall of
the rigid
thermally-insulated container 102. An additional support is provided for the
table
assembly 104 as depicted (for instance) in the embodiments depicted in FIGS.
5a to
5j.
[0036] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2e, opposite
container
side walls 115 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 each provide an
instance
of the table interface 109 that is configured to interact with a respective
instance of
the container interface 121 of an instance of the table assembly 104 that is
positioned
on the opposite sides of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. An
additional
support is provided for the table assembly 104 as depicted (for instance) in
the
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5a to 5j.
[0037] In accordance with an option, at least one vertically extending wall
of the rigid
thermally-insulated container 102 provides or defines at least one instance of
the table
interface 109 configured to interact with at least one instance of the
container
interface 121 of at least one instance of the table assembly 104 (if so
desired).
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[0038] In accordance with another option, each vertically extending wall of
the rigid
thermally-insulated container 102 provides or defines an instance of the table
interface 109 each of which is configured to interact with a respective
instance of the
container interface 121 of a respective instance of the table assembly 104.
That is,
each wall of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 may interact with a
respective
instance of the table assembly 104.
[0039] In accordance with another option, each vertically extending wall of
the rigid
thermally-insulated container 102 provides or defines an instance of the table
interface 109 each of which is configured to interact with a respective
instance of the
container interface 121 of a respective instance of the table assembly 104.
That is,
each wall of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 may interact with a
respective
instance of the table assembly 104.
[0040] It will be appreciated that other options are possible for the table
interface 109
and the container interface 121 that are within the scope of persons skilled
in the art to
understand.
[0041] For instance, the table assembly 104 is configured to be selectively
attachable
to the rigid thermally-insulated container 102; it is appreciated that the
table assembly
104 is configured to not interfere with the normal operation of the container
lid 103
(that is, the normal operation of opening and closing the container lid 103).
In
accordance with the embodiment depicted FIG. 2a, instances of the table
assembly
104 are each configured to be selectively attachable to opposite side walls of
the rigid
thermally-insulated container 102. It will be appreciated that, at a minimum,
a single
instance of the table assembly 104 is configured to be selectively attachable
to a
selected side wall of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. As well, in
accordance with another embodiment (not depicted but easy to understand in
view of
the embodiment of FIG. 2a), instances of the table assembly 104 are each
configured
to be selectively attachable to a respective side wall of the rigid thermally-
insulated
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container 102. In accordance with an option, the table assembly 104 is further
configured to be selectively detachable from the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102. Specifically, the table assembly 104 is fixedly attached to the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102 once positioned at a deployment position to do just so
(as
depicted in FIG. 2a).
[0042] Referring
to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2f to 21, it will be appreciated
that the container lid 103 is depicted (in FIGS. 2f and 2g) in the closed
condition (that
is, the container lid 103 is closed against the rigid thermally-insulated
container 102 to
shut the interior 113 from user access), and the container lid 103 is depicted
(in FIGS.
2h, 2i, 2j, 2k and 21) in the open condition (that is, user access is
permitted to the
interior 113 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102). It will be
appreciated that
for the embodiments of FIGS. 2f to 2k, the container lid 103 is operatively
pivotally
mounted to the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. It will be appreciated
that for
the embodiment of FIG. 21, the container lid 103 is operatively detachable
from the
rigid thermally-insulated container 102. The container interface 121 extends
from a
bottom surface of the table assembly 104 once the table assembly 104 is
positioned in
the horizontal condition. An outer perimeter of the container side walls 115
defines a
recess zone 127 that faces outwardly from the container side wall 115 (at
least one
instance of the container side wall 115) at a top section of the container
side wall 115.
The table interface 109 is positioned on a top portion of the container side
wall 115
below the recess zone 127, and the table interface 109 is in communication
with the
recess zone 127. It is understood that the recess zone 127 extends (at least
in part)
from the front wall to the back wall of the rigid thermally-insulated
container 102.
The recess zone 127 is configured (shaped) to accommodate (at least in part)
or to
receive a side portion (edge portion) of the table assembly 104, while the
container
interface 121 of the table assembly 104 is received in the table interface 109
defined
or provided by a top section of the container side walls 115 of the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102. The table interface 109 and the container interface
121 are
aligned along a coaxial direction along the vertical direction (once they are
operatively installed relative to each other). Of course, the table interface
109 and the
container interface 121 may be configured to be snap-fitted together (if so
desired).
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An additional support is provided for the table assembly 104 as depicted (for
instance)
in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5a to 5j.
