US20140069935A1 - Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure - Google Patents
Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure Download PDFInfo
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- US20140069935A1 US20140069935A1 US13/931,050 US201313931050A US2014069935A1 US 20140069935 A1 US20140069935 A1 US 20140069935A1 US 201313931050 A US201313931050 A US 201313931050A US 2014069935 A1 US2014069935 A1 US 2014069935A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- exterior
- interior
- thermally insulated
- magnets
- insulated enclosure
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- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3813—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3888—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation wrappers or flexible containers, e.g. pouches, bags
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/06—Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2313/00—Connecting or fastening means
- B65D2313/04—Connecting or fastening means of magnetic type
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
- B67D2210/00141—Other parts
- B67D2210/00144—Magnets, e.g. used in valves or for stirring
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
- Y10T29/49963—Threaded fastener
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
A novel thermally insulated enclosure includes an insulated wall and a magnet assembly coupled thereto for mounting the insulated enclosure to ferromagnetic structures. In a particular embodiment, the magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the insulated wall. In another particular embodiment, the magnet assembly is a removable magnetic device that can be connected and disconnected from the insulated enclosure.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/192,350, filed on Jul. 27, 2011 by the same inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to thermally insulated enclosures, and more particularly to systems for mounting thermally insulated enclosures.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
- There has long been a high demand for portable insulated containers such as, for example, coolers, food and beverage containers, water coolers, lunch boxes, etc. Such containers are frequently transported in highly dynamic and, therefore, unstable environments such as, for example, on off-road vehicles, boats, construction trailers, heavy construction equipment, etc. When transporting containers in such environments, it is almost always necessary that they be secured down in order to prevent any problems associated with tipping and/or sliding. Doing so typically entails securing the enclosure to a stable structure via some suitable fastener (e.g., elastic cord, rope, strap, etc).
- Although tipping and sliding problems can be prevented by fastening the enclosure to a stable structure via mechanical fasteners, there are disadvantages to doing so. For example, the enclosure can only be secured in locations where there are available structures (e.g., eye bolt) for the mechanical fasteners to engage. Another disadvantage to the current solution is the inconvenience associated with having to make sure the enclosure is accompanied by the fastener. Not only is it inconvenient to always keep a fastener on hand, but it is also inconvenient to have to remember to secure the enclosure. For example, forgetting to secure lunchboxes down on work trailers is a very common problem that often results in it falling off while the trailer is moving. As another example, the current solutions also impose challenges on heavy equipment operators because they typically have to remain on the equipment for long periods of time and, therefore, have to keep their coolers nearby. This is problematic in that there are typically not very many convenient structures to which an enclosure can be mounted via fasteners.
- In efforts to alleviate the aforementioned problems, manufacturers have incorporated various types of slip preventative features into the design of many insulated enclosures. For example, friction promoting features (e.g., rubber, treads, etc) are often formed on the bottom surfaces of insulated containers.
- Although friction promoting features can increase the amount of friction between the bottom surface of the container and the underlying surface, it is typically insignificant in such unstable environments.
- What is needed, therefore, is an insulated enclosure that can be secured to a structure without additional fasteners. What is also needed is an insulated enclosure that can be secured to structures where no fastener structures are available. What is also needed is an insulated enclosure that is simpler to secure onto structures.
- The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing a thermally insulated enclosure having a magnet assembly that facilitates magnetic coupling of the insulated enclosure to a ferromagnetic structure. The invention facilitates , for example, securing ice chests, water coolers, and the like to vehicles and/or other equipment or structures.
- In an example embodiment, a thermally insulated enclosure includes an insulated wall, an opening, and a magnet assembly. The insulated wall includes a first surface defining an interior of the enclosure and a second surface defining an exterior of the enclosure. The opening is closable and defines a passageway between the exterior of the enclosure and the interior of the enclosure. The magnet assembly is coupled to the insulated wall, and provides an attractive magnetic force sufficient to fixedly secure the thermally insulated enclosure to a ferromagnetic structure. Optionally, the attractive magnetic force of the magnet assembly is sufficient to fixedly secure the thermally insulated enclosure to a vertical surface of ferromagnetic structures. In some disclosed embodiments, the attractive magnetic force of the magnet assembly is sufficient to fixedly secure the thermally insulated enclosure to a vertical surface of a ferromagnetic structure when the thermally insulated enclosure is full of liquid.
- In one example embodiment, the magnet assembly includes at least one magnet mounted to the second surface of the insulated wall (exterior of enclosure). In an alternate embodiment, the magnet assembly includes at least one magnet mounted to the first surface of the insulated wall (interior of enclosure), and the thermally insulated enclosure is an insulated bag. In another alternate embodiment, the magnet assembly includes at least one magnet mounted between the first surface of the insulated wall and the second surface of the insulated wall (within the insulated wall).
- In an example embodiment, a portion of the insulated wall defines a bottom region of the thermally insulated enclosure, and the magnet assembly is disposed at the bottom region of the thermally insulated enclosure. In another example embodiment, a portion of the insulated wall defines a side region of the thermally insulated enclosure, and the magnet assembly is disposed at the side region of the thermally insulated enclosure. Optionally, the magnet assembly includes at least one magnet coupled to the side region of the thermally insulated enclosure and at least one magnet coupled to the bottom region of the thermally insulated enclosure.
- In an example embodiment, the magnet assembly is removable from the thermally insulated enclosure. The magnet assembly includes a rigid support structure adapted to engage the exterior of the enclosure. At least one magnet is fixedly coupled to the rigid support structure, and a fastening device is coupled to the rigid support structure. The fastening device is operative to fixedly couple the insulated wall to the rigid support member. Optionally, the magnet assembly is adapted to universally mount objects to ferromagnetic structures.
- In a particular embodiment, the rigid support structure is a plate having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The top surface is adapted to engage the exterior of the insulated wall, and the at least one magnet of the magnet assembly is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the plate. In one example embodiment, the fastening device is a strap. In another embodiment, the rigid support structure is a molded structure formed around at least a portion of the at least one magnet.
