Locking cooler with internal compartment

Abstract

A portable cooler with a locking system including and interior compartment within the lid of the portable cooler for the secure storage of items, said interior compartment held closed by various means to prevent the interior compartment from opening while the portable cooler is in the closed position to prevent the spilling of the contents of the interior compartment into the interior space of the cooler.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This patent disclosure relates generally to the field of portable thermally insulated containers.BACKGROUND[0002]The use of thermally insulated portable containers is widely known. Such containers, commonly referred to as “coolers,” are widely used for many functions, but primarily for the transportation and storage of perishable goods such as foods and drinks. Portable coolers are most commonly used to keep perishable goods cold, sometimes by employing ice or cold packs within the coolers.[0003]One limitation of the standard portable cooler is that melting ice or condensation from cold packs will create a wet environment within the cooler, which may affect items stored within it. Various devices have been developed in the past to protect dry goods from this wet environment. The use of multiple compartments, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,228 to Hall, is a common solution. Shelves or inserts above the water level, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,056 to Brown, are al...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about adding a small internal compartment to a cooler with a locking mechanism. This allows users to store personal items, like keys or phones, in a safe space. Different methods, like latches or snaps, are used to keep the items secure and prevent them from getting lost or falling out. The main effect of this invention is to provide a convenient way for people to keep important items cool while on the go.

Problems solved by technology

One limitation of the standard portable cooler is that melting ice or condensation from cold packs will create a wet environment within the cooler, which may affect items stored within it.

Another limitation of the standard cooler is that the contents are not secured, and may be tampered with if unattended.

In such locations, secure storage space is often unavailable, making it difficult to stow personal items.

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