Portable Multifunctional Travel Accessory

Abstract

This present invention relates to a portable multifunctional cooler that is designed to keep consumer products cold. The cooler has a trapezoidal, truncated prism or pyramidal shape. The configuration allows users to lean up against the cooler while tanning, reclining or relaxing outdoors. The cooler features a wireless waterproof speaker, an electronic device charging port, solar panels to absorb solar energy and convert into electrical energy, an integrated battery and a wireless communication module. The cooler has a storage capacity surrounded by an insulated foam lining to keep food and beverages cool. the cooler is used simultaneously for enjoyment, comfort, and entertainment while relaxing at the pool, beach and more.

Claims

1. A consumer convenience device comprising: a compartment having an interior space sized and configured to hold at least one consumer product; the interior space is enclosed by a base, a pair of side surfaces and a top wall, with the base having a flat area and the pair of side surfaces inclining inwardly toward the top wall; the compartment having an insulation between the interior space and the base, the pair of side surfaces and the top wall; and a solar panel provided on at least one of the pair of side walls, wherein the solar panel is in electrical communication with a battery for storing energy.

2. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of side surfaces comprises a cushioning element.

3. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one speaker.

4. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 3 further comprising a memory for storing a plurality of soothing sounds through the at least one speaker.

5. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 4, wherein the plurality of soothing sounds include at least a sound of a wind, a wave, a white noise and a rain.

6. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein the interior space comprises a drain.

7. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein the top wall comprises a flat area which is less than half of a width of the flat area.

8. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein the top wall comprises a flat area which is less than one third of a width of the flat area.

9. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein the top wall has a length which is less than a length of the flat area.

10. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein the pair of side surface have a triangular shape, and further wherein the triangular shape is a select one of an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle and a right triangle.

11. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein the consumer convenience device forms one of a triangle, a truncate prism or a pyramidal shape.

12. The consumer convenience device as recited in claim 1, wherein a front surface of one of the pair of side surfaces includes a closure selected from a group consisting of a locking clip, a magnetic lock, a clasp buckle button lock, a combination lock, or an RF enabled lock.

13. A portable travel accessory comprising: an enclosure defined by a base surface, a plurality of side surfaces and a top surface, the enclosure forming one of a triangle, a truncated prism or a pyramidal shape; the enclosure having an insulated compartment sized and configured to hold at least one consumer product; a speaker provided in one of the plurality of side surfaces; a solar panel provide on one of the plurality of side surfaces; and a battery for storing an energy provided by the solar panel.

14. The portable travel accessory as recited in claim 13, wherein at least one of the top and the plurality of side surfaces comprises a charging port.

15. The portable travel accessory as recited in claim 13 further comprising a drain.

16. The portable travel accessory as recited in claim 13, wherein the top surface has a flat area with a width that is less than one third of a width of the base surface.

17. The portable travel accessory as recited in claim 13 further comprising a plurality of weights.

18. The portable travel accessory as recited in claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of side surfaces comprises a closure element selected from a group consisting of a locking clip, a magnetic lock, a clasp buckle button lock, a combination lock, or an RF enabled lock.

19. A multifunctional cooler comprising: a base surface and a top surface having a width that is less than half of a width of the base surface, and a length that is less than a length of the base surface; a pair of side surfaces inclining generally inwardly, wherein the pair of side surfaces along with the top surface and the base surface form one of a triangle, a truncate prism or a pyramidal shape; one of the pair of side surfaces having a speaker and a solar panel; a battery for storing energy collected by the solar panel; a closure provided on one of the pair of side surfaces; and the base surface, top surface and pair of side surfaces forming an enclosure having an insulated area for holding a consumer product.

20. The multifunction cooler as recited in claim 19 further comprising a memory.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cup holder of the portable multifunctional travel accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the controls of the portable multifunctional travel accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the flap is in an open position and the accessory is being used to store and transport a plurality of beverages in a chilled condition;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of various additional components of one potential embodiment of the multifunctional travel accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an individual using one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel accessory of the present invention as a head rest in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an individual utilizing one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel accessory of the present invention to transport food and beverages in a chilled condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a cooler and or ice chest that can be used by an individual for keeping drinks, food, consumer products, medicine, baby formula and the like cold, while at the pool, beach, picnics, backyard barbeques, road trips, and while participating in other activities. There is also a long felt need in the art for a cooler that is small and convenient to carry, and can be transported with ease. There is also a long felt need in the art for a cooler which does not requires a power source for its operation. There is a long felt need in the art for a cooler device that can be easily set up at a desired location and can be utilized as needed. There is a long felt need in the art for a portable cooler which provides additional amenities to the users, and that eliminates the need to carry a separate speaker devices for listening to music. Finally, there is a long felt need for an improved and portable cooler, that allows users to listen to music at a desired volume while relaxing outdoors.

