Accessory Support Attachment for Coolers with Backrest and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coolers lack versatility in providing comfortable seating options and structural support, as existing accessories do not offer a backrest or effective means to retain and support additional items.
Innovation Solution
A compact accessory support attachment for coolers, featuring a rigid support sidewall with a tongue-and-groove configuration, hinged and lockable fasteners, and cantilevered enclosures, which converts a cooler into a seating surface with a backrest and supports accessories like fishing rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cooler is used as a seating surface, then the versatility of the cooler is expanded, but the cooler lacks structural support and comfortable seating options
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is divided into multiple segments including a support sidewall, accessory support members, and fastener assemblies that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the structure to be adapted to different cooler sizes and shapes while providing consistent seating support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the cooler by attaching a backrest structure that extends upward from the seating surface. This transforms the cooler from a simple horizontal seating surface into a three-dimensional seating system with back support, thereby improving seating comfort without compromising versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are added to the cooler, then the functionality is enhanced, but the accessories lack proper retention and support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory support members are pre-configured with engagement features and fastener assemblies that are ready to secure accessories before they are placed on the cooler. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable retention of accessories such as fishing rods, cup holders, and other items without requiring additional assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory support members act as intermediary structures between the cooler body and the accessories. These members provide dedicated mounting surfaces and retention mechanisms that bridge the gap between the cooler and various accessories, ensuring secure attachment while maintaining the ability to accommodate different accessory types.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid support structure is added to provide structural support, then seating comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support sidewall and accessory support members are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for seating, mounting surfaces for accessories, and framework for fastener assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved seating comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment utilizes thin-walled but structurally sufficient materials that provide the necessary rigidity for support while minimizing the bulk and complexity of the structure. The support sidewall and accessory members are designed with optimized wall thicknesses that balance structural integrity with simplicity of construction.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory support attachment for coolers that is selectively couplable thereto and operably configured to support accessories thereon, the attachment comprising a support sidewall of a substantially rigid material with a first portion hingedly and lockably couplable to a second portion, at least one accessory support member selectively and slidably coupled to an outer surface of the support sidewall, a first and second plurality of enclosures coupled to the accessory support member and operably configured to retain accessories therein, a handle member designed to facilitate greater ease of transport of coolers, and a back support frame member operably configured to function as a backrest and support the weight of a user when seated on the cooler and leaning back, on, or against the back support frame member.