Cooler Assessory

Abstract

This present invention relates to a modifiable, removable rack insert for an interior section of a cooler or ice chest. The rack insert supports game meat, fish and other items above the base of the cooler, thereby allowing dirt, grass and other debris to keep separate from the items stored on the rack. Additionally, the rack insert surface facilitates proper drainage of liquid and other debris therefrom so that the items stored thereon are not in contact with the same for extended periods of time. The modified rack insert is adjustable in size and can accommodate different sized coolers as per the requirements of its user.

Claims

1. An accessory for a cooler comprising: a tray having a surface and a plurality of sidewalls extending around a periphery of the tray, wherein the tray is shaped to fit within an interior space of the cooler; the plurality of sidewalls extending generally perpendicular to the surface of the tray to form an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall; the surface having a plurality of continuous openings therein; and at least one of the upper and lower sidewalls having a plurality of gaps formed therein.

2. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaps form an undulating pattern.

3. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 2, wherein the undulating pattern is a continuous pattern and extends around the periphery of the tray.

4. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 3, wherein the undulating pattern is in the lower sidewall.

5. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of gaps have a narrower top end and a wider bottom end.

6. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 5, wherein the narrower top end of each of the plurality of gaps is adjacent the surface of the tray.

7. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 6, wherein the wider bottom end is placed on a base of the cooler.

8. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 7 further comprising at least one of an anti-microbial coating, an anti-fungal coating and an anti-bacterial coating.

9. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 8 further comprising a thermometer.

10. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 9, wherein the tray comprises at least one sensor.

11. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor is used to detect one of a moisture level, a bacterial level, a duration, and a light exposure.

12. The accessory for a cooler as recited in claim 11, wherein the tray has a rectangular shape and rounded corners.

13. A cooler and removable tray combination comprising: a cooler having a base, a plurality of walls, a top and a drain opening, wherein the cooler has a geometric shape; a removable tray sized and configured to fit within the geometric shape of the cooler; the removable tray having a surface with a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of sidewalls, wherein the plurality of sidewalls extend both above and below the surface of the removable tray; and each of the plurality of sidewalls have an undulating pattern, wherein the undulating pattern includes a plurality of gaps and each of the plurality of gaps are adjacent to a supporting foot.

14. The cooler and removable tray combination as recited in claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of gaps comprise a narrow end and a wide end.

15. The cooler and removable tray combination as recited in claim 14, wherein the wide end of each of the plurality of gaps is adjacent to the supporting foot.

16. The cooler and removable tray combination as recited in claim 15, wherein the removable tray is telescoping in both a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction.

17. The cooler and removable tray combination as recited in claim 16, wherein the removable tray includes one of an anti-microbial coating, an anti-fungal coating, an anti-bacterial coating or a combination thereof.

18. The cooler and removable tray combination as recited in claim 17, wherein the removable tray further comprises a thermometer and a sensor.

19. A removable tray insert for use with an ice chest, the removable tray insert comprising: a rectangular tray sized and configured to fit within an ice chest, the tray having a surface with a plurality of openings evenly spaced throughout the surface of the tray; sidewalls extending around the periphery of the surface with a portion of the sidewall extending above the surface and a portion of the sidewalls extending below the surface; the portion of the sidewall extending below the surface has an undulating pattern including supporting feet and gaps, with each of the gaps disposed between adjacent supporting feet; and the tray having a telescoping portion allowing the tray to be expanded in at least one of the longitudinal or transverse direction.

20. The removable tray insert for use with an ice chest as recited in claim 19, wherein the plurality of openings are square or rectangular in shape and have a size ranging from ½″ to 1″.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the various intersections of the horizontal and vertical ribs are clearly visible;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the drainage gaps of the novel rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the rack insert is positioned in the interior of a portable cooler;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the rack insert is positioned along the bottom of the cooler and is used to support game meat and fish above the bottom surface of the cooler and wherein the drain opening is used to drain the blood, water and other unwanted debris from the cooler;

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the various sizes of the reconfigurable rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention being cleaned in a sink with soap and water in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert for a cooler or ice chest of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the reconfigurability of the rack insert is clearly visible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 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.