- Optionally, the thermally insulated enclosure is collapsible. For example, in one particular embodiment, the insulated enclosure is a bag. In another example embodiment, the insulated enclosure is a collapsible chest. The collapsible chest includes a removable insert that has an inner surface defining at least a portion of the interior of the thermally insulated enclosure. The thermally insulated enclosure includes a collapsible outer shell, which has an outer surface defining at least a portion of the exterior of the thermally insulated enclosure, and the collapsible outer shell is adapted to receive the removable insert. The removable insert and the collapsible outer shell form components of the insulated wall, and the magnet assembly is coupled to a portion the collapsible outer shell. Optionally, the portion of the collapsible outer shell coupled to the magnet assembly is formed by molding material directly around at least a portion of the magnet assembly.
- In another example embodiment, the thermally insulated enclosure is rigid. The insulated wall includes a first rigid layer, a second rigid layer, and an insulation layer. The first rigid layer has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. The outer surface of the first rigid layer defines the exterior of the thermally insulated enclosure. The second rigid layer has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. The inner surface of the second rigid layer defines the interior of the thermally insulated enclosure. The insulation layer is sandwiched between the inner surface of the first rigid layer and the outer surface of the second rigid layer. The magnet assembly includes at least one magnet fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the first rigid layer. Alternatively, the magnet assembly includes at least one magnet disposed between the inner surface of the first rigid layer and the insulation layer. As another alternative, a portion of the first rigid layer is molded directly on at least a portion of the magnet assembly.
- In yet another example embodiment, the thermally insulated enclosure is a container adapted to dispense potable liquids (e.g., a water cooler). A portion of the insulated wall defines a bottom region of the water cooler, and the magnet assembly is removably coupled to the bottom region of the water cooler. The magnet assembly is operative to fixedly mount the water cooler on horizontal surfaces of ferromagnetic structures. Alternatively, a portion of the insulated wall defines a side region of the water cooler, the magnet assembly is removably coupled to the side region of the water cooler, so that the magnet assembly is operative to fixedly mount the water cooler to a vertical surface of a ferromagnetic structure.
- The insulated wall of the water cooler includes a first rigid layer, a second rigid layer, and an insulation layer. The first rigid layer has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. The outer surface of the first rigid layer defines the exterior of the thermally insulated enclosure. The second rigid layer has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. The inner surface of the second rigid layer defines the interior of the thermally insulated enclosure. The insulation layer is sandwiched between the inner surface of the first rigid layer and the outer surface of the second rigid layer.
- The magnet assembly is fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the first rigid layer of the insulated wall of the water cooler. Alternatively, the magnet assembly includes at least one magnet disposed between the inner surface of the first rigid layer and the insulation layer. As another alternative, a portion of said first rigid layer is molded directly on at least a portion of said magnet assembly. The magnet assembly can be coupled to a bottom region of the insulated wall and/or a side region of said insulated wall.
- Each of the disclosed example embodiments includes means for coupling a thermally insulated enclosure to a ferromagnetic substrate.
- A method for manufacturing a thermally insulated enclosure is also disclosed. The method includes providing an exterior structure, a plurality of magnets, an insulation structure, and an interior structure. The exterior structure includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the exterior structure defines an inner region of the exterior structure. The insulation structure includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the insulation structure defines an inner region of the insulation structure. The interior structure includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the interior structure defines an inner region of the thermally insulated enclosure. The method further includes positioning the plurality of magnets in the inner region of the exterior structure. The method further includes positioning the insulation structure in the inner region of the exterior structure such that the plurality of magnets is disposed between the exterior structure and the insulation structure. The method further includes positioning the interior structure in the inner region of the insulation structure. The plurality of magnets and the insulation structure are disposed between the exterior structure and the interior structure. The method further includes coupling the interior structure to the exterior structure.
- In a particular method, the exterior structure defines a plurality of screw holes, the exterior surface of the interior structure defines a plurality of screw bosses coaxially aligned with the plurality of screw holes, and the method further comprises providing a plurality screws disposed through the screw holes and into the plurality of screw bosses. In a more particular example, each of the magnets defines a through-hole and each of the screws is disposed through a respective one of the through-holes of the magnets. The insulation structure also defines a plurality of through-holes and each of the screw bosses is disposed in a respective one of the through-holes of the insulation structure.
- Optionally, each of the screws can be fitted with a suction cup, which facilitates mounting the thermally insulated enclosure on a non-magnetic structure. As another option, a separate set of screws having suction cups connected thereto can be provided, such that the original screws and the suction cup screws can be interchanged depending on the surface upon which the thermally insulated enclosure is to be mounted.
- In another particular method, the exterior structure defines a snap feature, the interior structure defines a complementary snap feature adapted to engage the snap feature of the exterior structure, and the exterior structure and the interior structure are coupled together via engaging the snap feature of the exterior structure and the complementary snap feature of the interior structure. In a more particular example, at least one of the snap feature and the complementary snap feature is a lip and the other of the snap features and the complementary snap features is a lip engaging structure. The lip is formed on the interior surface of the exterior structure.
- In another particular method, the interior surface of the exterior structure defines a plurality of magnet seats. Furthermore, the method includes seating each of the plurality of magnets in a respective one of the plurality of magnet seats.
- In another particular example of the method, each of the plurality of magnets includes a shunt structure.
- In another particular example of the method, each of the plurality of magnets is annular shaped.
- In another particular example of the method, each of the plurality of magnets is located at a different bottom corner of the thermally insulated enclosure. In a more specific example, the step of providing the plurality of magnets includes providing four discrete magnets.
- In another particular example of the method, the exterior structure is a rigid structure. In a more specific example, the exterior structure is a molded polymer structure.
- In another particular example of the method, the interior structure is a rigid structure. In a more specific example, the interior structure is a molded polymer structure.
- In another particular example of the method, the insulation structure is a rigid structure. In a more specific example, the insulation structure is a foam structure.
- In another particular example of the method, the exterior structure is a rigid structure that is formed before the thermally insulated enclosure is assembled, the interior structure is a rigid structure that is formed before the thermally insulated enclosure is assembled, and the insulation structure is a rigid structure formed before the thermally insulated enclosure is assembled.
