DE102010060775A1 - Cooler for beverage container, comprises flexible inflated wall arrangement having inner space which is provided for receiving beverage container, where chamber is provided in ring-like surrounding - Google Patents

Abstract

The cooler (10) comprises a flexible inflated wall arrangement (12) having an inner space which is provided for receiving a beverage container (11). A chamber s provided in a ring-like surrounding, where a filling valve (24) is connected to the chamber for inflating and deflating the air.

Description

The invention relates to a cooler for beverage containers.

Beverages, such as beer, z. B. in larger tin cans of several liters content, for example, 5 liters delivered as a small keg. After the first run, it usually takes a long time until the container is emptied. During this time, the regularly pre-cooled drink from the environment absorbs heat, which is usually undesirable.

A similar problem may occur when serving other beverages from other larger containers, such as wine cartons or the like.

As a remedy, various measures have already been proposed. For example, the DE 29900520 U1 a vessel made of heat-insulating Styrofoam, in which a beverage container can be introduced. The container has a breakthrough on the wall to be able to pass through a tap.

The space requirement of such a drum cooler when not in use is significant. Corresponding storage space is to be provided, which is rejected by some customers. From the customer's point of view, the considerable storage space requirement impairs the practical manageability.

The DE 20205090 U1 also proposes a rigid formed from heat-insulating material housing-like cooling container in which a Peltier cooling is arranged.

Such a cooling device also has a considerable space requirement, especially when not in use.

The DE 19503234 A1 proposes a beer keg with rubber bubble arranged therein for receiving the beer. This should save cleaning costs before refilling the barrel. Between the rubber bubble and the metal wall of the barrel, an air cushion is formed.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device that can be handled in a practical manner, with which beverage containers can be cooled or shielded against the entry of heat from the outside.

This object is achieved with a cooler according to claim 1:
The cooler for beverage containers according to the invention has a flexible inflatable wall assembly having an interior for receiving a beverage container, for example a smaller beer keg. The wall assembly surrounds the interior ring like a sleeve. It has in its wall one or more chambers that can accommodate an air cushion. This creates a thermal insulation between the interior and the environment. A filling valve serves to introduce air into or out of the chamber.

When drained, the cooler can be folded down to a small volume and stored in a space-saving manner. When inflated, it provides sufficient thermal protection to prevent the rapid heating and scarfing of a refrigerated beverage container even in summer outdoor temperatures.

The thermal protection effect of the cooler can be increased by coating or forming it in a light and heat reflecting manner. For example, the material of the flexible wall assembly may be formed white or silvery shiny or coated. The heat-reflecting surface finish may be on the outside and / or on the inside. In addition, it may be given on the surfaces bounding the chambers. In this way, the heat radiation is minimized and the heat shield supported.

In particular, thermoplastic films, such as, for example, flexible PVC films, come into consideration as material for the flexible wall arrangement. For production, the technologies known for water toys, water wings or printable balloons can be used. In particular, the wall assembly is preferably double-walled formed from two films which are glued or welded together at line-shaped seams to form air chambers (at least one air chamber).

The wall assembly encloses at least one air chamber, which may be divided into a plurality of sub-chambers. For example, the wall assembly consists of an inner foil and an outer foil which are joined together at their respective upper and lower edges so as to form an annular space therebetween. This can be divided into sub-chambers by a plurality of vertical connecting lines, for example welded seams or adhesive seams. The sub-chambers can communicate with one another by at least one annular chamber arranged at the upper edge, at the lower edge or elsewhere. So they can be inflated or emptied via a single filling valve.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of filling valves in order to be able to fill or empty a plurality of correspondingly provided chambers separately.

As a filling valve can be used made of flexible plastic material short adjustable piece of hose with plugs, as it is known from swimming tires, water wings, water toys and the like. The filling can be done by breathing air or with a pump.

The wall assembly may, as mentioned, be formed as a closed, annularly enclosing the inner space sleeve-like wall, which consists essentially of sausage-shaped parallel arranged side by side, at their flanks articulated interconnected air chamber sections.

It is also possible to form the wall assembly through a flat rectangular inflatable compartmentalized section provided at two mutually parallel edges with a connecting means such as hook-and-loop fastener, profile bar fastener, hook fastener or similar connection means to form a hollow cylindrical radiator as needed to be closed. This can have advantages in terms of manufacturability and also of manageability. This applies in particular to designs without floor or with removable floor.

Preferably, the radiator is provided with a bottom, which adjoins the lower edge of the hollow cylindrical or sleeve-like wall arrangement. The bottom is preferably non-chambered, preferably single-layered, so that a beverage container located in the interior finds a firm footing.