[0043] FIGS. 3a to 3g depict views of an embodiment of a table assembly 104
and a
lid assembly 108 for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 2a to 21. FIGS. 3a and 3b
depict
top views. FIG. 3c depicts an end view. FIGS. 3d to 3g depict side views along
a
cross-section line A-A of FIG. 3a. It will be appreciated that the table
assembly 104
may be called a lid support assembly, which is configured to spatially support
the lid
assembly 108 relative to the rigid thermally-insulated container 102.
[0044] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the table assembly 104 is
spaced
apart from the lid assembly 108. For instance, the lid assembly 108 has a top
surface
configured to be flush with a top surface of the table assembly 104. The lid
assembly
108 includes a lid interface 122. The lid interface 122 may include, for
instance, a pin
or a dowel. As depicted in FIG. 3a, it will be appreciated that the lid
assembly 108 is
not positioned in such a way as to be slidably engaged with the table assembly
104.
The lid interface 122 is positioned on opposite lateral sides of the lid
assembly 108 (at
a distal end of the lid assembly 108). The table assembly 104 is configured to
slidably
and engageably receive the lid interface 122 of the lid assembly 108 in such a
way as
to permit sliding movement of the lid assembly 108 along a length of the table
assembly 104. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the table assembly
104
defines an entrance 105 (also called a pass-through hole) for the case where
the table
assembly 104 does not interact with the lid assembly 108 (that is, when the
lid
assembly 108 is spaced apart from the table assembly 104). The table assembly
104 is
configured to slidably and engageably receive (at least in part) the lid
assembly 108
(as depicted in FIG. 3b once the lid interface 122 engages with the table
assembly
104). Once the table assembly 104 slidably engageably receives the lid
assembly 108,
the entrance 105 becomes covered (at least in part) by the lid assembly 108.
[0045] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3b, the table assembly 104
defines an
entrance 105 configured to interface with a collapsible thermally-insulated
container
106. The collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is configured to be
fixedly
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mounted to the inner walls of the table assembly 104 that define or provide
the
entrance 105. For instance, a touch fastener 130 is positioned along (at least
in part)
an inner perimeter of the entrance 105. The collapsible thermally-insulated
container
106 also includes a touch fastener 130 positioned on (at least in part) an
exterior
periphery of the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106, and in this
manner the
collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is selectively connectable to
and
selectively disconnectable from the table assembly 104. For instance, the
touch
fastener 130 may include the VELCRO (TRADEMARK) fastener and any equivalent
thereof. The touch fastener 130 is configured to support the weight of the
collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106 and to support the operative weight to be
received
by the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106.
[0046] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3c, the lid assembly 108 is
received (at
least in part) in an interior chamber 129 defined by the table assembly 104.
The table
assembly 104 defines a horizontally-aligned groove 125 positioned on opposite
lateral
sections of the table assembly 104 and on the opposite sides of the interior
chamber
129 of the table assembly 104. The horizontally-aligned groove 125 is
configured to
slidably engageably receive the lid interface 122 of the lid assembly 108. The
lid
interface 122 slidably engages along a length of the horizontally-aligned
groove 125
of the table assembly 104. The horizontally-aligned groove 125 extends across
opposite lateral sides of the table assembly 104.
[0047] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3d, the lid interface 122 is
depicted at
one end of the horizontally-aligned groove 125, in which case the entrance 105
of
FIG. 3a is covered by the lid assembly 108, and the lid assembly 108 remains
horizontally oriented. The lid assembly 108 is operatively received into the
interior
chamber 129 defined by the table assembly 104 in such a way that the entrance
105 is
fully (operatively) covered.
[0048] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3e, the lid interface 122 is
positioned
part way between the opposite ends of the table assembly 104, in which case
the
entrance 105 of FIG. 3a is partly covered by the lid assembly 108, and the lid
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assembly 108 remains horizontally oriented within the interior chamber 129 of
the
table assembly 104.
[0049] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3f, the table assembly 104
defines a
vertically-aligned groove 123 that extends downwardly from the horizontally-
aligned
groove 125 at a distal end of the table assembly 104. The horizontally-aligned
groove
125 is horizontally aligned once the table assembly 104 is horizontally
aligned. The
lid interface 122 is received in the vertically-aligned groove 123. For FIG.
