US20220041254A1

US20220041254A1 - Cooler Floatation Device

Info

Publication number: US20220041254A1
Application number: US17/394,754
Authority: US
Inventors: Anthony Rodriguez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-05
Filing date: 2021-08-05
Publication date: 2022-02-10

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooler floatation device comprised of a generally rectangular body comprised of a plurality of elbows and sidewalls. Each elbow and sidewall may further be comprised of a mounting eyelet that allows for a plurality of attachments to be attached to the device. In addition, the eyelets further receive securing straps, wherein the straps can be placed over the top/bottom surface of the cooler, to secure the cooler inside the device and prevent the cooler lid from opening. The interior side surfaces of the sidewalls/elbows may also be comprised of a rubber liner that protects and insulates the side surfaces of the cooler from being scratched by the sidewalls/elbows. The plurality of attachments of the device may include a handle, an anchor, a tow strap, a waterproof storage box and a foldable tray table.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/061,429, which was filed on Aug. 5, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of floatation devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cooler floatation device comprised of a generally rectangular body comprised of a plurality of elbows and sidewalls/end walls. Each elbow and sidewall may further be comprised of a mounting eyelet that allows for a plurality of attachments to be attached to the device. In addition, the eyelets further receive securing straps, wherein the straps can be placed over the top/bottom surface of the cooler to secure the cooler inside the device and prevent the cooler lid from opening. The interior side surfaces of the sidewalls/elbows may also be comprised of a rubber liner that protects and insulates the side surfaces of the cooler from being scratched by the sidewalls/elbows. The plurality of attachments of the device may include a handle, an anchor, a tow strap, a waterproof storage box and a foldable tray table. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals enjoy kayaking in their free time. While kayaking, individuals may desire beverages to drink, especially on hot summer days. Normally, individuals store beverages within a cooler. Certain coolers known in the art have been specifically designed to fit inside kayaks. However, these coolers are often too small and do not hold the desired amount of beverages as a normal, full-sized cooler. To combat the inefficiencies of coolers designed to fit inside kayaks, individuals may tow a full-size cooler behind their kayak in the water. However, full-size coolers were not designed to be used in this fashion, and often tip over which causes their contents to spill in the water. Further, the cooler may sink or be damaged by impacts from the kayak or rocks/other debris within a body of water during kayaking.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows a large cooler to be towed in the water behind a kayak or other water vessel. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a cooler floatation device that protects a cooler that is being towed from a kayak from impacts and damage from debris or the kayak itself. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cooler floatation device that ensures that a cooler within the device does not flip and spill its contents.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cooler floatation device. The device is comprised of a generally rectangular body comprised of a plurality of PVC elbows and sidewalls. Each elbow and sidewall may further be comprised of a mounting eyelet that allows for a plurality of attachments to be attached to the device. In addition, the eyelets further receive securing straps, wherein the straps can be placed over the top/bottom surface of the cooler to secure the cooler inside the device, and prevent the cooler lid from opening. The interior side surfaces of the sidewalls/elbows may also be comprised of a rubber liner that protects and insulates the side surfaces of the cooler from being scratched by the sidewalls/elbows. In addition, the plurality of attachments of the device may include a handle, an anchor, a tow strap, a waterproof storage box and a foldable tray table.
In this manner, the cooler flotation device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and allows a cooler to easily be towed behind a water vessel such as a kayak. Further, the device prevents the cooler from becoming damaged by impacts. In addition, the device prevents the cooler from sinking, and also from opening and spilling its contents into a body of water.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cooler floatation device. The device is preferably comprised of a generally rectangular body comprised of a plurality of PVC elbows and sidewalls. Each elbow and sidewall may further be comprised of a mounting eyelet that allows for a plurality of attachments to be attached to the device. The eyelets may be located on any surface of the elbows or sidewalls, wherein the eyelets further receive securing straps. Once a cooler has been placed into the middle of the device, the straps can be placed over the top/bottom surface of the cooler to secure the cooler inside the device, and to prevent the cooler lid from opening. The interior side surfaces of the sidewalls/elbows may also be comprised of a rubber liner that protects and insulates the side surfaces of the cooler from being scratched by the sidewalls/elbows of the device body.
The device also has a plurality of attachments including a handle, an anchor and a tow strap. The handle can be removably or fixedly attached to any eyelet via a clip or other fastening means such that the handle can be grasped by a user to easily maneuver the device and an attached cooler. The anchor is further secured to an eyelet via a tether and allows the device to remain anchored in one position. The tow strap can further be removably or fixedly-attached to an eyelet to allow the device to be secured to and towed by a water vessel such as a kayak, boat, canoe, jet-ski, etc. In addition, the device may be comprised of attachable floatation devices that allow the device to float more easily when carrying a heavy cooler.
Accordingly, the cooler floatation device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows a cooler to easily be towed behind a water vessel such as a kayak. Further, the device prevents the cooler from becoming damaged by impacts. In addition, the device prevents the cooler from sinking and from opening and spilling its contents into a body of water.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cooler floatation device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cooler floatation device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows a large cooler to be towed in the water behind a kayak or other water vessel of the like. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a cooler floatation device that protects a cooler that is being towed from a kayak/water vessel from impacts and damage from debris or the vessel itself. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cooler floatation device that ensures that a cooler within the device does not sink or flip and spill its contents.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a cooler floatation device comprised of a generally rectangular body made of a plurality of PVC elbows and sidewalls. Each elbow and sidewall may further be comprised of a mounting eyelet that allows for a plurality of attachments to be attached to the device, wherein the eyelets may be located on any surface of the elbows or sidewalls and also receive securing straps. Once a cooler has been placed into the middle of the device, the securing straps can be placed over the top/bottom surface of the cooler to secure the cooler inside the device and prevent the cooler lid from opening. The interior side surfaces of the sidewalls/elbows may also be comprised of a rubber liner that protects and insulates the side surfaces of the cooler from being scratched by the sidewalls/elbows.
