Portable beverage cooler support

Abstract

A portable beverage cooler support has a support base and a least one support leg coupled thereto. The support base is sized to be receptive to at least one beverage cooler. A removable partition may be used to adjust the support base to multiple sized beverage coolers or provide a reinforced space between multiple beverage coolers. A lip or extension surrounds the support base wholly or in part to help retain any number of beverage coolers upon the support base. The beverage cooler(s) may further be secured in place by adjustable support straps that attach to the beverage cooler and the portable beverage cooler support. The portable beverage cooler support may bear the logo and colors of a sports team or other branding, patterns, textures, and the like. In some instances, the portable beverage cooler has at least one wireless speaker that may function with any number of wireless devices.

Claims

1. A portable beverage cooler support comprising: a support base configured to receive and retain at least one beverage cooler, the support base having a perimeter, a first end, a second end, and a vertical extension disposed along the perimeter, wherein the support base has a support drain located at a first end of the support base, and wherein the vertical extension contains a plurality of slots; four support legs with two of the support legs being rotatably coupled to the support base at the first end of the support base and two of the support legs being rotatably coupled to the support base at the second end of the support base; at least one removable partition adapted to be removably coupled to the support base, the at least one removable partition being sized to span a distance from a first side to a second side of the support base forming at least two partitioned spaces; a removable liner sized to fit at least one of the at least two partitioned spaces; at least one ground anchor coupled to the support base via a length of material; and at least two adjustable support straps having a first end and a second end, wherein there is a securement mechanism attached to each of the first end and the second end of the at least two support straps.

2. The portable beverage cooler support of claim 1 wherein the support base, support legs, at least one removable partition, at least two adjustable support straps, or the vertical extension or any combination thereof bears logos, characters, writing, symbols, insignia, colors, images, patterns, textures, or any combination thereof.

3. The portable beverage cooler support of claim 1 further comprising at least one carrying handle attached to the support base.

4. The portable beverage cooler support of claim 1 wherein the support base has a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section being hingeably coupled to one another.

5. The portable beverage cooler support of claim 1, wherein the securement mechanism of the adjustable support straps is coupled to one of the plurality of slots.

6. A portable beverage cooler support system comprising: a beverage cooler support comprising, a support base having a perimeter and a first end, a second end, a first section, and a second section, wherein the support base has at least one support drain, and wherein the first section is hingeably coupled to the second section; four support legs with two of the support legs being coupled to the support base at the first end of the support base and two of the support legs being coupled to the support base at the second end of the support base; at least one removable partition adapted to be removably coupled to the support base; a plurality of ground anchors coupled to the support base via a length of material, wherein one ground anchor is coupled to each of the vertices of the support base; at least two adjustable support straps having a first end and a second end, wherein there is a securement mechanism attached to each of the first end and the second end of the at least two support straps; a vertical extension extending wholly around the perimeter of the support base; at least one wireless speaker; and at least one beverage cooler, wherein the at least one beverage cooler is retained to the beverage cooler support via at least two support straps, wherein a first end of each of the two support straps is coupled to the beverage cooler support, and wherein a second end of each of the two support straps is coupled to the beverage cooler.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising a bottle opener disposed on the support base.

8. The system of claim 6 further comprising a pole holder coupled to an outer surface of the support base.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein the supports legs are independently rotatable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a functional position.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with a beverage cooler thereon and secured in position.

(3) FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a transporting position.

(7) FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an alternate transporting position.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(9) The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

(10) Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

(11) Referring now to FIG. 1, there is a portable beverage cooler support 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. The portable beverage cooler support 100 generally has a support base 102 and at least one support leg 106. Preferably, there are four support legs 106 with the four support legs 106 divided into two pairs of legs with one pair positioned at a first end 101 of the support base 102 and the other pair positioned at a second end 103 of the support base 102.

