US20140021207A1

US20140021207A1 - Temperature Controlled Beverage Caddy

Info

Publication number: US20140021207A1
Application number: US13/946,787
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Michael Noble, JR.; Christopher Matthew Noble
Original assignee: Pog Mo Thoini LLC
Current assignee: Pog Mo Thoini LLC
Priority date: 2012-07-20
Filing date: 2013-07-19
Publication date: 2014-01-23

Abstract

A temperature controlled beverage caddy may be configured for organizing, transporting and serving a plurality of beverage containers containing a plurality of beverages to a customer. The caddy may include a base tray holding the plurality of beverage containers containing the plurality of beverages, a temperature pack placed within the base tray, a cover attached to the temperature pack by way of a spacer and/or a plurality of markers positioned on a top surface of the base tray to identify the plurality of beverages. The base tray, the temperature pack and the cover may be arranged in a way to provide a unified structure to the caddy so as to allow the customer to easily access the plurality of beverages in a temperature controlled condition. The unified structure allows the caddy to be easily organized, stored and carried by a user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/741,468 filed on Jul. 20, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/743,703 filed on Sep. 8, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Beverage flights usually include various types and quantities of beverages that are offered at restaurants, bars, nightclubs, parties, etc. A customer may order a beverage flight in order to taste different varieties of a beverage. For example, a customer at a restaurant may order a beer flight in order to taste a sampling of the various type of beer that the restaurant has to offer. Beverage caddies may be used to provide the beverage flight and offer an enhanced drinking experience to the customer since they simultaneously serve multiple beverage containers. However, conventional beverage caddies have considerable drawbacks. For example, conventional beverage caddies do not have the facility to maintain the beverage in a chilled or warmed condition. Additionally, conventional beverage caddies do not adequately provide identification for each beverage located on the beverage caddy. Furthermore, conventional beverage caddies do not include a cover for protecting the beverage glasses and are difficult to transport, clean and store.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example temperature controlled beverage caddy for holding glasses.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another example temperature controlled beverage caddy.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an example temperature controlled beverage caddy with a plurality of markers having quick response codes.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of an example base tray.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of an example temperature pack.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of an example cover.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another example temperature controlled beverage caddy for holding glasses.

FIG. 8 a front view of the temperature controlled beverage caddy of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of an example temperature pack used in the caddy illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example temperature controlled caddy with a removable cover.

