Cooler

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure. CROSS-REFERENCE TO SUBJECT MATTER

Cross-reference is made to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/585,272, titled “Cooler”, no issued as US D820049, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/585,279, titled “Latch”, now issued as US D933449, both of which were filed on Nov. 22, 2016 and are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Present embodiments relate to coolers. More specifically, present embodiments relate to coolers which may have various accessory systems that provide improved functionality of the coolers.

Various coolers are known which are utilized to keep fresh food from spoiling and allow storage for such food for some period of time. Since coolers are widely used, it is always desirable to improve the functionality of such coolers for users.

One problem with existing coolers is providing some connectability to improve functionality in one way or another. For example, it may be desirable to use surfaces of the cooler in order to provide additional seating or it may be desirable to provide accessory mounts to retain other items in or on the cooler in some manner so not to preclude the opening and closing of the cooler. Further, it may be also desirable to improve the manufacturability of such an item while improving the aesthetics for a user.

For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide a cooler with added functionality.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the claims are to be bound.

A cooler is provided which has various improvements over prior art coolers. The cooler may be a passive cooler or may be actively cooled with a refrigerant system for providing desirable cooling effects. The cooler may include an accessory system, for non-limiting example, with bottle or can holders or a post holder which utilizes the weight of the cooler to support a sunshade. The accessory system may be positioned in various locations of the cooler, one location being in a recess which is utilized to open the cooler lid. The cooler may also comprise a lock assembly which utilizes a tongue disposed in one of the base or the lid and extending through the other of the base or the lid so that the tongue may be locked with, for example, a pad lock or the like. The cooler may also comprise a cushion assembly which may be placed on an upper surface of the lid and may have straps to retain the cushion on the lid. The lid may be formed to accept and retain a cushion so that the cushion does not excessively move from the top surface of the lid.

According to a first embodiment, a cooler with accessory system may comprise a cooler base, at least one cooler lid pivotally mounted relative to the cooler base, a recess disposed in at least one of the cooler base and the at least one cooler lid, an accessory connected to an accessory mount, the accessory mount located on at least one of the cooler base and the cooler lid.

According to some optional embodiments, any of which may be used alone with the first embodiment or with any of the following optional embodiments, the recess may provide a hand lift for opening the at least one lid. The recess may be disposed in at least one of the cooler base and the at least one lid. The cooler may further comprise a slot disposed within the recess. The slot may be disposed along at least two sides of the recess. The accessory mount may be slidably received in the slot when the at least one lid is open. The recess may receive the accessory mount which may be retained in part by the cooler lid. The slot may be defined by an undercut in a wall of the cooler base. The recess may be located in a forward facing surface of the cooler. Alternatively, or additionally, the recess may be formed in a surface other than a forward facing surface. The accessory mount may have one of a receiver or a grasp. The accessory may have the other of a receiver or a grasp. The accessory mount having mounting positions for multiple accessories. The cooler may further comprise a rail for mounting multiple additional accessories. The accessory may be a drink holder, a post holder, or a storage container. The cooler may further comprising a handle mount disposed on the cooler base. The handle mount may have a catch which engages a handle assembly. The handle assembly may receive a handle grip and a cover. The handle grip may be disposed opposite at least one of the first claw and the second claw. The cover may further comprise a tie-down catch.

According to a second embodiment, an accessory mount for a cooler comprises an accessory plate, adapted to be received in a recess disposed in the cooler, the accessory plate comprising at least one of a grasp or a receiver adapted to receive an accessory having the other of a grasp or receiver.

According to some optional embodiments, any of which may be used alone with the first or second embodiment and/or with any of the following optional embodiments, the recess may provide a hand lift for opening the at least one lid, the cooler may comprise a cooler base, at least one cooler lid pivotally mounted relative to the cooler base, a recess disposed in at least one of the cooler base and the at least one cooler lid, wherein the accessory plate is received by the at least one of the cooler base and the cooler lid. The accessory may comprise at least one of a beverage holder, a post holder, a bottle opener or a container. The accessory mount may include the accessory plate and a slot disposed in the cooler.