(12) The support legs 106 are rotatably coupled to the support base 102. The support legs 106 may be rotated under the support base 102 to be placed in a storage position (see FIG. 6A) or may be positioned to support the support base 102 by being outwardly rotated from their storage position. The angle of rotation of the support legs may vary, but is preferably such that the support legs 106 provide adequate support for the support base 102 and any items contained thereon. Typically, such a foundation is created when the support legs 106 are rotated to form an angle, with respect to the support base 102, of greater than 90. However, as noted, the formed angle between the support base 102 and the support legs 106 may vary and may require a locking mechanism 122 (see FIG. 7) to ensure proper support position.

(13) Further, the support legs 106 are preferably partially or wholly coated in a non-slip material 126. This non-slip material 126 allows the portable beverage cooler support 100 to be placed on a variety of terrain without comprising the support provided by the support legs 106. In some instances, the support legs 106 have a lateral member 114 extending between each pair of the supports legs 106. This lateral member 114 provides further support by reducing the independent movement of one of the support legs 106 and preventing tipping of the portable beverage cooler support 100 which may result in injury. In some instances, see FIG. 7, there is not lateral member(s) 114 enabling independent rotation of each support leg 106 rather than rotation of pairs of support legs 106.

(14) The support base 102 may have varying dimensions but generally bears a rectangular shape with a vertical extension 110 extending wholly are partially around the perimeter of the support base 102. The vertical extension 110 may have slots 120 for coupling any number of beverage coolers 124 to the support base 102 (see FIG. 2). The number of slots 120 and the positions of the slots 120 may vary as required. Additionally, the slots 120 may have varying shapes as shown in FIG. 1. This enables the slots 120 to have different types of attachment mechanisms affixed thereto (i.e. clamps, hooks, etc.).

(15) The interior area of the support base 102 may be partitioned by any number of removable partitions 108. These removable partitions 108 are adapted to be removably coupled to the support base 102. Thus, any suitable mechanism may be used to achieve such coupling including but not limited magnets, snaps, locks, fasteners, tabs, grooves, pins, screws, tacks, and the like or any combination thereof. Each of the removable partitions 108 can be used to create support areas 105a, 105b, and 105c where an item may be positioned and further secured to the support base 102. The removable partitions 108, themselves, made be made from any suitable material including but not limited to plastics, metals, composites, resins, rubbers, and the like or any combination thereof.

(16) The support base 102 further may have a support drain 104 which may be used to rid the interior of the support base 102 of excess moisture and particulates. The support drain 104 may have a cap 107 (see FIG. 4) or fitting that allows for the temporary retention of any such materials. The cap or fitting may be attached via any suitable mechanism including but not limited to threading and friction.

(17) Additionally, the support base 102 may have a textured surface comprising various configurations of ridges, groves, bumps, and the like or any combination thereof. The textured surface may provide for easier movement of any item contained thereon and may help direct the flow of condensate present on the support base 102. A carrying handle 128 is also positioned on the support base 102 to enable the portable beverage cooler support 100 to be readily transportable. In some instances, there may be more than one handle or the handle may be removable.

(18) In FIG. 2, the portable beverage cooler support 100 is shown in use with a beverage cooler 124 positioned and secured thereon. The portable beverage cooler 124 is positioned in support area 105b and flanked on each side by either the vertical extension 110 or the removable partitions 108. These structures effectively lock the beverage cooler 124 in positioned upon the support base 102. The other supports areas 105a, 105c may be used to hold other beverage coolers 124 or cups, napkins, utensils, or the like or any combination thereof.

(19) Attached to the beverage cooler handle(s) 139 is a support strap 112. The support strap 112 has a first end and a second end with a securement mechanism 137 thereon each of the ends.

(20) Preferably, one end, either the first end or the second end, of the support strap 112 is secured to the beverage cooler handle 139 whereas the other end is secured to the slot 120 in the vertical extension 110. The support straps 112 are adjustable via an adjustment mechanism 133 that allows the length of the support straps 112 to be changed as necessary. In some instances, the support straps 112 may have each securement mechanism 137 attached to the beverage cooler handle 139 and have the length of the support strap 112 looped around and through the slot 120. The securement mechanism 137 is preferably a hook or hook like structure but may employ clamps, buckles, and the like or any combination thereof. In some instances, the beverage cooler 124 may not have any exterior handles providing a sufficient coupling surface. In this case, any of the other alternate measures, and those not mentioned, may be used.