3e, the lid
assembly 108 is positioned in a vertical orientation once the lid interface
122 is
received in the vertically-aligned groove 123. The arrangement of FIG. 3e
permits the
lid assembly 108 to remain in an open state and in a relatively safer
position, thereby
exposing the entrance 105 (depicted in FIG. 3b) so that the user may have
access to
the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 via the entrance 105. It is
understood
that the lid assembly 108 does not receive weight in the orientation or
position as
depicted in FIG. 3F.
[0050] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3g, the table assembly 104 is
spaced
apart from the lid assembly 108; the lid assembly 108 has been completely
removed
from the table assembly 104 so that the lid assembly 108 may be cleaned or may
be
maintained (as may be required by the user).
[0051] FIGS. 4a to 4b depict a view of embodiments of the apparatus 100
including
the rigid thermally-insulated container 102, the table assembly 104, the lid
assembly
108 and the table-support assembly 110. FIGS. 4a and 4b depict front views.
[0052] It will be appreciated that in a storage position (as depicted in
FIG. 4a), the
collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is fixedly detachable from the
table
assembly 104 in such a way that the collapsible thermally-insulated container
106
collapses into a collapsed state (folded state). Specifically, the table
assembly 104 is
fixedly detached from the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 once
positioned at a
storage position to do just so (as depicted in FIG. 4a). Specifically, the
table assembly
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104 is fixedly detached from the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 once
positioned at a storage position to do just so (as depicted in FIG. 4a).
[0053] In the storage position (as depicted in FIG. 4a), the table assembly
104, the
collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 and a table-support assembly 110
(depicted in FIG. 5a) are securely positioned in a storage position in the
container lid
103 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102; this is done in such way
that
storage space required for the apparatus 100 is simply (and conveniently) the
storage
space required for the storage of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102.
In this
way, the storage space for the apparatus 100 may be reduced, at least in part.
It will be
appreciated that there are many options for the manner in which to store the
table
assembly 104, the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 and the table-
support
assembly 110 in the container lid 103, as would be understood and appreciated
by
persons skilled in the art.
[0054] For instance, the table assembly 104 is configured to receive the
lid assembly
108. The table assembly 104 may also be configured to receive the table-
support
assembly 110 (for secure storage). The container lid 103 of the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102 is configured to securely receive the table assembly
104. The
table assembly 104 is configured to securely receive the collapsible thermally-
insulated container 106 (in the collapsed state) for secure storage thereof.
It will be
appreciated that many other options are possible for arrangements for the
storage of
the components of the apparatus 100 as will be appreciated by persons of skill
in the
art.
[0055] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the table
assembly
104 may be stored in the inside section of the container lid 103 of the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102; specifically, the table assembly 104 may be snap-
fitted or
clipped into the inside section of the container lid 103. The user may
retrieve the table
assembly 104 from the storage position by opening the container lid 103 of the
rigid
thermally-insulated container 102. The table assembly 104 has a smooth
surface. For
instance, the height of the container lid 103 may be about 0.5 inches to about
2.5
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16
inches. Each instance of the table assembly 104 is configured to be snap-
fitted to the
interior zone of the container lid 103. Specifically, each instance of the
table assembly
104 is configured to be snap-fitted to a corresponding side of the interior
zone of the
container lid 103 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. For
instance, the table
assembly 104 is configured to extend up to approximately one half of the total
longest
side-to-side length of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 (if
desired). For
instance, the table assembly 104 is configured to be snapped into place using
plastic
dowels located or placed in the interior zone of the container lid 103 of the
rigid
thermally-insulated container 102. The table-support assembly 110 is
configured to be
snapped into place using plastic dowels located or placed in the container lid
103 of
the rigid thermally-insulated container 102, or may be snap-fitted to the
table
assembly 104 (if so desired).
[0056] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4a, the collapsible
thermally-
insulated container 106 is configured to be detached from the table assembly
104
(depicted in FIG. 3b), and to collapse (fold down), and to be stored in the
interior
zone of the container lid 103 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102
(if so
desired). When ready for storage, the collapsible thermally-insulated
container 106 is
configured to fold up (become collapsed) into itself in such a way that the
collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106 (once folded) may be positioned (for
instance) in a
cut-out located underneath the table assembly 104; in this manner, the
collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106 may be oriented in a flush fit into the
interior zone
of the container lid 103 of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 (if so
desired).
[0057] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the container lid 103 is
depicted in an
open condition; various user attachments are visible and positioned in the
interior
zone of the container lid 103; the user attachments are snap-fitted to the
inner section
of the container lid 103. Inside the container lid 103 along the upper side,
the
container lid 103 provides formed slots configured to receive and hold a
cooler pack
206 (depicted in FIG 1d), a flashlight 200, a corkscrew 202, and/or a flat
style bottle
opener 204, all with their specific (corresponding) molded holding areas.