According to a third embodiment, an accessory mount may comprise an accessory having one of a grasp or a receiver, and, an opposed structure having the other of a grasp or a receiver. The accessory may be connected to the opposed structure. Optionally, the accessory may be one of a beverage holder, a post holder, a bottle opener or a container. The opposed structure is at least one of a plate or a cooler or cabinetry of an appliance system.

According to a fourth embodiment, a cooler may comprise a cooler base, at least one lid pivotally connected to the cooler base, a cushion disposed on an upper surface of the lid, at least one strap extending from the cushion, the strap having a first claw and a second claw engaging one of the at least one lid and the cooler base.

Optionally, according to some embodiments, any of which may be used alone with the firth through fourth embodiments alone and/or with any of the following optional embodiments, the recess may provide a hand lift for opening the at least one lid. the at least one lid may have an indentation on an upper surface to receive the cushion. The lid may have a strap channel. The cooler may further comprise a claw recess having a relief wherein the claw is positioned. The at least one strap may extend from the cushion to each of the first and second claws. The claw may be one of substantially L-shaped, C-shaped or J-shaped. The cooler may further comprise a rail insert disposed along an inner edge of the cooler base. The rail insert may provide a ledge to support a basket or a tray. The cooler may further comprise a handle mount disposed on the cooler base and opposite the first claw and the second claw. The handle mount may have a catch which engages a handle assembly. The handle assembly may receive a handle grip and a cover. The handle grip may be disposed opposite at least one of the first claw and the second claw. The cover may further comprise a tie-down catch. The lid may have a first handhold portion and the base may have a second handhold portion. The first and second handhold portions defining a handhold when the lid is closed. The handhold may having a recess along a lower surface.

According to a fifth embodiment, a cooler may comprise a cooler base, at least one lid pivotally connected to the cooler base, at least one lid grip having a latch depending from the at least one lid grip, the lid grip extending outwardly of a surface of the base, a catch disposed on the surface of the base and beneath the lid grab, the catch capable of being engaged by the latch when the lid is closed. The latch may extend through the lid grip. The fifth embodiment may be used alone or in combination with any of the preceding.

All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of a cooler may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith.

It is to be understood that the cooler is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Different embodiments may be combined to form other different embodiments. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Referring now in detail to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout several views, including, various embodiments of a cooler are shown which may be passively or actively cooled with refrigeration components, and which may provide for connection of various accessories to improve functionality of the cooler. An accessory system is provided which allows for mounting of accessories, such as holders which also improves functionality of the cooler. Still further, the cushion retaining system is provided and wherein the lid is also provided with structure to aid in retention of the cushion on the cooler lid.

Referring now to, a perspective view of a non-limiting cooleris depicted. The coolerincludes a baseand at least one lid, which is pivotally connected to the base. The baseand the lidmay be formed of various plastic types, for example polyethylene based, such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and may be double-walled and may also have insulation therebetween to improve the cooling efficiency or to inhibit heat transfer across the cooler wallsor the lid. In some embodiments, the cooler may be roto-molded to provide a cooler of continuous thickness and minimal imperfections. The roto-mold may include dense insulation as well as one or more seals to keep cold inside and heat outside. The basemay have four sides or wallsand a bottomwhich define an open volume within the base. The open volume may be entirely open or may be partitioned. The sidesmay be formed as one integral part rather than separates walls and bottom. Each of the sidesis defined by the walls and may or may not include fluid conduit for refrigeration, for example if the cooler is an active cooler including a refrigerant compression system. The cooleris shown to have a rectangular interior opening forming food basin() defined by the sidesand the bottom. However, other shapes may be provided by varying the shape of the sidesand the connection angles of the walls therebetween. Likewise, the shape may also be varied by varying the length of the walls. In the present embodiment, the coolerhas two long walls (front and rear), which are parallel, and two short walls (sides), which are parallel, to define the rectangular shape. However, the sidesmay have walls of the same length or varying length and same or differing angles therebetween. Within this space or food basin(), food or drinks may be stored and retained in a cooled or cooler environment than ambient temperature. This reduces food spoilage of fresh foods and may also keep beverages cool, all of which may be stored therein.

