US20100287976A1

US20100287976A1 - Cooler/ice box organizer

Info

Publication number: US20100287976A1
Application number: US12/777,542
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew Roof; Karen Peters
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-12
Filing date: 2010-05-11
Publication date: 2010-11-18

Abstract

A new cooler/icebox organizer keeps items cold, contained, separated, and easily accessible. The organizer includes an ice guard that attaches to the inside of a cooler or ice box and an organizing unit that slides into and out of the ice guard. Ice is stored in the cooler outside of the ice guard, along with drinks or other items that are easily located in ice and can have direct contact with ice and melt water. The organizing unit has a storage area for holding items that do not need direct ice contact, which is accessible without withdrawing the organizing unit. A second storage area can contain ice and items that need direct ice contact and is accessible when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the ice guard. The organizer can be used with existing coolers, makes items more easily accessible, and stays cool longer.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 61/177,290, filed May 12, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELDS OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of containers that use ice to cool other contents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some boats are equipped with a built-in icebox, which is basically a fixed cooler that opens from the top. The icebox is not refrigerated and therefore ice must be used to keep food and drinks in the icebox cold.
It is very difficult to keep such iceboxes organized. This is a common problem among boaters. Users are constantly searching in the icebox for something. When one item (chicken for example) is removed while searching for a missing item, the ice immediately fills the void. To put the item back, the ice must be moved and held back and the item placed back in the ice box. This wastes time, and is also very inefficient as the longer the icebox or cooler is open, the faster the ice melts.
Similar problems exist for other coolers and iceboxes and other items that rely on ice to maintain a cool temperature. Presently available icebox organizers rely on stackable shelves that do not keep items contained.
Needs exist for improved products for keeping the food in a cooler or ice box separated from the ice, and for keeping the cooler or ice box organized.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following summary and the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Neither the summary nor the description that follows in intended to define or limit the scope of the invention to the particular features mentioned in the summary or in the description.
In certain embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may include one or more of the features described herein.
A new cooler/icebox organizer solves the problems of ordinary coolers and iceboxes and of previous cooler organizers. The organizer keeps items cold, contained, separated, and easily accessible. The organizer includes an ice guard that attaches, for example by suction cups, to the inside of a cooler or ice box and an organizing unit that slides into and out of the ice guard. Ice is stored in the cooler outside of the ice guard, along with drinks or other items that are easily located in ice and can have direct contact with ice and melt water.
The organizing unit has an upper storage area for holding items that do not need direct ice contact, which is accessible without withdrawing the organizing unit. A bottom storage area of the organizing unit can contain ice and items that need direct ice contact and is accessible when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the ice guard. The bottom of the bottom storage area is angled to retain ice when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the ice guard.
Drainage holes in the bottom storage area and in the ice guard allow melt water to escape from the organizing unit. A handle at the top of the organizing unit, which may be configured in various ways, allows a user to easily slide the organizing unit in and out of the ice guard. The handle is attached by rivets or some other connection such as heat welding, one or more screws or nails, adhesive, or hook and loop fastener.
In one embodiment the ice guard has one or more shelf features and the organizing unit rests on these shelf features when inserted into the ice guard. Between the bottom of the organizing unit and the bottom of the ice guard, a storage area is formed. In one embodiment, the ice guard has raised ribs on the bottom to guide meltwater away from objects resting in the bottom of the ice guard.
The organizer can be used with existing coolers, makes items more easily accessible, and stays cool longer.
A new apparatus includes an ice guard that reduces or prevents contact between surrounding ice and meltwater and items placed within an area defined by the ice guard when the ice guard is placed in an icebox or cooler and an organizing unit. The area defined by the ice guard is vertically accessible. The organizing unit has a bottom and a top opening through which items can be retrieved. The organizing unit can be vertically inserted into and withdrawn from the area defined by the ice guard.
In one embodiment the ice guard has a shelf feature that the organizing unit rests on when inserted into the ice guard. The shelf feature is a narrowing of the ice guard. The ice guard has side walls, a bottom, and a top opening. The organizing unit has side walls.
A suction cup attached to the ice guard attaches the ice guard to the inside of a cooler or icebox. Raised ribs are at the bottom of the area defined by the ice guard.
In one embodiment there are one or more dividing walls within the organizing unit. One or more of the dividing walls are removable. The organizing unit has a handle.
In one embodiment when the organizing unit is inserted into the area defined by the ice guard, a storage area is formed between the bottom of the organizing unit and the bottom of the area defined by the ice guard.
In one embodiment the organizing unit has a top storage area that is accessible when the organizing unit is inserted into the area defined by the ice guard and a bottom storage area that is accessible when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the area defined by the ice guard.
The bottom of the organizing unit is angled away from a side opening to retain items within the organizing unit when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the area defined by the ice guard. The organizing unit has drainage holes for draining meltwater.
In one embodiment clips attach to a wall of a cooler or icebox and fit over the top of the ice guard to hold it in place. In one embodiment the ice guard has hooks that fit through clips and the clips attach to a wall of an icebox or cooler. In one embodiment the ice guard has an ice guard bottom and a flat surface extending from the ice guard bottom that prevents the ice guard from tipping over. In one embodiment first tracks attach to the inside of a cooler or icebox and the ice guard has second tracks that correspond to the first tracks and slide into the first tracks to secure the ice guard to a cooler or ice box.
In one embodiment the ice guard is secured to an icebox or cooler.
A new apparatus includes a bottom storage compartment with side walls and a top opening and a top storage compartment which has side walls, a bottom, and a top opening. The bottom of the top storage compartment contacts the bottom storage compartment and the top storage compartment is vertically removable. The bottom storage compartment attaches to the inside of a cooler or icebox. The side walls of the bottom storage compartment reduce or prevent contact between surrounding ice and meltwater and items placed in the bottom or top storage compartment.
A new apparatus includes an ice guard with a top opening that attaches to the inside of a cooler or icebox and an organizing unit that slides vertically into and out of the ice guard. The organizing unit has a first storage area that is vertically accessible when the organizing unit is inserted in the ice guard. A second storage area is accessible when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the ice guard. Items that do not need direct ice contact can be placed in the first storage area and protected from contact with ice and meltwater and other items can be stored with ice in the second storage area.
A new apparatus includes an icebox or cooler, an ice guard having an open top, and an organizing unit with an open top that slides into and out of the top of the ice guard. A handle is attached to the organizing unit and a suction cup attaches the ice guard to the inside of the icebox or cooler. A shelf feature is built into the ice guard and the organizing unit rests on the shelf feature when inserted into the ice guard. Raised ribs are built into the bottom of the ice guard. The shelf feature is a narrowing of the ice guard. A storage area is formed between the bottom of the organizing unit and the bottom of the ice guard when the organizing unit is inserted into the ice guard.
These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use these embodiments and others that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a perspective view of an organizer mounted in a cooler with an organizing unit partially withdrawn.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the front of an organizing unit and ice guard.