- The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rigid cooler mounted on a toolbox; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rigid cooler ofFIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rigid cooler ofFIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rigid cooler ofFIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rigid cooler ofFIG. 1 mounted to toolbox via a removable magnetic tray; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the magnetic tray ofFIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gas can mounted vertically to an I-beam viamagnetic tray 500; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a collapsible cooler mounted on a horizontal I-beam; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of thecollapsible cooler 800 ofFIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsible cooler ofFIG. 8 according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsible cooler ofFIG. 8 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the collapsible cooler ofFIG. 8 mounted to toolbox via removable magnetic tray; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an insulated bag mounted on toolbox; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated bag ofFIG. 13 according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated bag ofFIG. 13 according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a water cooler mounted on toolbox; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the water cooler ofFIG. 16 according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the water cooler ofFIG. 16 according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the water cooler ofFIG. 16 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the water cooler ofFIG. 16 mounted to vertical I-beam via magnetic tray; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a rigid cooler; -
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the rigid cooler ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exterior structure of the cooler ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of a magnet of the cooler ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an insulation structure of the cooler ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an interior structure of the cooler ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the bottom of the cooler ofFIG. 21 assembled; -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of the top of the cooler ofFIG. 21 assembled; -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the bottom of the cooler ofFIG. 21 showing an optional feature of the present invention; -
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of the bottom of the cooler ofFIG. 21 showing another optional feature of the present invention; and -
FIG. 31 is a flowchart summarizing a method for manufacturing a thermally insulated enclosure. - The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing a thermally insulated enclosure including a magnet assembly for mounting the enclosure to ferromagnetic structures. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., type of ferromagnetic structure, magnet geometry, fasteners, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well known insulated enclosure manufacturing practices (e.g., molding, insulating, assembling, etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermally insulated enclosure which, in this particular embodiment, is depicted by way of example as arigid cooler 100. As shown, cooler 100 is fixedly mounted on a ferromagnetic structure which, also by way of example, is depicted as aconstruction vehicle toolbox 102. In this example,toolbox 102 includes abottom portion 104 and alid 106 coupled together by some suitable means such as, for example, a hinge assembly. Further,lid 104 defines a horizontaltop surface 108 whereon cooler 100 is securely mounted. -
Cooler 100 includes aninsulated wall 110, aninsulated lid 112, and a magnet assembly 114 (visible inFIG. 2 ).Insulated wall 110 includes abottom wall 116 and fourside walls 118 extending upward therefrom.Insulated lid 112 is pivotally coupled toside walls 118 via a set of hinge features 120 that facilitate the opening and closing of cooler 100. As shown,lid 112 defines ahandle 122 for carrying cooler 100. Magnet assembly 114 (not visible inFIG. 1 ) is coupled tobottom wall 116 and is magnetically attracted to ferromagnetic materials such as, for example, iron, iron alloys (i.e. steel), etc. This attraction provides a magnetic force sufficient to fixedly secure cooler 100 to ferromagnetic structures such as, for example,lid 106 oftoolbox 102. The magnetic attraction of cooler 100 totoolbox 102 not only prevents cooler 100 from moving away fromtoolbox 102 in a direction perpendicular totop surface 108, but also provides normal force and, therefore, friction force betweenbottom wall 116 of cooler 100 andtop surface 108 oftoolbox 102 thereby preventing relative sliding therebetween. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that cooler 100 provides several advantages over prior art insulated enclosures. For example, cooler 100 can be secured to ferromagnetic structures without the need for mechanical fasteners. This is beneficial in that it not only eliminates the need always have mechanical fasteners on hand, but also enables cooler 100 to be mounted to structures (i.e. flat walls) that do not have physical features for mechanical fasteners to engage. Furthermore, cooler 100 is self mounting thus eliminating the process of manually fastening it to a suitable structure. This is not only convenient, but also ensures that cooler 100 remains secure in situations such as, for example, when left on the tailgate of a truck, toolbox, trailer, etc. As another example, cooler 100 can be very useful for heavy equipment operators because it can be placed at almost any location on the equipment without the risk of falling off during operation.
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FIG. 2 shows a side view of cooler 100 sectioned along line A-A ofFIG. 1 .Cooler 100 is shown mounted ontop surface 108 oftoolbox 102. As shown, cooler 100 is in a closed position wherein anopening 200 defined at the top ofside walls 118 is covered bylid 112 such that the interior of cooler 100 is enclosed bybottom wall 116,side walls 118, andlid 112. Whenlid 112 is pivoted about hinge features 120, it uncovers opening 200 such that the interior of cooler 100 is no longer enclosed. -
Insulated wall 110 further includes a firstrigid layer 202, aninsulation layer 204, and a secondrigid layer 206. Firstrigid layer 202 defines the exterior surfaces ofinsulated wall 110. More specifically, firstrigid layer 202 defines abottom exterior surface 208 ofbottom wall 116 and four side exterior surfaces 210 ofside walls 118.Insulation layer 204 is disposed between firstrigid layer 202 and secondrigid layer 206 so as to impede heat transfer throughwall 110. Secondrigid layer 206 defines the interior surfaces ofinsulated wall 110 including a bottominterior surface 212 ofbottom wall 116 and four sideinterior surfaces 214 ofside walls 118. Furthermore, secondrigid layer 206 is coupled to firstrigid layer 202 near the top ofsidewalls 118 such thatinsulation layer 204 is enclosed therebetween. -