[0025] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel multifunctional cooler device designed to keep beverages, consumer products, medicines and food items cold comprising a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces. The front surface and the rear surface have a generally square, rectangular or trapezoidal shape; the pair of side surfaces or walls incline inwardly to the top surface or wall and have a triangular shape, and an internal compartment is formed by the front surface, the rear surface, the top surface, the bottom surface and the pair of side surfaces to store beverage and other food items. The front surface acts as a flap, closure or lid to secure the contents of the internal compartment. The front surface has a solar panel to convert solar energy into electrical energy, and the top surface has one or more solar-powered charging ports. The front surface also includes a control button to turn on a wireless speaker. The first side surface has the wireless speaker, the second side surface has a cup holder, the internal compartment has one or more foam layers to keep the contents of the internal compartment cold for a longer duration of time. When the multifunctional cooler device is placed on the ground or other flat surface such that the rear surface of the cooler is in contact with the ground, then a user leaning against the cooler device is comforted while relaxing, napping or engaging in other leisure activities.

[0026] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel or cooler accessory 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the multifunctional cooler device 100 of the present invention is a portable, lightweight purse or satchel-shaped bag or cooler 100 that may also be used for leaning on while tanning, napping and relaxing outdoors. The portable multifunction cooler 100 has a front surface 104 which has a flap, lid or closure for the cooler 100, a top surface 106 having a handle 102 and or connection points for a strap. The handle 102 is used to easily carry the cooler 100.

[0027] A rear surface (not shown in FIG. 1) exists opposite to the front surface 104, and a pair of side surfaces. The front surface and the rear surface are geometrically-shaped including square, rectangular or trapezoidal shapes having a longer base 110 and a shorter top surface 106. The sides, front, back and rear surface form a truncated prism or pyramidal shape. The top surface has a flat area which is less than half the width of the flat area of the bottom surface, and in some embodiments less than one third of the width of the flat area of the bottom surface. The length of the top surface flat area is less than the length of the bottom surface flat area. The side surfaces are generally triangular in shape, such as that of an equilateral, isosceles or right triangle. The portable multifunctional cooler 100 is made of nylon with foam padding or any other similar material which allows a user to lean or recline comfortably against the cooler 100 while relaxing, napping or lounging.

[0028] The exterior surface of the front surface 104 has a waterproof and durable solar panel 114 for providing power for the charging of an electronic device such as smartphone, via the solar-powered charging port 122. The solar panel 114 has a plurality of solar cells to absorb solar energy and convert into electrical energy which is stored in one or more batteries until required for use. The solar panel 114 may also be used to provide power to other electronic components that the cooler 100 may have, including illumination, a portable fan or other desirable features for outdoor use.

[0029] A locking fastener 120 is used to secure the front surface 102 to keep the beverages, food, medicine, consumer products and other items cool with ice or other chilling components such as gel packs. The locking fastener 120 may be a locking clip, magnetic lock, clasp buckle button lock, combination lock, RF enabled lock or any other mechanical or electrical fastener. The front surface 104 may be locked or clipped shut using the locking fastener 120, and may be unfastened to access the beverages, food and other items. The cooler 100 has a triangular or truncated prismatic or pyramidal construction highlighted by soft edges and a foam perimeter which extends up from the base to the top surface and along the side edges, but in some embodiments the top surface is not covered with a foam material, which allows a user to lean comfortably against the cooler for support while tanning, napping, reclining or otherwise relaxing.

[0030] The top surface 106 has a pair of buckles 112 at both the ends which may be used to connect to and adjust the shoulder strap. The top surface 106 has one or more solar-powered charging ports 122 which are powered via the solar panel 114. The ports 122 allow users to connect a smartphone or other electronic device for charging. A control button 118 is present on the top surface 106 so that user may listen music at a desired volume by turning on the speakers contained in the container. The first triangular side surface 108 has a waterproof wireless audio speaker 116 for playing music and other desired audio selections. Using the built-in Bluetooth communication capability of the cooler 100, an electronic device such as a smartphone may be connected to the cooler 100 to play music using the waterproof wireless audio speaker 116. The handle 102 on the top surface 106 may be removed so that user can lean comfortably against the cooler 100 for support while tanning or relaxing at the pool, beach, or other locations.