FIG. 3 is a close-up diagram showing the front of an organizing unit and ice guard.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view diagram of an organizing unit and ice guard.

FIG. 5 is a diagram from an elevated perspective view showing the top, side, and back of an organizing unit and ice guard.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram of an organizing unit showing the top, front, and side, illustrating various handle configurations.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram of a clip method of ice guard attachment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram of a hook and clip method of ice guard attachment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram of an ice guard with a bottom extended surface.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view diagram of a molded track for ice guard attachment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view diagram of an organizing unit with a removable wall.

FIG. 12 is a front angle view diagram of an organizer.

FIG. 13 is detail diagram of an organizing unit.

FIG. 14 is a back view diagram of an organizer.

FIG. 15 is a detail diagram of a handle.

FIG. 16 is a detail diagram of formed ribs on the bottom of an ice guard.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an upper unit being withdrawn from an ice guard.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an organizer unit and ice guard side by side.

FIG. 19 shows an organizer loaded for use.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing front, top, and side views of an ice guard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cooler/icebox organizer will now be disclosed in terms of various exemplary embodiments. This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate features of the invention. The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. When a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, persons skilled in the art may effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
In the several figures, like reference numerals may be used for like elements having like functions even in different drawings. The embodiments described, and their detailed construction and elements, are merely provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out in a variety of ways, and does not require any of the specific features described herein. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention with unnecessary detail.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a perspective view of an organizer 2 mounted in a cooler 1 with an organizing unit 5 partially withdrawn. The entire organizing unit 5 slides into ice guard 3 and can be moved in or out by grasping and pulling or pushing on the handle 13. organizing unit 5 has a top storage area 7 and a bottom storage area 9, which may be angled to contain ice when the organizing unit 5 is withdrawn. Drainage hole 11 allows melt water to escape from the bottom storage area 9.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the front of an organizing unit 5 and ice guard 3. In this view, the angled bottom shelf 17 is clearly visible. The angle of the shelf is designed to hold ice in the bottom storage area 9 when the organizing unit 5 is slid out of the ice guard 3. This angle also encourages the drainage of ice water from the bottom storage area 9 through the back drainage holes 15 out the rear of the unit 5. This bottom storage area 9 is suitable for storing foods like meats that need direct ice contact.
FIG. 3 is a close-up diagram showing the front of an organizing unit 5 and ice guard 3.
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view diagram of an organizing unit 5 and ice guard 3.
FIG. 5 is a diagram from an elevated perspective view showing the top, side, and back of an organizing unit 5 and ice guard 3. In this figure, three drainage holes 15 in the back of the organizing unit 5 can be seen. Also visible are suction cups 19 on the back of the ice guard 3 used to attach the ice guard 3 to a cooler 1 or ice box.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram of an organizing unit 5 showing the top, front, and side, illustrating various handle configurations 21, 23, 25. The handle 13 shown in the other figures attaches to the top of the organizing unit 5 at about its midpoint, extending slightly above the top of and across the width of the organizing unit 5. Handle configuration 21 has a rectangular cross section and extends across the width of the organizing unit 5, where the top of the handle configuration 21 is even with the top of the organizing unit 5. Handle configuration 23 is similar to handle configuration 21 but has a circular cross-section and is slightly below the level of the top of the organizing unit 5. Handle configuration 25 extends vertically from the bottom of the top section 7 of the organizing unit 5 towards the top of the organizing unit 5. Typically, only one handle would be employed with any given embodiment of the organizer. Other configurations are also possible.