Insulated lid 112 further includes a firstrigid layer 216 and aninsulation layer 218. Firstrigid layer 216 defines anexterior surface 220 oflid 112 and, therefore, the contour ofhandle 122. Accordingly, firstrigid layer 216 oflid 112 and firstrigid layer 202 ofinsulated wall 110, together, define the exterior surface of cooler 100.Insulation 218 is coupled to the interior surface of firstrigid layer 216 so as to impede heat transfer throughlid 112. Whenlid 112 is closed,insulation layer 218 covers and insulates opening 200 such that the interior of cooler 100 is completely enclosed with insulation on all six sides. -
Magnet assembly 114 includes a plurality ofmagnets 222 coupled tobottom wall 116 ofinsulated wall 110. In this particular embodiment,magnets 222 are imbedded directly into firstrigid layer 202 by some suitable means. For example example, firstrigid layer 202 could be a plastic structure that is formed by molding plastic material directly overmagnets 222. -
FIG. 3 shows a side view of cooler 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.Cooler 100 is shown sectioned along line A-A ofFIG. 1 . Note that the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 , andFIG. 5 differ only slightly in that the location ofmagnets 222 with respect to firstrigid layer 202 is slightly different for each. In order to avoid redundancy, the elements ofFIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 that are identical and/or substantially similar will be denoted with like reference numbers and not described repeatedly in detail. - As shown in
FIG. 3 ,magnets 222 are coupled to aninterior surface 300 of firstrigid layer 202 opposite bottomexterior surface 208. This can be achieved by any suitable means such as, for example, an adhesive, mechanical fastener, forminginsulation 204 directly oversurface 212 aftermagnets 222 are positioned thereon, etc. - As shown in
FIG. 4 ,magnets 222 are coupled to bottomexterior surface 208 ofbottom wall 116. This can also be achieved by any suitable means such as, for example, an adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc. -
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of cooler 100 according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.Cooler 100 is fastened totop surface 108 oftoolbox 102 via a removable magnet assembly which, in this particular embodiment, is depicted by way of example as amagnetic tray 500. Further,tray 500 includes arigid support structure 502, afastening device 504, and a set ofmagnets 506.Rigid support structure 502 is adapted to receiveinsulated wall 110 of cooler 100.Fastening device 504 is coupled torigid support structure 502 and provides a means for fixedly securing cooler 100 torigid support structure 502.Magnets 506 are fixedly mounted torigid support structure 502 and provide a means formagnetically fastening tray 500 to ferromagnetic structures (i.e. toolbox 102). -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view oftray 500 shown removed from cooler 100 to better illustrate the details ofrigid support structure 502,fastening device 504, andmagnets 506. -
Rigid support structure 502 includes atop surface 600, a retainingfeature 602, twoslots 604, and abottom surface 606.Top surface 600 is a planar surface whereon cooler 100 is seated when fastened torigid support structure 502 viafastening device 504. Retainingfeature 602 is a set of walls extending upward from the peripheral edges oftop surface 600. When cooler 100 is seated onrigid support structure 502, retainingfeature 602 encloses the outer perimeter of the lower region ofexterior surfaces 210 of cooler 100.Slots 604 facilitate the coupling offastening device 504 torigid support member 502. More specifically,slots 604 are elongated throughholes formed at opposite sides ofrigid support structure 502. -
Fastening device 504 provides a means for securing cooler 100 ontorigid support structure 502. Further,fastening device 504 includes aflexible strap 608 andbuckle 610.Flexible strap 608 is looped throughslots 604 so as to engagebottom surface 606 ofrigid support structure 502.Buckle 610 provides a means for connecting and disconnecting the open ends ofstrap 608 to one another such thattray 500 can be easily connected and disconnected from cooler 100. Furthermore,buckle 610 provides a means for adjusting the working length ofstrap 608. Withfastening device 504 being adjustable,tray 500 can also be used universally for mounting miscellaneous objects other than cooler 100 onto ferromagnetic structures. -
Magnets 506 provide a means for magnetically securingtray 500 to ferromagnetic structures. In this embodiment,magnets 506 are coupled tobottom surface 606 ofrigid support structure 502 by some suitable means (e.g., threaded fasteners, adhesive, insert molding ofrigid support structure 502 aroundmagnets 506, etc.). - Although the present invention is not limited to any specific design of
tray 500 and the components thereof, the inventor has achieved good results with at least two design concepts. In one design concept,rigid support structure 502 is a rigid plate andmagnets 506 are fastened onbottom surface 606 via threaded fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, screws, etc.). In another design concept,rigid support structure 502 is formed by molding plastic directly overmagnets 506 such thatmagnets 506 are fully, or at least partially, imbedded therein. -
FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment whereintray 500 is adapted for universal use. In this example,tray 500 is being used to secure a gas can 700 to the verticalflat surface 702 of an I-beam 704. It should be understood that gas can 700 is depicted by way of example to represent one of many possible objects that can be secured bytray 500. Likewise, I-beam 704 is depicted by way of example to represent one of many possible structures onto whichtray 500 can magnetically mount to. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a thermally insulated enclosure which, in this particular embodiment, is depicted by way of example as acollapsible cooler 800. As shown, cooler 800 is fixedly mounted on a ferromagnetic structure which, also by way of example, is depicted as a horizontal I-beam 802. In this example, I-beam 802 includes a flat horizontaltop surface 804 whereon cooler 800 is securely mounted. -
Cooler 800 includes aninsulated wall 806, aninsulated cover 808, a magnet assembly 810 (visible inFIG. 9 ), and astrap 812.Insulated wall 806 includes abottom wall 814 and fourside walls 816 extending upward therefrom.Insulated cover 808 is a flap-like cover extending from the rear one ofside walls 816 and is foldably coupled thereto via acrease 818. Although not shown, the end ofcover 808 opposite the end whereoncrease 818 is formed could include some suitable type of fastening device (e.g., hook and loop, zipper, etc.) that fastens to the front one ofside walls 816 to facilitate the closing ofcover 808. Magnet assembly 810 (not visible inFIG. 8 ) is coupled tobottom wall 814 to facilitate the mounting of cooler 800 to ferromagnetic structures (i.e.toolbox 100, I-beam 700, I-beam 800, etc.).Adjustable strap 812 is attached toside walls 816 to facilitate the carrying cooler 800. -
FIG. 9 shows a side view of cooler 800 mounted ontop surface 804 of I-beam 802.Cooler 800 is shown sectioned along line B-B ofFIG. 8 . As shown, cooler 800 is in a closed position whereincover 808 is positioned over anopening 900 defined at the top ofside walls 816 such that the interior of cooler 800 is enclosed bybottom wall 814,side walls 816, and cover 808.Folding cover 808 back alongcrease 818 exposes opening 900 thereby providing access to the interior of cooler 800. -
