AU2017203708A1 - Portable can dispensing cooler - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Embodiments relate generally to portable coolers. Particularly portable coolers for storing beverage cans. Some embodiments relate to a portable can dispensing cooler comprising an insulated container having a base and one or more side walls defining a main opening opposite the base and a dispensing opening in the one or more side walls near the base. The cooler may comprise a lid configured to selectively open and close the main opening; a dispensing door configured to selectively open and close the dispensing opening; and a rack disposed within the container and configured to receive and store a plurality of generally cylindrical cans. The rack may comprise a mesh cage forming an envelope of the rack and defining a rack entry accessible from and disposed near the main opening of the container and a rack exit disposed near the dispensing opening. The rack may further comprise a track configured to guide the cans rolling under gravity from the rack entry to the rack exit and dispensing opening. A ridge may be formed at or near an edge of the dispensing opening which may be configured to restrict the cans from passing through the dispensing opening when the dispensing door is open, but allow removal of one of the cans from the container through the dispensing opening by a user. r-4A Cc

Description

"Portable can dispensing cooler"

Technical Field [0001] Embodiments relate generally to portable coolers. Particularly portable coolers for storing beverage cans.

Background [0002] Portable coolers are sometimes used to store food and/or drink such as beverage cans, for example. Portable coolers typically comprise insulated containers with large lids and may be cooled by placing ice inside the container or, in some cases, with a refrigeration unit.

[0003] One disadvantage of existing portable coolers is that a large amount of heat is often introduced to the container when the lid is opened to remove an item, such as a beverage can, from the container. This introduction of heat reduces the efficiency of the cooler because the ice melts more quickly and has to be replenished more often, or, in coolers with refrigeration units, more energy is required to keep the interior of the container cool.

[0004] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with existing portable coolers, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0005] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0006] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Summary [0007] Some embodiments relate to a portable can dispensing cooler, comprising: an insulated container having a base and one or more side walls defining a main opening opposite the base and a dispensing opening in the one or more side walls near the base; a lid configured to selectively open and close the main opening; a dispensing door configured to selectively open and close the dispensing opening; a rack disposed within the container and configured to receive and store a plurality of generally cylindrical cans, the rack comprising: a mesh cage forming an envelope of the rack and defining a rack entry accessible from and disposed near the main opening of the container and a rack exit disposed near the dispensing opening; and a track configured to guide the cans rolling under gravity from the rack entry to the rack exit and dispensing opening; and a ridge formed at or near an edge of the dispensing opening and configured to restrict the cans from passing through the dispensing opening when the dispensing door is open, but allow removal of one of the cans from the container through the dispensing opening by a user.

[0008] In some embodiments, the portable can dispensing cooler may further comprise a movable storage tray disposed within and substantially covering the main opening, the storage tray being movable to allow access to the container and defining a rack entry opening to allow cans to be inserted into the rack entry when the lid is open but while the storage tray is substantially covering the main opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the portable can dispensing cooler may further comprise: a dispensing door frame surrounding the dispensing opening and configured to cooperate with the dispensing door to close the dispensing opening; and one or more magnets disposed in the dispensing door frame and configured to engage one or more magnets disposed in the dispensing door to hold the dispensing door closed and restrict the dispensing door from being opened until a user applies sufficient force to open the dispensing door. The cooler may further comprise a gasket disposed on the dispensing door. The cooler may further comprise a gasket disposed on the dispensing door frame.

[0010] In some embodiments, the rack may further comprise a lateral stabilising bar near the rack exit arranged substantially perpendicular to and spaced from the track such that there is only a small clearance between the bar and the cans when the cans roll past the bar. The small clearance may be less than 5mm, optionally less than 3mm, optionally less than 2mm, optionally less than 1mm. The small clearance may be between 2mm and 5mm, optionally between 3mm and 4mm, optionally about 3mm. The stabilising bar may mitigate against misalignment of the cans relative to the track and dispensing opening when the cans are received in the rack.

[0011] In some embodiments, the container may include a dedicated space for receiving ice to cool cans stored in the rack. In some embodiments, the portable can dispensing cooler may further comprise a refrigeration unit configured to cool an interior of the container.

[0012] In some embodiments, the portable can dispensing cooler may comprise a plurality of racks, each with an associated dispensing opening and dispensing door. For example, the rack may be a first rack; the dispensing opening may be a first dispensing opening; the dispensing door may be a first dispensing door; and the cooler may further comprise: a second rack similar to the first rack; a second dispensing opening similar to the first dispensing opening disposed near and associated with the second rack; and a second dispensing door similar to the first dispensing door associated with the second dispensing opening.

