US20140069941A1 - Method and apparatus for a product cooler - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for a product cooler Download PDFInfo
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- US20140069941A1 US20140069941A1 US13/573,329 US201213573329A US2014069941A1 US 20140069941 A1 US20140069941 A1 US 20140069941A1 US 201213573329 A US201213573329 A US 201213573329A US 2014069941 A1 US2014069941 A1 US 2014069941A1
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- Prior art keywords
- product
- container system
- chamber
- product unit
- container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
- B65D77/062—Flexible containers disposed within polygonal containers formed by folding a carton blank
- B65D77/065—Spouts, pouring necks or discharging tubes fixed to or integral with the flexible container
Abstract
A container system allows a user to register a bulk product unit at a predetermined elevation by engaging a stop disposed at a deepest point of an engagement slot. The engagement slot is disposed in a wall of a container containing a chamber having an inlet for receiving a product vessel. The neck of the product unit may be lowered into the slot, thereby moving the product vessel through the inlet of the chamber, and positioning the dispensing valve outside of the container. The first embodiment further comprises a retrofit system for adapting an existing product cooler to contain a saddle to support the neck of a bulk product unit. In a second embodiment, the container system is designed to receive and dispense gravity fed flexible packages, such as bulk wine. In a third embodiment, the container system comprises a product unit that is refillable, sealable, and separable for cleansing.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to dispensing product at a remote location, and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to methods and an apparatus for creating a container system capable of delivering a variety of products from a variety of product containers disposed within a chamber of the container system.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Ice chest manufacturers provide coolers for storage of most single-serve products, such as cans, bottles, ice, and the like. Product coolers are available in virtually any size, shape or color, and the thermal efficiencies of the product coolers are always getting better, however, a same basic shape is almost always utilized. Namely, a rectangular shape having a cavity or chamber for storing product units is utilized. An exterior layer is often formed from two separate pieces that are joined together to protect an interior foam. A glued joint does not allow any spills, condensate, or drips to contact the interior foam. Alternatively, a foamed is injected into an interior void of the joined shell components. The cavity of the product cooler is then leak proof, and may house single serve products and thermal aids for thermal state preservation. The product cooler may further include a lid to close out the chamber.
- While single-serve product units fit into the product coolers without issue, “bulk” versions do not easily fit into coolers. In fact, problems arise when a product unit having a dispense valve requires cooling, because on gravity fed products, a dispense valve is disposed at a lowest end of the product unit. When a product unit such as a bulk wine is in a cooler, the dispense valve is disposed near a floor of the chamber and, ultimately, will be under water when the ice melts.
- Still further, product units for dispensing beer are of a large size, and, therefore, require a still larger ice-chest. Still yet further, product units for dispensing beer are designed for dispensing from a shelf in an electric refrigerator. On the beer units, the dispensing valve is disposed near a midpoint of the beer product vessel, and the dispensing valve, extends from a neck of a product unit. If the product unit is placed into the chamber of a product cooler, the neck may experience increased loading if a user must place a drinking receptacle beneath a dispense point if the beer product unit is disposed within an ice-chest, because the dispense point is very close to the floor of the chamber.
- Additionally, a spacing between support flanges on a product unit is typically thin when compared to a wall of an ice-chest. Ice-chests designs are not conducive to a retrofit operations that require breaching a wall, because a breached wall will allow water to contact the foam, and then mold will start to grow in the foam area.
- Accordingly, a container system that is adapted to easily accept a product unit having a dispensing valve, without overstressing the neck, and is adaptable to the ice-chest without exposing foam to moisture or drips would be beneficial to consumers that desire to drink from bulk containers, bulk product manufacturers, and product cooler manufacturers.