The lidmay be pivotally connected in a variety of manners. In some embodiments, one or more passages may be formed in each of the lid or base,or when placed together, the one or more passages may be defined. The lid and base may be formed by one or more rod, tubes or fasteners, such as screws. Other embodiments of hinges may include living hinges connected to or formed on either or both of the lid and base,. Still further, the multi-piece hinges may be used to provide a pivoting function of the lidrelative to the base.

While a single lidis shown in the depicted embodiment, other embodiments may be provided and within the scope of the instant claims which provide more than one lid to cover the opening defined by the base. For example, the lidmay be two lids which are of equivalent or differing size. Further, in larger cooler sizes, three or more lids may cover the base. Likewise, the base, and more specifically the food basin(), may be partitioned to provide multiple storage areas wherein the wet products may be separated, for example, from dry goods. The partitions may or may not be sized to match the two or more lid sizes.

The coolermay be an actively cooled system or a passively cooled system. An actively cooled system may be one which includes a plurality of refrigeration components. An actively cooled system may include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and metering device through which refrigerant passes, or alternatively may include a thermoelectric device for cooling. Other types of cooling technology may be utilized. In further alternatives, a passively cooled system is one which may utilize ice to keep the contents stored in the food basincool.

The front surface of the cooleris shown with a recessdefined in at least one of the lidand in the base. The recessprovides a space where a user may place their hand to lift the lidto open the cooler, although this functionality is not a necessary function. For example, as depicted, the recessis formed in the baseso that a lip is formed over the baseby the lid, which aids in lifting the lid. Further, while the recessis shown on the front surface of the cooler, the recessmay be moved to other surfaces, or alternatively additional recesses may be located at other locations of the cooler. The recessmay also be located fully in the baseor partially in the baseand the lid, or alternately fully in the lid. The recessalso provides a location for positioning of the accessory mount(), as described further herein.

The cooleralso includes at least one handlemounted to an at least one sideof the cooler. In the instant embodiment, the coolerincludes handlesat both lateral ends. Additionally, the coolermay include a lock assemblypositioned to lock the lidclosed relative to the base, or allow access therein.

With reference to the handles, each handle may be formed of a woven or non-woven loopupon which a handgripmay be disposed. The loopmay be formed, for example, of a hard plastic material which can support a load for carrying the cooler. In other embodiments, the loopmay be formed of rope or rope-like materials, natural, synthetic or combinations. The handgripmay provide a more ergonomic structure for gripping the loop. In this embodiment, the handleis depending from a handhold. In other embodiments, described and shown further herein, the handlemay be connected to other structures formed on the base.

The coolermay also comprise a latch system which includes locking latchesextending through the lidand engages catcheson the base, or vice versa.

The cooleralso may comprise at least one handholdat lateral ends of the coolerin order to provide an ergonomic grip for a user's hand, for example to aid in carrying. The handholdmay be formed of portions,of the lidand the base, respectively so that the handholdmay improve ergonomics. The handholdmay be recessed along a lower surface so that fingers may be curled underneath to aid in handling. Also, since the handholdis formed on both of the lidand base, which are aligned, the handholdprovides a thick area to aid in ergonomics. For example, with fingers curled underneath, the user's thumb may be placed over the upper surface of the handhold. In some embodiments, the upper portionmay be formed on the lidand the lower portionmay be formed on the base, for example.

Referring now to, a perspective view of the cooleris shown with a cushionand additional accessories,. The coolerincludes the recesswhich may be defined, at least in part, by either or both of the baseand the lid. The recessprovides a location where a user can touch the lidand lift the lidfrom the base. Disposed within the baseand within the recessis the accessory mountincluding accessories,. The accessory mountmay be formed in part by a plate(). The term “plate” is used but the structure need not be planar, partially or entirely, and should not be limited in such manner. The platemay have one of a male or female grasp or receiver and the accessories,may have the other of the male or female grasp or receiver. Using the receivers and grasps, the accessories,may be connected in a removable or disconnectable fashion. In some other embodiments, the accessories,may be connected in a permanent or non-disconnectable manner. This may be desirable for accessories carrying higher weight or higher loads, for example. In still other embodiments, the accessories,may be directly connected to the cooler, for example, by eliminating the plateand forming the grasps or receivers directing on the cooler. Or in other embodiments, the plate may be connected to other structures such as an appliance system, including cabinetry or a slide out assembly for outdoor cooking.