[0031] Water, leakage and other moisture due to the condensation of ice or cold beverages and food items does not come out of the multifunction cooler 100 since the cooler 100 has a foam construction. The cooler 100 may keep the items cold for more than 10 hours. The cooler 100 may be used simultaneously for enjoyment, comfort, and entertainment while relaxing at the pool, beach and other locations.

[0032] It should be noted that all the electronic components described above are connected through one or more wired circuits within the multifunctional cooler 100. The wired circuits are insulated and protected from the moisture and water of the condensation of the food items and ice.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cup holder 208 of the portable multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For the purposes of further increasing user comfort while relaxing at the beach or pool, the portable multifunctional cooler 100 of the present invention has a second side surface 202 which is generally triangular, prismatic or pyramidal in shape, and is opposite to the first side surface 108. As shown, the exterior surface of the side surface 202 has a spring-loaded cup holder 208 connected to a movable arm 210 which may be sewn or removably attached to the second surface 202 using a connector 206. The cup holder 208 may be used to hold a cup or a tumbler 204 or any other items such as, water bottles or canned drinks.

[0034] The cup holder 208 may be a pivot cup holder sized for cups, water bottles or any other items. The cup holder 208 may be also be removably adhered to the second side surface 202 when it is not used to hold a glass or a water bottle 204. The cup holder 208, movable arm 210 and the connector 206 may be made up of stainless steel and are corrosion free. A completely filled glass, tumbler or a water bottle may be easily held by the cup holder 208.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the controls of the portable multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the top surface 106 of the portable multifunctional cooler 100 has a buckle 112 at each end of the top surface 106, and the buckles 112 may be used to connect to and adjust a shoulder strap to carry the cooler on the shoulder of a user. The top surface 106 has a handle 102 which may be attached via a magnet, or via a hinged frame 302 to the top surface 106, and may be removed when the user wants to lean comfortably against the cooler 100 for support while relaxing, reclining, napping or tanning at the pool or beach and other suitable locations. The handle 102 may be made up of a fabric material, or a synthetic leather material or any other similar material that allows a tighter grip when the user holds the portable multifunctional cooler 100.

[0036] The top surface 106 also has one or more solar-based charging ports 122 that allow a user to connect an electronic device, such as a smartphone, for charging. The charging port 122 may be one or more of a USB port, a mini USB port or micro-USB port. Aa control button 118 may be used to control the music from the wireless speaker of the cooler 100, or may also be used to control any additional electronic components of the cooler 100.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the flap is in an open position and the accessory 100 is being used to store and transport a plurality of beverages in a chilled condition. As shown, the portable function cooler 100 has a front surface 104 which act as flap for the cooler 100. The user may access beverages, food items and other similar items 402 stored in the internal compartment 404 of the cooler 100 by opening the flap 104. In one embodiment, the flap may open upwardly, as shown in FIG. 4 and away from the bottom of the cooler 100. However, it is also contemplated the flap may rotate in the opposite direction and downwardly to become almost parallel with the bottom or base of the cooler 100.

[0038] The internal compartment 404 has a space which is used to keep the beverages 402, foodstuffs and other items cold with or without ice. The internal compartment 404 may be lightly colored such as white, gray or beige, for example. The internal compartment 404 may be used to keep plurality of boxes or food containers and an upright bottle, or any other similar items. The internal compartment 404 also has drain plug 406 for draining any liquid or moisture from the compartment 404. The lid of the drain plug 406 may be opened to drain the moisture and any liquid that might be present in the internal compartment 404.

[0039] When the flap or closure 104 is opened to access the food items 402, the flap is hinged along an edge of the top surface 106 which is supported by the buckles 112. The flap 104 is flexible and the internal compartment 404 may accommodate up to five cold drink cans 402. The internal compartment 404 has an insulated layer along all the surfaces which allows the food items and the beverages to remain cold for up to ten hours. The flap or closure 104 is locked to protect and secure the food items and the beverages stored in the internal compartment 404. The internal compartment 404 which is an insulated leak-proof area to store food or drinks. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the cooler 100 are 10″ (L)×6″ (W)×8″ (H). Alternatively, the dimensions of the cooler 100 are 15″ (L)×8″ (W)×12″ (H). The material of the cooler 100, in one embodiment, is premium tear-resistant poly which is scratch resistant, and greatly increases the strength while reducing the weight of the cooler. The exterior of the cooler may be constructed of simulated leather of any other pattern or color which may be pleasing to the user.