- In accordance with the present invention, a container system for receiving a product unit provides the user with the ability to store a product vessel inside of a chamber, apply thermal effects to the chamber, and dispense from a dispense point of the product unit without removing the product vessel from the chamber. In a first embodiment, the container system includes a container having a first wall defining a chamber. The chamber includes an inlet for receiving a product vessel. The at least one wall includes at least one engagement slot, whereby a slot width is complementary in size to a neck width of a neck of the product unit. In this first embodiment, a wall thickness is complementary in size to a spacing between a flange and the product vessel. Accordingly, the neck of the product unit may be lowered into the slot, thereby moving the product vessel through the inlet of the chamber, and positioning the dispensing valve outside of the container. The neck moves downward until it contacts a stop of the engagement slot, thereby placing the product unit in a registered position. In the registered position, the product unit is disposed within the chamber and the dispensing valve is disposed outside of the container for access by a user.
- In a first extension of the first embodiment, the stop is complementary in shape to the neck to minimize thermal losses.
- In a second extension of the first embodiment, the engagement slot further includes a lead-in angle to provide a wider engagement area.
- In a third extension of the first embodiment, the container system further includes a plug that closes out the engagement slot after the product unit contacts the stop. The plug includes two opposing grooves to capture and cover the first and second engagement faces. The plug may further include a first end adaptable to an upper portion of the neck, whereby the first end of the plug mates with the upper portion of the neck to minimize thermal losses between the two components. The opposite end of the plug may be adaptable to a lid for the chamber, thereby closing out the engagement slot.
- In a forth extension, the container system may comprise a lid to close out the chamber.
- In a fifth extension, the container system includes a container having multiple layers, such as an insulating layer.
- In a sixth extension, the container system includes an engagement plate that houses the engagement slot. The engagement plate may be secured to the product cooler to provide a more precise engagement slot tolerances, and may be disposed within the chamber or outside of the product cooler. In an extension of the sixth embodiment, the container system may further include a closeout panel adaptable to the engagement plate, whereby the closeout panel and the engagement plate may be bonded together to form a saddle that fits over the exposed edges of a clearance cutout in the wall of the product cooler.
- In a seventh extension of the first embodiment, the container system include a load support disposed within the chamber to support an end of the product unit that is disposed within the chamber.
- In a second embodiment, the container system is designed to receive and dispense gravity fed flexible packages, such as bulk wine.
- In an extension of the second embodiment, the container system further includes a take-up hoop disposed within the chamber to elevate loose packaging, thereby forcing remnant fluids to move toward an inlet of the dispensing valve. In a second extension, the take-up hoops are hinged to ease removal of the product package.
- In a third embodiment, the container system includes a product unit that is refillable, sealable, separable for cleansing, and may dispense from the container.
- Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following. Also, it should be understood that the scope of this invention is intended to be broad, and any combination of any subset of the features, elements, or steps described herein is part of the intended scope of the invention.
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FIG. 1 a provides an isometric view of a container according to the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 b provides a detail view of a slot in the container according to the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 c provides a left view of a product unit according to the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 d provides a detail view of the product unit according to the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 e provides a section view of the product unit disposed within the container according to the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 f provides a top detail view of the product unit according to the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 g provides a plan view of a first and a second extension of the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 h provides an isometric view of a plug according to a third extension of the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 i provides a section view of the product unit disposed in a chamber according to a fourth extension of the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 j provides a detail view of the container having multiple layers according to a fifth extension of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 1 k provides a detail view of the container having an engagement plate according to sixth extension of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 1 l provides a detail view of the container having an engagement plate disposed within the wall according to a second extension of the sixth extension of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 1 m provides a detail view of the container having an engagement plate and a closeout panel according to the second extension of the sixth extension of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 1 n provides a section view of the container having a saddle according to the extension the second extension of the sixth extension of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 1 o provides a section view of the container having an additional support according to a seventh extension of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 1 p provides a method flowchart for utilizing the container system according to the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 1 q provides a method flowchart for retrofitting a container according to the sixth extension of the preferred embodiment. -
FIG. 2 a provides an isometric view of a container according to a second embodiment. -
FIG. 2 b provides a detail view of a slot in the container according to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 2 c provides a left view of a product unit according to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 2 d provides a top view of the product unit according to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 2 e provides an isometric view of the container system according to a first extension of the second embodiment. -
FIG. 2 f provides a left view of a retracting restraint hoop according to a first extension of the first extension of the second embodiment. -
FIG. 3 a provides an isometric view of a container according to a third embodiment. -
FIG. 3 b provides an isometric view of a product unit according to the third embodiment. -
FIG. 3 c provides a top view of the product unit according to the third embodiment. -
FIG. 3 d provides an isometric view of the product unit according to the third embodiment. -
FIG. 3 e provides an isometric view of the container system according to the third embodiment. - As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is further to be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps.