[0028] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a cooler accessory that can be used to conveniently store and clean (or at least rinse) game meat, fish and other items inside the cooler or other insulated container. There is also a long felt need in the art for a cooler rack that enables the stored meat, fish and other items to be suspended above the blood, dirt, grass, water and other debris that may gather in the bottom portion of the cooler. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a cooler rack that facilitates the proper draining of viscous liquids, slime, debris, blood and more from game meat or fish stored inside the cooler. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a cooler rack that is adjustable in size to accommodate different sizes and configurations of coolers. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a cooler rack that ensures that the food stored thereon remains fresh and maintains its flavor, and does not become contaminated by coming into contact with the bottom surface of the cooler. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a cooler accessory that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is both safe and easy to use.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel cooler accessory in the form of a rack or tray insert that can be positioned inside a cooler or ice chest and is designed to hold food, consumer products, medicines (e.g. vaccines), organs for transplant and other items above the base surface of the cooler or ice chest so that cool air can freely circulate around the contents that are disposed on the tray, thereby maintaining the integrity of the stored items. The tray or rack of the present invention includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal ribs that form a substantially rectangular or other geometrically shaped tray surface. A plurality of draining gaps in the tray surface are also formed by the intersection of the vertical and horizontal ribs. Side surfaces extend around the periphery of the tray surface, wherein each side surface has a plurality of support legs that rest on the base surface of the cooler or ice chest. A groove is provided between every two consecutive support legs, framing the tray surface above the grooves that are present on the side surfaces, such that the food or other stored items placed on the tray surface remain above the base surface of the cooler or ice chest, thereby allowing liquids and debris to fall to the bottom of the cooler to drain, while also permitting the circulation of cool air around the stored items.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert 100 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The novel rack insert 100 is designed to suspend game meat, fish and other items above the base surface of the cooler 400. In a preferred embodiment, the rack insert 100 is substantially rectangular in shape with rounded corners, and is designed and configured to fit within the interior area of the cooler 400. Notwithstanding, additional geometric shapes, such as circular, oval, square or the like are also possible, and the tray insert 100 can be shaped in a corresponding configuration.

[0031] The novel tray 100 has a checker-style patterned tray surface 110 having a plurality of vertical ribs 1102 and a plurality of horizontal ribs 1101. The plurality of vertical ribs 1102 and plurality of horizontal ribs 1101 intersect with each other to form drainage gaps 150 across the tray surface 110. Game meat, fish and other items can be easily placed on the checker-style pattern tray surface 110, wherein the blood, liquid, slime and other debris can be drained from the items through the draining gaps 150 to the bottom surface of the cooler for further drainage from the cooler.

[0032] Each side surface 140 of the rectangular rack insert 100 has a plurality of support legs 130, wherein each of the plurality of support legs 130 legs has a generally flat surface to place on the cooler base or bottom. The support legs 130 are continuous and extend around the periphery of the tray base, giving a stable placement of the rectangular rack insert 100 within the cooler 400. There is also an undulating pattern 131 of gaps or grooves along the support legs 130 so that the blood and other debris from the stored items can be easily drained and does not collect on the cooler base. In addition, the undulating pattern 131 allows air to pass under the tray, allowing the cool air to circulate beneath the tray or rack insert 100 and the items stored thereon.

[0033] The checker-style patterned tray surface 110 is preferably rigid and can support multiple items at the same time. The rack 100 is placed on the cooler base such that the tray surface 110 is a certain height above the cooler base and the meat, fish and other items stored thereon do not come into contact with the potentially contaminated cooler base. In this manner, the meat, fish and other items do not sit in viscous liquids and slime, or lay in dirt or other debris on the base of the cooler or ice chest. The rack 100 is dimensioned to fit within the interior of a cooler or ice chest and, as explained more fully below, is also fully reconfigurable.

