Cooler support shelf

Abstract

The cooler support shelf is a rectangular platform having each of two corner sections of one side of the platform perpendicularly connected to separate vertical rails. The tops of the two rails are curved into hooks in the direction away from the platform. Diagonal support struts are connected from opposed sides of the platform to the lower part of each vertical rail. A horizontal support bar may extend between the connections of the diagonal support struts and the vertical rails. A hook and loop restraining strap is connected near the top of each vertical rail. The two straps can connect around the cooler to keep it in place on the platform.

1 . A shelf, comprising:
 a generally horizontal platform member;   two vertical support rails directly attached to the platform member, the vertical support rails having top portions curved into hooks and bottom portions having slots defined therein;   two diagonal support rails connecting the bottom portions of the vertical support rails to an outer side portion of the platform member; and   a horizontal stabilizer bar extending between the slots in the bottom portions of the vertical support rails.   
   
   
       2 . The shelf of  claim 1 , further comprising two hook and loop fastener straps, each of the straps being connected to a corresponding one of said vertical support rails, respectively, the straps helping to retain an object supported on said platform member. 
   
   
       3 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein each vertical support_rail further includes a platform corner support for supporting said platform member. 
   
   
       4 . The shelf of  claim 3 , further comprising two fasteners, each of the fasteners extending through aligned apertures defined in said vertical support rails and in said platform member to thereby attach said platform member to said vertical support_rails. 
   
   
       5 . The shelf of  claim 4 , wherein each said fastener comprises a bolt and a wing nut. 
   
   
       6 . The shelf of  claim 5 , wherein each said fastener further comprises a washer. 
   
   
       7 . The shelf of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of slats extending across said platform member. 
   
   
       8 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal stabilizer bar includes threaded portions, the threaded portions extending through an aperture in the diagonal support rails and through the slots in the bottom portions of the vertical support rails, the shelf further comprising two fasteners, each of the fasteners being threaded onto the threaded portions to retain the horizontal stabilizer bar in the slots. 
   
   
       9 . The shelf of  claim 8 , wherein each said fastener comprises a wing nut. 
   
   
       10 . The shelf according to  claim 1 , wherein said platform member comprises four flat horizontal members forming an open rectangular frame, each of the horizontal members having a vertical flange extending orthogonal thereto around the periphery of the rectangular frame in order to prevent a base of a cooler from shifting laterally on said platform member. 
   
   
       11 . The shelf according to  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of slats extending across said rectangular frame. 
   
   
       12 . The shelf according to  claim 11 , further comprising a pair of straps attached to said vertical support rails, the straps having mating hook and loop fasteners, the straps being adapted for wrapping around a cooler placed on said platform member in order to secure the cooler on said s platform member. 
   
   
       13 . The shelf according to  claim 11 , wherein said platform member, said vertical support rails, and said diagonal support rails are made from aluminum. 
   
   
       14 . A folding support shelf, comprising:
 a generally rectangular open frame forming a horizontal platform member having an aperture in each corner of one side of the platform;   two vertical support rails, each of the rails having a platform corner support, the vertical support rails each having an upper portion formed into a hook and a bottom portion having a slot defined therein;   fasteners connecting the vertical support_rails to the platform member;   two diagonal support rails connecting the vertical support rails to an outer side portion of the platform member; and   a horizontal stabilizer bar extending between the slots in the bottom portions of the vertical support rails.   
   
   
       15 . The support shelf of  claim 14 , further comprising two hook and loop fastener straps, the straps being connected to the vertical support_rails, respectively, for retaining an object supported on said platform member. 
   
   
       16 . The support shelf of  claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners attaching said platform member to the vertical support rails. 
   
   
       17 . The support shelf of  claim 16 , wherein each said fastener comprises a bolt and a wing nut so that removal of both of said wing nuts from both of said bolts allows the support shelf to be folded. 
   
   
       18 . The support shelf of  claim 17 , wherein each said fastener further comprises a washer. 
   
   
       19 . The support shelf of  claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of slats extending across said platform member. 
   
   
       20 . The support shelf of  claim 14 , wherein the horizontal stabilizer bar includes threaded portions, the threaded portions extending through an aperture in the diagonal support rails and through the slots in the bottom portions of the vertical support rails, the shelf further comprising two fasteners, each of the fasteners being threaded onto the threaded portions to retain the horizontal stabilizer bar in the slots.