FIG. 11 illustrates an expanded view of the removable cover shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates manipulation of the removable cover for storage in the example temperature controlled caddy of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates a storage position of the removable cover of the temperature controlled caddy of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an example temperature controlled beverage caddy with a removable spacer.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an example temperature controlled beverage caddy without a base tray and with taller temperature pack.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example temperature controlled caddy with a plurality of removable temperature packs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This disclosure describes, in part, a temperature controlled beverage caddy designed for organizing, transporting and serving a plurality of beverage containers to a customer. Furthermore, the temperature controlled beverage caddy is designed to maintain the plurality of beverages at a desired temperature (i.e., keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot).
The temperature controlled beverage caddy may comprise a base tray for holding a plurality of beverage containers. In one implementation, the base tray may be configured to hold one or more temperature packs (i.e., cold or hot pack) within the base tray to maintain the temperature of the plurality of beverage containers. In some implementations, the base tray may be configured to hold ice in order to maintain the plurality of beverages in a chilled condition. In addition, in some implementations, the caddy may comprise a detachable caddy cover coupled to the one or more temperature packs or base tray by way of a spacer. The caddy cover may be configured to hold food and/or protect the plurality of beverages from temperature loss due to the sun and/or precipitation.
Furthermore, in some implementations, the base tray may comprise a plurality of markers corresponding to each of the plurality of beverages on the caddy and positioned on a top surface of the base tray for identification of the beverage and/or beverage information. In some implementations, the plurality markers for displaying beverage information may be placed in a slot in front of each of the plurality of beverage containers so that the customer can easily identify each beverage.
In some implementations, the base tray, the one or more temperature packs and the caddy cover are arranged in a way to provide a unified structure to the temperature controlled beverage caddy so as to allow the customer to easily access the plurality of beverage containers held in a temperature controlled condition.
In some implementations, the base tray comprises a single temperature pack having a plurality of recessed areas that correspond with recessed areas on the base tray for securing the plurality of beverage containers containing the plurality of beverages. The temperature pack may also separate the plurality of beverage containers held within the base tray. In some implementations, the temperature pack includes a recessed hole for locking into a stub of the base tray to firmly hold the temperature pack in place. In some implementations, the temperature pack includes a central attachment point for joining the spacer and, in some implementations, the caddy cover.
In another implementation, the base tray comprises a plurality of temperature packs where each of the plurality of temperature packs are configured to hold a beverage container. In some implementation, each of the plurality of temperature packs may be individually removed from the base tray. In this implementation, the plurality of temperature packs forms a recessed hole at the center of the base tray for locking into a stub of the base tray to firmly hold the plurality of beverage containers while allowing attachment of the caddy cover to the base tray.
In some implementations, the caddy cover may be configured to attach to the base tray by way of the spacer. The spacer may act as an extension to couple the caddy cover to the base tray.
In some implementations, the base tray and/or the caddy cover may be configured with multiple locations for the placement of one or more decals and/or stickers (e.g., advertisement decals, product descriptions, etc.).
In some implementations, the temperature controlled beverage caddy may be assembled in the following manner. Initially, the one or more temperature packs are placed within the base tray. As mentioned above, the plurality of beverage containers may be then held between the plurality of recessed areas of the temperature pack and the base tray. The base tray provides support for the bottom of the plurality of beverage containers. The caddy cover is then attached to the spacer and the spacer is locked into the stub of the base tray through the recessed hole of the one or more temperature packs. The stub receives the spacer extending from the caddy cover which may hold the one or more temperature packs in position. In some implementations, the caddy cover is configured to removably fasten to the spacer in order to firmly hold the caddy cover in an upright position.
The implementations of a temperature controlled beverage caddy described in this disclosure provide an easy-to-use beverage holder that serves the plurality of beverage containers simultaneously to the customer. Further, each caddy would provide an enhanced drinking experience to the customer by maintaining the temperature of each beverage contained in the caddy while also allowing the customer to easily identify information associated with each of the plurality of beverages. Additionally, the unified structure of the caddy allows the caddy to be easily organized, stored and carried by a user.
The temperature controlled beverage caddy may be implemented in many ways. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description. Example implementations are provided below with reference to the figures.
Example Temperature Controlled Beverage Caddy with Unified Temperature Pack
FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a temperature controlled beverage caddy 100 (hereinafter, “caddy”) including a base tray 102 and cover 104. The caddy 100 is designed for organizing, transporting and serving a plurality of beverage containers 106(1)-(5) containing a plurality of beverages 108(1)-(5) to a customer. The beverage containers 106(1)-(5) may include one or more glasses (i.e., 16 fluid ounce beer pint glasses, 8 or 12 fluid ounce high ball glasses), one or more mugs, bottles, cans (i.e. steel and/or aluminum), or the like. The plurality of beverages 108(1)-(5) may include one or more of beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, fruit juice, water, coffee, hot chocolate, or the like.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, caddy 100 includes a base tray 102 for holding the plurality of beverage containers 106(1)-(5), a unified temperature pack 110 placed within the base tray 102, a cover 104 attached to the temperature pack 110 by way of a spacer 112, a plurality of markers 114(1)-(5) positioned on a top surface of the base tray 102. The base tray 102, the temperature pack 110 and the cover 104 are arranged in a way to provide a unified structure to the caddy 100 so as to allow the customer to easily access the plurality of beverage containers 106(1)-(5) while each beverage 108(1)-(5) is kept near a desired temperature.
The temperature pack 110 is adaptable to maintain the plurality of beverage 108(1)-(5) in a desired condition. Temperature pack 110 (and any other temperature pack described below) may include one or more thermal elements to maintain a desired temperature. The thermal element may be reusable or single use. In some implementations, the thermal element may be a liquid or gel comprising at least one of water, alcohol, coated silica, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium acetate, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and/or other salts. In one implementation, the temperature pack may be designed to store in the freezer thus freezing the thermal element while not in use and when placed on the caddy may maintain the plurality of beverages 108(1)-(5) in a chilled condition (i.e., at or below 55° F.). However, in another implementation, the temperature pack may be warmed by running it through the microwave or placing it in boiling water, etc. thus heating the thermal element within the temperature pack. In such an implementation, the temperature pack may maintain the plurality of beverages 108(1)-(5) in a warmed condition (i.e., near or above 155° F.). The temperature pack 110 separates the plurality of beverage containers 106(1)-(5) held within the base tray 102.
The cover 104 acts as a covering for the plurality of beverage container 106(1)-(5). In some implementations, the cover 104 may provide a location for the placement of food items. For example, cover 104 is shown as a substantially flat disc which could hold a pizza, for example. In other implementations, the cover 104 may be configured with a flange or lip located around the edge of the cover. In yet other implementations, the cover 104 may be configured as described in any of the other implementations describe below.
FIG. 1 illustrates spacer 112 connecting the cover 104 to the temperature pack 110. In other implementations, the spacer 112 may connect the cover 104 to the base tray 102 while passing through a central hole on the temperature pack 110. In some implementations, the spacer 112 may be secured to either the cover 104, temperature pack 110, and/or base tray 102 by a form fitting where the spacer may firmly slide onto a stub on either the cover 104, temperature pack 110, and/or base tray 102. In some implementations, the spacer may be locked into place by a pin. In some implementations, the spacer 112 may act as a handle to carry the caddy 100.
The plurality of markers 114(1)-(5) may be located to correspond to each of the beverage containers 106(1)-(5) held within the base tray 102. Each of the plurality of marker 114(1)-(5) may be adaptable to display information beverage within the corresponding beverage container. In some implementations, each of the plurality of markers 114(1)-(5) may include an area on which the information of the types of beverage can be written. In other implementations, each of the plurality of markers 114(1)-(5) could be pre-printed with beverage information. In yet another implementation, each of the plurality of markers 114(1)-(5) may include a machine/device recognizable code (e.g., a bar code or a Quick Response Code (“QR code”)). In some implementations, a user may scan the code with a device to obtain information about the corresponding beverage. Markers 114(1)-(5) are illustrated as comprising a shape similar to a poker chip (i.e., circular); however, each of the plurality of markers may comprise any number of other shapes (i.e., square, triangle, octagon, or the like). Markers 114(1)-(5) may indentify the name of the beverage, the origin of the beverage, characteristic about the beverage, or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of markers 114(1)-(5) are positioned in a corresponding slot in front of each of the plurality of beverage containers 106(1)-(5) so that the customer can easily identify information associated with each of the plurality of beverages 108(1)-(5) within.
The base tray 102 and cover 104 may include multiple locations for applying multiple decals, sticker or the like. For example, an advertising decal may be place at location 116 on base tray 102. Furthermore, base tray 102, cover 104 and spacer 112 may be composed of machine washable, durable, food-grade plastic (i.e., polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonate). In some implementations, the base tray may comprise two or more wheels, bearings, or other hardware which would allow the caddy to spin on its y-axis. This may allow a user to access each of the plurality of beverage container within the caddy without lifting the caddy or substantially repositioning the user's body.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of caddy 200. As illustrated, a cover 202 is attached to a temperature pack 204 by way of a spacer 206. As described above, the spacer 206 may act as an extension to extend the cover 202 to the temperature pack 204. The temperature pack 204 includes a plurality of recessed areas 208 for holding the plurality of beverage containers (not pictured). Each of the plurality of recessed areas 208 may be designed to hold each of the plurality of beverage containers. In some implementations, a base tray 210 may have a corresponding plurality of recessed areas 212 to correspond with each of the recessed areas 208 on the temperature pack 204. Such recessed areas 208 and 212 may be configured as generally circular to interact with a generally circular beverage container. However, in other implementations, described below, the base tray may be configured without the plurality of recessed area 212.