Removable and adjustable divider for coolers

• US 4,964,528 A
• Filed: 08/18/1989
• Issued: 10/23/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Patrick K. Wagoner
• Original Assignee: Patrick K. Wagoner
• Inventors: Wagoner, Patrick K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marcus, Stephen
• Assistant Examiner(s): Castellano, S.
• Application Number:
  US07/395,755
• Time in Patent Office: 431 Days
• Field of Search: 220/22.5, 220/22.3, 220/22.2, 220/22.1, 220/22, 229/120.02, 229/117.01, 62/457.1, 62/457.2457.7, 62/372
• US Class Current: 220/551
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/06 adapted to be fitted in two or more alternative positions
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 23/069 Cooling space dividing partitions

Abstract

A simple to use, fully adjustable, ice chest divider which provides for the isolation of food or other items from melted ice water is disclosed. The divider comprises a plurality of rectangular panels of various sizes, attached by slide hinges and additional hinging mechanisms, in such a manner as to be both continuously adjustable and collapsible. The self-supporting divider provides for unobstructed access to all compartments while permitting melted ice water to drain to drain plugs where applicable.

Claims

1. A continuously adjustable partition, especially suitable for compartmentalization of a portable ice chest or cooler, comprising:

(a) a plurality of two larger rectangular panels;

(b) a plurality of two smaller rectangular panels;

(c) a slide hinge mechanism, enabling sliding movement of one of said two larger rectangular panels in a parallel plane, with respect to other of said two larger rectangular panels;

(d) a locking mechanism providing for the intermittent securement of said plurality of two larger rectangular panels, with respect to movement in said parallel planes;

(e) a plurality of hinges of the leaf type, enabling attachment of one of said two larger rectangular panels to a first of said two smaller rectangular panels and in addition, enabling attachment of said first of said two smaller rectangular panels to a second of said two smaller rectangular panels, whereby all of the larger and smaller rectangular panels are allowed to reorient thus resulting in a less voluminous arrangement.

2. The partition of claim 1 wherein said partition is made of plastic.

3. The partition of claim 2 wherein said partition is removable.

4. The partition of claim 3 wherein one of said two smaller rectangular panels functions horizontally and provides for separation of food items from melted ice water.

5. The partition of claim 3 wherein said partition is maintained in position by selfadhering guide bars.