US20110000404A1

US20110000404A1 - Cooler attachment

Info

Publication number: US20110000404A1
Application number: US12/459,646
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Lauther
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-06
Filing date: 2009-07-06
Publication date: 2011-01-06

Abstract

The present invention comprises a table which a user can attach to a cooler. The table is generally comprised of a table top, a first pivoting means, a second pivoting means and a leg. The first pivoting means attaches the first end of the table top to a first beam. The first beam attaches the present table to the cooler. The second pivoting means attaches a second beam to the second end of the table top. The second beam is attached to the leg. The leg is vertically adjustable. The leg pivots against the table top and the table top pivots against the cooler.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of devices for tables. More specifically, the invention comprises an adjustable table attachable to a cooler.
2. Description of the Related Art
Coolers are used for storage of beverages and food often when traveling or picnicking to keep beverages and food cool. When a user arrives at a desired destination the cooler is typically set up and the food and beverages are removed to eat or drink. However, typically the desired destination is a beach, yard, park or field. Thus, the cooler is often placed on uneven ground and table space is limited or unavailable.
Oftentimes, after beverages or food are removed from a cooler they are placed on top of the cooler, impeding further use of the cooler. Due to the fact that the cooler is often on uneven ground the food and beverages placed on top of the cooler are often uneven as well.
Additionally, coolers are used for fishing, to store fish that are caught. Oftentimes, a fisherman needs a flat area to clean and filet the fish prior to storing.
Therefore what is needed is a table which attaches to a cooler which can adjust such that the table top can remain even while on uneven ground. The present invention achieves this objective, as well as others that are explained in the following description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a table which a user can attach to a cooler. The table is generally comprised of a table top, a first pivoting means, a second pivoting means and a leg. The first pivoting means attaches the first end of the table top to a first beam. The first beam attaches the present table to the cooler. The second pivoting means attaches a second beam to the second end of the table top. The second beam is attached to the leg. The leg is vertically adjustable. The leg pivots against the table top and the table top pivots against the cooler.
In the preferred embodiment, the leg is comprised of a support and a segment. The segment extends into and out of the support and adjusts such that the table top remains level.
By allowing the leg to pivot against the table top and the table top to pivot against the cooler, the user can easily and conveniently store the present invention. Additionally, the vertical adjustability of the leg allows the user to set the cooler on uneven ground while keeping the table top level for placement of food and beverages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing the present invention attached to a cooler.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing the present invention, with the leg pivoted against the table top.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing the present invention retracted and attached to a cooler.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, showing beam of the present invention in proximity with a cooler.

FIG. 6 is a section view, showing the present invention with the leg retracted into the support.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing the present invention

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, showing the present invention

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the table top.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention.


REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

10	table	12	table top
14	first pivoting means	16	leg
18	support base	20	bolt holes
22	cooler	24	second pivoting means
26	second beam	28	first beam
30	pin	32	support
34	footer	36	cooler lid
38	bolts	40	second table top
42	support	44	segment
46	optional knife holder	48	pivot point
50	first wing	52	second wing
54	uneven ground	56	pin hole
58	flange	60	table
62	ground	64	leg