- A product cooler provides the ability to place a product unit normally designed for a refrigerated unit into a portable ice chest for use at a remote location. The product cooler includes a slot in a wall for receiving a neck of the product unit. The slot includes a stop for accurately registering the neck at a desired elevation, and a closeout plug that fills a portion of the slot disposed above the neck to eliminate any air gaps in the wall of the product cooler. In the registered position, a product vessel of the product unit is disposed within the chamber of the product cooler, and a dispensing portion is disposed outside of the product cooler walls for dispensing. The product cooler may also include a lid to close out an inlet of the chamber. In alternative embodiments, the product cooler is adapted to receive pressurized product containers, gravity fed products, and a reusable container that may be filled, dispensed from, cleansed, and refilled.
- In a simplest embodiment, a
container system 100 includes acontainer 101 for receiving aproduct unit 120. Thecontainer 101 includes first through fourth walls 102-105, respectively, afloor 107, and achamber 106 having aninlet 116. The first through fourth walls 102-105 and thefloor 107 may be formed as a single layer, such that the walls are contiguous and a liquid may be stored within thechamber 106. Alternatively, the walls and floor may be joined together utilizing a solvent bond or an adhesive bond, such as silicone, to contain a product or liquid inside of thechamber 106. Illustratively, thecontainer 101 may be formed from a plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or any plastic of sufficient rigidity to bear a load. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that product coolers are intended to maintain a product at an acceptable temperature, and, therefore, should be made from materials with lower thermal conductivities, such as plastics or foams. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that containers may be formed from virtually any material, dependent upon the use, desired insulatory characteristics, and structural requirements. One of ordinary skill in the art will still further recognize that different solvent bonding agents are required for different material, such as methyl ethyl ketone for acrylonitirile butadiene styrene, pvc glue for polyvinyl chloride. Additionally, in the case of adhering agents, silicone may be utilized for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polyvinyl chloride, and a urethane based adhesive may be utilized with polyethylene. - In this particular example, the
first wall 102 includes aslot 108 extending from theinlet 116. Theslot 108 includes afirst engagement face 111 disposed on afirst side 109, asecond engagement face 112 disposed on asecond side 110, and astop 113 disposed between thefirst engagement face 111 and thesecond engagement face 112. In this particular example, thefirst wall 102 is of athickness 114, and theslot 108 is of awidth 115. In this first embodiment, thestop 113 is disposed adistance 119 from theinlet 116 of thechamber 106. Thedistance 119 represents a distance from a top edge of a product unit to a lowermost portion of a minor diameter of the product unit to ensure that a product vessel of the product unit is disposed within thechamber 106 when the minor diameter engages thestop 113. - In this first embodiment, the
product unit 120 is a commonly available pressurized dispensing container, and is often utilized to dispense beer while sitting on a shelf in a refrigerator. In this first embodiment, theproduct unit 120 includes a dispensingvalve 121 connected to aproduct vessel 122 containing aproduct 125. Theproduct vessel 122 includes aneck 126 having awidth 134 and aminor diameter 127. Theproduct vessel 122 further includes asupport 131, and aflange 128 having amajor diameter 129. The dispensingvalve 121 further includes anactuator 123 and a dispensepoint 124 for delivering theproduct 125. - In this first embodiment, the
support 131 is at least one foot molded into theproduct vessel 122. Thesupport 131 is in alignment with the dispensepoint 124, such that when thesupport 131 rests on a shelf or support the aligned dispensepoint 124 faces downward. - In this first embodiment, the