Brief Description of Drawings [0013] Embodiments are described in further detail by way of reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0014] Figure 1A is a rendered perspective view of a portable can dispensing cooler according to some embodiments; [0015] Figure IB is a rendered perspective cutaway view of the cooler of Figure 1 A; [0016] Figure 1C is a simplified perspective line drawing of the cooler of Figure 1A; [0017] Figure 2A is an end view of a rack without a mesh cage according to some embodiments; [0018] Figure 2B is a side view of the rack of Figure 2A; [0019] Figure 2C is a perspective view of the rack of Figure 2 A; [0020] Figure 2D is a perspective view of the rack of Figure 2A with a mesh cage; [0021] Figure 3 is a side view of an alternative rack according to some embodiments; [0022] Figure 4A is a perspective cutaway view of a dispensing opening and dispensing door according to some embodiments; and [0023] Figure 4B is a side view of the dispensing opening and dispensing door of Figure 4A.

Description of Embodiments [0024] Embodiments relate generally to portable coolers. Particularly portable coolers for storing beverage cans.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C, a portable can dispensing cooler 100 is shown according to some embodiments. The cooler 100 comprises an insulated container 102 having a base 104 and one or more side walls 106 defining a main opening 108 opposite the base 104 and a dispensing opening 110 in the one or more side walls 106 near the base 104. The cooler 100 also comprises a lid 112 configured to selectively open and close the main opening 108 and a dispensing door 114 configured to selectively open and close the dispensing opening 110.

[0026] In some embodiments, the container 102 may include a dedicated space for receiving ice to cool the interior of the container 102. In some embodiments, the cooler 100 may further comprise a refrigeration unit (not shown) configured to cool the interior of the container 102.

[0027] The base 104, side walls 106, lid 112 and dispensing door 114 may each be formed of or comprise a thermally insulating material to restrict heat transfer between the interior of the container 102 and the exterior of the container 102. For example, the base 104, side walls 106, lid 112 and dispensing door 114 may be formed of a polypropylene shell covering the interior and exterior surfaces with a polyurethane foam sandwiched within the shell to provide lightweight insulation.

[0028] Each of the lid 112 and the dispensing door 114 may be hingedly connected to the container 102, such as part of the side walls 106, for example. In some embodiments, one or both of the lid 112 and the dispensing door 114 may be removable from the container 102 and may not necessarily be hingedly connected to the container 102.

[0029] The lid 112 and/or an edge of the side walls 106 surrounding the main opening 108 may comprise a gasket 116 configured to for a seal when the lid 112 is closed to restrict the flow of air and heat between the interior of the container 102 and the exterior of the container 102.

[0030] The cooler 100 may further comprise a dispensing door frame 120 surrounding the dispensing opening 110 and configured to cooperate with the dispensing door 114 to close the dispensing opening 110. One or more magnets 122 may be disposed in the dispensing door frame 120 and configured to engage one or more magnets 124 disposed in the dispensing door 114 to hold the dispensing door 114 closed. An attractive force between the magnets 122,124 may restrict the dispensing door 114 from being opened until a user applies sufficient force to separate the magnets 122,124 and open the dispensing door 114. In some embodiments, the magnets 122,124 may be glued into recesses in the dispensing door frame 120 and dispensing door 110 respectively.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cooler 100 may further comprise a gasket 126 disposed on the dispensing door 110 as shown in Figures 1C and 4A. In some embodiments, the cooler 100 may further comprise a gasket (not shown) disposed on the dispensing door frame 120. In some embodiments, the dispensing door 110 and dispensing door frame 120 may define complimentary surfaces configured to mate with each other when the dispensing door 110 is closed and provide a seal to restrict the flow of air and heat between the interior of the container 102 and the exterior of the container 102. The gasket 126 or gaskets may assist in providing the seal by being compressed between part of the complimentary mating surfaces. The gaskets 116,126 may be formed of a suitable elastomeric material, such as rubber, for example.

[0032] In embodiments intended for use with ice stored in the container 102, the container 102 may include a drainage outlet 128 defined in or near the base 104 to allow water to be drained from the container 102 once the ice has melted. The drainage outlet 128 may comprise a tap, or in some embodiments, simply a hole and a plug to selectively block the hole.

[0033] The cooler 100 may further comprise a rack 130 disposed within the container 102 and configured to receive and store a plurality of generally cylindrical cans 132.

An exemplary rack 130 is shown in Figures 2A to 2D according to some embodiments. The rack 130 may comprise a mesh cage 200 (see Figure 2D) forming an envelope of the rack 130 and defining a rack entry 202 accessible from and disposed near the main opening 108 of the container 102 and a rack exit 204 disposed near the dispensing opening 110. The relative position of the rack 130, rack entry 202 and rack exit 204 with respect to the container 102, main opening 108 and dispensing opening 110 is shown in Figures 1A to 1C. The mesh cage 200 may be formed of a wire mesh such as steel mesh or a plastic mesh, for example.

