Multi-functional cooler for recreational boating and camping
View Patent ↗A multi-functional cooler is provided designed specifically for recreational boating. The cooler, crafted via blow molding or injection molding, features a dual-purpose design, serving both as a cooling storage unit and a tabletop. It comprises an insulated shell divided by a central divider into two compartments, each housing a slideable cooler drawer. These components are constructed from foam-filled plastic, ensuring both buoyancy and durability. The top of the shell is designed as a flat, stable tabletop with integrated cavities for securely holding cups. A unique aspect of this cooler is the inclusion of a separable tray element, designed to align and nest over the tabletop. This tray, equipped with molded feet, fits into the tabletop cavities, providing additional stability and versatility. This invention addresses the need for compact, multi-use accessories in the constrained space of small boats, combining practicality and convenience in marine environments.
1 . A portable cooling apparatus comprising:
a thermally insulated shell having a top surface, bottom surface, and side walls defining an interior volume;
a thermal divider wall separating said interior volume into first and second thermally isolated compartments;
first and second sliding drawers disposed respectively within said first and second compartments;
wherein said top surface comprises an integrated tabletop having a plurality of recessed cup-holding cavities;
wherein said shell and drawers are formed of foam-filled plastic material providing positive buoyancy; and
a removable serving tray configured to nest atop said top surface, wherein said removable serving tray comprises:
a planar surface;
a raised peripheral rim; and
a plurality of projection feet configured to engage with said recessed cup-holding cavities to secure said tray to said top surface.
2 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first and second sliding drawers each comprise:
a drawer body defining a storage volume;
a pair of drawer slides mounted on opposing sides of said drawer body;
a handle integrated into a front face of said drawer body; and
a drain plug assembly mounted in a bottom surface of said drawer body.
3 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said drain plug assembly comprises:
a threaded drain opening formed in said bottom surface;
a removable drain plug having complementary threads; and
a gasket providing a watertight seal between said drain plug and said drain opening.
4 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said thermal divider wall comprises:
an outer shell formed of plastic material;
an internal foam core providing thermal insulation; and
wherein said divider wall is integrally formed with said shell during a rotational molding process.
5 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one locking mechanism configured to secure said first and second sliding drawers in a closed position; and
wherein said locking mechanism comprises a swing-down locking bar and protective cap.
6 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
said shell includes reinforced corner sections;
said foam-filled plastic material comprises rotationally molded polyethylene with an integral foam core; and
said foam-filed plastic material of said shell and drawers provides positive buoyancy such that the portable cooling apparatus floats when placed in water while loaded with contents for recreational use.
7 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a plurality of vent plug apertures formed in said shell, each vent plug aperture receiving a removable vent plug, said vent plugs being selectively removable to equalize air pressure between the interior volume and the exterior environment when said drawers are opened or closed; and
molded graphics applied to exterior surfaces of said shell.
8 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first and second compartments are thermally isolated to allow:
maintaining different temperatures in each compartment;
storing hot items in one compartment and cold items in another compartment; and
independent temperature control of each compartment.
9 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said integrated tabletop comprises:
a substantially flat upper surface;
drainage channels surrounding said recessed cup-holding cavities; and
rounded edges and corners for safety.
10 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
brass inserts mounted in said shell for securing components;
nylon fittings for drawer slides; and
corrosion-resistant fasteners throughout.
11 . The portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
said shell has exterior dimensions selected to fit standard marine storage spaces; said drawers have interior dimensions optimized for common beverage containers; and
said top surface has dimensions suitable for food preparation.
12 . A method of manufacturing the portable cooling apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:
rotationally molding said shell with integral foam insulation;
installing said thermal divider during the molding process;
assembling said drawer slides and hardware; and
installing said removable serving tray.