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the caddy 200 may be assembled in the following manner; however, the order of these steps may occur in another order and are not intended to be limiting. Initially, the temperature pack 204 may be placed in the base tray 210. Next, the spacer 206 may be attached to an attachment point 214 on the temperature pack 204. The cover 202 may then be attached to the spacer 206, which extends vertically from the temperature pack 204. The cover 202 includes a securing means 216 that inserts into the spacer 206 to firmly hold the cover 202 in an upright position. As described above, the cover 202 may be positioned in such a way that it provides covering for the plurality of beverage containers. In some implementations, the cover 202 may be use to provide a location for the placement of food items.
In some implementations, each of a plurality of markers 218(1)-(N) may be place in slot 220(1)-(N) on base tray 210.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example caddy 300. As illustrated, caddy 300 includes a plurality of markers 302(1)-(5) located substantially in front of each of a plurality of beverage containers 304(1)-(5). In some implementations, the plurality of markers may include a machine/device recognizable code (e.g., a barcode, QR code, image recognition, Radio-frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), or the like). As illustrated in FIG. 3, a QR code may be imprinted on each of the plurality of markers 304(1)-(5). In some implementations, a user may scan the QR code with a mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet computing device in order to obtain information about the beverage located in the beverage container corresponding to the marker. For example, a user may order a beer sampler where the caddy 300 may have five different beers in five 8 fluid ounce sampler glasses. In this example, the caddy 300 would have five markers placed near the five glasses where each of the markers may be removed by a user so the user can scan the QR code on the marker to obtain information about the beer in the glass. The information about the beer may include the brewer, the location of the brewery, the type of beer, the percentage of alcohol, the International Bittering Units value (IBU), type of hops used in the brewing process, or the like. In other implementations, each of the plurality of markers may have the beverage information permanently or removably imprinted directly on each marker.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of an example base tray 400. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, base tray 400 includes an inner surface 402 and a stub 404 for securing a temperature pack (not shown). The temperature pack includes a recessed hole for locking into the stub 404 (as shown below with regard to FIG. 5B) which secures the temperature pack into correct position within the base tray 400. In some implementations, one or more decals can be applied to the space 406 provided on a peripheral surface of the base tray 400. Decals can be advertisements or labels related to the plurality of beverages and/or beverage containers. FIG. 4A illustrates a plurality locations 408(1)-(A) on the top surface of the base tray 400 configured to hold the plurality of markers which displays information about the beverage to the customer.
FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the base tray 400 illustrated in FIG. 4A of the present invention. A bottom surface of the base tray 400 containing a bottom portion of the stub 404 is illustrated. The base tray 400 can be used in homes, restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, resorts, catering, cruise liners, flights, trains, picnics, amusement and theme parks to serve any types of liquids.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of a temperature pack 500. The temperature pack 500 may be configured to separately hold a plurality of beverage containers within a plurality of recessed areas 502(1)-(5). A top surface 504 of the temperature pack 500 may be slopped to provide a three dimensional shaped structure to the temperature pack 500. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the temperature pack 500 may include a protrusion 506 configured to removably couple the spacer. FIG. 5B illustrates that the temperature pack 500 may be include a recessed hole 508 configured to lock into the stub 404 of the base tray 400 so that the beverage containers will be easily organized and stored in the caddy. The temperature pack 500 helps to maintain the beverages and beverage containers in either a chilled or warmed condition to provide an enhanced drinking experience to the customer. Bottom surface 510 of the temperature pack 500 may be configured to rest within the inner surface 402 of the base tray 400. In some implementations, the temperature pack 500 may be adaptable to hold water, gels and any kind of liquid. Temperature pack 500 may be reusable.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate top and bottom perspective views of the cover 600. The cover 600 may be designed in the form of an umbrella so that it provides a covering for the plurality of beverage container placed within the caddy. A top surface 602 of the cover 600 may also designed to provide a place to display decals for advertising. In yet another implementation, the top surface 602 of the cover 600 may be configured to hold food. For example, cover 600 may be configured to hold a basket which contains food. As shown in FIG. 6B, a bottom surface 604 of the cover 600 is illustrated. The bottom surface 604 of the cover 600 includes the securing means 606 that inserts into a spacer to firmly hold the cover 600 in position. As described above, the spacer acts as an extension piece to attach the temperature pack. As mentioned above, cover 600 may be capable of holding any tray that hold several kinds of items comprising, but not limited to: food, decorations, lights, cameras, menus, plates & baskets, candles, music devices, ornaments.