[0034] In embodiments for use with ice in the container 102, the mesh cage 200 may support the ice and restrict the ice from interfering with the movement of the cans 132 while allowing cold water to directly contact the cans 132 as the ice melts and water is allowed to pass through the mesh cage 200.

[0035] In some embodiments, the portable can dispensing cooler 100 may comprise a plurality of racks 130, each with an associated dispensing opening 110 and dispensing door 114. For example, the cooler 100 may comprise two racks 130, as shown in Figures 1A to 1C. The rack 130 may be a first rack 130; the dispensing opening 110 may be a first dispensing opening 110; the dispensing door 114 may be a first dispensing door 114; and the cooler 100 may further comprise: a second rack 130 similar to the first rack 130; a second dispensing opening 110 similar to the first dispensing opening 110 disposed near and associated with the second rack 130; and a second dispensing door 114 similar to the first dispensing door 114 associated with the second dispensing opening 110.

[0036] In use, the cooler 102 will usually be oriented substantially vertically with the main opening 108 above the base 104. The rack 130 may comprise a track 206 configured to guide the cans 132 rolling under gravity from the rack entry 202 to the rack exit 204 and dispensing opening 110. The track 206 may comprise a plurality of support rails 208 configured to receive and support the cans 132 as they are stored in the rack 130. The support rails 208 may extend substantially horizontally, but may be slightly inclined relative to the base 104 so as to encourage the cans 132 to roll under gravity from the rack entry 202 to the rack exit 204.

[0037] The rack 130 may define a substantially vertical drop from the rack entry 202 to a first set of support rails 208. The support rails 208 may extend substantially horizontally at least partially across a width or length of the interior of the container 102 from one end of the rack 130 to the other. At the other end, the rack 130 may define a second vertical drop onto a second set of support rails 208 also extending substantially horizontally back across the width or length of the interior of the container 102. In this way, the track 206 may double back on itself such that when the rack 130 is loaded with cans 132, the cans 132 are arranged in two layers, one on top of the other, within the rack 130.

[0038] In various embodiments, the rack 130 and track 206 may comprise any suitable configuration for receiving and storing cans 132, wherein the cans 132 are encouraged to roll under gravity along the track 206 from the rack entry 202 to the rack exit 204. For example, a design of an alternative rack 330 is shown in Figure 3, according to some embodiments, with the track doubling back twice with three vertical drops and with three sets of support rails holding the cans 132 in three stacked layers.

[0039] Referring again to Figures 2A to 2D, the rack 130 may further comprise one or more guide rails 210 on either side of the track 206 configured to restrict the cans 132 from moving laterally off the track 206. The guide rails 210 may be positioned approximately half of a can width above the support rails 208 and spaced apart from each other by at least one can length. The guide rails 210 may be spaced with a small clearance from the cans 132 in use. The small clearance may be less than 5mm, optionally less than 3mm, optionally less than 2mm, optionally less than 1mm. The small clearance may be between 2mm and 5mm, optionally between 3mm and 4mm, optionally about 3mm.

[0040] In some embodiments, the rack 130 may further comprise a lateral stabilising bar 212 near the rack exit 204 arranged substantially perpendicular to and spaced from the track such that there is only a small clearance between the bar 212 and the cans 132 when the cans 132 roll past the bar 212. The small clearance may be less than 5mm, optionally less than 3mm, optionally less than 2mm, optionally less than 1mm. The small clearance may be between 2mm and 5mm, optionally between 3mm and 4mm, optionally about 3mm. The stabilising bar 212 may be positioned substantially parallel to a stored orientation of the cans 132 in the rack 130 and may mitigate against misalignment of the cans 132 relative to the track 206 and dispensing opening 210 when the cans 132 are received in the rack 130.

[0041] The support rails 208, guide rails 210 and stabilising bar 212 may be formed of a suitably stiff material such as steel rod or wire, for example, and may be bent into shape and welded together to form the track 206. The mesh cage 200 may be welded, adhered, or otherwise fixed to the track 206 to form the rack 130. The rack 130 may comprise a number of additional frame members 214 formed of steel rod or wire to provide sufficient strength and stiffness to the rack 130.

[0042] In various embodiments, the rack 130 and track 206 may be configured for use with cans 132 of certain dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, the rack 130 and track 206 may be configured for use with standard 375mL beverage cans having a diameter of 64mm and a length of 128mm. However, in other embodiments, the rack 130 and track 206 may be configured for use with other cans 132 having different dimensions.

[0043] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the cooler 100 may further comprise a lip or ridge 400 formed at or near an edge of the dispensing opening 110 and configured to restrict the cans 132 from passing through the dispensing opening 110 when the dispensing door 114 is open, but allow removal of one of the cans 132 from the container 102 through the dispensing opening 110 by a user. In some embodiments, the ridge 400 may define a concave surface facing towards the interior of the container 102 and configured to receive part of a can 132 at or near the rack exit 204. The concave surface may have a similar radius of curvature to that of the cylindrical surface of the can 132.