Insulated wall 806 further includes abase 902, aflexible layer 904, aninsulation layer 906, and arigid layer 908.Base 902 defines abottom exterior surface 910 ofbottom wall 814.Flexible layer 904 defines four side exterior surfaces 912 ofside walls 816.Insulation layer 906 is disposed betweenrigid layer 908 and both ofbase 902 andflexible layer 904.Rigid layer 908 is a removable insert that defines the interior surfaces ofinsulated wall 806 including a bottominterior surface 914 ofbottom wall 814 and four sideinterior surfaces 916 ofside walls 816. -
Insulated cover 808 further includes aflexible layer 918 and aninsulation layer 920. In this particular embodiment,flexible layer 918 andinsulation layer 920 are formed from sections offlexible layer 904 andinsulation layer 906, respectively, extending from the rear one ofside walls 816 to the front one ofside walls 816. -
Magnet assembly 810 includes a plurality ofmagnets 922 coupled tobottom wall 814 ofinsulated wall 806. In this particular embodiment,magnets 922 are imbedded directly intobase 902 by some suitable means. For example,base 902 could be a plastic and/or rubber structure that is formed by molding plastic and/or rubber material directly overmagnets 922. -
FIG. 10 shows a side view of cooler 800 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.Cooler 800 is shown sectioned along line B-B ofFIG. 8 . Note that the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 9 ,FIG. 10 ,FIG. 11 , andFIG.12 differ only slightly in that the location ofmagnets 922 with respect tobase 902 is slightly different for each. In order to avoid redundancy, the elements ofFIG. 9 ,FIG. 10 ,FIG. 11 andFIG.12 that are identical and/or substantially similar will be denoted with like reference numbers and not described repeatedly in detail. - As shown in
FIG. 10 ,magnets 922 are coupled to aninterior surface 1000 ofbase 902 opposite bottomexterior surface 910. This can be achieved by any suitable means such as, for example, an adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc. - As shown in
FIG. 11 ,magnets 922 are coupled to bottomexterior surface 910 ofbottom wall 814. This can also be achieved by any suitable means such as, for example, an adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc. -
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of cooler 800 according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.Cooler 800 is fastened totop surface 108 oftoolbox 102 viatray 500. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a thermally insulated enclosure which, in this particular embodiment, is depicted by way of example as aninsulated bag 1300. As shown,bag 1300 is fixedly mounted on a ferromagnetic structure which, also by way of example, is depicted astop surface 108 oftoolbox 102. -
FIG. 14 shows a side view ofinsulated bag 1300 mounted ontop surface 108 oftoolbox 102.Insulated bag 1300 is shown sectioned along line C-C ofFIG. 13 . As shown,bag 1300 includes aninsulated wall 1400 and amagnet assembly 1402. Insulatedwall 1400 is formed from a single piece of flexible insulated material defining anexterior surface 1404 and an oppositeinterior surface 1406 ofbag 1300. Furthermore, the flexible insulated material is arranged such thatinsulated wall 1400 includes abottom wall 1408 and fourside walls 1410 extending upward therefrom. The top end ofside walls 1410 defines anopening 1412. As shown, the top ends ofside walls 1410 are folded such thatopening 1412 is closed. -
Magnet assembly 1402 includes a set ofmagnets 1414 coupled tointerior surface 1406 ofbottom wall 1408. Accordingly, the magneticforce attracting magnets 1414 totoolbox 102 is sufficient to securebag 1300 totop surface 108. -
FIG. 15 shows a side view ofinsulated bag 1300 according to another embodiment of the present invention.Insulated bag 1300 is shown sectioned along line C-C ofFIG. 13 . As shown,magnets 1414 are coupled toexterior surface 1404 ofbottom wall 1408 by some suitable means such as, for example, adhesive, threaded fastener, rivet, a pocket formed onexterior surface 1404 ofbottom wall 1408, etc. - Other than
magnets 1414 being coupled toexterior surface 1404 instead of being coupled tointerior surface 1406, the components and features ofbag 1300 illustrated inFIG. 15 are substantially similar to those illustrated inFIG. 14 and, therefore, denoted by the same reference numbers. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a thermally insulated enclosure which, in this particular embodiment, is depicted by way of example as awater cooler 1600. As shown, cooler 1600 is fixedly mounted ontop surface 108 oftoolbox 102. -
Water cooler 1600 includes aninsulated wall 1602, avalve 1604, a set ofhandles 1606, aninsulated lid 1608, and a magnet assembly 1610 (visible inFIG. 17 ). Insulatedwall 1602 includes abottom wall 1612 and acylindrical side wall 1614 extending upward therefrom.Valve 1604 passes through insulatedwall 1602, to facilitate the dispensing of fluid fromwater cooler 1600.Handles 1606 are mounted on opposite sides ofside wall 1614 so as to facilitate the carrying and lifting ofwater cooler 1600.Insulated lid 1608 is a removable friction-fit lid coupled to the open ended top ofside wall 1614. Magnet assembly 1610 (not visible inFIG. 16 ) is coupled tobottom wall 1612 of insulatedwall 1602 so as to facilitate the mounting ofwater cooler 1600 onto ferromagnetic structures. -
FIG. 17 shows a side view ofwater cooler 1600 mounted ontop surface 108 oftoolbox 102.Cooler 1600 is shown sectioned along line D-D ofFIG. 16 . As shown,water cooler 1600 is in a closed position wherein anopening 1700 defined at the top ofside wall 1614 is covered bylid 1608 such that the interior of cooler 1600 is enclosed bybottom wall 1612,side wall 1614, andlid 1608. Whenlid 1608 is removed from insulatedwall 1602, opening 1700 is exposed such that the interior ofwater cooler 1600 is no longer enclosed. - Insulated
wall 1602 further includes a firstrigid layer 1702, aninsulation layer 1704, and a secondrigid layer 1706. Firstrigid layer 1702 defines the exterior surfaces ofinsulated wall 1602. More specifically, firstrigid layer 1702 defines abottom exterior surface 1708 ofbottom wall 1612 and aside exterior surface 1710 ofside wall 1614.Insulation layer 1704 is disposed between firstrigid layer 1702 and secondrigid layer 1706 so as to impede heat transfer throughwall 1602. Secondrigid layer 1706 defines the interior surfaces ofinsulated wall 1602 including a bottominterior surface 1712 ofbottom wall 1612 and a cylindricalinterior surface 1714 ofside wall 1614. Furthermore, secondrigid layer 1706 is coupled to firstrigid layer 1702 near the top ofside wall 1614 such thatinsulation layer 1704 is enclosed therebetween. -
Insulated lid 1608 includes a firstrigid layer 1716, aninsulation layer 1718, and a secondrigid layer 1720. Firstrigid layer 1716 and secondrigid layer 1720 define anexterior surface 1722 and aninterior surface 1724, respectively, oflid 1608. Accordingly,exterior surface 1722 oflid 1608 andexterior surface 1710 of insulatedwall 1602, together, define the exterior surface ofwater cooler 1600. Likewise,interior surface 1724 oflid 1608 andinterior surface 1714 of insulatedwall 1602, together, define the exterior surface ofwater cooler 1600. -