neck 126 is a diameter, and, accordingly, thewidth 134 is equivalent to theminor diameter 127 of theproduct unit 120. Thewidth 134 is substantially equivalent to thewidth 115 of theslot 108, and aclearance 132 disposed between theflange 128 and theproduct vessel 122 is substantially equivalent to thethickness 114. As shown inFIG. 1 c, adepth 130 is defined as a distance from a highest point of theproduct vessel 122 to a lowest point of theminor diameter 127 when theproduct unit 120 is disposed in a dispensing position. In this particular example, thedepth 130 is substantially equivalent to thedistance 119 of theslot 108 to allow theproduct vessel 122 to fit within thechamber 106 when theproduct unit 120 is in aregistered position 148. In this invention, the registered position is defined as fully inserted into theslot 108, such that theminor diameter 127 contacts thestop 113. - On assembly, the
product unit 120 is oriented such that thesupport 131 and the dispensepoint 124 are pointing downward. Next, theproduct unit 120 is raised over the first through fourth walls 102-105, and theminor diameter 127 of theneck 126 is lowered into theslot 108, such that theflange 128 is disposed outside of thecontainer 100, and theproduct vessel 122 is disposed within thechamber 106 of thecontainer 100. Theproduct unit 120 moves downward until a lowest point of theminor diameter 127 contacts thestop 113, thereby placing theproduct unit 120 into the registeredposition 148. In the registeredposition 148, theflange 128 is disposed adjacent to thefirst wall 102; theminor diameter 127 has contacted thestop 113; thesupport 131 contacts thefloor 107 in thechamber 106; the weight of theproduct unit 120 holds it in theslot 108, and themajor diameter 129 of theflange 128 is greater than thewidth 115 of theslot 113, thereby preventing theproduct unit 120 from moving axially through theslot 108 in thefirst wall 102. - In use, a user prepares the
product unit 120 for use by removing a clip and opening a valve. Next, the user raises theproduct unit 120 over thecontainer 100, aligns theneck 126 with theslot 108 and theproduct vessel 122 with theinlet 116 of thechamber 106. The user then lowers theproduct unit 120 to orient theminor diameter 127 of theneck 126 in theslot 108, whereby theflange 128 is disposed outside of thefirst wall 102. Upon engaging thestop 113, thesupport 131 contacts thefloor 107 to support theproduct unit 120. Upon reaching the registeredposition 148, theproduct unit 120 is ready for the dispensing. - As shown in
FIG. 1 p, the process commences withstep 10.Step 10 consists of providing acontainer 101 having achamber 106 and aslot 108 comprising afirst engagement face 111, asecond engagement face 112, and astop 113 disposed between the engagement faces 111-112. The process continues withstep 12, providing aproduct unit 120 comprising aneck 126 disposed between aproduct vessel 122 and a dispensingvalve 121. Instep 14, a user inserts theneck 126 of theproduct unit 120 between thefirst engagement face 111 and thesecond engagement face 112 to move theproduct vessel 122 through aninlet 116 of thechamber 106, thereby placing the dispensingvalve 121 outside of thecontainer 101. Instep 16 the user inserts theproduct unit 120 until it contacts thestop 113, thereby registering theproduct unit 120 at a predetermined elevation. Instep 18, the user dispenses a portion of a product disposed within theproduct vessel 122 through the dispensingvalve 121 located outside of thecontainer 101. - Once disposed in the registered
position 148, thermal aids may be added, such as ice, frozen packs, heated media, and the like, to move a temperature of theproduct vessel 122 and thechamber 106 to a predetermined temperature. Once at the predetermined temperature, the user may dispense a portion of theproduct 125 into a drinking receptacle by placing the drinking receptacle under the dispensepoint 124 and moving theactuator 123 to from a first position to a second position, whereby thepressurized product 125 moves through the dispensingvalve 121. Upon receiving a desired amount, the user then moves the actuator 123 from the second position to the first position to cease the flow of theproduct 125 through dispensingvalve 121. - While this product unit has been shown with a neck having a circular cross-section, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any shape of neck cross-section may be utilized, provided that the planes of the cross-section are substantially perpendicular to the floor, because the neck must travel along the same perpendicular plane to easily mate with the stop. Similarly, a plug for closing out the slot would include geometry complementary to an upper portion of the neck. Illustratively, a circular neck may include a first flat and a second flat disposed parallel to the first engagement face and the second engagement face, whereby a neck width would be measured from the first flat to the second flat.