[0034] The long side surfaces are parallel to each other and the two short side surfaces are also parallel to each other with four rounded corners. Each draining gap 150 is preferably of the same size, but can alternatively be of different sizes based on the intersection of the plurality of vertical ribs 1102 and horizontal ribs 1101. At the center of the tray surface 110, a logo or trademark 120 may be present that can be used for marketing and aesthetic appeal. The tray surface 110 may include an anti-microbial coating 133 or other material that is integrated into the tray during manufacture. An exemplary anti-microbial coating 133 is marketed under the name MicroBan®. Nonetheless, other anti-microbial, anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial material may also be used, or there may be a combination of such materials used with the tray surface 110.

[0035] The rack or tray insert 100 allows for the proper drainage of blood, liquids, material or relatively small particulate through the drainage openings 150 in the tray surface 110, and keeps the game meat, fish and other items separated from the blood, hair and other debris that may bleed or leach out the meat, fish, etc., or otherwise accumulate at the bottom of the cooler 400. The rack insert 100 may comprise a thermometer 105 so that an individual may check the interior temperature of the cooler at any time. Additionally, the rack insert 100 may also comprise one or more sensors 107 which can be used to detect moisture levels, bacterial levels, time, light exposure and other conditions and alert the user of the same.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert 100 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the various intersections of the horizontal and vertical ribs 1101, 1102 are clearly visible along with the drainage gaps 150. As shown, the side surface 140 is relatively thick with the horizontal ribs 1101 and the vertical ribs 1102 attached to the interior surface of the side surface at 210. It should be noted that the preferable point of attachment 210 is below the top portion 1402 of the side surface 140, but above the support legs 130.

[0037] The drainage gaps 150 are formed due to the intersection of the horizontal ribs 1101 and the vertical ribs 1102, wherein each draining gap 150 is similar in both shape and dimensions, and ranges in size from between ½″ L×½″ W to 1″ L by 1″ W. The gap or opening 150 should be sufficiently small so that the items do not get trapped in said gaps, thereby making removal of the items difficult, but not so big that the items cannot be supported by the tray surface 110. Each supporting leg 130 has a relatively flat base surface 1301 that rests on the bottom cooler surface or any other surface when the rack insert 100 is placed inside the cooler or ice chest 400. A groove or gap 202 which makes up an undulating and repeating pattern 131 is present between the adjacent supporting legs 130 to allow any debris or blood to easily pass under the rack insert 100 and easily drain from the cooler base. The undulating pattern 131 also allows for the passage of air underneath the rack insert 100 to maintain the flow of cool air around the items being rinsed or stored on the rack insert 100.

[0038] All of the supporting legs 130 are spread evenly across the long side surfaces. The two short side surfaces and are generally symmetrical to one another, with grooves or gaps 202 of the approximately same size positioned between each adjacent supporting leg 130. The gaps are shaped so as to be wider at the bottom of the gap and narrower at the top of the gap. Since the supporting legs 130 support the rack insert 100 on a surface, the tray surface 110 of the rack insert 100 does not touch the bottom surface of the cooler or ice chest 400, thereby preventing the game meat, fish or other items placed on the rack from sitting in debris for extended periods of time.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the drainage gaps 150 of the novel rack insert 100 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As stated previously, each horizontal rib 1101 and vertical rib 1102 intersects with one another to create the various drainage gaps 150. As shown, the horizontal ribs 1101 and the vertical ribs 1102 intersect with one another at intersection points 301, 302, 303, 304 to form the open drainage gap 150 from where blood, liquids, materials and other debris are drained onto the floor of the cooler 400, thereby preventing the meat, fish and other items on the rack surface 110 from sitting in debris for extended periods of time. The draining gaps 150 are generally square in shape, but may be formed of any other geometric or non-geometric shape.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert 100 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the rack insert 100 is positioned in the interior of a portable cooler 400. The rack insert 100 is dimensioned to be placed inside a cooler 400 and is placed on the base surface of the cooler while resting on the supporting legs 130. After placing the rack insert 100 on the base surface of the cooler 400, game meat, fish and other items may be placed on the tray surface 110 for safe and convenient cleaning and storage.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert 100 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the rack insert 100 is positioned along the bottom of the cooler 400 and is used to support game meat and fish above the bottom surface of the cooler and wherein the drain opening 410 empties the cooler 400 of blood, water and other unwanted debris. As shown, the rack insert 100 is placed on the base surface 402 of the cooler 400 with the supporting legs 130 (marking is done for only a few supporting legs for simplicity) touching the base surface 402 of the cooler bottom or floor. The tray surface 110 rests at a certain height above the base surface 402, for example 1 to 6 inches, with 1 to 3 inches being the preferred height. Game fish 501 and game meat 502 are then placed on the tray surface 110, such that the game meat 502 and fish 501 are placed above the base surface 402 of the cooler 400, thereby allowing blood, dirt, grass, liquids, material and other debris to be easily washed from the items. Additionally, the grooves or gaps 202 in the undulating pattern 131 form a curve or arc along a top edge and are present between adjacent or two consecutive supporting legs 130, which helps in the draining of viscous fluids, such as blood 510, to travel beneath the tray surface 110 and onto the base surface 402 towards the draining hole 410. Due to the presence of the grooves 202, the fluid and other debris do not stagnate within the side surfaces of the rack insert 100, allowing continuous drainage of the blood and other debris 510 from the cooler 400.

