Modular cooler apparatus

Abstract

A modular cooler apparatus has a thermally insulated main container body having at least two nestable interior components. A primary interior component has at least two separate compartments in a non fluid transfer relation. A first one of the compartments has a drain opening to allow for dispensing of a cooled drinking liquid such as spring water, the walls of this compartment being thermally conductive to allow for coolant contained in the container main body to effect cooling of the drinking liquid. A second one of the compartments is designed to receive the secondary interior component, and may alternatively be used without the component to increase storage capacity. The secondary interior component is fabricated from thermally insulating material and includes apertures for beverage containers, a carrying handle, and additional space for containment of coolant.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A modular cooler apparatus comprising: 
 a thermally insulating main body having an interior void for containing coolant, said main body including a cover sealingly engageable with a top edge of said main body to form a thermally insulating container;    at least two nestable inner components containable within said main body, a first inner component having two compartments, a first one of said compartments adapted for containing drinking fluid, and including dispensing means allowing for selective dispensing of said drinking fluid, a second one of said compartments adapted for containing said second inner component, said first inner component having thermally conductive sidewalls;    said second inner component having thermally insulating walls and a plurality of individual support structures for supporting, in segregated fashion, a plurality of individual items, said second inner component having space for containing coolant and a carrying handle, whereby said second inner component can be selectively removed from said second compartment and maintain a desired thermal environment for said individual items.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second inner component contains coolant medium.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second inner component includes an integrally formed carrying handle.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said individual support structures includes a support structure for supporting a bottled condiment.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said individual support structures includes a cup holder.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said individual support structures includes a cover member which may be selectively sealingly engaged and disengaged.