- While this embodiment has been shown with the
distance 119 and thedepth 130 to be substantially equivalent, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that it is possible to have embodiments that do not havedistance 119 and thedepth 130 as being equivalent. Accordingly, a system having a concave lid may be utilized to house any part of the product vessel extending above theinlet 116. Alternatively, aslot length 119 may be longer than thedepth 130, thereby registering theproduct unit 120 deeper in thechamber 106, and, therefore, should be construed as being within the scope of this invention. - In an extension of the simplest embodiment, the
stop 113 may be complementary in shape to theminor diameter 127, whereby thestop 113 provides a good thermal seal between theminor diameter 127 and thestop 113, thereby better isolating thechamber 106, and ultimately theproduct vessel 122. As shown inFIG. 1 g, thestop 113 is circular in shape. The assembly and use of thecontainer system 100 andproduct unit 120 are identical to the first embodiment, and, therefore, will not be further described. - In a second extension of the simplest embodiment, the
slot 108 may include a lead-in 118 for installation ease. As shown inFIG. 1 g, the lead-in 118 is a chamfer on each side of theslot 108 at the interface of theslot 108 and theinlet 116 of thechamber 106. The lead-in 118 provides an increased slot receiving width, thereby aiding the user in locating theneck 126 within theslot 108. The assembly and use of thecontainer system 100 including the lead-in 118 are identical to the first embodiment, and, therefore, will not be further described. - In a third extension of the first embodiment, the
container system 100 includes aplug 135 to close out theslot 108 when theproduct unit 120 is in the registeredposition 148. Theplug 135 includes abody 136 having afirst groove 137 and asecond groove 138. The first and second grooves 137-138 are disposed on opposing sides of thebody 136, and include afirst engagement face 146 and asecond engagement face 147 disposed at a deepest part of the grooves 137-138. The grooves 137-138 are of awidth 139, and extend from afirst end 140 to asecond end 141 of thebody 136. In this particular example, thefirst end 140 includes aplanar face 142, and thesecond end 141 includes anend treatment 143 for adapting to theminor diameter 127 of theproduct unit 120. Theend treatment 143 may include multiple features that are complementary to at least theminor diameter 127 of the receivingproduct unit 120, as well as surrounding features to provide an acceptable thermal seal. In this third extension of the first embodiment, theplug 135 may be formed from materials having lower thermal conductivity, such as plastics, foams, elastomers, or the like. - The
distance 144 between thefirst engagement face 146 and thesecond engagement face 147 is complementary to theslot width 115, such that the portion of thebody 136 disposed between the first and second engagement faces 146 and 147 slides between the first and second engagement faces 111-112 of theslot 108. Thewidth 139 of the first and second grooves 137-138 is of a size complementary to thethickness 114 of thefirst wall 102, such that the portion of thefirst wall 102 that terminates at thefirst engagement face 111 will fit into one of thegrooves first wall 102 that terminates at thesecond engagement face 112 fits into theother groove width 139 of the grooves to be complementary to thethickness 114 of thefirst wall 102, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that variable dimensions may be utilized to produce tight fits or loosened to provide easily removable components, and, therefore, should be construed as being within the scope of this invention. - Use of this third extension of the first embodiment occurs after the installation of the
product unit 120 into thecontainer 101. After the user moves theproduct unit 120 into the registeredposition 148, the user inserts thesecond end 143 into theslot 108, such that the first and second engagement faces 111 and 112 of theslot 108 fit into the first andsecond grooves plug 135 moves into theslot 108 until theend treatment 143 of thesecond end 141 mates with at least theminor diameter 127 of theproduct unit 120. Upon full insertion, theplanar face 142 of thefirst end 140 aligns with theinlet 116 of thechamber 106, thereby reducing thermal losses through theslot 108. - In a fourth extension of the first embodiment, the
container system 100 may further include alid 117 to close out theinlet 116 of thecontainer 101. As shown inFIG. 1 i, thelid 117 is of construction identical construction as the first through fourth walls 102-105, and is complementary in size to theinlet 116, thereby completely isolating thechamber 106 from the ambient environment. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thelid 117 may be rotatably attached to at least one wall or may be a separate component. - On assembly, the