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17
[0058] FIGS. 5a to 5j depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of
FIG. 4a.
FIGS. 5a, Sc, 5e and 5g depict top views; and FIGS. 5b, 5d, 5f and 5h depict
front
views. FIGS. 5i and 5j depict end views.
[0059] With reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 5a to 5h, the table
assembly 104
includes a lid assembly 108 configured to interact with the table assembly 104
in such
a way to facilitate user access to the collapsible thermally-insulated
container 106 to
be mounted to the table assembly 104 (FIG. 6a depicts the collapsible
thermally-
insulated container 106 operatively mounted to the table assembly 104).
[0060] With reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 5a to 5h, the table
assembly 104
includes a table-support assembly 110 configured to provide support to the
table
assembly 104 (specifically, from below the table assembly 104). In this
manner, the
table assembly 104 maintains a stationary position relative to the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102, and to a top surface of the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102.
[0061] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5a and 5b, an instance of the
table
assembly 104 is mounted to opposite sides of the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102. The instances of the lid assembly 108 are fully received in a respective
instance
of the table assembly 104. The instances of the table-support assembly 110 are
positioned underneath the instances of the table assembly 104. The table-
support
assembly 110 is configured to provide support to the table assembly 104 and
the
weight to be operatively held (received) by the table assembly 104. An
instance of the
table-support assembly 110 is positioned on opposite sides of the table
assembly 104.
It will be appreciated that the embodiments of FIGS. 5a and 5b correspond (at
least in
part) with the embodiment of FIG. 3d.
[0062] Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 5a and 5b, the lid assembly 108
is
folded up parallel to the ground 900, and is positioned to cover the entrance
105 of the
table assembly 104 (the closed position). In the closed position, the lid
assembly 108
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18
forms or provides a smooth table top surface of the table assembly 104 (for
use as a
table surface for the user) once positioned in the closed position of FIGS. 5a
and 5b.
[0063] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5b, the table-support assembly
110 is
aligned at about a 45 degree angle relative to the horizontal alignment of the
top of the
table assembly 104 (once the table assembly 104 is attached to the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102). For instance, one end of the table-support assembly
110 is
snap-fitted into a base portion of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102
at a lower
section of the side wall of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. For
instance, a
T-type bracket may be mounted to the vertically-extending side wall of the
rigid
thermally-insulated container 102, and the T-type bracket is configured to
provide
support for (and receive weight from) the table-support assembly 110 (and the
weight
held by the table assembly 104). The table assembly 104 includes an interface
device
configured to interface with an opposite end of the table-support assembly
110.
[0064] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5b, the table assembly 104 is
provided
with table-support assembly 110 positioned on opposite sides of the table
assembly
104. The table-support assembly 110 is configured to be fixedly attachable to
(or may
securely contact or engage) a selected side of the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102. The table-support assembly 110 is configured to fixedly secure the table
assembly 104 to the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. In this manner,
the table-
support assembly 110 is configured to support the weight of the table assembly
104
and the weight to be received by the table assembly 104. The table assembly
104 is
fixedly positioned (connected) to the rigid thermally-insulated container 102;
it will
be appreciated that the top surface of the table assembly 104 may be oriented
in-line
with the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 (if so desired). In
accordance with an
option, the table-support assembly 110 contacts the ground, if so desired. For
the case
where the ground 900 is uneven, then the table-support assembly 110 is
connected to
the rigid thermally-insulated container 102.
[0065] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. Sc and 5d, the lid assembly
108 is
partially moved away from the table assembly 104 in order to partially reveal
the
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19
entrance 105 defined by the table assembly 104. The embodiments of FIGS. 5c
and 5d
correspond with the embodiment of FIG. 3e. Each instance of the table assembly
104
has a respective instance of the lid assembly 108 configured to slidably
engage the
table assembly 104. Specifically, the lid assembly 108 is configured to slide
horizontally away from the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 toward an
outer
edge of the table assembly 104 (in response to the user 910 pulling on the lid
assembly 108).
[0066] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5e and 5f, the lid assembly
108 is fully
moved away (extended or horizontally extended) in order to fully reveal the
entrance
105 defined by the table assembly 104. The lid assembly 108 is depicted in a
horizontal alignment (relative to the ground or the working surface such the
table top
of a picnic table or the seat surface of the picnic table, etc.).