[0042] In this manner, the rack tray insert 100 keeps game meat 502, fish 501 and other items suspended above the blood, hair and other debris, allowing the meat to stay cold and sanitary. The rack tray insert 100 can be commercially available as a standard accessory for coolers or ice chests 400 at the point of manufacture, or as an aftermarket item. The rack or tray insert 100 is ideal for use in the bottom of ice coolers 400 to ensure food safety. It is also a useful item for picnic and camping food storage as well.

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the various sizes of the reconfigurable rack insert 100 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The rack insert 100 of the present invention is commercially available in different sizes to meet the needs and requirements of different users, as well as the interior configuration of a cooler or ice chest. The insert 100 is designed for large coolers, however other variants 602, 604 are for medium and small sized coolers. The design specifications for each size remain the same with the presence of draining gaps 150 along the tray surface 110 and grooves present on the side surfaces for easy draining of blood, water and other debris.

[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert 100 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention being cleaned in a sink with soap and water in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The rack insert 100 is durable, flexible and washable. The rack tray insert 100 may be comprised of a durable impact resistant plastic, lightweight metal or any other similar material that is both hand washable and dishwasher safe. As shown, the rack insert 100 can be easily washed with soap and water 704 coming from a tap 702.

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel rack insert 800 for a cooler or ice chest 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the reconfigurability of the rack insert 100 is clearly visible. More specifically, in the present embodiment, an upper portion 801 can slide over the side surface 810 of the lower portion 802 of the rack insert 800. The side surface 820 of the upper portion 801 slides in the longitudinal direction 806, 808 to extend or reduce the overall length of the rack insert 800 to satisfy the needs and requirements of the user, and to fit coolers 400 of various sizes. Likewise, the rack insert 800 may also extend in the transverse direction 809. The length and width of the rack insert 800 in the fully extended state is preferably 150% of the length and width of the rack insert 800 in its normal state. The sliding mechanism is further comprised of one or more locks 812, such that the supporting legs of both the upper and lower tray portions coincide with each other upon locking the sliding mechanism.

[0046] Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of flanges 811 may be present on the bottom of the tray insert 800 that can be extended in the vertical direction (i.e., telescoping) to increase the overall height of the rack insert 800 in relation to the base surface of the cooler 400. Further, in one embodiment, a number of different materials, including extruded or molded plastics, polyethylene, aluminum or the like, all with satisfactory results, can be used for making the rack insert 100, 800 of the present invention. The material should not be overly thermally conductive, and should not react with the game meat and fish.

[0047] 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 “rack insert”, “rack tray insert”, “rack tray”, “ice chest cooler tray”, and “high rack cooler insert” are interchangeable and refer to the rack insert 100, 800 of the present invention.

[0048] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the rack insert 100, 800 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 rack insert 100, 800 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the rack insert 100, 800 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the rack insert 100, 800 are important design parameters for user convenience, the rack insert 100, 800 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.