The platemay be of a width which is greater than the width of the opening defined by the recess. Accordingly, the platemay be sized to extend into an opening, such as a slot or other partially hidden recess which is formed in one of the lidand/or the base. In the instant embodiment, the plateis positioned in a slot which is formed at lateral edges of the recessof the baseand optionally may be formed along the lower edge of the recess. More specifically, at least one dimension of the plateis oversized relative to recessso that the plateis retained behind the edges of the recess. For example, the width may be wider than the recess so that the platecannot be pulled forward, out of the recess. Alternatively, or additionally, the platemay be taller than the recess, so that the plateis engaged by a slot in the lid.

On the upper surface of the lidis a cushion. By comparison with, and additional reference to, the top of the lidmay have a plurality of drink holdersor may be blank as shown in, both of which may be covered by the cushionas shown in. The cushionmay be covered in various desirable aesthetic coveringsand may include a plastic, rubber, open cell foams or closed cell foams, or other type cushioning material (not shown) within the covering. It may be desirable that the cushionis formed or treated with a weather resistant coating such that rain or other contaminants due not damage the cushion. The cushionfurther comprises at least one strap, including a first endand a second end() which retain the cushionon the lid. The strap endmay also comprise a clawwhich is formed to retain the strapto the lidso that the cushiondoes not slip from the lid. The lidmay comprise strap channelswherein the at least one cushion strapmay be located. Likewise, the handholdmay also provide a clearance wherein the clawis located.

Referring now to, a perspective view of cooleris depicted with the lidin an open position to depict the accessory mount. The accessory mountmay be defined in part by a slotformed in at least one of the baseand lid, as well as the accessory mounting plate, which may have indentations or embossments. In this view, the cooleris shown with the lidin an open position and the baseprimarily depicted. The baseincludes the recesswhich is utilized in part as a gripping area to open the lid. The recessfurther comprises a slot. The slotis formed in the wallthat defines the recessof the base. In some embodiments, the slotmay be formed as an undercut in the opening or recessso that the slotis wider than the recesswhen viewed from the front of the cooler. This is indicated by a width differential Wd. In this way, the slotis generally hidden from view and easily seen by a user. While the slotmay be formed in the walls or sidesof the base, in some embodiments, the slotmay also be formed in the lid. In this way, the platemay extend into the lid. The slotmay not be required however, where the grasps or receivers are formed directly on the cooler, and thus may be considered an optional feature.

Also shown on the lidare the handhold portions,. The instant embodiment provides these along the lateral ends of the structure. These are formed of similar length to the handhold portions. Also shown along a forward edge of the lidare lid gripswhich are formed to include apertures. The lid gripsare also formed to provide a location to grasp the lidand lift it. Further, the lids gripsprovide a location through which latchesmay extend. More specifically, the lid gripsprovide a location at which there is provided some offset relative to a front surface of the base, so that the latchescan engage catcheson the front surface of the cooler.

Also shown in this embodiment is an exploded basket. The basket may be wire formed or may be solid and may be placed in the coolerin such a manner as to be separated from food or drink below. This may be desirable for example, when it is desirable to limit a food product from becoming wet, which may occur when ice melts, for example. Other reasons may exist as well for the use of such basket.

The basketmay be supported along a ledgeof the cooleralong an inner surface. The ledgemay be formed by an insert or in an alternative may be formed integrally with the interior surface of the cooler, for example during the molding process. Still further, the coolermay also have a partitionis also an insert in some embodiments or in other, or in addition, may be molded in position. The partitionmay be removable, when formed as an insert, from the interior to open up the entire volume of the cooler. Further, the upper edge of the partitionmay also define a support for the basketif the two items are sized in a corresponding matter. However, when removed, the basketmay also be supported by the ledgealong at least two edges of the basket. Further, for improve utility, when the partitionis not utilized, the basketmay be slidably moved along the ledgeto improve access to food and drinks below. Still further, while a single basketis shown, two or more baskets may be inserted in the cooler to provide additional separate storage from food products below.