The device also has a plurality of attachments including a handle, an anchor and a tow strap. The handle can be removably or fixedly-attached to any eyelet via a clip or other fastening means, such that the handle can be grasped by a user to easily maneuver the device and attached cooler. The anchor is further secured to an eyelet via a tether and allows the device to remain anchored in one position. The tow strap can further be removably or fixedly-attached to an eyelet to allow the device to be secured to and towed by a water vessel such as a kayak, boat, canoe, jet-ski, paddleboard, etc. In addition, the device may be comprised of attachable floatation devices that allow the device to float more easily when carrying a heavy cooler.
Accordingly, the cooler floatation device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it also a cooler that can easily be towed behind a water vessel such as a kayak. Further, the device prevents the cooler from becoming damaged by impacts. In addition, the device prevents the cooler from sinking or opening and spilling its contents into a body of water.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cooler floatation device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a generally rectangular, tubular and buoyant body 110 that is made of a set of four elbows 112 and a first set and second set of parallel sidewalls/end walls 114, at least one mounting eyelet 120, at least one handle 130, at least one anchor 140, at least one tow strap 150 and at least one securing strap 160. The body 110 is preferably comprised of a series of schedule 40 tubular, solid core PVC pipe and fittings which form the elbows 112 and sidewalls 114, wherein the elbows 112 and sidewalls 114 are secured to one another via a glue/primer or other PVC fastening means known in the art. However, in differing embodiments, the body 110 may be made of one solid, continuous piece of material that may be tubular or non-tubular. Further, the body 110 may be made of any other material known in the art, including but not limited to: aluminum or plastics such as acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc. The body 110 may also be a plurality of other shapes, including but not limited to: square, triangular, trapezoidal, circular, oblong, etc. to accommodate a wide variety of cooler 10 shapes. In addition, the body 110 material may receive a waterproof and/or corrosion-resistant coating.
The top surface 116, bottom surface 118, interior side surface 117, and/or exterior side surface 119 of the sidewalls 114 and/or elbows 112 are further comprised of a plurality of mounting eyelets 120. The eyelets 120, which in one embodiment may be made of stainless steel, further receive at least one securing strap 160 that may be removably or fixedly-attached to the eyelets 120 on each side of the device 100, and wherein each strap 160 is further made of a durable, tear-resistant and waterproof material. Each strap 160 may further be length adjustable via a plurality of means, such as a plastic strap adjuster 162 known in the art or by other conventional means. Accordingly, the at least one strap 160 can be positioned along the top surface 11 or bottom surface 12 (as best seen in FIG. 2). of a cooler 10 across two sidewalls 114 or elbows 112 to secure the cooler 10 within the device 100 and prevent the cooler 10 from sinking/tipping, as well as preventing the cooler 10 lid from opening.
The top surface 116 of the sidewalls 114 and/or elbows 112 may also be comprised of a semi-continuous opening in the form of at least one cup holder 1160 that can store cups, mugs, bottles, etc. In addition, the device 100 may be comprised of a removable or fixedly-attached, waterproof storage box 190 that preferably attaches to an exterior side surface 119 of the sidewalls 114 and/or elbows 112 and can be used to store valuables/other items such that they do not come in contact with water. Furthermore, the top surface 116 or side surfaces 117,119 of the sidewalls 114 and/or elbows 112 may also be comprised of foldable tray table 200. The table 200 attaches to the sidewalls 114 and/or elbows 112 via a locking hinge 202 that allows the table 200 to be locked in a flat, usable position to serve as a table or tray. When unneeded, the table 200 can fold downwards, such that the bottom surface of the table 200 is parallel to the side surfaces 117,119 of the sidewalls 114 and/or elbows 112 (as seen in FIG. 1).
A cooler 10 is further preferably positioned in the central continuous opening 1100 formed in the middle of the body 110 and is contacted on all sides by a protective liner 1170. The liner 1170 is preferably fixedly-attached to each interior side surface 117 of all sidewalls 114 and elbows 114, wherein the liner is comprised of a soft rubber and/or foam insulation. In this manner, the liner 1170 protects the cooler 10 from being impacted or scratched by the sidewalls 114 and elbows 112, and also insulates the cooler 10. In order to protect the surfaces of the sidewalls 114 and elbows 112, each of the same may further be wrapped in protective tear-resistant and waterproof strapping 170 or other similar covering to protect against impact damage. Further, the eyelets 120 may receive a plurality of additional floatation devices 180 that secure to the eyelets 120 via a clip 182. In this manner, the additional floatation devices 180 can be added to the device 100 as necessary, depending on the weight of the cooler 10 to ensure the cooler 10 floats. In one additional embodiment, the body 110 may be hollow such that it can receive ballast via a continuous opening 111 located on any surface of the sidewalls 114 or elbows 112 to aid in floatation. Once the desired level of ballast has been reached, the opening 111 can be closed by a threaded cap 1110.
The device 100 may also be comprised of a plurality of attachments that include but are not limited to at least one handle 130, at least one anchor 140, and at least one tow strap 150. The handle 130 is preferably comprised of a soft or rigid, waterproof, foam material that is connected to a strap 132 which can be fixedly or removably-secured to an eyelet 120 via a clip 134 or other fastener known in the art. The anchor 140 may further attach to an eyelet 120 via a fixedly or removably-attached tether 142 that is waterproof and tear resistant. Further, the tow strap 150 allows the device 100 to be towed behind a kayak (not shown) or other water vessel such as a boat, jet-ski, canoe, paddle board, etc. (not shown), wherein the strap 150 fixedly or removably attaches to the eyelet 120 via a clip 152 or other fastener known in the art. In this manner, the handle 130 and/or two strap 150 allow the device 100 to be easily towed and maneuvered by a user. Further, the anchor 140 allows the device 100 to remain floating in a specific desired position within a body of water.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “cooler floatation device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the cooler floatation device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the cooler floatation device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the cooler floatation device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the cooler floatation device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the cooler floatation device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the cooler floatation device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cooler floatation device comprising:

a buoyant body;

a plurality of eyelets attached to a plurality of surfaces of the buoyant body;

a plurality of securing straps attached to the plurality of eyelets; and

a plurality of attachments.

2. The cooler floatation device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of attachments comprise at least one tow strap, at least one handle, and at least one anchor.

3. The cooler floatation device of claim 2, wherein the at least one tow strap, the at least one handle, and the at least one anchor are removably attached to the plurality of eyelets.

4. The cooler floatation device of claim 1, wherein the buoyant body is sized and configured to receives a cooler.

5. A cooler floatation device comprising:

a buoyant body with a central continuous opening, wherein the buoyant body is comprised of a plurality of PVC sections;

a plurality of eyelets attached to the plurality of PVC sections of the buoyant body;

a plurality of securing straps attached to the plurality of eyelets;

at least one tow strap;

at least one handle; and

at least one anchor.

6. The cooler floatation device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of PVC sections is comprised of a schedule 40 tubular PVC.

7. The cooler floatation device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of eyelets are comprised of stainless steel.

8. The cooler floatation device of claim 5, wherein the central continuous opening is sized and configured to receive a cooler that is secured to the cooler floatation device via the plurality of securing straps.

9. A cooler floatation device comprising:

a PVC body that is generally rectangular in shape, buoyant and comprised of a pair of sidewalls, a pair of end walls and a set of four elbow pieces that connect the pair of sidewalls to the pair of end walls to form a generally rectangular shape having a central continuous opening therein;

a protective strapping;

a plurality of eyelets attached to an exterior surface of the PVC body, wherein the plurality of eyelets can receive a plurality of attachments;

a plurality of securing straps attached to the plurality of eyelets;

at least one tow strap attachable to each of at least one of the plurality of eyelets and a water vessel;

at least one handle attachable to at least one of the plurality of eyelets;

at least one anchor attachable to at least one of the plurality of eyelets;

a foldable tray table;

at least one additional floatation device;

a cup holder; and

a waterproof storage box.

10. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein the central continuous opening is sized and configured to receive a cooler, and further wherein the plurality of securing straps can be placed on a top and a bottom surface of the cooler to secure the cooler within the central continuous opening of the cooler floatation device.

11. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein the foldable tray table attaches to the PVC body via a locking hinge.

12. The cooler floatation device of claim 11, wherein the locking hinge allows the foldable tray table to be locked in a flat, usable position to serve as a table or a tray, and allows the table to fold downwards such that a bottom surface of the table is generally parallel to a side surface of the pair of sidewalls when in a stowed position.

13. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein the PVC body is hollow and can receive a ballast via a continuous opening that can be secured by a threaded cap.

14. The cooler floatation device of claim 13, wherein an interior side surface of each of the pair of sidewalls and the pair of end walls is comprised of a rubber, insulated liner.

15. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein the at least one additional floatation device is attached to at least one of the plurality of eyelets via a clip.

16. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein each of the protective strapping and the plurality of securing straps is comprised of a tear-resistant and waterproof material.

17. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein the water vessel is a boat, a jet-ski, a kayak, a canoe or a paddle board.

18. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of eyelets is attached to each of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of end walls and the set of four elbow pieces.

19. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein the each of the plurality of securing straps comprise a strap adjuster for adjusting a length of each of the plurality of securing straps.

20. The cooler floatation device of claim 9, wherein the cup holder is attached to at least one of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of end walls and the set of four elbow pieces.