AU2016100829B4

AU2016100829B4 - An icebox assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2016100829B4
Application number: AU2016100829A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ben Matheson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-07
Filing date: 2016-06-07
Publication date: 2017-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-07
Also published as: AU2016100829A4

Abstract

The present invention relates to an icebox assembly. The assembly includes an icebox for storing ice. A lid is provided for closing the icebox. The assembly further includes a backrest against which the back of a person sitting on the lid can rest. Advantageously, the icebox assembly conveniently serves the dual purpose of an icebox as well as a comfortable chair with the backrest, thereby avoiding the need to pack another chair with a backrest to provide for improved packing and storage efficiency.

Description

2016100829 16 Jan 2017 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT

AN ICEBOX ASSEMBLY

The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me: 2016100829 16 Jan 2017 ι

AN ICEBOX ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to iceboxes for storing ice to cool drinks and food.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Ice boxes are insulated containers that store ice to cool drinks and food.

They are also called "coolers", "cooler boxes", “Eskys” and the New Zealand "chilly bins".

[0004] In practice, ice boxes are used when camping. Often, car space is at a premium when packing for camping and ice boxes already tend to occupy considerable space.

[0005] The Applicant has perceived a need for an ice-box assembly that makes for improved packing efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an icebox assembly including: an icebox for storing ice; a lid for closing the icebox; and a backrest against which the back of a person sitting on the lid can rest; the backrest including a curved receptacle to receive the person’s back. 2 2016100829 16 Jan 2017 [0007] Advantageously, the icebox assembly conveniently serves the dual purpose of an icebox as well as a comfortable chair with the backrest, thereby avoiding the need to pack another chair with a backrest to provide for improved packing efficiency.

[0008] The ice box may be portable. The backrest may be pivotally mounted relative to the lid. The backrest may fold flat with the lid. The assembly may include a stop for stopping pivoting of the backrest. The stop may stop the backrest in an oblique configuration. The backrest may include a pair of arms and a bridge extending between the arms. The bridge may include a concave portion for receiving a back.

[0009] The assembly may further include a base plate for mounting to the lid. The assembly may further include a pair of guide channels for mounting to the base plate and receiving the backrest.

[00010] The assembly may be formed from metal or plastic parts.

[00011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for forming an icebox assembly, the kit including: a backrest for fitting to an icebox and against which the back of a person sitting on the icebox can rest, the backrest including a curved receptacle to receive the person’s back.

[00012] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [00014] Figure 1 a is a perspective view of an icebox assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 3 2016100829 16 Jan 2017 [00015] Figure 1 b is a plan view of the icebox assembly of Figure 1 a; [00016] Figure 1 c is a front view of the icebox assembly of Figure 1 a; and [00017] Figure 1 d is a side view of the icebox assembly of Figure 1 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00018] The present invention relates to an icebox assembly 100 as shown in Figure 1a. The icebox assembly 100 includes a portable icebox 102 for storing ice. A pivoting lid 104 is provided for closing the icebox 102. The icebox assembly 100 further includes a backrest 106 against which the back of a person sitting on the lid 104 can rest. Advantageously, the icebox assembly 100 conveniently serves the dual purpose of an icebox 102 as well as a comfortable chair with the backrest 106, thereby avoiding the need to pack another chair with a backrest to provide for improved packing efficiency.

[00019] The backrest 106 is pivotally mounted to the lid 104 about a pair of pivots 108a, 108b. The backrest 106 is able to fold flat with the lid 104 for storage or during transport. The backrest 106 includes a pair of upright arms 110a, 110b and a panel-like bridge 112 extending between the arms 110a, 110b. The bridge 112 includes a central concave portion 114 for receiving the back of the seated person.

[00020] The assembly 100 further includes a base plate 116 for mounting to the lid 104. In turn, a pair of guide channels 118a, 118b is mounted to the base plate 116, and receives respective arms 110a, 110b of the backrest 106.

[00021] As can best be seen in Figure 1 d, the assembly 100 includes a stop 120, including two separated rods, for stopping rearward pivoting of the backrest 106 in an oblique configuration. The lower attachment ends of the backrest arms 110a, 110b can be tapered to facilitate engagement with the stop 120.

[00022] Turning to Figure 1 c, the backrest arms 110a, 110b can be tubular and are fitted with upper caps 122a, 122b at the free end. 2016100829 16 Jan 2017 4 [00023] Turning to Figure 1 b, the base plate 116 can be fastened with fasteners 124 (e.g. rivets) to the lid 104. Similarly, the bridge 112 can be fastened to the backrest arms 110a, 11 Ob.

[00024] The assembly 100 can be formed from metal or plastic parts.

[00025] A kit may be provided for forming the icebox assembly 100. The kit can include: the backrest 106, base plate 116, guide channels 118a, 118b, and stop 120. The kit also includes the pivots 108a, 108b, backrest arms 110a, 110b, caps 122a, 122b, and fasteners 124.

[00026] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

[00027] All dimensions in Figure 1 are in millimetres and can be varied as required.

[00028] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[00029] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An icebox assembly including: an icebox for storing ice; a lid for closing the icebox; and a backrest against which the back of a person sitting on the lid can rest; the backrest including a curved receptacle to receive the person’s back.
2. An icebox assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the backrest includes a pair of elongate arms between which the concave receptacle is located, the arms pivotally mounted to the lid so as to fold flat with the lid.
3. An icebox assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein attachment ends of the arms are tapered, and further including a stop for engaging with the tapered attachment ends to stop pivoting of the backrest in an oblique configuration.
4. An icebox assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, further including guide channels for receiving the arms of the backrest when folded flat.
5. A kit for forming an icebox assembly, the kit including: a backrest for fitting to an icebox and against which the back of a person sitting on the icebox can rest; the backrest including a curved receptacle to receive the person’s back.