Referring now to, a perspective view of the cooleris shown with the accessory plateand accessories,exploded from the cooler base.depicts a rear perspective view of an accessory which connects to the accessory plate. The accessory plateis formed also wider than the recessso that the platefits within the slotand is retained by the side or wallin which the recessis formed. The platemay have a height which is at an equivalent height or below the top surface of the baseor may be taller so that when the lidis closed, the plateextends at least partially into the lidwhere a slot may also be formed.

The platemay be generally rectangular as shown corresponding to the recessshape or may be formed of other shapes and may include one of a graspand a receiver. The graspis formed as a male part to have a headand a neck. The headhas a width that this greater than the neckso that the graspis retained in the receiver.

Likewise, the receiveris a generally female part which receives the male grasp. The receiverhas a lateral slotwhich is wider than a channel. The slotreceives the headand the channelreceives the neck. The graspmay be slidably disposed in the receiverand once therein the headengagement within the slotinhibits removal in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot. Other embodiments including shapes and structures may be utilized to retain the graspsand receiverstogether. The exemplary receiversmay also have a closed bottom so that the graspscannot fall or slide through the receiver. Or alternatively, the graspsand receiversmay be tapered or otherwise provide for some interference when the graspsare fully inserted in the receiver. For example, as shown in the instant embodiment, the headsare slightly more narrow at the top and wider at the bottom in a lateral direction, so that the graspand receiverfrictionally engage as the accessories,move on to the plate. The taper may also change in other directions, for example non-limiting example, front to back direction (thickness) so that the accessory,is retained on the plate. Other types of frictional or interference engagements may be utilized, as well as other fastening structures.

In the instant Figures, attached to each of the receiversis one of the accessories,and the graspsmay be formed on the plate. However an opposite configuration is also possible wherein the receiversmay be formed on the plateand graspsformed on the accessories,. In some embodiments, the accessories,are disconnectable but in other embodiments, the connection may be a fixed connection, for example to provide an improved support for a fishing rod or an umbrella post for shade wherein added strength may be necessary or desirable. The fixed connection may be locking or the parts may be formed integrally with the plate, for example. Still further, while the plateis shown exploded from the recess, the plate may be permanently affixed, such as by an adhesive, or may be formed integrally with the cooler. Still further, as previously indicated, the platemay be positioned in the lidand engage the basewhen the lidcloses.

The accessoryis shown as a bottle, cup or can holder. This provides a place to retain a bottle, cup or can of a preferred drinking beverage so that, for example, if the beverage can, cup or bottle, and beverage therein, is being enjoyed at a beach, it is retained above the sand and the sand does not coat or cake the bottle, cup or can. Alternatively, if cooleris utilized at a picnic area and there are insects in the grass or on the ground, the beverage container is again retained above the ground reducing the insects from entering the beverage container. The accessoryalso includes a reliefwhich will expand slightly if a can or bottle is slightly larger than the opening at the top of the accessory. Still further, the reliefmay allow for resilient spring effect as well as allow for drainage of the condensation, spilled or other fluids.

Similarly, an accessoryis provided which also connects to the cooler. The accessorymay be a bottle opener, which is used to remove bottle caps from bottles. The accessorymay be disconnectable from plateor may be formed integrally with plate.

Other accessories may also be utilized, in addition to the can/bottle holderand the bottle opener, an umbrella or other post holder, for example as shown inor a general container(). The accessoryis a bottle opener which may be utilized to pry a bottle top off of a bottle, for example off of a beer bottle. The accessory() functions to receive a post of a sun shade, such as an umbrella type sun shade, or alternatively, to retain a fishing pole. The accessorylikewise includes a reliefwhich allows the accessoryto slightly expand when the post is positioned into the accessory. The reliefalso both allow for drainage. The accessorymay or may not have a bottom to allow passage through of the fishing pole or sun shade post. For example, other accessories which may be utilized include, but are not limited to, fishing rod holder, container for phone, wallet, coins or the like. Various of these embodiments are considered storage devices because they retain or store some or all of another part.