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention in the preferred embodiment attached to a prior art cooler 22. As shown in FIG. 2 the present table 10 is generally comprised of a table top 12, first pivoting means 14, second pivoting means 24, and leg 64. In the preferred embodiment leg 64 is generally comprised of support 32 and segment 16.
As shown in FIG. 1, first beam 28 attaches to cooler 22 at bolt holes 20. In the preferred embodiment first pivoting means 14 is a set of hinges which pivotally attaches first beam 28 to table top 12. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any mechanism that achieves a pivoting function can be used. Second pivoting means 24, shown in FIG. 2, pivotally attaches table top 12 to second beam 26. Second beam 26 is preferably an L beam, to which support 32 is attached. Segment 16 is attached to and retracts inside of support 32, as shown by the arrow next to segment 16. As shown in FIG. 1 when footer 34 of segment 16 contacts ground 62, segment 16 frictionally engages with ground 62 causing second pivoting means 24 and first pivoting means 14 to fix in place, such that table 10 is steady. In the preferred embodiment, two hinges are used as second pivoting means 24, shown in FIG. 2. Once segment 16 retracts inside of support 32, second pivoting means 24 allows support 32 to pivot towards table top 12, as illustrated by the arrow near support 32. In FIG. 3 support 32 is shown folded against table top 12.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the present table 10, folded against cooler 22. Once support 32 is folded against table top 12, first pivoting means 14 allows table top 12 to fold against cooler 22. The ability of the present table 10 to fold against cooler 22, while remaining attached to cooler 22 allows for easy transportation and the ability to fit into smaller places.
The illustration in FIG. 5 shows how first beam 28 attaches to cooler 22. First beam 28 is preferably a hollow box beam, however, one skilled in the art will recognize that many different beams could be used. First beam 28 contains a plurality of bolt holes 20. Bolt holes 20 accept bolts 38, which pass through each side of first beam 28 and into cooler 22 securing first beam 28 to cooler 22. First pivoting means 14 attaches to first beam 28. The simple attachment of first beam 28 to cooler 22 is such that the present table (not shown) can be attached to any cooler even after that cooler is manufactured or in use. Thus, a user would not be required to purchase an entire new cooler but instead could utilize their current cooler and only purchase the present table (not shown).
FIG. 6 is a section view which shows segment 16 retracted inside of support 32. As shown, segment 16 fully retracts inside of support 32. Support base 18 is attached to the bottom of support 32 and contains a small pin hole 56. Pin 30 fits through pin hole 56 and holds segment 16 in place at the desired height. One function of footer 34 is to prevent entire segment 16 from collapsing into support 32 by contacting support base 18 when segment 16 is fully retracted. Flange 58 prevents segment 16 from fully detaching from support 32 as the diameter of flange 58 is larger than the diameter of the opening at support base 18.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the present table. Segment 16 is shown extending from support 32. In the preferred embodiment segment 16 is adjusted by removing pin 30 adjusting segment 16 to the desired height and reinserting pin 30. While the use of pin 30 is shown, one skilled in the art will recognize that any manner of adjusting segment 16 could be used. For example segment 16 could be cylindrical and grooved such that segment 16 screwed into and out of support 32. However, it is important that leg 64 has the ability to adjust to different heights.
The illustrations in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate one particular advantage of the present table 10. When cooler 22 is placed on uneven ground 54 segment 16 can be adjusted such that table top 12 still lies level. FIG. 8 illustrates a situation in which uneven ground 54 slopes upward, wherein segment 16 could be adjusted such that segment 16 does not extend fully from support 32 such that table top 12 is level. FIG. 9 shows uneven ground 54 sloping downward, wherein segment 16 is extended further out of support 32 such that table top 12 is level.
FIG. 10 shows table top 12 with optional knife holder 46 located on table top 12. Table top 12 can vary in shape, size and can include any number of holders or recesses.
An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 11. The alternate embodiment has two tables 10, 60 extending from either side of cooler 22. Both tables 10, 60 are capable of folding fully against cooler 22.
The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As an example, any number of pivoting means could be utilized to achieve the double pivoting mechanism which allows table top 12 to fold against cooler 22. Additionally, segment 16 could retract into support 32 by any number of different means. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A table which a user can attach to a cooler, said table comprising:

a. a first beam attached to said cooler;

b. a first pivoting means having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is attached to said first beam;

c. a table top having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said table is attached to said second end of said first pivoting means;

d. a second pivoting means having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said second pivoting means is attached to said second end of said table top;

e. a second beam attached to said second end of said second pivoting means; and

f. a leg attached to said second beam.

2. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein said first pivoting means is at least two hinges.

3. The table as recited in claim 2, wherein said second pivoting means is at least two hinges.

4. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein said first beam is attached to said cooler by a plurality of bolts.

5. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein said leg further comprises:

a. a support;

b. a segment having a top and a bottom;

c. wherein said segment retracts into said support.

6. The table as recited in claim 5, wherein said segment further comprises a footer attached to said top of said segment and a flange attached to said bottom of said segment.

7. The table as recited in claim 6, wherein said flange is configured to prevent said segment from detaching from said support.

8. The table as recited in claim 5 wherein segment is vertically adjustable within said support.

9. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein said first beam is a box beam.

10. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein said second beam is an L beam.

11. A table which a user can attach to a cooler, said table comprising:

a. a table top having a first end and a second end;

b. wherein said first end of said table top is pivotally attached to said cooler;

c. a leg;

d. wherein said leg is pivotally attached to said second end of said table top, such that said leg pivots against said table top and said table top pivots against said cooler; and

e. wherein said leg is vertically adjustable.

12. The table as recited in claim 11, wherein said first end of said table top is attached to said cooler by a first beam and at least two hinges.

13. The table as recited in claim 12, wherein said second end of said table top is attached to said leg by a second beam and at least two hinges.

14. The table as recited in claim 11, wherein said leg further comprises:

a. a support;

b. a segment having a top and a bottom;

c. wherein said segment retracts into said support.

15. The table as recited in claim 14, wherein said segment further comprises a footer attached to said top of said segment and a flange attached to said bottom of said segment.

16. The table as recited in claim 15, wherein said flange is configured to prevent said segment from detaching from said support.

17. The table as recited in claim 13, wherein said first beam is a box beam.

18. The table as recited in claim 13, wherein said second beam is an L beam.