Cooler for holding beverage containers
An exemplary beverage cooler ( 100 ) includes an interior area ( 104 ) which has a plurality of beverage container supporting shelves ( 116 ). The exemplary shelves each include a front portion ( 122 ) and a back portion ( 124 ). The front portion includes a plurality of bottle engaging recesses ( 136 ) and the back portion includes a plurality of bottle engaging recesses ( 154 ). The bottle engaging recesses are configured for holding bottles ( 138, 162 ). A plurality of bottle neck props ( 168 ) are selectively movable between raised and lowered positions. Each bottle neck prop is configured for engaging a neck of a respective bottle 138 such that the bottle is held tilted at an acute angle to horizontal.
1 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a shelf,
wherein the shelf is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with a further shelf, and
movable with the door in the door open position along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion,
wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle when a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
is in fixed immovable relation with the shelf,
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle when a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable through direct manual engagement with the prop between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontal, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
2 . The apparatus according to claim 1
the further shelf,
wherein the further shelf
is disposed vertically above the shelf and includes
a further pair of further horizontally disposed side walls,
a further front portion, and
a further back portion,
wherein the further front portion
extends intermediate of the further side walls, and
is removably engageable with each of the further side walls,
wherein the further front portion is removable from engagement with each of the further side walls through manual movement of the further front portion relative to each of the further side walls,
wherein with the further front portion removed from engagement with the further side walls, the shelf and the further shelf each in the back position, and the bottle neck prop in the prop raised position, the prop is configured such that the first bottle is enabled to extend upwardly to at least the level of the further back portion.
3 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the shelf further includes a manually releasable catch,
wherein the manually releasable catch is operative to
engage and hold the prop in the prop raised position responsive at least in part to movement of the prop to the prop raised position,
wherein with the catch engaged, the catch is operative to cause the prop to remain in the prop raised position and not move downward toward the prop lowered position responsive to an applied downward force, and
responsive at least in part to direct manual engagement of the prop, release the catch,
wherein with the catch released the prop is enabled to move from the prop raised position to the prop lowered position.
4 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a shelf, wherein the shelf
is movably mounted in operatively supported connection with the enclosure along a shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf is enabled to extend outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
includes a front portion and a back portion,
wherein the front portion
is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess is configured to engage a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle when a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the shelf movement direction,
wherein the back portion
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is configured to engage a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle when a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and generally parallel to the shelf movement direction,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop, wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
is selectively movable through direct manual engagement with the prop between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle when the first cylindrical side wall is engaged with the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontal, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle when the first cylindrical side wall is engaged with the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
5 . The apparatus according to claim 4
wherein the front portion is manually removable from the shelf.
6 . The apparatus according to claim 5
wherein the shelf further includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
wherein the front portion
extends between the side walls, and
is removably engageable with each of the side walls.
7 . The apparatus according to claim 5
and further comprising:
a further shelf, wherein the further shelf
extends in parallel relation with and below the shelf,
is movably mounted in operative supported connection with the enclosure and is movable along a further movement direction parallel to the movement direction,
includes a further front portion and a further back portion,
wherein the further front portion
includes a further first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the further first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a further first cylindrical side wall of a further first bottle when a further first bottle axis of the further first bottle extends generally parallel to the further movement direction,
a further bottle neck prop,
wherein the further bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the further shelf,
wherein the further bottle neck prop is movable between
a further prop lowered position and a further prop raised position,
wherein in the further prop lowered position the further prop is configured to engage a further neck of the further first bottle when the further first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the further first bottle engaging recess such that the further first bottle axis extends generally horizontal,
wherein in the further prop raised position the further prop is configured to engage the further neck of the further first bottle when the further first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the further first bottle engaging recess such that the further first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the further back portion,
wherein with the front portion of the shelf removed the further first bottle is enabled to extend above the back portion of the shelf.
8 . The apparatus according to claim 7
wherein the further prop is movably mounted in operative connection with the further back portion.
9 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a plurality of first bottle engaging recessg, wherein the first bottle engaging recesses are spaced apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,
wherein each first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a respective first cylindrical side wall of a respective first bottle while a respective first bottle axis of the respective first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in the direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
includes a plurality of bottle neck props,
wherein each bottle neck prop
is in centered alignment along a respective direction parallel to the shelf movement direction with one respective first bottle engaging recess,
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
wherein each bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a respective neck of a respective first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall of the respective first bottle is engaged in the respective first bottle engaging recess in centered alignment with the respective prop such that the respective first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the respective neck of the respective first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall of the respective first bottle is engaged in the respective first bottle engaging recess in centered alignment with the respective prop such that the respective first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
10 . The apparatus according to claim 9
wherein the back portion includes
a plurality of second bottle engaging recesses,
wherein each respective second bottle engaging recess is disposed along a respective direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction, intermediate of an immediately adjacent pair of first bottle engaging recesses.
11 . The apparatus according to claim 9
wherein the back portion includes
a plurality of second bottle engaging recesses,
wherein each respective second bottle engaging recess is disposed along a respective direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction, intermediate of an immediately adjacent pair of first bottle engaging recesses,
wherein with each of the bottle neck props in the lowered position, the at least one shelf is configured such that each respective first bottle engaged with a respective first bottle engaging recess has its respective first bottle axis extending generally horizontally, and each respective second bottle engaged with a respective second bottle engaging recess has its respective second bottle axis extending generally horizontally.
12 . The apparatus according to claim 9
wherein the back portion includes
a plurality of second bottle engaging recesses,
wherein each respective second bottle engaging recess is disposed along a respective direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction, intermediate of an immediately adjacent pair of first bottle engaging recesses,
wherein with each bottle neck prop in the raised position the at least one shelf is configured such that the respective first bottle axis of each respective first bottle engaged with a respective first bottle engaging recess extends at the acute angle to horizontal and the respective second bottle axis of each respective second bottle engaged with a respective second bottle engaging recess extends generally horizontal.
13 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
comprises a pair of disposed prop members, wherein the prop members are disposed from one another in the direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,
wherein each of the prop members is rotatably movably mounted about a common pivot axis in operative connection with the back portion,
wherein the prop members are connected by a cross bar,
wherein the cross bar is disposed away from the pivot axis,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle that extends intermediate of the pair of prop members while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle that extends intermediate of the pair of prop members while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
14 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
comprises a pair of disposed prop members, wherein the prop members are disposed from one another in the direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,
wherein each prop member is rotatably movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion about a common axis,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position each prop member includes a first portion that extends upward from the axis, and a second portion that extends from the first portion directly horizontally, and an end portion that extends downward from the second portion to a respective member end, and wherein a cross bar connects the prop members at the respective member ends,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle that extends intermediate of the prop members of the pair while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
15 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
is bounded by a pair of first bottle engaging struts,
wherein each first bottle engaging strut
is elongated in a direction parallel to the shelf movement direction,
is disposed from the other first bottle engaging strut of the pair in the direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,
includes a curved inner face, wherein the curved inner face is configured to be in facing relation with the first bottle axis while the portion of first cylindrical side wall of the first bottle is in engagement with the first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls, includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
16 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
is bounded by a pair of second bottle engaging struts,
wherein each second bottle engaging strut
is elongated in a direction parallel to the shelf movement direction,
is disposed from the other second bottle engaging strut of the pair in the direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,
includes a curved inner face, wherein the curved inner face is configured to be in facing relation with the second bottle axis while the portion of the second cylindrical side wall of the second bottle is in engagement with the second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
17 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is in fixed immovable operative connection with the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
18 . The apparatus according to claim 17
wherein the front portion is releasably engageable with the side walls through engagement of disengageable interengaging projections and recesses, wherein the interengaging projections and recesses are configured such that engagement and disengagement of the projections and recesses are accomplished without tools and through only movement of the front portion relative to the side walls.
19 . The apparatus according to claim 17
wherein with the bottle neck prop in the lowered position, the at least one shelf is configured such that at least a portion of the first bottle and at least a portion of the second bottle extend in horizontally side-by-side relation.
20 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure, positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a plurality of first bottle engaging recesses, wherein each first bottle engaging recess
is spaced apart from each of the other first bottle engaging recesses in the direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction, and
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a plurality of bottle neck props,
wherein each respective bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
is manually movable independently of each of the other props between a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
is in centered alignment along a respective direction parallel to the shelf movement direction with one respective first bottle engaging recess,
comprises a respective pair of disposed prop members, wherein the prop members of the pair are disposed from one another in the direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction,
wherein in the prop lowered position the respective bottle neck prop is configured to engage a respective neck of a respective first bottle such that the respective neck extends intermediate of the respective pair of disposed prop members, while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the respective neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
21 . The apparatus according to claim 10
wherein each respective bottle neck prop is configured such that in both the prop lowered position and in the prop raised position the respective neck of the respective first bottle extends intermediate of the prop members of the respective pair of disposed prop members of the respective prop.
22 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
comprises a pair of disposed prop members,
wherein the prop members are disposed from one another in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal shelf movement direction and are rotatable about a common pivot axis,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal,
wherein the prop is configured such that in both the prop lowered position and the prop raised position the neck of the first bottle extends intermediate of the prop members of the pair of disposed prop members.
23 . The apparatus according to claim 22
wherein in both the prop lowered position and in the prop raised position the bottle neck prop is configured such that the neck of the first bottle extends in engagement with each prop member of the pair of disposed prop members.
24 . The apparatus according to claim 22
and further comprising:
a manually releasable catch,
wherein the manually releasable catch is operable to selectively hold the bottle neck prop in the raised position.
25 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
a front plate, wherein the front plate extends closer to the opening than the first bottle engaging recess when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative connection with the back portion,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess and a bottom of the first bottle is engaged with the front plate such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
26 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein at least one of the shelves is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with at least one of the other shelves, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein the at least one shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a front portion and a back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a first cylindrical side wall of a first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a cross member that extends horizontally between and
is in operative connection with the side walls,
includes a second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a portion of a second cylindrical side wall of a second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the first bottle engaging recess,
a bottle neck prop,
wherein the bottle neck prop
is movably mounted in operative supported connection with the cross member,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal.
27 . Apparatus comprising:
a cooler configured for holding beverage containers including:
an enclosure, wherein the enclosure bounds an interior area,
wherein the enclosure includes an opening therethrough to the interior area,
a door, wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
wherein the door is movable between a closed door position in which the door closes the opening, and an open door position in which the interior area is accessible from outside the enclosure through the opening,
a plurality of shelves,
wherein the shelves include a first shelf and a further shelf, wherein each of the first shelf and the further shelf is
movably mounted in operative connection with the enclosure,
positioned in vertically disposed parallel relation with the other of the first shelf or the further shelf, and
movable along a horizontal shelf movement direction between an outward position in which the respective shelf extends outward from the interior area through the opening, and a back position in which the respective shelf is fully within the interior area,
wherein each of the first shelf and the further shelf is selectively configurable and in an operative position includes
a respective pair of horizontally disposed side walls,
wherein each of the side walls extends parallel to the shelf movement direction,
a respective front portion and a respective back portion, wherein the front portion is closer to the opening than the back portion when the shelf is in the back position,
wherein the front portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
is removably engageable with each of the side walls,
includes a respective first bottle engaging recess,
wherein the respective first bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a respective portion of a respective first cylindrical side wall of a respective first bottle while a first bottle axis of the first bottle extends generally parallel to the side walls,
wherein the back portion
extends intermediate of the side walls,
includes a respective second bottle engaging recess,
wherein the respective second bottle engaging recess
is configured to releasably engage a respective portion of a respective second cylindrical side wall of a respective second bottle while a second bottle axis of the second bottle extends generally horizontal and parallel to the side walls,
wherein the respective second bottle engaging recess is horizontally disposed in a direction perpendicular to the shelf movement direction from the respective first bottle engaging recess,
a respective bottle neck prop,
wherein the respective bottle neck prop is movably mounted in operative connection with the respective back portion,
wherein the bottle neck prop is movable between
a prop lowered position and a prop raised position,
wherein in the prop lowered position the prop is configured to engage a neck of the respective first bottle while the respective portion of the respective first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the respective first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends generally horizontally, and
wherein in the prop raised position the prop is configured to engage the neck of the first bottle while the portion of the first cylindrical side wall is engaged in the first bottle engaging recess such that the first bottle axis extends further upwardly with closer proximity to the back portion and at an acute angle relative to horizontal,
wherein with the first shelf and the further shelf each respectively in the back position, the further shelf is positioned in the interior area immediately above and in overlying relation of the first shelf,
wherein the first shelf and the further shelf are configured such that with the respective front portion of the further shelf removed and the bottle neck prop of the first shelf in the prop raised position, the bottle neck prop extends upward from the first shelf to at least a vertical level of the respective back portion of the further shelf.
28 . The apparatus according to claim 27
wherein the first shelf and the further shelf are configured such that with the respective front portion of the further shelf removed and the bottle neck prop of the first shelf in the prop raised position, the bottle neck of the respective first bottle that has the respective portion of the first cylindrical side wall thereof engaged in the first bottle engaging recess of the first shelf, extends upward from the first shelf to at least a vertical level of the respective back portion of the further shelf.