FIGS. 7-10 illustrate some different ways of securing the organizer FIG. 7 illustrates a method of attaching the ice guard 3 to a wall of the cooler or ice box 1. Clips 27 are attached to a wall of the cooler or icebox 1, for example with an adhesive. The clips 27 fit over the top of the ice guard 3 and hold it in place. FIG. 8 shows an ice guard 3 with hooks 31. Open-topped clips 29 are attached to a wall of the cooler or ice box 1, for example with adhesive. The hooks slip 31 into the tops of the clips 29 to secure the ice guard.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment where the ice guard 3 is not attached to the cooler or ice box 1. Instead, the bottom of the ice guard 3 has an extended flat surface 33 that prevents the organizer 2 from tipping over. FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment where the cooler 1 and ice guard 3 have corresponding molded tracks 35, 37. The tracks 35 on the ice guard 3 slide into the tracks 37 on the inside of the cooler 1 or vice versa to secure the ice guard 3 to the cooler or ice box 1. The cooler tracks 37 can be attached with adhesive or can be permanently integrated into the cooler 1 if a cooler manufacturer wants to integrate the organizer 2.
FIG. 11 shows an organizing unit 5 with a removable wall 41. A track 39 on the inside of the organizing unit 5 allows a wall 41 to be dropped securely into place to divide the top storage area into multiple separate areas.
FIG. 12 is a front angle view diagram of an organizer 100 with organizing unit 103 inserted into ice guard 101 and resting on shelf features 107 of the ice guard 101. Handle 105 can be used to withdraw the organizing unit 103 from the ice guard 101 or to insert the organizing unit 103 into the ice guard 101. Raised ribs 109 in the bottom of the ice guard 101 guide meltwater away from objects resting on the ribs 109 on the bottom of the ice guard 101. In some embodiments the ribs have drainage, for example in one embodiment one drainage hole halfway up the sides of each rib in the center.
FIG. 13 is detail diagram of an organizing unit 103. Handle 105 is attached to the organizing unit 103 by rivets inserted in rivet holes 111.
FIG. 14 is a back view diagram of an organizing unit 103 with handle 105 inserted into ice guard 101 with shelf features 107 and raised ribs 109. Double-sided suction cup 113 attaches to the back of the ice guard and to a cooler to prevent movement.
FIG. 15 is a detail diagram of a handle 105 with rivet holes 111.
FIG. 16 is a detail diagram of formed ribs 109 on the bottom of an ice guard.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an organizing unit 103 being withdrawn from an ice guard 101.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an organizing unit 103 and ice guard 101 side by side.
FIG. 19 shows an organizer loaded with food items 115 for use in a cooler 117.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing front, top, and side views of an ice guard 101 with shelf features 107 and raised ribs 109.
In one embodiment the cooler/icebox organizer is a standalone product designed for use in coolers or iceboxes. It does not require any installation, and is easily removable. In one embodiment it is made of plastic, for example polystyrene, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymer, nylon reinforced vinyl, and/or HDPE. Alternatively, the organizer may include, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, epoxy, molded resin, or carbon fiber.
In one embodiment, the cooler/icebox organizer includes an ICE GUARD, which is a box with no lid, and an ORGANIZING UNIT, which slides into the ice guard and holds food items. The organizing unit rests inside the ice guard, and slides up and down. The ice guard has a drainage hole on a side to allow melted ice to escape.
The ice guard in one embodiment is attached to the wall of a cooler or icebox with suction cups. The suction cups are placed on the top, middle or bottom of the back of the ice shield. Alternative or additional attachment methods may also be used. For example, in one embodiment two clips included with the unit are attached to the rear of the cooler or ice box with an adhesive. The clips fit over the top of the ice guard and hold it in place. In one embodiment, the ice guard is molded to include two hooks on the aft of the organizer. Two open topped clips included with the organizer are attached to the cooler with an adhesive and the hooks are secured to the clips.
In another embodiment, the organizer is not attached to the cooler. In this embodiment, the bottom of the ice guard may include an extended flat surface that prevents the unit from tipping over. Alternatively, the organizer may be permanently installed if a cooler manufacturer integrates the organizer with its coolers. The cooler and organizer in one such embodiment come with a molded track that allow for removal and re-installation.
In one embodiment, the organizing unit has a top storage space, which is accessible without sliding the unit up, and a lower storage space that is only accessible when the unit is withdrawn from the ice guard. In one embodiment the storage spaces are divided with movable or permanent dividing walls. For example, in one embodiment the storage space has a track that allows for a wall to be dropped in to divide it. In another embodiment, the organizer has only a single storage space. In some such embodiments, there is additional storage space within the ice guard below where the organizing unit is inserted.
A handle is on the top of the organizing unit. A variety of configurations are possible for the handle. In one embodiment the handle is attached from the bottom of the upper storage unit or across the top and is rounded or square. The handle is attached to the inside or outside of the organizing unit or collapsible into the unit.