lid 117 is placed over theinlet 116 after theproduct unit 120 is placed into the registered position and after installation of theplug 135. Once in place, thelid 117 must be removed to access thechamber 106 or remove theproduct unit 120. - Use of the
container system 100 andlid 117 is substantially identical to the first embodiment and further includes the placement of thelid 117 over theinlet 116 to improve the thermal efficiency of thecontainer system 100. - In a fifth extension of the first embodiment, a container includes multiple layers. Illustratively, a
container system 150 includes acontainer 151 having a wall layer and an insulating layer. As shown inFIG. 1 j, awall layer 152 includes aslot 157, and an insulatinglayer 153 is designed to increase the thermal efficiency of thecontainer 151. In this fifth extension of the first embodiment, the insulatinglayer 153 is formed from a urethane foam. Theslot 157 is identical to theslot 108 of the first embodiment, and, therefore, includes afirst engagement face 154, asecond engagement face 155, and astop 156 as described in the first embodiment. In this configuration, operation of thecontainer system 150 and the installation of theproduct unit 120 is identical to the first embodiment. Accordingly, use and assembly of thecontainer system 150 will not be further described. - While the
container system 150 has been shown with an insulatinglayer 153 disposed on an inside of thewall layer 152, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the insulatinglayer 153 may be disposed on the outside of thewall layer 152. Additionally, thecontainer 151 may include multiple wall layers to reduce the quantity of exposed foam. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that theslot 157 for receiving theneck 126 may be placed in any layer of the walls. - While the
container 151 has been shown to be formed from a urethane foam, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any type of foam may be utilized, and therefore, should be construed as part of this invention. - In a sixth extension of the first embodiment, a
container system 160 includes acontainer 161 having anengagement plate 166 attached to afront wall 164. As shown inFIG. 1 k, theengagement plate 166 includes anengagement slot 162 as described in the first embodiment, and a clearance cut-out 163. The clearance cut-out 163 is desirable to eliminate interferences between the thicker walls of thecontainer 161 and theproduct vessel 122. The clearance cut-out 163 is slightly wider than thewidth 165 of theengagement slot 162, and extends slightly beyond astop 168. Theengagement plate 166 may be formed from any material of sufficient strength to support theproduct unit 120, such as plastics, sheet-metal, or the like. In this particular example, theengagement plate 166 is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is solvent bonded to the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene container utilizing a solvent bond and fasteners. While this sixth extension of the first embodiment has been shown with anengagement plate 166 disposed on an outside of thecontainer 161, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theengagement plate 166 may be placed on the inside of thechamber 106 of thecontainer 161, as well. Additionally, theengagement plate 166 may be foamed in place during the manufacturing process. As shown inFIG. 11 , anengagement plate 166 is positioned before foaming, and then foam is injected into acavity 165, thereby permanently securing theengagement plate 166 in place. - Illustratively, a commonly available ice-chest could be utilized as a container. In an ice-chest retro-fit arrangement, the clearance cut-out 163 is created by cutting into the ice-chest. Next, the
engagement plate 166 is located over the clearance cut-out 163, and theengagement plate 166 is secured in place with fasteners through mounting holes. The retro-fit arrangement may also include a sealant between theengagement plate 166 and thefront wall 164. In this particular example, the fasteners are stainless steel screws, and the sealant is a silicone sealant. - Use of the
container system 160 is identical to the first embodiment, wherein aproduct unit 120 is inserted into a slot disposed within the engagement plate to reach a registered position. In the registered position, theproduct vessel 122 is located within thechamber 106 and the dispensepoint 124 is disposed outside of thecontainer 160, and, therefore, will not be further described. - In an extension of the