The floor may be formed completely without openings, so that condensate water forming in the radiator collects on the floor and does not run on an underlay, for example a tablecloth or the like, underneath. However, the floor can also have at least one opening, for example, to omit condensation. If necessary, this opening can be provided with a closing device, for example a short flexible plastic tube with plugs, in order to be able to discharge condensed water only in a controlled manner.

The cooler is also associated, at least preferably, a lid, with which it is closed at the top. Such a lid is preferably also provided with at least one air chamber so that it can be inflated. The lid may be divided into sub-chambers to retain its flat disc-shaped shape during inflation. The individual sub-chambers can z. B. be arranged radially. Other arrangements are possible.

The lid may be separate from the radiator or fixedly connected thereto. In the latter case, it can be connected via a connecting portion with the wall assembly, for example in the form of a single-walled or double-walled plastic film section. Optionally, the connecting portion may include an air duct to inflate the cover and wall assembly together.

Alternatively, the lid of the wall assembly may be formed separately.

To connect the lid and the wall assembly may be suitable connecting means such as Velcro, tapes, buttons, zippers, Moldings seals and the like.

Further details of advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the drawings of the description or subclaims. Show it:

1 A cooler according to the invention in a perspective schematic representation,

2 - the cooler after 1 without beverage container with lid removed in plan view,

3 - the cooler with beverage container in vertical section,

4 - A section of the wall assembly of the radiator in horizontal section,

5 - A filling valve of the radiator in a sectional outline,

6 - A modified embodiment of a wall assembly for the radiator after 1 - 3 and

7 - Another embodiment of the radiator in vertical section

In 1 is a cooler 10 illustrating a beverage container 11 houses. The beverage container 11 is in the present embodiment, a small 5 liter beer keg. However, it can also be other beverage containers. The cooler 10 is designed as a double-walled plastic hood. He has a wall arrangement 12 on, to that, how 2 and 4 show an inner wall 13 and an outer wall 14 belong. These limit an air chamber between each other 15 placed in several subchambers 16 . 17 . 18 etc. is divided. The walls 13 . 14 are preferably made of a plastic film or other flexible airtight, sheet material. The sub-chambers 16 - 18 are preferably by seams 19 . 20 . 21 separated from each other, where the walls 13 . 14 welded together or connected to each other in a different way. The seams 19 . 20 . 21 are preferably arranged parallel to each other and vertically, so that therebetween the tubular partial chambers 16 - 18 form. In a lower section 22 and / or an upper section 23 the wall arrangement 12 , an annular circumferential channel is provided, each to the chamber 15 belongs and in which the sub-chamber 16 - 18 open out.

At an arbitrarily chosen location, for example in the lower section 22 , on one of the sub-chambers or also on the upper section 23 , is a filling valve 24 arranged for inflating and deflating the chamber 15 serves.

The filling valve 24 is in 5 separately illustrated. It is at an opening of the outer wall 14 appropriate. It consists for example of a flexible hose section 25 As known from swimming rings, children's wings or the like, in the 5 rest position shown or can be pulled outward. It is through a stopper 26 closed, the over a plastic loop 27 captive on the hose section 25 is held.

In the wall arrangement 12 is an opening 28 formed by a tap 29 can protrude outward. The opening 28 is bordered by a weld, in which the walls 13 . 14 are connected to each other airtight. The opening 28 is located in a lower wall section.

As 3 lets recognize the wall arrangement 12 down with a floor 30 be provided. This is, for example, circular and formed on its outer circumference with the wall assembly 12 connected, z. B. welded. The floor 30 is preferably closed and open. This can result in the cooler 10 accumulating condensation water does not flow out easily.

On the ground 30 can, how 2 and 3 show, a so-called cold accumulator ie, a cold storage 31 , be placed, if necessary, loose on the ground 30 can be hung up. Such a cold storage 31 can z. B. in freezer to low temperature, then the beverage container 11 who is on him to cool.

Another corresponding cold storage 32 can on the beverage container 11 to be in the mood.

The cooler 10 is above preferably with a lid 33 provided the interior 34 in which the beverage container 11 and optionally one or more cold storage 31 . 32 are arranged, complete upwards. The lid 33 is also preferably chambered and thus encloses at least one air-filled chamber 34 , This can be done via a filling valve 35 filled with air or emptied. The filling valve 35 agrees with the structure and function with the filling valve 24 to 5 match.

The lid 33 can be formed loosely and via suitable connecting means 36 with the wall arrangement 12 get connected. Such connecting means 36 For example, one, two or more flexible tabs 37 . 38 the with the wall arrangement 12 to connect. These serve as Velcro closures, as in 1 on the basis of a fleece band 39 and a hook band 40 is indicated. Other connecting means may be provided, such as button and buttonhole, twine, loop and hook, all-round zipper, all-round zipper or the like.