The top storage space of the organizing unit is designed to hold items that are frequently used such as condiments, vegetables, fruits, etc., specifically items that do not require direct ice coverage but need to be or can be kept cool. The lower storage space, and/or storage space within the ice guard below the organizing unit, is designed to hold meat, fish, or any other product that requires direct ice coverage. The lower storage space can hold both food and ice. In one embodiment the lower storage space is angled aft to prevent the ice from spilling out every time the unit is lifted, and has drain holes. In an alternative embodiment, the angle of the bottom shelf is minimal or non-existent to make the manufacturing process for the organizer easier.
The icebox/cooler organizer is beneficial to all cooler or icebox users. Campers and tailgaters often rely on coolers, fisherman use coolers to hold bait and drinks, and mariners depend on iceboxes or coolers. Ice lasts longer in a cooler if the time it takes to find an item is reduced, as the lid remains open a shorter period of time. In the new icebox/cooler organizer drinks can be separated and food is easily accessible.
In one embodiment, the organizer is a disposable item for coolers made out of foam. To allow for use in a Styrofoam cooler the unit is made of very lightweight plastic or a heavy paper product coated in a waterproof paint, resin or other waterproof coating. The structure is reduced in size. In some such embodiments the lower angled unit is eliminated to minimize manufacturing costs.
In another embodiment, the organizer (specifically the ice guard) is integrated permanently into a standard cooler or a cooler is made with built-in tracks which the ice shield is designed to slide in and out of the cooler on. In some embodiments large fishing coolers, for example, come with this unit preinstalled to allow for bait and food separation.
Rather than sharp corners as depicted in some of the figures, in one embodiment the corners of the organizer are rounded to make injection molding easier.
The organizer is designed to be used in existing coolers to pack meats, fruits, vegetables, and other items that need to be kept cold but not wet. The organizer in one embodiment includes an ice guard that houses ice and/or beverages, or other items that can get wet. A top removable organizing unit is designed to be easily withdrawn and replaced into the ice guard. The organizing unit also has a handle for easy handling of the unit. The organizer is easy to use, can be integrated into existing coolers that are on the market, and is a unique product that solves a common problem.
In one embodiment, the organizer is designed to fit in most all large size coolers that are currently on the market, the bottom of the ice guard simply sits on the bottom of an existing cooler, and the bottom of the organizing unit sits on shelf features manufactured into the ice guard. This ensures easy manufacturing of all parts, permits easy removal and replacement of the organizing unit, and allows for plenty of room for ice in the bottom of the ice guard.
In one embodiment, the ice guard and organizing unit are both manufactured by thermoforming, which keeps tooling costs to a minimum while still achieving the desired results. In one embodiment, the organizing unit houses a sturdy injection molded handle that is riveted onto it for a rigid connection. A double sided suction cup is included with the organizer to help hold it to a sidewall of the cooler that it is being put in, which ensures that the organizer does not fall over or slide around inside the cooler.
In one embodiment, raised ribs are formed into the bottom of the ice guard, which allow water from melted ice to sit in between these ribs. The ice guard and organizing unit are manufactured from 5/32″ HDPE plastic material, which is very durable and has great strength even in low temperature settings.
In one specific embodiment, the ice guard is 11.00″ deep and 8.00″ in width and 10.50″ in length at its top. The corners are curved with a radius of 0.50″ and the material is 0.16″ thick. At the bottom are 0.75″ tall ribs that are 0.89″ wide at the top, with 1.25″ between the top of one rib and the next. 6.19″ from the top of the ice guard, a shelf feature is created by reducing the length by 0.64″ on each side. The side walls are sloped such that length at the bottom of the ice guard is 8.50″. The width of the organizer also narrows from top to bottom due to a 2° inward slope of the front and back walls.
The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described above in detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements could be devised, for example, various configurations of the handle, various structures for attaching the ice shield to the cooler or ice box, various materials, dimensions, and methods of manufacturing, various structures for mounting the organizing unit within the ice guard and for organizing items within the organizing unit, and various combinations of disclosed features. The invention encompasses every possible combination of the various features of each embodiment disclosed. While the invention has been described with reference to specific illustrative embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

