Recreational storage and multimedia apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to portable storage containers, and more particularly, to a storage container for use in a recreational environment. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a storage container that can be adapted for storing cold food products, while also providing a multimedia entertainment system, all enclosed in a single structure.

[0002] A large number of people pursue various kinds of recreational activities. Some prefer mountain hiking, some prefer beach locations, and others enjoy the woods. Some people, due to their work-related activities, such as for instance construction workers, prefer to bring their lunches and beverages to a constructions site. Majority of people taking lunch food with them for recreational or work activities, also prefer to have a radio or a cassette player available at the site where the portable cooler is used. To that end, people bring their ice chests, radios, cassette players, CD players and other items, making transportation of separate items inconvenient and bulky.

[0003] The present invention contemplates elimination of drawbacks associated with the prior art and provision of a combined ice chest and multi-media container for use outdoors, where municipal electrical supply is unavailable.

[0004] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a cooling storage container and a multimedia unit, all combined in one structure.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a combined ice chest and entertainment unit that is portable and can be easily transported by one person.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combined ice chest and multimedia apparatus that has separate but related compartments for food and electronic components.

[0007] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved through a provision of an insulated container that houses audio and video devices in an interior media compartment and receives various beverage and food items in an interior food compartment. A separating wall extending upwardly to the top of the container divides the interior chamber into two independent compartments. In one or both embodiments of the present invention the lid has an inner raised rib extending across the width thereof. A receiving groove is formed in the top surface of the separating wall to accommodate the raised rib and facilitate isolation of the electric/electronic devices mounted in the media compartment from the moisture and food items positioned in the food compartment.

[0008] The electric/electronic devices may include a radio, a compact disc player, a digital video player, an MP3 player, an amplifier and a television device. The television device is fitted into the interior portion of the hinged lid; the TV device is further protected by a cover fitted over the TV unit in the lid.

[0009] The front wall of the container carries one or more speakers connected to the audio devices. A battery is positioned in the media compartment for powering the electric/electronic devices. The battery may be re-charged by a 12V or AC power source.

[0013] Turning now to the drawings in more detail, the recreational storage container of the present invention is generally designated by numeral 10. As can be seen in the drawing, the apparatus of the present invention comprises an insulated container 12 that has upright walls. The upright walls include a front wall 14, a rear wall 16, a left wall 18, a right wall 20. A hinged lid 22 is attached to the top of the rear wall 16. The lid 22 is adapted for moving between an open position shown in FIG. 1 and a closed position, closing the container 12. Each of the walls and the lid 22 is made from conventional insulating material, for instance insulating plastic, aluminum and the like.

[0014] A pivotal handle 24 and 26 is mounted on each of the left and the right walls 20 and 18, respectively. If desired, a single pull handle 27 (FIG. 2) may be used in lieu of the pulling handles 24, 26. The handles 24, 26 or 27 pivot about their respective shafts (not shown) to facilitate convenient transportation of the container 12 to the recreational site.

[0015] The left side of the container 12 is supported on rotating wheels 28 and 30, which are rotated about a shaft 32. When wheeling the container 12 to the desired location, the user grabs the handle 24, lifting the right end of the container off the ground and pulls the container 12 with the assistance of the wheels 28 and 30.

[0016] The interior chamber of the container 12 is divided into two main interior compartments—a food compartment 40 and a media compartment 41 (FIG. 2). The food compartment 40 occupies the right side of the container chamber. The chamber 40 is free from obstructions and extends from the top of the container 12 to the bottom thereof. A separation wall 42 divides the container inner chamber roughly in half, protecting the electronic devices, while ensuring that the food items positioned in the compartment 40 do not shift into the media compartment 41 housing the audio/video devices. A variety of electric/electronic devices may be positioned in the media compartment 41, including an amplifier 44, a CD player 46, a CD/DVD 48, and a portable power source, such as battery 50.

[0017] The placement of the battery 50 in the bottom portion of the compartment 41 of the container 12 allows balancing of the container 12 and facilitates its towing by the consumer. The battery 50 may be re-charged in a number of ways. To this end, a plug receptacle 60 is provided on a control panel 62. The receptacle 60 is adapted to receive a plug (not shown) of a DC adapter or a 12-volt battery connectable to a vehicle, boat, and the like.

[0018] A pair of speakers 52 and 54 is built into the front wall 14. The speakers 52 and 54 are electrically operationally connected to the audio devices located in the compartment 41. A pair of smaller speakers 56 and 58 is built into the front wall 14 above the larger speakers 52 and 54. The combination of speakers 52, 54, 56 and 58 provides sufficient audio output for even the most noisy of environments.

[0019] A plurality of sleeves 65 is secured in the inner front wall 14. The sleeves 65 are adapted for receiving miscellaneous items therein, such as extra tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc. The sleeves 65 can be one or more in number, depending on the manufacturing preferences.

[0020] A waterproof cover 64 is provided for positioning over the compartment 41 of the container 12, which houses electrical and electronic devices. The cover 64 effectively isolates the left side of the container 12 and prevents any moisture or food particles from falling into the media compartment and damaging the electronic equipment.

[0021] To further facilitate the separation of the two halves of the container 12, the lid 22 is provided with a raised separation rib 66, which extends across the width of the lid 22. The rib 66 fits into a groove 68 formed in the top of the separation wall 42, allowing to seal off the media compartment 41.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates the recreational container of the present invention with an optional television unit built into the container 12. As shown in FIG. 2, a flat screen T.V. 72 is fitted into the inner portion of the lid 22. The TV unit 72 is protected by a clear plastic cover 70, which is also fitted into the lid 22. The T.V. screen 72 occupies the left side of the lid 22, and will be protected from damage and scratches during transportation by the protective cover 70. The hinged lid, in its open position may be manipulated to extend at an angle most convenient for watching the television. It will be understood that other electric/electronic entertainment devices, although not shown in FIG. 2, may be positioned in the compartment 41. Similarly, speakers, battery, etc. may be provided in the container shown in FIG. 2, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] The CD player 46 can be CD/DVD player, providing an option to the user to listen to audio recordings or watch a DVD on the screen 72. An MP3 player may be provided in addition to the CD/DVD player or in lieu thereof.

[0024] Of course, the division of the inner chamber of the container 12 into different size compartments 40 and 41 is optional. If desired, the food compartment 40 of the container 12 may 20 be made larger to accommodate more beverages and food items. On the other hand, if the container 12 is designed to accommodate more entertainment devices than food items, the compartment 41 can occupy a larger space in the inner chamber.

[0025] The electrical/electronic components of the audio/video portion of the apparatus of the present invention are conventionally provided with control knobs 74, as schematically shown in FIG. 1. A number of other electronic components may be positioned on top of the battery 50, such as a radio 76, a tape player 78, and the like. The radio 76 can be an AM/FM stereo radio, and the cassette tape player can be provided with one or more cassette decks.

[0026] Many other changes and modifications can be made in the design of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. We, therefore pray that our rights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.