[0067] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5g and 5h, the lid assembly
108 is
permitted to vertically extend below the table assembly 104 (at one side
thereof)
while the entrance 105 remains fully revealed (to the user). The embodiments
of
FIGS. 5g and 5h correspond with the embodiment of FIG. 3f. Referring to the
embodiments of FIGS. 5g, 5h and 3g, the lid assembly 108 is configured to fold
down
(to become vertically aligned) once the lid assembly 108 has been moved far
enough
from the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 (and the user releases the
lid
assembly 108).
[0068] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5g and 5h, for the case where
the user
has a need to retrieve an item that is stored in (contained) in the
collapsible thermally-
insulated container 106 (depicted in FIG. 6a), the lid assembly 108 of the
table
assembly 104 is moved to the open position (as depicted in FIGS. 5g and 5h, in
which
the lid assembly 108 is hanging perpendicular to the ground). For the case
where the
user has a need to close the container lid 103 in the closed position (as
depicted in
FIG. 5a and 5b), the lid assembly 108 is moved accordingly and remains
operatively
coupled to the table assembly 104; in the closed position, the items held in
the
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collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 may remain cool until needed by
the
user.
[0069] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5i, a single instance
of the table-
support assembly 110 is provided, and is positioned underneath the table
assembly
104 at a location that is midway between the front side and the back side of
the rigid
thermally-insulated container 102.
[0070] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5j, two instances of
the table-
support assembly 110 are provided, and are positioned underneath the table
assembly
104 at locations that are on opposite sides of the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102. One instance of the table-support assembly 110 is mounted proximate to
the back
side of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102, and another instance of
the table-
support assembly 110 is mounted proximate to the front side of the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102.
[0071] FIGS. 6a and 6b depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100
including
the rigid thermally-insulated container 102, the table assembly 104, the lid
assembly
108, the table-support assembly 110, and the collapsible thermally-insulated
container
106. FIG. 6a depicts a front view. FIG. 6b depicts a top view.
[0072] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 6a, there is depicted an
apparatus 100.
The apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a combination of the rigid
thermally-insulated container 102, the table assembly 104, and the collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106. It will be appreciated that once the lid
assembly
108 has been moved to the open positon (as depicted in FIG. 6a), the entrance
105 is
revealed to the user; in this manner, the interior of the collapsible
thermally-insulated
container 106 becomes exposed to the user (as depicted in FIG. 6a). The
collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106 is configured to be positioned inside the
entrance
105 and the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is mounted to the
table
assembly 104. In this way, once the lid assembly 108 has been moved to one
side of
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21
the entrance 105, the user may retrieve an item positioned in the collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106 (when desired). For instance, the entrance
105 may
be about 80% of the table top surface of the table assembly 104 (if so
desired).
[0073] For
instance, the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is configured to
be selectively attachable to the table assembly 104. In accordance with the
embodiment depicted FIG. 6a, instances of the collapsible thermally-insulated
container 106 are each configured to be selectively attachable to a respective
instance
of the table assembly 104. In accordance with an option, the collapsible
thermally-
insulated container 106 is further configured to be selectively detachable
from the
table assembly 104. It will be appreciated that in a deployment position (as
depicted
in FIG. 6a), the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is fixedly
attachable to
the table assembly 104 in such a way that the collapsible thermally-insulated
container 106 remains in an erect state (condition). It will be appreciated
that in a
storage position (as depicted in FIG. 4a), the collapsible thermally-insulated
container
106 is fixedly detachable from the table assembly 104 in such a way that the
collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 collapses into a collapsed
state.
Specifically, the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is fixedly
attachable to
the table assembly 104 in the deployment position (FIG. 6a). Specifically, the
collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is fixedly detachable from the
table
assembly 104 in the storage position (FIG. 4a). In the deployment position (as
depicted in FIG. 6a), the rigid thermally-insulated container 102, the table
assembly
104 and the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 are positioned
relative to
each other in such way that cooling space is increased, at least in part,
beyond the
cooling space provided by the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. In the
storage
position (as depicted in FIG. 4a), the rigid thermally-insulated container
102, the table
assembly 104 and the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 are
positioned
relative to each other in such way that storage space required is the storage
space
required for storage of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102. In
accordance with
an option, the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 includes a drain
port 107
that is configured to permit flow of drainage from an interior of the rigid
thermally-
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22
insulated container 102 positioned in the deployment position (as depicted in
FIG.
6a).