an ice guard,

wherein the ice guard reduces or prevents contact between surrounding ice and meltwater and items placed within an area defined by the ice guard when the ice guard is placed in an icebox or cooler,

wherein the area defined by the ice guard is vertically accessible,

an organizing unit having a bottom and a top opening through which items can be retrieved,

wherein the organizing unit can be vertically inserted into and withdrawn from the area defined by the ice guard.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ice guard comprises a shelf feature that the organizing unit rests on when inserted into the ice guard.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the shelf feature comprises a narrowing of the ice guard.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ice guard comprises side walls, a bottom, and a top opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the organizing unit further comprises side walls.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a suction cup attached to the ice guard for attaching the ice guard to the inside of a cooler or icebox.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising raised ribs at the bottom of the area defined by the ice guard.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more dividing walls within the organizing unit.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein one or more of the dividing walls are removable.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the organizing unit further comprises a handle.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the organizing unit is inserted into the area defined by the ice guard, a storage area is formed between the bottom of the organizing unit and the bottom of the area defined by the ice guard.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the organizing unit further comprises a top storage area that is accessible when the organizing unit is inserted into the area defined by the ice guard and a bottom storage area that is accessible when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the area defined by the ice guard.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the organizing unit is angled away from a side opening to retain items within the organizing unit when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the area defined by the ice guard.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the organizing unit further comprises drainage holes for draining meltwater.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising clips that attach to a wall of a cooler or icebox and fit over the top of the ice guard to hold it in place.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising clips, wherein the ice guard comprises hooks that fit through the clips and the clips attach to a wall of an icebox or cooler.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ice guard comprises an ice guard bottom and a flat surface extending from the ice guard bottom that prevents the ice guard from tipping over.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising first tracks that attach to the inside of a cooler or icebox and wherein the ice guard comprises second tracks that correspond to the first tracks and slide into the first tracks to secure the ice guard to a cooler or ice box.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an icebox or cooler, wherein the ice guard is secured to the icebox or cooler.

20. An apparatus, comprising:

a bottom storage compartment with side walls and a top opening,

a top storage compartment which has side walls, a bottom, and a top opening,

wherein the bottom of the top storage compartment contacts the bottom storage compartment,

wherein the top storage compartment is vertically removable,

wherein the bottom storage compartment attaches to the inside of a cooler or icebox,

wherein the side walls of the bottom storage compartment reduce or prevent contact between surrounding ice and meltwater and items placed in the bottom or top storage compartment.

21. An apparatus, comprising:

an ice guard with a top opening that attaches to the inside of a cooler or icebox,

an organizing unit that slides vertically into and out of the ice guard,

wherein the organizing unit comprises a first storage area that is vertically accessible when the organizing unit is inserted in the ice guard, and

a second storage area that is accessible when the organizing unit is withdrawn from the ice guard,

whereby items that do not need direct ice contact can be placed in the first storage area and protected from contact with ice and meltwater and other items can be stored with ice in the second storage area.

22. An apparatus, comprising:

an icebox or cooler,

an ice guard having an open top,

an organizing unit with an open top that slides into and out of the top of the ice guard,

a handle attached to the organizing unit,

a suction cup attaching the ice guard to the inside of the icebox or cooler,

a shelf feature built into the ice guard on which the organizing unit rests when inserted into the ice guard, and

raised ribs built into the bottom of the ice guard,

wherein the shelf feature is a narrowing of the ice guard,

wherein a storage area is formed between the bottom of the organizing unit and the bottom of the ice guard when the organizing unit is inserted into the ice guard.