Multifunction cooler

• US 20070044503A1
• Filed: 08/25/2006
• Published: 03/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Billy Mccarrell
• Original Assignee: Billy Mccarrell
• Inventors: McCarrell, Billy
• Granted Patent: US 7,475,563 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 62/420
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 5/0017 using cold storage bodies, e.g. ice
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2303/081 using ice cubes or crushed ice
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2331/804 Boxes
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 3/08 portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/14 Thermal energy storage

Abstract

A MULTIFUNCTION COOLER is disclosed that permits a single portable cooler to simultaneously operate as a conventional portable refrigeration device, a personal air conditioner, and a portable air inflation device. The disclosed cooler incorporates an air injection port that permits warm air external to the cooler to be forced through ice or other coolant material inside the cooler. The air injection is facilitated by an electric air blower or other fan apparatus which vents air from within the coldest portions of the interior of the cooler confines to an exhaust port which may be used as a source of air conditioning or alternatively as an air inflation device.

Claims

1. A multifunction cooler comprising:

(a) cooler body;

(b) cooler lid covering said cooler body;

(c) air injection port fixed on said cooler body to permit air outside of said cooler to enter said cooler body and be forced to the bottom of said cooler body;

(d) air exhaust port fixed on said cooler body to permit air inside of said cooler to exhaust said cooler body;

(e) blower motor connected to said air exhaust port;

wherein

said air injection port permits warm ambient air outside of said cooler body to be chilled by the contents of said cooler body to form chilled air within said cooler body;

said blower motor draws said chilled air from the bottom of said cooler body and exhausts said chilled air through said air exhaust port;

said air exhaust port may be utilized as a portable source of refrigerated air;

said air exhaust port may alternatively be utilized as an air inflation device.

2. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said air injection port and said air exhaust port are on opposite sides of said cooler body.

3. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said air injection port forces said outside air to the bottom 8-10 inches of said cooler body.

4. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said blower motor draws said chilled air from the bottom 8-10 inches of said cooler body.

5. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said air injection port and said air exhaust port are on opposite sides of said cooler body.

6. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said blower motor operates on 12V DC.

7. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said blower motor further comprises a power cord with automotive cigarette adapter connection.

8. The cooler of claim 1 further comprising a battery to supply said blower motor with electric power.

9. The cooler of claim 1 further comprising an output port attachment connected to said air exhaust port, wherein said output port attachment further comprises a plethora of holes to exhaust cool air on a person, said connection between said output port attachment and said air exhaust port capable of articulation to permit directionality of said exhausted cool air.

10. The cooler of claim 1 further comprising a hose connecting said air exhaust port to an article of clothing, said clothing receiving said chilled air from said hose for the purposes of cooling a person wearing said clothing.

11. The cooler of claim 1 further comprising a hose connecting said air exhaust port to an article of furniture, said article of furniture receiving said chilled air from said hose for the purposes of cooling a person using said furniture.

12. The cooler of claim 1 wherein said contents of said cooler body further comprises ice.

13. A method of operating a cooler, said cooler comprising a cooler body, cooler lid covering said cooler body, air injection port fixed on said cooler body to permit air outside of said cooler to enter and be forced to the bottom of said cooler body where it becomes chilled air, air exhaust port fixed on said cooler body to permit air inside of said cooler body to exhaust said cooler body, blower motor connected to said air exhaust port, said method comprising:

(1) placing ice in said cooler body;

(2) activating said blower motor to permit air at ambient temperatures to enter said cooler body, pass through said ice at the bottom of said cooler body, and exit through said air exhaust port.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said air injection port and said air exhaust port are on opposite sides of said cooler body.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein air injection port forces said outside air to the bottom 8-10 inches of said cooler body.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein said blower motor draws said chilled air from the bottom 8-10 inches of said cooler body.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein said blower motor operates on 12V DC.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein said cooler further comprises an output port attachment connected to said air exhaust port, wherein said output port attachment further comprises a plethora of holes to exhaust cool air on a person, said connection between said output port attachment and said air exhaust port capable of articulation to permit directionality of said exhausted cool air.

19. The method of claim 13 wherein said air exhaust port further comprises a hose connecting said air exhaust port to an article of clothing, said clothing receiving said chilled air from said hose for the purposes of cooling a person wearing said clothing.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein said air exhaust port further comprises a hose connecting said air exhaust port to an article of furniture, said article of furniture receiving said chilled air from said hose for the purposes of cooling a person using said furniture.