Cooler with integrated audio system and power station

Abstract

A cooler is divided into distinct, watertight compartments. A first, lower compartment is defined within a main housing section and receives items to be insulated from an ambient environment. The lower compartment is covered by a hinged lid that defines a second, upper compartment for receiving portable electronic devices and the like. A third compartment, disposed forward of the lower compartment, is defined between an exterior surface of the main housing section and a removable module. An audio system comprising an audio player, amplifier, and speakers are retained within the third compartment. In some embodiments, the removable module includes a power station configured to supply sufficient power to supply the audio system and operate and/or charge ancillary devices. In an embodiment, the audio system further includes a wireless interface and/or one or more input ports for receiving signals from such ancillary devices as an MP3 player or an electric guitar.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to containers having an insulated compartment for maintaining consumable items at a depressed or elevated temperature relative to an ambient temperature, and more particularly, to the integration of additional features to enhance the utility and convenience of such containers.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]It has long been known that an insulated container will isolate consumable food and beverage items from an external ambient temperature so that long after these items are removed from a refrigerating or heating appliance, they can be consumed and enjoyed. Collectively known as “coolers”, these containers have become a fixture at outdoor parties, parks, beaches, stadium parking lots, and even out on the ocean.[0005]To enhance their convenience and / or entertainment value at recreational venues, it has been proposed to integrate other functions into cool...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In some embodiments, a removable module of a multi-compartmented cooler according to embodiments of the present disclosure incorporates components of an integrated audio system and power station. The incorporated components include a plurality of speakers. At least a first pair of the plurality of speakers are secured to the removable module so as to be positioned at an obtuse angle relative to an underlying cooler support surface wherein sound waves are directed upwardly (away from the underlying support surface) and toward one or more listeners. The speakers are recessed within the removable module and protected by a cover integral to the removal cover and having substantially vertical slots defined therein to enable water entering as rain or splashing activity to drain quickly and without deleterious effects upon the speakers. In some embodiments, each cover is integrally formed as part of the removable module.

[0011]In another embodiment, an insulated cooler comprises a main housing defining a first interior compartment, an upper opening aligned with the first interior compartment, and a plurality of insulated sidewalls. The insulated cooler further comprises a cooler compartment lid assembly which includes a first lid pivotably connected to the main housing by a hinge. The first lid is dimensioned and arranged to provide an upper surface of the first interior compartment when the first lid is in a closed position and to enable access to the first interior compartment when the first lid is in an open position. The first lid also defines a second interior compartment dimensioned and arranged to receive and store at least one portable electronic device and an access opening aligned with the second interior compartment. The lid assembly further comprises a second lid pivotably securable to the first lid and dimensioned and arranged to provide an upper surface of the second interior compartment when the second lid is in a closed position and to enable access to the second interior compartment when second lid is in an open position, and a removable module having a plurality of audio system components secured thereto and defining a peripheral lip dimensioned and arranged to overlie a first exterior surface region of the main housing, the removable module being manipulable between a position of attachment to the main housing and a position of detachment from the main housing, While the removable module is in the position of attachment, the peripheral lip overlies the first exterior surface region and a third compartment dimensioned and arranged to enclose the audio system components is defined by a second exterior surface of the main housing and respective interior surfaces of the removable module. The audio system components include an audio player device which, in some embodiments, comprise at least one of an audio receiver or a digital audio player, a plurality of speakers electrically coupled to the audio player device, and an amplifier having an audio input source line for receiving an audio signal from at least one of the audio player device or an electric guitar.

Problems solved by technology

For one reason or another, such systems have not met with any significant degree of commercial success.

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