Magnet assembly 1610 includes a plurality ofmagnets 1726 coupled tobottom wall 1612 of insulatedwall 1602. In this particular embodiment,magnets 1726 are imbedded directly into firstrigid layer 1702 by some suitable means. For example, firstrigid layer 1702 could be a plastic or rubber structure that is formed by molding plastic or rubber material directly overmagnets 1726. -
FIG. 18 shows a side view ofwater cooler 1600 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.Cooler 1600 is shown sectioned along line D-D ofFIG. 16 . Note that the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 17 ,FIG. 18 ,FIG. 19 , andFIG.20 differ only slightly in that the location and/or layout of the magnet assembly thereofFIGS. 17-19 differ only in that the location ofmagnets 1726 with respect to firstrigid layer 1702 is slightly different for each.FIG. 20 differs in that the magnet assembly is in the form of a removable magnetic assembly. In order to avoid redundancy, the elements ofFIG. 16 ,FIG. 17 ,FIG. 18 ,FIG. 19 , andFIG.20 that are identical and/or substantially similar will be denoted with like reference numbers and will not be described repeatedly in detail. - As shown in
FIG. 18 ,magnets 1726 are coupled to aninterior surface 1800 of firstrigid layer 1702 oppositebottom exterior surface 1708. This can be achieved by any suitable means such as, for example, an adhesive, mechanical fastener, forminginsulation 1704 directly oversurface 1800 aftermagnets 1726 are positioned thereon, etc. - As shown in
FIG. 19 ,magnets 1726 are coupled tobottom exterior surface 1708 ofbottom wall 1612. This can also be achieved by any suitable means such as, for example, an adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc. -
FIG. 20 shows a perspective view ofwater cooler 1600 according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.Water cooler 1600 is fastened to flatvertical surface 702 of I-beam 704 viatray 500. As shown,fastening device 504 is fastened aroundside wall 1614 ofwater cooler 1600 so as to securewater cooler 1600 ontorigid support structure 502 oftray 500. As shown,bottom wall 1612 ofwater cooler 1600 is suspended above the ground to provide easy access tovalve 1604. Accordingly, magnets 506 (not visible) oftray 500 provide a magnetic force sufficient to mountwater cooler 1600 to vertical ferromagnetic surface whenwater cooler 1600 is full of fluid. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of arigid cooler 2100 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, cooler 2100 includes abody 2102, ahandle 2104, and alid 2106. -
Lid 2106 includes a set of lockingfeatures 2108 protruding horizontally therefrom. Locking features 2108 and handle 2104, together, facilitate the locking oflid 2106 ontobody 2102. The position ofhandle 2104 dictates whether or notlid 2106 is locked ontobody 2102. For example, whenhandle 2104 is rotated forward as shown,lid 2106 can be lifted off ofbody 2102. Whenhandle 2104 is upright, it engages lockingfeatures 2108 and, therefore, lockslid 2106 ontobody 2102. Whenhandle 2104 is rotated backward, it engages lockingfeatures 2108 and, therefore, lockslid 2106 ontobody 2102. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of cooler 2100 exploded along anaxis 2200. As shown,body 2102 includes a set ofscrews 2202, anexterior structure 2204, a set ofmagnets 2206, aninsulation structure 2208, and aninterior structure 2210.Screws 2202 are disposed at the bottom ofexterior structure 2204.Magnets 2206 are disposed betweenexterior structure 2204 andinsulation structure 2208.Insulation structure 2208 is disposed betweenexterior structure 2204 andinterior structure 2210. -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view ofexterior structure 2204 sectioned along line E-E ofFIG. 21 .Exterior structure 2204 includes anexterior surface 2300 and aninterior surface 2302.Exterior surface 2300 defines the exterior surface of cooler 2100.Interior surface 2302 defines a plurality of magnet seating features 2304 and asnap feature 2306 formed thereon. Eachmagnet seating feature 2304 includes anouter wall 2308 coaxially aligned with ascrew hole 2310.Snap feature 2306 is a lip formed oninterior surface 2302 ofexterior structure 2204 so as to facilitate the direct mechanical coupling ofexterior structure 2204 andinterior structure 2210. In the example embodiment,exterior structure 2204 is a molded polymer structure that is formed prior to assembling cooler 2100. -
FIG. 24 is a side view showing one ofmagnets 2206 sectioned along line E-E ofFIG. 1 . Each ofmagnets 2206 includes an annularmagnetic body 2400 and ashunt shield 2402. Although not shown,body 2400 is mounted inshield 2402 by some suitable means such as, for example, adhesive.Shield 2402 includes ascrew hole 2404 through which one ofscrews 2202 is disposed when cooler 2100 is assembled. -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view ofinsulation structure 2208 sectioned along line E-E ofFIG. 21 .Insulation structure 2208 includes anexterior surface 2500 and aninterior surface 2502.Exterior surface 2500 defines a plurality of recessedregions 2504 wherein magnet seating features 2304 are disposed when cooler 2100 is assembled.Interior surface 2502 defines a plurality of through-holes 2506 through whichinterior structure 2210 can be accessed byscrews 2202. In the example embodiment,insulation structure 2208 is a rigid, molded foam structure that is formed prior to assembling cooler 2100. -
FIG. 26 shows a perspective view ofinterior structure 2210 sectioned along line E-E ofFIG. 21 .Interior structure 2210 includes anexterior surface 2600 and aninterior surface 2602.Exterior surface 2600 defines a plurality ofscrew bosses 2604 andsnap feature 2606.Screw bosses 2604 are adapted to abut the top ofmagnet shield 2402 and receivescrews 2202.Snap feature 2606 is adapted to engagecomplementary snap feature 2306 ofexterior structure 2204 so as to facilitate the mechanical coupling ofexterior structure 2204 andinterior structure 2210. As shown,snap feature 2606 is formed on alip 2608 ofinterior structure 2210. In the example embodiment,interior structure 2210 is a molded polymer structure that is formed prior to assembling cooler 2100. -
FIGS. 27 and 28 show cross-sectional side views of the bottom and top, respectively, of cooler 2100 taken along line E-E ofFIG. 21 . The assembly of cooler 2100 is described with reference toFIGS. 27 and 28 . First, each ofmagnets 2206 is seated in a respective one of magnet seat features 2304 ofexterior structure 2204. Then,insulation structure 2208 is inserted intoexterior structure 2204 such that each of magnet seat features 2304 are seated in a respective one ofrecesses 2504. Next,interior structure 2210 is inserted intoinsulation structure 2208 such that each ofscrew bosses 2604 is disposed through a respective one ofholes 2506.Interior structure 2210 is then urged down untilsnap feature 2306 andcomplementary snap feature 2606 snap together as shown inFIG. 28 . Then, screws 2202 are dispose throughholes 2310 ofexterior structure 2204, holes 2404 ofmagnets 2206, and intoscrew bosses 2604 ofinterior structure 2210. Asscrews 2202 are tightened, each ofscrew bosses 2604 abuts the top of a respective one ofmagnets 2206. -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of cooler 2100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, cooler 2100 is also adapted to be affixed to smooth flat surfaces such as, for example, glass, plastic, fiber glass, etc. As shown, cooler 2100 includes a plurality ofsuction cup assemblies 2900 that can be optionally attached to the bottom of cooler 2100. To installsuction cup assemblies 2900, each ofscrews 2202 is simply removed and replaced by a respective one ofsuction cup assemblies 2900. To be able to magnetically attach cooler 2100 to ferrous objects,suction cups assemblies 2900 are simply removed and replaced byscrews 2202. Indeed, with this optional feature, cooler 2100 can be adapted to attach to ferrous objects or, optionally, smooth flat surfaces that may or may not contain ferrous material. Such a feature is particularly useful when cooler 2100 is used in places where there are no ferrous structures available such as, for example, on a fiberglass boat. Thus, providing bothscrews 2202 andsuction cup assemblies 2900 with cooler 2100 provides an advantage. - Each of