At the cooler described so far various modifications are possible. For example, several openings 28 be provided at different heights to allow for adaptation to different beverage containers.

Next it is possible the ground 30 detachable on the wall arrangement 12 to attach if desired. By way of a further modification, it is possible the lid 33 , as 7 shows, over a connecting section 41 captive on the wall assembly 12 to store. The connecting section 41 can be an air duct 42 contain, over which the chamber 15 with the chamber 34 connected is. In this case, both chambers can 15 . 34 via a single filling valve 24 or 35 filled and / or emptied. The lid 33 is in this case a hinged lid. A lanyard 37 is opposite to the connecting portion 41 arranged and allows the attachment of the lid 33 in closed condition.

Another modification is with regard to the construction of the wall arrangement 12 possible, like the ones in 6 illustrated wall arrangement 12 ' shows. This consists of narrow strips of material 43 , the pairs in each case overlapping at welding lines 44 welded together. In this embodiment, each strip of material forms 43 partially a part of the outer wall, then an intermediate wall and then a part of the inner wall. Despite greater manufacturing effort, this embodiment has advantages in terms of heat shielding.

The cooler described so far 10 works as follows:
For commissioning, the wall assembly 12 initially inflated, leaving the chamber 15 , including all sub-chambers 16 . 17 . 18 etc. is filled with air. On the ground 30 can the cold storage 31 be hung up. Also the lid 33 is via the filling valve 35 filled with air. Are both valves 24 . 35 closed, the beverage can 11 in the interior 34 be used. He finds it on the cold storage 31 a firm stand. After placing the cold storage 32 can the lid 33 closed and on the wall arrangement 12 be attached.

The air-filled chambers 15 . 34 hinder the access of heat to the beverage container 11 , In this existing beverage thus largely retains its temperature and does not heat up or only slightly.

The presented cooler 10 can be used not only for keeping pre-cooled drinks cool but also for keeping hot drinks warm, if desired, for example, to keep mulled wine or the like warm.

The outer surfaces of the radiator 12 , especially his lid 33 , are preferably heat-resistant coated or formed. They can also be provided with advertising applications, such as printing.

When not in use, the beverage container 11 away. By opening the filling valves 24 . 35 can the air from the chambers 15 . 34 be dismissed. The cooler 10 can now fold to a very small volume and hold comfortably until next use.

The cooler according to the invention 10 is designed as a double-walled flexible, inflatable container. It encloses an interior space for receiving a beverage container and has at least one dispensing opening 28 , As well as a need to open and close the lid 33 on.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

cooler

11

beverage containers

12, 12 '

wall arrangement

13

Inner wall

14

Outer wall

15

chamber

16-18

subchambers

19-21

seams

22

Lower section

23

Upper section

24

filling valve

25

hose section

26

Plug

27

loop

28

opening

29

tap

30

ground

31, 32

cold storage

33

cover

34

chamber

35

filling valve

36

connecting means

37, 38

tabs

39

Loop tape

40

hook tape

41

connecting portion

42

air duct

43

strip

44

welding lines

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 29900520 U1 [0004]
• DE 20205090 U1 [0006]
• DE 19503234 A1 [0008]

Claims (10)

Cooler ( 10 ) for beverage containers ( 11 ), with a flexible inflatable wall assembly ( 12 ), which has an interior ( 34 ) for receiving a beverage container ( 11 ) and enclosing it in use like a ring and the at least one chamber ( 15 ), which in the Wandanordung ( 12 ) is arranged to create an air cushion between the interior and the environment, and with a filling valve ( 24 ) connected to the chamber ( 15 ) for inflating and deflating air. Radiator according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall arrangement ( 12 ) at its lower end in use with a bottom ( 30 ) is provided. Radiator according to claim 2, characterized in that the floor ( 30 ) is formed unkammert. Radiator according to claim 2, characterized in that the floor ( 30 ) is closed. Radiator according to claim 2, characterized in that the floor ( 30 ) has at least one opening. Radiator according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall arrangement ( 12 ) a lid ( 33 ) assigned. Radiator according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover ( 33 ) at least chamber ( 34 ) to an air cushion between the interior ( 34 ) and the environment. Radiator according to claim 7, characterized in that the lid ( 33 ) on the wall arrangement ( 12 ) via a connecting section ( 41 ) is held captive firmly. Radiator according to claim 8, characterized in that in the connecting section ( 41 ) an air duct ( 42 ) is arranged. Radiator according to claim 1, characterized in that for the connection of the lid ( 33 ) and the wall arrangement ( 12 ) at least one hook-and-loop fastener, a zip fastener, a zipper, a button closure, a tie closure, a hook fastener or other releasable connection means ( 36 ) is provided.

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