Referring now to, an alternate embodiment is depicted. In this embodiment, a second accessory railis connected to plate. The second railmay have one of a grasp, receiver,on a rear surface to engage the other grasp or receiver of the plate. Further, the railmay have two grasps or receivers to connect to all of the grasps or receivers on the first plate. With the platein position in the recess, the second accessory railis retained in position. The second accessory railprovides mounting locations for additional accessories as compared to plate. In the instant embodiment, there are four receivers to retain additional accessories thereon. The second railis also spaced from and connected to plateso that it clears the front surface of the coolerwhen connected to plate. The railmay also engage the front surface of coolerso that the railis supported by the front surface of the cooler.

Also shown in, is a plugwhich stops a drain located in at least one wall. The drain plugallows for melted ice and other fluids to be drained or removed from the coolerwithout emptying any remaining contents therein. The drain plugmay be a threaded, twist lock or friction/interference fit, for non-limiting example, or other type of plugging structure.

Referring now to, a perspective view of the cooleris shown with the locking latchexploded from the lid. A second improvement of the instant coolerprovides for the locking latchesthat extend through the lid. As described previously, the lidincludes a lid gripwhich extends forward of a front surface of the base. Additionally or alternatively, the basemay include a recessin a surface to improve the offset in the forward rearward direction of the cooler, of the lid grip. The lid gripprovide a convenient place to lift the lid, as well as a position for the latch. The lid gripincludes latch apertureswhich extend through the lid grip, for example vertically, and receives the locking latch. Each locking latchincludes a baseand a latch strap, which cantilevers and/or depends from the base. The latch strapmay be linear or may be formed of two or more segments which in some embodiments may be angled relative to one another. The present embodiment provides a first segment which depends vertically and a second which angles outwardly away from the base. This makes grasping the latchsomewhat easier. Also, the angled segment also aids in passing the latchover the catch.

The latch strapmay also have at least one catch aperturewhich engages the catch. The catch aperturereceives the catchtherein and once positioned over the catch, the lidis locked in a downward position so the lidcannot be lifted. The latch strapmay be formed of a material capable of deforming elastically in order to clear the catchon the baseand allow the apertureto receive the catch. The elasticity or resilience also provides a force against the catchwhich pulls the lidclosed tightly. The latch strapsmay be formed of various firm but flexible materials including, but not limited to, plastics and/or rubbers.

The latch apertureextends through lid gripof the coolerwhich is also disposed above a catchformed on the base. The locking latchextends downwardly through the lidto engage the catchformed on the baseand to retain the lidin the closed position. The coolermay comprise one or more of these locking latches. These may be positioned on any of the sides of the cooler, including but not limited to the front surfaces as shown, and may be disposed on a side opposite the hinge connection between the lidand the base. A front surface recesson the basemay also be used to provide further clearance so that the latch strapmay extend and engage the catch.

The catchesmay be of various shapes when viewed in a side view. For example, the front surface may be angled so as to aid the strapin passing over or when the lidis closing. Alternatively, the catchmay be square in shape and may have rounded upper corners to aid the latch strapin passing over the catch. Additionally, the catchesmay have an overhang portion to aid in retaining the latch strapin the locked position.

The latch apertureis sized to receive the latch baseand may be of varying shapes which match, correspond or otherwise allow for seating or receipt of the latch basetherein. The latch basemay have various shapes and may be non-tapered or tapered, for example from front to rear and/or top to bottom, and accordingly, the aperturemay have a floor which corresponds in shape and mating. It may also be desirable to use a material to increase frictional engagement or wedging of the latch basein the aperture. Further, the latch basemay be formed of various shapes which correspond in shape to the apertureor vice-versa. The view depicts an elongated body with curved ends for both the apertureand the latch base. However, this is one example and other shapes may be utilized. Still further, the materials of the latchmay be formed of a slip resistant or relatively higher friction material so that the latchis resistive to sliding out of the aperture. Additionally, adhesives or other glue-like materials may be utilized. While one assembly of a latchand apertureis shown in this view, one skilled in the art should understand, that more than one assembly of these parts may be used about the cooleras needed to retain the cooler in a closed position.

Referring now to, a lower perspective view of the latchand latch apertureis shown. The latchis shown from below so that the bottom of the baseis also visible. In this embodiment, the latch strapis shown as elongate with a strap reliefthat allows for, along with the material type, stretching of the latch strap. Further, the aperturemay also improve flexibility of the latch strapin the forward-rearward direction.