Alternative Examples of Temperature Controlled Beverage Caddies

Caddy for Pint Glasses

FIGS. 7 and 8 is an illustrative example of a caddy 700 configured to hold pint sized beverage containers. As illustrated and described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4 and 6, caddy 700 includes a base tray 702, spacer 704 and cover 706. Caddy 700 also includes a temperature pack 708 as described above; however, the temperature pack 708 is configured with four cavities for securing four 16 fluid ounce pint beverage containers 710(1)-(4). In some implementations, the spacer 704 may be longer than the spacer described with regard to FIG. 1 in order to accommodate the greater height of the pint sized beverage containers 710(1)-(4). Furthermore, caddy 700 includes a plurality of markers 712(1)-(4) for identifying information about each beverage within the four 16 ounce pint beverage containers 710(1)-(4).
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of a temperature pack 900 for use with caddy 700. The temperature pack 900 may be configured to separately hold a plurality of beverage containers within a plurality of cavities 902(1)-(4). A top surface 904 of the temperature pack 900 may be slopped to provide a three dimensional shaped structure to the temperature pack 900. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the temperature pack 900 may include a protrusion 906 configured to removably couple the spacer. FIG. 9B illustrates that the temperature pack 900 may be include a recessed hole 908 configured to lock into a stub of a corresponding base tray so that the beverage containers will be easily organized and stored in the caddy 700. The temperature pack 900 helps to maintain the beverages and beverage containers in either a chilled or warmed condition to provide an enhanced drinking experience to the customer. Temperature pack 900 may have a greater height in order to have more surface area of the temperature pack 900 in contact with the taller pint sized beverage containers. Bottom surface 910 of the temperature pack 900 may be configured to rest within an inner surface of a base tray. In some implementations, the temperature pack 900 may be adaptable to hold water, gels and any kind of liquid. Temperature pack 900 may be reusable.
Caddy with Storable Cover
FIG. 10 is an illustrative example of a caddy 1000 with a storable cover 1002. Similar to the implementations described above, caddy 1000 includes a base tray 1004, temperature pack 1006 and spacer 1008. Caddy 1000 is shown containing a pint sized beverage container; however, in other implementations, caddy 1000 may contain any of the other beverage containers mentioned above. FIG. 10 illustrates cover 1002 as a plurality of protrusions 1010(1)-(6) extending from a central portion 1012 coupled to a top surface of spacer 1008. FIG. 10 illustrated six protrusions; however, other implementations may include a greater or lesser number of protrusions. While the cover 1002 is attached to the top surface of the spacer 1008 it may provide a location for the placement of various food items. For example, baskets, trays, or the like.
FIG. 11 illustrates the plurality of protrusions 1010(1)-(6) of cover 1002 in greater details. As shown, each of the plurality of protrusions 1010(1)-(6) is attached to spring mechanism within the central portion 1100(1)-(6). When a user manipulates a protrusion by placing a load on the spring mechanism, the spring mechanism is configured to allow the manipulated protrusion to fold in one direction and about 90°. When there is no load placed on the spring mechanism, each of the plurality of protrusion are configured to remain extended and ready for placement on the top surface of the spacer.
FIG. 12 illustrates that cover 1002 may be detached from the top surface of spacer 1008. Furthermore, FIG. 12 illustrates that the cover 1002 may be manipulated to removably fit or store within the top portion of spacer 1008. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 11, a user may place a load on each of the spring mechanisms attaching each of the plurality of protrusions to the central portion of the cover thus folding each protrusion downwards 90°. In some implementations, once each of the plurality of protrusions is folded downwards 90° the cover 1002 may slide into a hollow top portion of spacer 1008. FIG. 13 illustrates caddy 1000 with the stored cover 1002 within the top portion of the spacer 1008.
FIG. 14 illustrates an example implementation where spacer 1008 may be removed from temperature pack 1006. As shown, temperature pack 1006 may include a protuberance 1400 with one or more pins 1402. The protuberance 1400 and one or more pins 1402 are configured to interact with a hollow bottom portion 1404 of spacer 1008 that includes an opening 1406 for receiving the one or more pins 1402. In this implementation, the spacer 1008 may be secured to the caddy 1000 by aligning the opening 1406 of spacer 1008 with the one or more pins 1402. Next, the protuberance 1400 may be placed into the hollow bottom portion of spacer 1008. Finally, the spacer 1008 may be rotated in order for the one or more pins 1402 to prevent the spacer 1008 and temperature pack 1006 from separating.
Caddy with Taller Temperature Pack and without a Base Tray
FIG. 15 illustrates another implementation of a temperature controlled beverage caddy 1500. In this implementation, the caddy 1500 may be configured with taller or deeper temperature pack 1502. As described above, the temperature pack 1502 may have a plurality of recessed areas or cavities configured to hold a beverage container. As illustrated in FIG. 15, each of the recessed areas is deeper as a result of the taller temperature pack. Furthermore, the base tray as described with reference to the figures above is not required to help secure the beverage container; however, in some implementations, caddy 1500 may be implemented with a base tray as described above.
FIG. 15 is illustrated without a spacer, cover or markers; however, it is envisioned that the caddy 1500 may be implemented with a spacer, cover and/or markers as described above with reference the figures.
Caddy with Individual, Removable Temperature Packs
FIG. 16 illustrates another implementation of a temperature controlled beverage caddy 1600. In this implementation, the caddy 1600 may include multiple individual temperature packs 1602(1)-(4) that may be removably from the base tray 1604 of the caddy. FIG. 16 illustrates caddy 1600 as having 4 individual temperature packs; however, in some implementations, the base tray may be fitted with a greater or lesser number of temperature packs.
In some implementations, each temperature pack 1602(1)-(4) may have a recessed area or cavity configured to hold a beverage container 1606(1)-(4). Also, each temperature pack 1602(1)-(4) may also contain a thermal element that may maintain a beverage within the beverage container 1606(1)-(4) at or near a desired temperature. In some implementations, the thermal element of each temperature pack 1602(1)-(4) may be configured to maintain the beverage within the beverage containers at different temperatures (e.g., one hot beverage, two cold beverages, and one room temperature beverage). Temperature packs 1602(1)-(4) and the thermal elements therein may be implemented in any other manner as described above.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, each of the individual temperature packs may be held into place by the base tray 1604. In some implementations, each temperature pack 1602(1)-(4) may be configured to interlock with a tongue and groove system, snap fit, molded threads, press fit system, or the like.
In some implementations, caddy 1600 may be implemented with a spacer, a cover and/or a plurality of markers as described above.