suction cup assemblies 2900 includes a threadedmetal shaft 2902 and aresilient body 2904. Threadedmetal shaft 2902 has the same thread specifications (i.e. pitch, inner diameter, outer diameter, etc.) as screws 2202. As shown, threadedshafts 2902 not only facilitate the mounting ofsuction cup assemblies 2900 onto cooler 2100, but also provide the same fastening function as screws 2202. That is, threadedshafts 2902 are also operative to fasteninterior structure 2210 andexterior structure 2204 together.Resilient body 2904 is a conventional suction cup that attaches to flat smooth surfaces.Body 2904 is permanently attached to threadedshaft 2902 by some suitable means. For example,body 2904 could be insert-molded around an end structure of threadedshaft 2904. As another example,body 2904 could be formed separately from threadedshaft 2904 and then bonded to one another thereafter. -
FIG. 30 shows another optional feature of the present invention. In particular,suction cup assemblies 2900 are fixed to a rigidferromagnetic plate 3000. Suction cup assemblies facilitate the attachment ofplate 3000 to smooth, nonmagnetic surfaces, as described above.Cooler 2100 can then be magnetically coupled toplate 3000 as described above, and thereby indirectly coupled to the smooth, nonmagnetic surface to whichplate 3000 is attached. -
FIG. 31 is a flowchart summarizing amethod 3100 for manufacturing a thermally insulated enclosure. In afirst step 3102, an exterior structure is provided. Then, in asecond step 3104, a magnet assembly is provided. Next, in athird step 3106, an insulation structure is provided. Then, in afourth step 3108, an interior structure is provided. Next, in afifth step 3110, the magnet assembly is inserted into the exterior structure. Then, in asixth step 3112, the insulation structure is inserted in the exterior structure. Next, in aseventh step 3114, the interior structure is inserted in the insulation structure. Finally, in aneighth step 3116, the interior structure is coupled to the exterior structure. - The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, different numbers, shapes and locations of magnets may be substituted for those shown in the example embodiments. As another example, the invention can be used in combination with alternate cooler design details (e.g., sizes, shapes, handles, lids, etc.). As yet another example, the magnetic trays disclosed may be altered (e.g., by making one of the side walls taller, alternate straps and/or points of attachment) to facilitate more secure attachment of differently shaped containers. As yet another example, alternate fastening means (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, mechanical fasteners, etc. can be substituted for
suction cups 2904. These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.
Claims (33)
1. A method for manufacturing a thermally insulated enclosure, said method comprising:
providing an exterior structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface of said exterior structure defining an inner region of said exterior structure;
providing a plurality of magnets;
providing an insulation structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface of said insulation structure defining an inner region of said insulation structure;
providing an interior structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface of said interior structure defining an inner region of said thermally insulated enclosure;
positioning said plurality of magnets in said inner region of said exterior structure;
positioning said insulation structure in said inner region of said exterior structure;
positioning said interior structure in said inner region of said insulation structure, said plurality of magnets and said insulation structure being disposed between said exterior structure and said interior structure; and
fixing said interior structure to said exterior structure.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
said exterior structure defines a plurality of screw holes;
said exterior surface of said interior structure defines a plurality of screw bosses coaxially aligned with said plurality of screw holes; and
said step of fixing said interior structure to said exterior structure includes inserting a plurality of screws through said screw holes and into said plurality of screw bosses.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein each of said magnets defines a through-hole, each of said screws being disposed through a respective one of said through-holes of said magnets.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said insulation structure defines a plurality of through-holes, each of said screw bosses being disposed in a respective one of said through-holes of said insulation structure.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein:
said insulation structure defines a plurality of through-holes;
each of said screw bosses are disposed in a respective one of said through-holes of said insulation structure; and
each of said screw bosses engage a complementary one of said plurality of magnets.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
said exterior structure defines a snap feature;
said interior structure defines a complementary snap feature adapted to engage said snap feature of said exterior structure; and
said exterior structure and said interior structure are coupled via engaging said snap feature of said exterior structure and said complementary snap feature of said interior structure.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein at one of said snap feature and said complementary snap feature is a lip and the other of said snap features and said complementary snap features is a lip engaging structure.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said lip is formed on said interior surface of said exterior structure.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said interior surface of said exterior structure defines a plurality of magnet seats, each of said plurality of magnets being seated in a respective one of said plurality of magnet seats.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of magnets includes a shunt structure.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of magnets is annular shaped.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of magnets is located at a different bottom corner of said thermally insulated enclosure.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein said step of providing said plurality of magnets includes providing four discrete magnets.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein said insulation structure is a rigid structure.