[0074] In view of the foregoing, there is also provided a method of
operating the
apparatus 100. The method includes (and is not limited to): (A) an operation
of
selectively attaching the table assembly 104 to the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102; and (B) an operation of selectively attaching the collapsible thermally-
insulated
container 106 to the table assembly 104. The method also includes additional
operations, such as: (C) an operation of selectively detaching the collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106 from the table assembly 104; and (D) an
operation
of selectively detaching the table assembly 104 from the rigid thermally-
insulated
container 102.
[0075] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6a, the apparatus 100
is
configured to reduce space required to store the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102 in the trunk space of a car without sacrificing storage space or
functionality of the
rigid thermally-insulated container 102. The apparatus 100 is configured to
increase
(at least in part) the available cooler space of the rigid thermally-insulated
container
102 while reducing (at least in part) the space required to transport the
rigid
thermally-insulated container 102, and thereby reduce (at least in part) cost
of
ownership of the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 and improving (at
least in
part) user convenience. In addition, the extra cooling space provided by the
apparatus
100 (over and above that provided by the rigid thermally-insulated container
102)
may facilitate convenient retrieval of additional (extra) stored items. For
instance, the
collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is configured to receive cooling
material
(such as, ice, ice packs, cooling packs, etc.); in this manner, the user may
place
beverage containers (an item to be kept cool) into the collapsible thermally-
insulated
container 106. In this manner, the available cooler space of the rigid
thermally-
insulated container 102 may be increased (at least in part). In addition, the
table
assembly 104 provides (at least in part) additional table space that may be
usable for
meal preparation or receiving user items (beverage containers, food items,
etc.). It will
be appreciated that the table assembly 104 may also be called a support
structure
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23
configured to support spatial stationary orientation of the collapsible
thermally-
insulated container 106 in a deployment position.
[0076] For instance, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 100 may
provide an
additional 60% to 80% more cooler space (in use) for the rigid thermally-
insulated
container 102 while allowing a smaller trunk space for transport of the
apparatus 100.
The apparatus 100 may allow users to keep beverages and food separate; for
instance,
a user may use the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 for their
specific
beverages, etc., and use the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 for
containing
food items.
[0077] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 6a, the collapsible thermally-
insulated
container 106 is configured to receive user items to be cooled (once placed in
a
deployed position as depicted in FIG. 6a); the collapsible thermally-insulated
container 106 may, for instance, receive a bottle of wine or a bottle of
champagne
without the user having to retrieve these items from the rigid thermally-
insulated
container 102. Once received in the collapsible thermally-insulated container
106, the
bottle may be positioned vertically and thus avoid horizontal alignment of the
bottle
in the rigid thermally-insulated container 102 (for instance).
[0078] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 6a, the collapsible thermally-
insulated
container 106 may include a drain port 107 configured to release unwanted
fluid (such
as melted ice water) from the interior of the collapsible thermally-insulated
container
106 to an exterior of the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106. As
depicted in
FIG. 6a, the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 is configured to be
positioned inside the entrance 105 and the collapsible thermally-insulated
container
106 is mounted to the table assembly 104. The collapsible thermally-insulated
container 106 may include (for instance) a tight mesh bag configured to
support the
weight of beverage containers, food items, etc., received in the collapsible
thermally-
insulated container 106. The collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 may
be
positioned as close to the table assembly 104 as possible, allowing for as
much extra
storage as possible in the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 (if
so desired).
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24
[0079] It will be appreciated that (in accordance with an option): (A) the
collapsible
thermally-insulated container 106 has an outer surface configured to be
selectively
attachable to and detachable from an outer-facing side edge of the table
assembly 104;
(B) the table assembly 104 does not define the collapsible thermally-insulated
container 106; and (C) the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106 has a
lid
operatively connected to the collapsible thermally-insulated container 106.
[0080] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the
best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use
the
invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and
may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are
intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements
that do
not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent
structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language
of the
claims.
[0081] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described
above may
be connected with each other as may be required to perform desired functions
and
tasks that are within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such
combinations
and permutations without having to describe each and every one of them in
explicit
terms. There is no particular assembly, or components, that are superior to
any of the
equivalents available to the art. There is no particular mode of practicing
the disclosed
subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be
performed. It
is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have
been
provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present
invention is
limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also
understood
that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent
claims, (ii)
the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary,
(iv) the
abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that
is, outside
of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is
understood,
for the purposes of this document, that the phrase "includes" is equivalent to
the word
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"comprising." It is noted that the foregoing has outlined the non-limiting
embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting
embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are
merely illustrative as examples.