(21) In yet other instances, the support strap 112 is integrated into the support base 102 and retractably extends therefrom to secure the beverage cooler 124. The support straps 112 may have some elastic properties and may comprise but are not limited to natural and synthetic fibers including cotton, wool, polyester, silk, straws, grasses, rayon, nylon, acrylic, and polyolefin.

(22) The portable beverage cooler support 100 may further include a number of ground anchors 118. The ground anchors 118 provide additional support for the portable beverage cooler support 100. The ground anchors 118 are connected to a length of material 116 that is preferably at least semi-flexible in nature. This may include various fibers, cables, wires, ropes, twines, strings, and the like or any combination thereof. The length of material 116 preferably extends from the support base 102 to the ground anchor 118 and may be a single mechanism or have differing components.

(23) For example, the ground anchor 118 and length of material 116 may be removably attached to the support base 102 or may be permanently attached to the support base 102.

(24) Further, each of the components may be made from a singular material or may have different compositions that are separable from one another. It is preferable that there are about four to about five ground anchors 118 with a length of material 116 extending therefrom and coupling the ground anchors 118 to the support base 102. These ground anchors 118 may be positioned on each of the four corners of the support base 102 and the underside (center) of the support base 102. This provides added support and securement to prevent the portable beverage cooler support 100 from tipping and spilling the contents of the beverage cooler 124 or causing property damage or personal injury.

(25) FIGS. 3-5 show differing views of the portable beverage cooler support 100 with the support legs 106 extended and the apparatus ready for use. In FIG. 3, there is a top view of the portable beverage cooler support 100. From this view the angle of the support legs 106 in relation to the support base 102 is apparent. There are two removable partitions 108 which has resulted in three different support areas. In one of the support areas, there is a removable liner 148. The removable liner 148 is preferably a thin, flexible, and at least water-resistant material that lines all or part of the support base 102 and multiple liners may be used in conjunction with one another. As shown, the removable liner 148 may fit into one of the support areas and is repositionable to any point of the support base 102.

(26) One function of the removable liner 148 is to collect condensation or moisture or food (and other debris) particulates and make cleaning the portable beverage cooler support 100 quick and easy. The edges of the removable liner 148 may be bent upwards at some angle or have other mechanisms to promote retention of the aforementioned materials.

(27) In FIG. 4, there is a bottom view of the portable beverage cooler support 100. The underside of the support base 102 is visible along with the connection points between the support legs 106 and the support base 102. The support drain 104, as seen in FIG. 3, has a drain cap 107 that may be attached through a number of mechanisms including threading and friction. The drain cap 107 prevents unwanted drainage of any moisture or solid material. Each of the support legs 106 are shown with a lateral member 114 extending therebetween. As noted, in some cases, there is no lateral member 114 and the legs move independent from one another.

(28) From the side, as shown in FIG. 5, the support base 102 is generally planar in that it sits within the same place minus the vertical extension 110 surrounding some or all of the perimeter. The carrying handle 128 is positioned towards the midline of the portable beverage cooler support 100 so that the weight may be distributed evenly as possible. In some circumstances, the carrying handle may exist in duplicate or be set off center to accommodate differences in weight attributable to the first end 101 or the second end 103.

(29) In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the portable beverage cooler support 100 is shown in a transportation or storage position. In FIG. 6A, the portable beverage cooler support 100 is shown on its side and being carried by the carrying handle 128. The support legs 106 have been rotated inwards to lie substantially parallel with the support base 102. The support legs 106 may be positioned individually or in tandem when connected with the lateral member 114. This transportation position makes the portable beverage cooler support 100 easier to transport and prevent damage to the support legs, lateral member 114, or non-slip coating 126.

