Cooler having integrated table surface

Abstract

A cooler having an integrated table for providing added surface area on which objects could be supported without obstructing access to the lid of the cooler includes a cooler base having an integrated receptacle area, handle, a plurality of cup holders, a plurality of wheels, and a tow handle, as well as a lift off top lid and a hingedly attached integrated table. While the cooler base and top lid are constructed and operate substantially as conventional coolers, the integrated table is configured to selectively lift up from the top of the cooler base, moving between a closed position and an deployed. In operation, when the integrated table is placed in the deployed position, it provides a flat horizontal support surface positioned such that the top lid of the cooler can be opened and closed without requiring the objects on the integrated table to be moved.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cooler having an integrated table, comprising:
 a cooler base defining a receptacle with an open top;   a discrete top lid adapted to be selectively placed on the cooler base so as to close the open top; and   an integrated table attached to the cooler base and adapted to move between a closed position in which it is adjacent to the open top and a deployed position in which it is positioned in an elevated position relative to the open top.   
     
     
         2 . The cooler having an integrated table of  claim 1 , wherein said deployed position is defined by said integrated table positioned in an elevated, laterally offset position relative to the open top. 
     
     
         3 . The cooler having an integrated table of  claim 1 , wherein the integrated table is attached to said cooler base through a plurality of discrete hinges. 
     
     
         4 . The cooler having an integrated table of  claim 1 , wherein the top lid is removable from said cooler base. 
     
     
         5 . The cooler having an integrated table of  claim 1 , wherein said cooler base additionally includes at least one cup holder mounted to a side of the cooler base, thereby enabling the at least one cup holders to be utilized without restricting the use of the top lid or integrated table. 
     
     
         6 . The cooler having an integrated table of  claim 1 , wherein said integrated table provides a flat horizontal upper surface suitable to support objects. 
     
     
         7 . A cooler having an integrated table, comprising:
 a cooler base defining a receptacle with an open top;   a discrete, removable top lid adapted to be selectively placed on the cooler base so as to close the open top; and   an integrated table attached to the cooler base and adapted to move between a closed position in which it is adjacent to the open top and a deployed position in which it is positioned in an elevated, laterally offset position relative to the open top.   
     
     
         8 . The cooler having an integrated table of  claim 7 , wherein the integrated table is attached to said cooler base through a plurality of discrete hinges. 
     
     
         9 . The cooler having an integrated table of  claim 7 , wherein said cooler base additionally includes at least one cup holder mounted to a side of the cooler base, thereby enabling the at least one cup holders to be utilized without restricting the use of the top lid or integrated table.