Pivoting Utility Table Mounting for Cooler Work Surface Elevation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cooler tops are not user-friendly as work surfaces, especially in outdoor activities, due to their low height and potential for damage, which is a concern for owners of high-end roto-molded coolers who seek to maximize their investment.
Innovation Solution
A utility table that attaches securely to coolers, providing an adjustable and durable working surface that can be folded for compact storage, made from high-grade stainless steel and marine-grade plastic materials to withstand corrosive environments and heavy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cooler top is used as a work surface, then the cooler serves multiple functions (cooling and working surface), but the working surface is too low and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the cooling function and working surface function into distinct components. The table assembly is a separate attachable structure from the cooler body, allowing the cooler to maintain its primary cooling function while providing an elevated, ergonomic working surface through the attached table.
2Device complexity
If the cooler top is used as a work surface, then no additional structure is needed, but the cooler top may be damaged by cutting or other actions
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly acts as an intermediary between the user and the cooler. It provides a dedicated working surface for cutting and other activities, protecting the cooler top from damage while maintaining structural simplicity through a separate, attachable design.
3Ease of operation
If a table structure is added to the cooler, then the working surface height is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable rather than permanently fixed. This allows the structure to be added when needed for ergonomic working and removed or folded when not needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining improved working surface height during use.
4Ease of manufacture
If the table structure is made permanent, then installation is simple, but removal and storage become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is segmented into separate attachable components rather than being permanently integrated with the cooler. This segmentation enables simple installation through attachment mechanisms while also allowing easy removal and compact storage when not in use, providing both installation simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
In the specification and drawings a utility table for mounting to a cooler is described and shown with a work surface; a vertical support member; at least one work surface support rail connected to the work surface and pivotally connected to the vertical support member so that the work surface may pivot from a horizontal position for use and a vertical position for storage and transport; and a mounting bracket configured to securely receive the vertical support member and to be attached to the cooler using the existing structure of the cooler.