Cooler with open volume control and contents securement

Abstract

A cooler with an open volume minimization system suitable for use in harsh conditions with extreme motions such as an off-road vehicle. The open volume minimization system includes a contents engagement portion that may extend from a cooler sidewall and/or a lid to reduce the open volume and constrain the contents in the cooler. Manual or powered means can lower and retract the contents engagement portion. The engagement portion may be part of an expandable bladder system integrated with the cooler. Inflation of the bladder moves the engagement portion to the contents minimizing sloshing by reducing the open volume in the interior and by securing the contents. Elastomeric strap latches under tension may keep the lid securely latched.

1 . A cooler with an open volume minimization system, the cooler comprising: a container portion with a plurality of insulated sidewalls an insulated bottom wall defining an upper opening, an insulated lid hinged to the container portion, and a latch that secures the lid to the container portion in a closed position, the insulated sidewalls comprising a polymer exterior wall, a polymer interior wall and a foam insulative material therebetween, the closed lid and container portion defining an open interior with a volume in the range of 30 quarts (28.4 liters) to 100 quarts (94.6 liters), the volume minimization system comprising:
 an expandable bladder system attached to at least one of the lid and a sidewall of the cooler, the expandable bladder system comprising at least one material fillable bladder and at least one valve system for controlling material entering and exiting the bladder,   wherein the at least one material fillable bladder is positioned within the open interior of the cooler, and   wherein the at least one material fillable bladder is configured to expand and retract within the open interior.   
     
     
         2 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one material fillable bladder and valve system are configured for using air as the material for expansion and contraction of the bladder. 
     
     
         3 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 2 , comprising a plurality of bladders. 
     
     
         4 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 3 , wherein the cooler has interior wall surfaces with hook and loop material thereon and the plurality of bladders each have cooperating hook and loop material thereon for attachment of each of the plurality of bladders to the interior wall surfaces of the cooler. 
     
     
         5 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable bladder system comprises a panel that is urged toward the bottom wall of the cooler for engagement of contents in the cooler. 
     
     
         6 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 1 , wherein the open volume minimization system may reduce the open volume of the cooler by at least 50%. 
     
     
         7 . A cooler with an open volume minimization system comprising:
 a cooler comprising a lid; a plurality of sidewalls; and a base, the cooler having an open interior;   an expandable bladder system comprising at least one bladder attached to one of the lid and container portion, the bladder inflatable and deflatable;   the bladder having at least one panel positioned to engage contents in the cooler when the bladder is inflated; and   inflation means are mounted to or extend from cooler.   
     
     
         8 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 7 , wherein the inflation means comprises an air pump attached to the cooler, wherein the air pump is one of manually or electrically operatable. 
     
     
         9 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 8 , wherein the expandable bladder system may reduce the open volume of the cooler by at least 50%. 
     
     
         10 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 8 , further comprising a sensor for monitoring air pressure in the bladder. 
     
     
         11 . The cooler with the open volume minimization system of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of additional bladders that are inflatable by the air pump. 
     
     
         12 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 11 , wherein the expandable bladder system includes a plurality of plates or panels, at least one plate or panel associated with each bladder. 
     
     
         13 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 7 , wherein the plates or panels and bladders are configured to provide an open interior that when the bladders are inflated the open interior that tapers upwardly. 
     
     
         14 . A cooler with open volume minimization system comprising:
 a cooler comprising a lid; a plurality of sidewalls; and a base, all defining an open interior with an open and closable top, the cooler having a capacity of from 12 quarts (11.4 liters) to over 400 quarts (378.6 liters), the cooler having means; and   a contents securement system comprising a plate member;   an extendable and a retractable portion attached to the lid and the plate member.   
     
     
         15 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 14 , wherein the plate member has a stowed position at the lid. 
     
     
         16 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 14 , further comprising a manual crank and the extendable and retractable portion is configured as a screw and nut mechanism connected to the manual crank. 
     
     
         17 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 14 , comprising an electric motor connecting to the extendable and retractable portion. 
     
     
         18 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 14 , comprising a manual air pump and wherein the extendable and retractable portion is a bladder operative connected to the manual air pump. 
     
     
         19 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 14  having apertures at an upper rim of the container portion for securement of the cooler to a vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . The cooler with open volume minimization system of  claim 14 , wherein the open volume minimization system may reduce the volume of the cooler by at least 50%. 
     
     
         21 - 46 . (canceled)