Portable ice chest

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable ice chest having an improved foot operated lid or lid arrangement. The foot operated linkages are spaced away from the food holding compartment of the ice chest, being provided at end portions or in side panels of a container body. In one embodiment, a single lid or cover is provided. In another embodiment, a pair of lids or covers are provided.

1 . A portable ice chest, comprising:
 a) a container body having an outer shell, an inner shell and an insulative layer in between the inner and outer shells;   b) the container body having a bottom panel, front panel, rear panel, left and right side panels and an open top;   c) a pair of lids affixed to the container body, each lid pivotally attached to the container body at a side panel, one lid attached to the left side panel, the other lid attached to the right side panel;   d) a first operator that includes a first pedal and that enables a user to open a first of the lids with foot applied pressure on the first pedal;   e) a second operator that includes a second pedal that enables a user to open a second of the lids with foot applied pressure on the second pedal;   f) a pair of linkages that connect each pedal to a lid, each said linkage being positioned at a side panel; and   g) wherein the first pedal and second pedal are located on the same side of one of the panels of the container being either the front panel or the rear panel, and wherein each lid includes an elastic member operatively attached to the lid and the body, wherein the elastic member elastically maintains the lid in an open position when opened the lid's respective pedal.   
     
     
         2 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1  wherein each linkage occupies a position in between the inner and outer shells at a side panel. 
     
     
         3 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1  wherein each linkage includes a pushrod that is located at a side panel and in between the inner shell and the outer shell. 
     
     
         4 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1  wherein each pedal is placed on a side panel next to the bottom panel. 
     
     
         5 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1  wherein each pedal is pivotally attached to a side panel. 
     
     
         6 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1  wherein each linkage includes multiple pushrods. 
     
     
         7 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1  wherein each linkage includes a spring. 
     
     
         8 . The portable ice chest of  claim 3  wherein the pushrod has a spring portion. 
     
     
         9 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1 , wherein the pedals are located on the same side of front panel. 
     
     
         10 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1 , wherein the pedals are located on the same side of rear panel. 
     
     
         11 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1 , wherein the lids are pivotally attached to the container at different side panels. 
     
     
         12 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1 , wherein the pedals are located on the same side of front panel. 
     
     
         13 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pedals extend substantially from the front to the rear panels, and can be accessible from either the front or rear panel of the container. 
     
     
         14 . The portable ice chest of  claim 1 , wherein each of the lids can be independently opened while the remaining lid remains closed.