[0044] In use, a user may open the dispensing door 114, reach through the dispensing opening 110 into the container 102 and remove one of the cans 132. Other cans 132 being stored in the rack 130 may then roll down towards the dispensing opening 110 and stop against the ridge 400. The ridge 400 may restrict the rest of the cans 132 from rolling out of the dispensing opening 110 when the dispensing door 114 is opened and one of the cans 132 is removed. The dispensing door 114 may then be closed again by pushing it against the dispensing door frame 120 until the magnets 122,124 engage each other to hold the dispensing door 114 closed.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1C, the cooler 100 may further comprise a storage tray 140 disposed within and substantially covering the main opening 108. The storage tray 140 may being movable to allow access to the container 102 and define a rack entry opening 142 to allow cans 132 to be inserted into the rack entry 202 when the lid 112 is open but while the storage tray 140 is substantially covering the main opening. This may allow the storage tray 140 to act as a secondary lid to limit the flow of air and heat between the interior of the container 102 and the exterior of the container 102 when the lid 112 is open.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cooler 100 may comprise a secondary lid 140 which does not act as a storage tray, but acts to limit the flow of air and heat between the interior of the container 102 and the exterior of the container 102 when the lid 112 is open. In embodiments with multiple racks 130, the secondary lid or storage tray 140 may include a rack entry opening 142 associated with the rack entry 202 of the racks 130, or alternatively, a single rack entry opening 142 which provides access to all of the rack entries 202.

[0047] The storage tray 140 may be formed of any suitable material such as injection moulded plastic, for example, and may be removable from the container 102 or hingedly connected to the container 102.

[0048] In use, the storage tray 140 may provide space to store other items to be cooled, such as food items, for example. The storage tray 140 may also allow a user to open the lid 112 and insert one or more cans 132 into the rack 130 through the rack entry opening 142 without having to fully uncover the main opening 108.

[0049] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A portable can dispensing cooler, comprising: an insulated container having a base and one or more side walls defining a main opening opposite the base and a dispensing opening in the one or more side walls near the base; a lid configured to selectively open and close the main opening; a dispensing door configured to selectively open and close the dispensing opening; a rack disposed within the container and configured to receive and store a plurality of generally cylindrical cans, the rack comprising: a mesh cage forming an envelope of the rack and defining a rack entry accessible from and disposed near the main opening of the container and a rack exit disposed near the dispensing opening; and a track configured to guide the cans rolling under gravity from the rack entry to the rack exit and dispensing opening; and a ridge formed at or near an edge of the dispensing opening and configured to restrict the cans from passing through the dispensing opening when the dispensing door is open, but allow removal of one of the cans from the container through the dispensing opening by a user.
2. 2. A portable can dispensing cooler according to claim 1, further comprising a movable storage tray disposed within and substantially covering the main opening, the storage tray being movable to allow access to the container and defining a rack entry opening to allow cans to be inserted into the rack entry when the lid is open but while the storage tray is substantially covering the main opening.
3. 3. A portable can dispensing cooler according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a dispensing door frame surrounding the dispensing opening and configured to cooperate with the dispensing door to close the dispensing opening; and one or more magnets disposed in the dispensing door frame and configured to engage one or more magnets disposed in the dispensing door to hold the dispensing door closed and restrict the dispensing door from being opened until a user applies sufficient force to open the dispensing door.
4. 4. A portable can dispensing cooler according to claim 3, further comprising a gasket disposed on the dispensing door.
5. 5. A portable can dispensing cooler according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a gasket disposed on the dispensing door frame.
6. 6. A portable can dispensing cooler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rack further comprises a lateral stabilising bar near the rack exit arranged substantially perpendicular to and spaced from the track such that there is only a small clearance between the bar and the cans when the cans roll past the bar.
7. 7. A portable can dispensing cooler according to claim 6, wherein the small clearance is less than 5mm.
8. 8. A portable can dispensing cooler according to claim 6, wherein the small clearance is less than 3mm.
9. 9. A portable can dispensing cooler according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container includes a dedicated space for receiving ice to cool cans stored in the rack.
10. 10. A portable can dispensing cooler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a refrigeration unit configured to cool an interior of the container.
11. 11. A portable can dispensing cooler according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rack is a first rack; the dispensing opening is a first dispensing opening; the dispensing door is a first dispensing door; and the cooler further comprises: a second rack similar to the first rack; a second dispensing opening similar to the first dispensing opening disposed near and associated with the second rack; and a second dispensing door similar to the first dispensing door associated with the second dispensing opening.