15. The method of claim 2 , further comprising fixing providing a second plurality of screws to selectively replace said plurality of screws, said second plurality of screws each including a suction cup attached thereto.
16. The method of claim 2 , wherein:
said exterior structure defines a snap feature;
said interior structure defines a complementary snap feature adapted to engage said snap feature of said exterior structure; and
said step of fixing said interior structure to said exterior structure further includes engaging said snap feature of said exterior structure and said complementary snap feature of said interior structure.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
said exterior structure is a rigid structure that is formed before said thermally insulated enclosure is assembled;
said interior structure is a rigid structure that is formed before said thermally insulated enclosure is assembled;
said insulation structure is a rigid structure that is formed before said thermally insulated enclosure is assembled.
18. A thermally insulated enclosure comprising:
an exterior structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface of said exterior structure defining an inner region of said exterior structure;
a plurality of magnets disposed in said inner region of said exterior structure;
an insulation structure disposed in said inner region of said exterior structure, said insulation structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface of said insulation structure defining an inner region of said insulation structure; and
an interior structure disposed in said inner region of said insulation structure, said interior structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface of said interior structure defining an inner region of said thermally insulated enclosure, said interior structure being coupled to said exterior structure.
19. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 21 , wherein:
said exterior structure defines a plurality of screw holes;
said exterior surface of said interior structure defines a plurality of screw bosses coaxially aligned with said plurality of screw holes; and
further comprising a plurality screws disposed through said screw holes and into said plurality of screw bosses.
20. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 19 , wherein each of said magnets defines a through-hole, each of said screws being disposed through a respective one of said through-holes of said magnets.
21. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 20 , wherein said insulation structure defines a plurality of through-holes, each of said screw bosses being disposed in a respective one of said through-holes of said insulation structure.
22. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 19 , wherein
said insulation structure defines a plurality of through-holes;
each of said screw bosses are disposed in a respective one of said through-holes of said insulation structure; and
each of said screw bosses engage a complementary one of said plurality of magnets.
23. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 19 , wherein each screw of said plurality of screws includes a suction cup fixed thereto.
24. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 18 , wherein:
said exterior structure defines a snap feature;
said interior structure defines a complementary snap feature adapted to engage said snap feature of said exterior structure; and
said exterior structure and said interior structure are coupled via engaging said snap feature of said exterior structure and said complementary snap feature of said interior structure.
25. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 24 , wherein at least one of said snap feature and said complementary snap feature is a lip and the other of said snap feature and said complementary snap feature is a lip engaging structure.
26. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 25 , wherein said lip is formed on said interior surface of said exterior structure.
27. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 18 , wherein said interior surface of said exterior structure defines a plurality of magnet seats, each of said plurality of magnets being seated in a respective one of said plurality of magnet seats.
28. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 18 , wherein each of said plurality of magnets includes a shunt structure.
29. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 18 , wherein each of said plurality of magnets is annular shaped.
30. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 29 , wherein said plurality of magnets includes four discrete magnets.
31. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 18 , wherein each of said plurality of magnets is located at a different bottom corner of said thermally insulated enclosure.
32. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 18 , wherein said insulation structure is a rigid structure.
33. The thermally insulated enclosure of claim 18 , wherein:
said exterior structure is a rigid structure that is formed before said thermally insulated enclosure is assembled;
said interior structure is a rigid structure that is formed before said thermally insulated enclosure is assembled;
said insulation structure is a rigid structure that is formed before said thermally insulated enclosure is assembled.
Priority Applications (4)
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US13/931,050 US20140069935A1 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2013-06-28 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US14/511,978 US10279980B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2014-10-10 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US14/883,442 US10221005B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2015-10-14 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US16/261,416 US11871823B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2019-01-29 | Magnetic tool carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US13/192,350 US20130026171A1 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2011-07-27 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US13/931,050 US20140069935A1 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2013-06-28 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
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US13/192,350 Continuation-In-Part US20130026171A1 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2011-07-27 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US13/192,350 Continuation US20130026171A1 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2011-07-27 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
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US14/511,978 Continuation-In-Part US10279980B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2014-10-10 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
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US13/931,050 Abandoned US20140069935A1 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2013-06-28 | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160039595A1 (en) * | 2014-08-08 | 2016-02-11 | Ocufreeze | Insulated collapsible container and method of use |
US9457945B1 (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2016-10-04 | Hsiao-Chin Wang | Multiple water containers and holder structure |
US10221005B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2019-03-05 | Lewis William James, JR. | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US10279980B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2019-05-07 | Lewis William James, JR. | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20140223952A1 (en) * | 2013-02-13 | 2014-08-14 | Sheldon Smith | Magnetic Cooler |
US9919642B2 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2018-03-20 | Bluewater Resources LLC | Container-securing device |
US10550609B2 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2020-02-04 | Bluewater Resources LLC | Surface-mountable locking device |
US10384589B2 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2019-08-20 | Bluewater Resources LLC | Container-securing device |
US11591826B2 (en) * | 2017-05-25 | 2023-02-28 | Apex Coolers, Llc | Storage container securing system |
GB202112135D0 (en) * | 2021-08-24 | 2021-10-06 | Balco Global Ltd | Dispenser |
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US20040104320A1 (en) * | 2002-02-25 | 2004-06-03 | Exler Timothy W. | Folding magnetic holding wrap for cups or mugs |
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-
2011
- 2011-07-27 US US13/192,350 patent/US20130026171A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-07-27 WO PCT/US2012/048649 patent/WO2013016671A1/en active Application Filing
-
2013
- 2013-06-28 US US13/931,050 patent/US20140069935A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5361604A (en) * | 1993-07-09 | 1994-11-08 | Pier Steven J | Beverage chilling receptacle |
US6761041B2 (en) * | 2002-09-06 | 2004-07-13 | Henry Roth | Thermal energy storage system |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10221005B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2019-03-05 | Lewis William James, JR. | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US10279980B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2019-05-07 | Lewis William James, JR. | Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure |
US20160039595A1 (en) * | 2014-08-08 | 2016-02-11 | Ocufreeze | Insulated collapsible container and method of use |
US9457945B1 (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2016-10-04 | Hsiao-Chin Wang | Multiple water containers and holder structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2013016671A1 (en) | 2013-01-31 |
US20130026171A1 (en) | 2013-01-31 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |