Thermal container with pedal operated lid

Abstract

A portable thermal chest (1) of the type having a hinged lid (2) operated by a pedal (3) affixed to a "U" shaped pedal assembly (4) in turn affixed to the chest by means of pedal assembly pivot axles (5). Lid lift arms (6) are attached at the lower end to the "U" shaped pedal assembly (4) by hinge joint axles (7) and affixed to the lid (2) at the upper end by lift arm lid axles (8).

Description

[0001] Not ApplicableBACKGROUND--[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to the field of thermal containers, specifically large volume chests used to store or transport items that must be kept cold or warm to prevent spoilage.[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art[0005] A number of companies including Coleman.TM. and Igloo.TM. manufacture large capacity portable thermal chests. Most are essentially the same type of device. They are most frequently fabricated as a double wall chest with a thermal foam filling and removable or hinged lid. They are frequently constructed of lightweight materials, either molded plastic or aluminum, to keep loaded as well as unloaded weight to a minimum.[0006] If an individual has his / her arms or hands full, operating a lid for the purpose of accessing the interior compartment is difficult or impossible, since there is no provision for "hands-free" operation. Either the operator must put the objects down, or rely on assistance from a se...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

If an individual has his / her arms or hands full, operating a lid for the purpose of accessing the interior compartment is difficult or impossible, since there is no provision for "hands-free" operation.

No known manufacturers of thermal chests have provided a means for operating the lid without using one's hands.

However, here have been many containers manufactured for holding hazardous waste or trash that employ foot pedal operated lids.

The foot pedal operating technology however has not been applied to the field of portable thermal chests.

(a) They have no provision for "hands-free" operation. An operator must unload his / her arms if they are full, or obtain assistance in order to open the lid.

(b) If the objects to be placed in the thermal chest are fresh foodstuffs, there is risk of bacterial or foreign particle contamination due to the necessity to put the items down before the hands can be used to operate the lid.

(c) There is a risk that the item to be stored can be dropped while attempting to operate the lid with the hands while they are full.

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