Beverage Cooling Device

Abstract

A beverage cooling device is provided for keeping beverages cool for a prolonged period of time. The beverage cooling device includes a cylindrical container having a closed lower end, an open upper end, and a hollow interior volume. The container includes an inner layer and an outer layer. A refrigerant is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. The refrigerant layer is adapted to cool a beverage held within the interior volume of the container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/078,574 filed on Nov. 12, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to beverage cooling devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a beverage cooling device adapted to hold a beverage container, such as a bottle or can, and maintain the beverage at a cool temperature. The beverage cooling device comprises a cylindrical container having a closed lower end, an open upper end, and a hollow interior volume, wherein the container includes a refrigerant adapted to cool a beverage container therein

[0004] Many individuals use beverage insulators and the like in order to keep drinks at cooled temperatures, especially during picnics and other social gatherings during the summer months. However, these insulators can be inefficient and result in a drink becoming warm in a short period of time. Other individuals may employ the use of ice cubes, however this can cause the beverage to become watered down and distasteful.

[0005] It is common while drinking a beverage to use a sleeve, such as an insulated can holder, to keep the beverage cool. The sleeve is a fabric or foam sleeve that is designed to thermally insulate a beverage container. However, the sleeve merely acts as an insulator and does not actually provide means for cooling or lowering the temperature of the beverage. The present invention contemplates a device that surrounds a container, such as a bottle, a can, or other cylindrical container, whereby the device cools and insulates the beverage. Specifically, the beverage container includes a refrigerant disposed between an inner and outer layer that can be cooled such that the beverage container actively cools and insulates a beverage.

[0006] In these respects, the beverage container according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of cooling and insulating a beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of beverage cooling devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved beverage cooling device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when cooling a beverage.

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of beverage cooling devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new beverage cooling device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when maintaining a beverage at a cool temperature.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage cooling device comprising a cylindrical container having a closed lower end, an open upper end, and a hollow interior volume in which a beverage container, such as a can or bottle, can be positioned. The cylindrical container further includes an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage cooling device that includes a refrigerant disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the refrigerant can be maintained at a low temperature for an extended period of time.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage cooling device having a cover placed over the outer layer of the container, wherein the cover has a decorative appearance. In some embodiments, the outer layer is a removable silicone cover.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage cooling device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

[0013] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the beverage cooling device of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the beverage cooling device of the present invention as used to hold a can therein.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the beverage cooling device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the beverage cooling device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for maintaining a beverage at a cool temperature. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown perspective views of the beverage cooling device of the present invention. The beverage cooler 100 comprises a cylindrical container 102 having a closed lower end 104, an open upper end 106, and a hollow interior volume 108. The container 102 further includes an inner layer 110 and an outer layer 112. The inner layer surrounds the interior volume 108 of the container 102. The beverage cooling device 100 is adapted to hold a beverage in the interior volume 108 of the container 102, such as a bottle or can, among others. The beverage cooling device 100 fits snugly onto a cylindrical container so that the inner layer 110 fits snugly against the exterior surface of the beverage container. The container 102 is preferably flexible so that it can be stretched so as to fit on beverage containers of various sizes.

[0020] The inner layer 110 is adapted to contact the walls of a beverage container placed within the beverage cooler 100. The inner layer 110 includes sidewalls and may additionally include a lower end so that that inner layer 110 contacts the bottom of the beverage container. A refrigerant 114, such as a refrigerant gel or liquid, is disposed between the inner layer 110 and the outer layer 112. The refrigerant 114 is preferably contained within a flexible enclosure or sac. The flexible enclosure or sac may include a single compartment, or may be divided into a plurality of compartments so as to limit the movement of the refrigerant therein. The refrigerant can be cooled in a freezer or other low temperature area, and is adapted to maintain a cool temperature when removed from the freezer. The refrigerant is adapted to remain fluid and movable after being cooled so that it is not solid and can conform to the shape or the beverage container placed within the beverage cooling device.

[0021] An outer layer 112 is disposed on the exterior of the refrigerant 114. The outer layer 112 is preferably permanently affixed to the exterior of the refrigerant 114, and may be affixed by use of adhesives, or other suitable fastening means. The outer layer 112 is composed of an insulating material, such as rubber or foam, among others. In this way, the outer layer 112 serves to inhibit the ambient temperature conditions from warming the refrigerant 114 or the inner layer 110, allowing the inner layer 110 to remain at a cool temperature. Further, the heat dissipated from a user's hand holding the beverage cooling device 100 is not transferred to the inner layer 110. In this way, the beverage within the container 100 can be maintained at a cool temperature. In some embodiments, the outer layer 112 may be removably attached to the refrigerant 114 layer. Additionally a silicone cover can disposed over the outer layer 112. The silicone cover can provide additional insulation and can also be used to provide a decorative or ornamental appearance as desired by the user.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross sectional view of the beverage cooling device of the present invention. The beverage cooling device 100 preferably comprises a cylindrical shape such that it has sidewalls, a closed lower end, an open upper end, and a hollow interior volume. The beverage cooling device 100 includes an outer layer 112 and an inner layer 110 and that rests flush against the cylindrical container of a beverage. The inner layer 110 includes a sidewall and a lower end so that the sidewalls and bottom of a beverage container are in contact with the inner layer 110. The outer layer 112 minimizes heat transfer to the beverage and provides the user with a comfortable surface for grasping the container. A refrigerant 114 is interdisposed between the inner layer 110 and the outer layer 112. The beverage cooling device 100 further includes a removable cover 116. The removable cover 116 is placed over the outer layer 112 of the beverage cooler 100. The removable cover 116 is preferably fabricated from silicone. The removable cover 116 can provide additional insulation and can also be used to provide a decorative or ornamental appearance as desired by the user.

[0023] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0024] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A beverage cooling device, comprising: a container having a closed lower end, an open upper end, and a hollow interior volume, wherein the container includes an inner layer and an outer layer; a refrigerant layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer; wherein the refrigerant layer is adapted to cool a beverage held within the interior volume of the container.

2) The beverage cooling device of claim 1, further comprising a cover placed over the outer layer of the container.

3) The beverage cooling device of claim 2, wherein the cover is removably positioned over the outer layer of the container.

4) The beverage cooling device of claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is adapted to remain fluid when it is cooled.

5) The beverage cooling device of claim 1, wherein the outer layer comprises foam.

6) The beverage cooling device of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is adhesively affixed to the refrigerant layer.

7) The beverage cooling device of claim 1, wherein the inner layer includes sidewalls and a lower end, such that the inner layer is adapted to contact the sidewalls and lower end of a beverage container held therein.

8) The beverage cooling device of claim 1, wherein the container is cylindrical in configuration.

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