Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure

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

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]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.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to thermally insulated enclosures, and more particularly to systems for mounting thermally insulated enclosures.[0004]2. Description of the Background Art[0005]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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The magnetic coupling provides a secure and convenient way to attach insulated enclosures to ferromagnetic structures without the need for mechanical fasteners, ensuring stability in dynamic environments and reducing the risk of accidents during transport.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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.

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