Cooler Trash Disposal Accessory with Removable Bracket and Bag System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The disposal of trash from coolers during outdoor activities is problematic, as existing solutions either contaminate remaining contents or lead to litter, with current cooler accessories not effectively addressing the need for convenient and environmental trash disposal.

Innovation Solution

A trash disposal accessory featuring a bracket for attachment to the inner side of a cooler, with a vertical handle, planar extension, and trash bag holding rim, allowing for easy attachment and removal, and adjustable clamping to fit various cooler sizes, utilizing a draw cord and cord lock for secure bag retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If trash is thrown back in the cooler, then trash disposal is simple, but the remaining contents in the cooler are contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrash disposal convenienceVSAvoidcontamination of cooler contents
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the cooler system into two separate functional zones: a food storage area and a dedicated trash holding area. The bracket assembly creates a distinct trash containment space within the cooler, physically separating trash from food items to prevent contamination while maintaining easy access for disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly with trash bag acts as an intermediary structure between the trash and the cooler contents. This intermediate containment system prevents direct contact between trash and food, eliminating contamination risk while preserving disposal convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a trash disposal accessory is added to the cooler, then trash disposal convenience is improved, but the cooler requires modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrash disposal convenienceVSAvoidcooler modification requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is designed with adjustable and removable features, allowing it to adapt to different cooler sizes and configurations. The adjustable legs and removable design enable the accessory to fit various coolers without permanent modification, maintaining flexibility and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed bracket design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the accessory cannot fit various cooler sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different cooler sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates adjustable legs with length variations and removable components that allow customization for different cooler dimensions. This dynamic design enables a single bracket model to adapt to multiple cooler sizes while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly is designed as a universal accessory that can fit various cooler types and sizes through its adjustable features. The same basic bracket design serves multiple cooler configurations, enhancing versatility without complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11793285B2Cooler trash disposal accessory
Publication Date: 2023.10.24 BLAND JAIME RYAN
  • US11793285B2 patent drawing
  • US11793285B2 patent drawing
  • US11793285B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A trash disposal accessory (1) for a cooler (3) removably attachable to a side of a cooler under a top cover (2), said accessory having an attachment bracket (4) having a top rim (5) with a n opening (6) a planar extension (10) and a perpendicularly attached handle (12) for insertion into a strap slot (11) of certain coolers. A bracket with a clamping handle (16) is provided for use with coolers without strap slots. The accessory has a trash holding bag (7) which is removably attached to the bracket by a draw cord (8) sewn around a top opening and which can be tightened or loosened through a cord lock (9).