[0040] The high-density foam insulation of the internal compartment 404 keeps food and drinks at the perfect temperature. The foam insulation is preferably a urethane foam material, which can be added in a compressed state so as to fill the interior voids of the container. The cooler 100 is suitable for a picnic, camping, hiking, travelling, fishing, overnight stays and various outdoor activities.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of various additional components of one potential embodiment of the multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the portable multifunctional cooler 100 may have a Bluetooth module 501 that allow users to connect an electronic device such as a smartphone to the built-in waterproof wireless audio speaker for playing music and other desired audio, such as soothing sounds to help one relax, e.g. wind, waves, “white noise,” rain and the like. The user may select soothing sounds stored in a memory module 507, or play music from the connected smartphone.

[0042] The portable multifunctional cooler 100 may also have a battery such as a rechargeable lithium polymer battery 502, which provides electrical power to the electronic components of the cooling device 100. The battery 502 may be connected to the solar panel through a wired mechanism to store the electrical power produced by the solar panel. The portable multifunctional cooler 100 may have an illumination source such as an LED light 503 which may be integrated into the internal compartment or on one or more exterior surfaces of the cooler 100, and may be controlled by a second switch 504. The LED light 503 illuminates the entire internal compartment of cooler 100 and also may be used to increase the utility in low light areas such as by illumination of the area immediately around the cooler 100.

[0043] The lithium polymer battery 502 may also be used to illuminate the LED light 503. The LED light 503 may be used for adequate illumination, especially when the inner shell of the cooler is lightly colored, such as white, gray or beige, for example. It should also be appreciated that all of the electronic components are waterproof and/or weatherproof, thereby making the cooler device 100 ideal for outdoor uses. The solar panel may be covered by a transparent plastic layer to protect it from physical damage.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 600 using one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention as a head rest in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the portable multifunctional cooler 100 may also be used for leaning or reclining by placing one's head 606, neck or shoulders on the cooler 100 while tanning, reclining and relaxing at the pool, beach 604, and more. The top surface 106 is made of a breathable and soft material such as nylon, with a foam padding or any other similar material allowing the user 600 to lean or recline comfortably by placing his or her head 606 against the cooler 100 while relaxing. The exterior surface of the back surface 602 is waterproof and weatherproof, thereby making the cooler 100 ideal for outdoor places such as the beach 604, pool and more. The cooler 100 is securely placed on a surface 604, such as a beach surface, and the cooler 100 remains stable even when the user 600 leans on the cooler 100. The base of the cooler 100 may also contain weights 407 (see FIG. 4) to prevent the cooler from tipping over in a wind or when the user is reclining on the cooler. The user 600 may lean on the cooler 100 along the front surface or along the rear surface 602 of the cooler 100.

[0045] The user may enjoy music using the wireless speaker of the cooler 100 while relaxing on the beach. The cooler 100 is shaped in a trapezoidal, truncated prism or pyramidal form to provide a stable base surface, and the user can lean on the soft top surface 106. The cooler 100 is not bulky, and may be carried like a hand bag or shoulder bag. The cooler 100 may be used for all types of outdoor activities and eliminates users from having to carry bulky ice chests and separate devices, such as speakers, chargers and the like.

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 600 utilizing one potential embodiment of the portable multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention to transport food and beverages in a chilled condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, a user 600 may carry the multifunctional cooler 100 using the adjustable shoulder strap 702. The multifunctional cooler 100 has a pair of buckles 112 at both the ends of the top surface, which may be used to secure and adjust the shoulder strap 702. In a further embodiment, the device 100 may also comprise one or more wheels for easy transportation on a surface, such as the floor.

[0047] As stated earlier, an electronic device pairs with the wireless transmitter of the cooler 100 and allows a user to play music from the wireless speaker of the cooler 100. The wireless communication channel may be Bluetooth in the preferred embodiment. Alternatively, the user may play soothing sounds from the memory module or other recordings that the user may have previously recorded. Other embodiments of the present invention may have an auxiliary port, additional pouches to carry small items or a phone stand as well. The cooler 100 and all the components are weatherproof, tear-resistant and use energy provided by the solar panel.

[0048] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “portable multifunctional cooler”, “multifunctional cooler device”, “multifunctional ice cooler apparatus”, “portable and lightweight purse shaped cooler”, “portable and lightweight cooler device”, “multifunctional cooler” and “cooler” are interchangeable and refer to the multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention.

[0049] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multifunctional travel accessory 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the multifunctional travel accessory 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multifunctional travel accessory 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multifunctional travel accessory 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multifunctional travel accessory 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0050] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0051] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.