Conclusion

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A beverage caddy comprising:

a base tray comprising:

a temperature pack, the temperature pack comprising a thermal element configured to maintain a temperature of a plurality of beverage containers; and

a cover configured to attach to the temperature pack by a spacer; and

a plurality of markers on the base tray each marker including identifying information associated with one or more beverages in the plurality of beverage containers.

2. The beverage caddy as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of beverage containers that the temperature pack is configured to hold comprises at least one of: a glass, a mug, a bottle or a can.

3. The beverage caddy as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of beverage containers contains a different beverage.

4. The beverage caddy as recited in claim 1, wherein the temperature pack is configured to maintain the plurality of beverage containers in a cool state or a warm state.

5. The beverage caddy as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is removably attached to the temperature pack and includes a food placement platform.

6. The beverage caddy as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of markers comprises a device recognizable code.

7. An apparatus for maintaining a plurality of beverages near a desired temperature, the apparatus comprising:

a temperature pack comprising:

a thermal element configured to maintain a temperature of multiple beverage containers; and

a plurality of recessed areas, each recessed area for holding one of the multiple beverage containers;

a base tray for holding the temperature pack; and

one or more markers positioned on the base tray in front of each of the plurality of recessed areas in the temperature pack and configured to identify one or more features of each the plurality of beverages within the multiple beverage containers.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, the temperature pack is further configured to maintain each of the plurality of beverages in a cool or warm state.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the plurality of recessed areas on temperature pack are further configured to correspond to a recessed area on the base tray.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the base tray further comprises a central stub configured to hold the temperature pack in position.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the one or more markers comprises one or more discs each having a different imprinted quick response (QR) code that corresponds to information about each of the plurality of beverages within the multiple beverage containers.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising:

a removable spacer coupled to a central protuberance of the temperature pack; and

a removable cover coupled to a top surface of the spacer.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the removable cover provides a food placement area and shade for the multiple beverage containers within the temperature pack.

14. A temperature controlled caddy comprising:

a temperature pack configured to maintain a plurality of beverage containers at or near an initial temperature;

a spacer having a first end and a second end, wherein he first end is removably coupled to the temperature pack; and

a cover configured to removably couple to and store in the second end of the spacer.

15. The temperature controlled caddy as recited in claim 14, wherein the initial temperature of the plurality of beverages is at or below 55° F. or at or above 155° F.

16. The temperature controlled caddy as recited in claim 14, wherein the plurality of beverage containers comprises at least one of: one or more glasses, one or more mugs, one or more bottles or one or more cans

17. The temperature controlled caddy as recited in claim 14, the cover further comprises:

a central portion;

a plurality of protrusions extending from the central portion; and

a plurality of spring mechanisms configured to hold the plurality of protrusions in a position relative to the central portion.

18. The temperature controlled caddy as recited in claim 14, further comprising a base tray configured to hold the temperature pack and comprising a plurality of wheels for spinning the caddy.

19. The temperature controlled caddy as recited in claim 14, further comprising a plurality of markers, wherein each of the plurality of markers corresponds to each of the plurality of beverage containers and identifies one or more characteristics of a beverage within each of the plurality of beverage containers.

20. The temperature controlled caddy as recited in claim 19, wherein the plurality of markers comprises a quick response (QR) code.