(30) In FIG. 6B, the portable beverage cooler support 100 has been folded in half about at least one hinge 134. In this case, there may be two carrying handles 128 with one on each of the first section 130 of the support base 102 and one on the second section 132 of the support base 102. The support base 102 hinges and folds preferably leaving the upper surface of the support base 102 and the vertical extension 110 exposed thereby preventing damage to the support legs 106. However, in some instances it may be preferable to have the hinges 134 work in the opposite direction. In this manner of transportation and storage, the portable beverage cooler support 100 takes up substantially less space and may be easier to maneuver given the exact dimensions of the support base 102.

(31) Referring now to FIG. 7, there is another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the portable beverage cooler support 100 has a support base 102 with a first section 130 and a second section 132. The first section 130 and the second section 132 are coupled with at least one hinge 134. This enables the portable beverage support 100 to be transported as shown in FIG. 6B. It should be noted that, in this instance, there are no lateral members 114 (see FIG. 1) thereby making the legs independently rotatable.

(32) The support legs 106, vertical extension 110, removable partitions 108, support base 102 may have some form of aesthetic enhancement such as textures, patterns, characters, coloration, logos, words, and the like or any combination thereof. Further, the portable beverage cooler support 100 has a flag pole holder 150 that is capable of supporting a flag pole 152. The flag pole holder 150 can accommodate any type of pole including those typically seen with umbrellas. Such an umbrella can provide shade and help keep everything contained thereunder that much more cool. Additional features may include a bottle opener 146 and storage for bottle caps or a wine opener (corkscrew) and speakers 140.

(33) The speakers 140 may be wired or wireless and may require a power source such as a rechargeable or solid state battery. Wireless speakers may employ Bluetooth or other appropriate wireless technology to enable a wireless connection with an electronic device capable of playing music, radio broadcasts, and the like. In some instances, the portable beverage cooler support 100 may have a dock for direct connection of the electronic device through wired means. This enables connection to a wired speaker system and may allow for charging of the electronic device via the speaker's or another power source.

(34) Generally, the portable beverage cooler support 100 in FIGS. 1-7 has been described with holding a beverage cooler 124. However, it is within the scope of this invention and its embodiments that any number of items may be held and/or secured thereto using the principles and components described herein. Thus, the portable beverage cooler support 100 may be used to hold and/or secure virtually any object in an elevated position to limit one from having to bend over and help keep the object and surrounding area clean. Further, the portable beverage cooler support 100 may have a carrying case which can envelop and help to transport the portable beverage cooler support 100. The carrying case may have zippers, snaps, buttons, or the like and help to protect the portable beverage cooler support 100. The carrying case may further have attachment points for a carrying strap or the like to facilitate easy transportation of the portable cooler beverage support 100. Alternatively, such a carrying strap may be attached directly to the slots 120 as shown.

(35) The portable beverage cooler support 100 and its components, as described, may be constructed from a number of materials including but not limited to plastics, metals, woods, glass, textiles, composites, rubbers, and the like or any combination thereof.

(36) The support base 102 may be about 30 cm (12 inch) to about 122 cm (48 inch) in width and is preferably about 46 cm (18 inch) in width. The support base 102 may be about 30 cm (12 inch) to about 203 cm (80 inch) in length and is more preferably about 66 cm (26 inch) to about 133 cm (52 inch) in length. The support legs 106 may vary in their dimensions dependent on the degrees the support legs are capable of rotating from a storage position to a support position. However, it is preferable that the support legs 106 are of sufficient length to position the support base 102 about 30 cm (12 inch) to about 122 cm (48 inch) off the ground with a preferable elevated position of about 51 cm (20 inch) off the ground. Further, the support legs 106 may be height adjustable and can be adjusted depending on the needs for the given use. For example, at a children's party the legs can be lowered to make the cooler more accessible, whereas at a gathering serving primarily adults the legs can be raised to an adult can use the space more effectively.

(37) Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.