container system 160, the retro-fit arrangement may further include afoam closeout 167 to minimize exposure of exposed foam to fluids. As shown inFIG. 1 m, thefoam closeout 167 is welded to theengagement plate 166 to form asaddle 169. Thesaddle 169 fits over the cut foam, and is secured in place, thereby sealing the interface along the cut foam disposed within theclearance cutout 163. In this particular embodiment, theengagement plate 166 and thecloseout 167 are formed from ultraviolet resistant acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and may be solvent bonded together utilizing methyl ethyl ketone. In other embodiments, the engagement plate and the foam closeout may be formed from stainless steel sheet-metal, and may be welded or glued together, or ultraviolent resistant poly vinyl chloride, and solvent bonded together. - Assembly of the
container system 160 with thesaddle 169 requires the welding of the two components to form thesaddle 169 prior to installation onto thefront wall 164, but would utilize the same fasteners and adhesives. Once secured, the interface between thesaddle 169 and thecontainer 161 would be sealed with adhesive. Accordingly, the cut portions of the foam would be protected from drips, moisture, and the like, as shown inFIGS. 1 m through 1 n. While thesaddle 169 has been shown to be formed from two separate pieces, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thesaddle 169 may be formed as a single component utilizing thermoforming or injection molding processes, and therefore should be construed as being within the scope of this invention. - As shown in
FIG. 1 q, the method of retro-fitting an ice chest commences withstep 30, providing acontainer 161 defining achamber 106 having aninlet 116. Instep 32, an operator would cut aclearance cutout 163 in a wall of thecontainer 161.Step 34 includes, providing asaddle 169 comprising aslot 108 comprising afirst engagement face 111, asecond engagement face 112, and astop 113. Instep 36, the operator places thesaddle 169 over the edges of theclearance cutout 163, whereby theslot 108 extends toward theinlet 116 of thechamber 106.Step 38 provides for securing thesaddle 169 in place. Instep 40, the operator seals the interface seams between thesaddle 169 and the wall of thecontainer 101 to close out the interface. Instep 42, the operator provides aproduct unit 120 having aneck 126 disposed between aproduct vessel 122 and a dispensingvalve 121. Instep 44, a user inserts theneck 126 of theproduct unit 120 between thefirst engagement face 111 and thesecond engagement face 112. Instep 46, the user continues the insertion of theneck 126 into theslot 108 until contacting thestop 113, thereby registering theproduct vessel 122 at a predetermined level in thechamber 106. - Use of the
container system 160 with afoam closeout 167 is identical to the first embodiment, however, dripping fluids are now forced to drain along anouter surface 168 of thefoam closeout 167 and into thechamber 106 or the exterior of thecontainer 161 if theengagement plate 166 is disposed within thechamber 106. All other aspects of the container with thefoam closeout 167 are substantially identical to the first embodiment, wherein aproduct unit 120 is installed into a registered position having theproduct vessel 122 located within thechamber 106, and, therefore, will not be further described. - In a seventh extension of the first embodiment, a container system 170 includes a container 171 having a
load support 172 to hold theproduct vessel 122 at a desired height, thereby opening up the height of the container 171 to be virtually any height desired. Accordingly, the container system 170 includes theload support 172 of a height complementary to a distance between afloor 178 and thesupport 131 of theproduct unit 120. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theload support 172 may come in a variety of forms including sheet-metal brackets, plastic supports, and the like. - On assembly, the container system 170 would further include the installation of the
load support 172 into thechamber 106 through the use of glue, registration slots in the chamber walls, or any other form of securing to ensure theload support 172 is able to handle a load applied by theproduct unit 120. - While this first embodiment has been shown with a
product container 120 having apressurized product vessel 122, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this invention is adaptable to unpressurized product vessels and gravity fed product containers. - In a second embodiment, a
container system 200 is adapted to receive and deliver gravity fed products, such as, bulk wines, products in plastic bags, and the like. As shown inFIG. 2 a, thecontainer system 200 includes acontainer 201 that receives at least oneproduct unit 220. In this second embodiment, thecontainer 201 is similar to thecontainer 101 of the first embodiment, and includes at least onewall 202 defining achamber 206, aninlet 216 to thechamber 206, and aslot 208 disposed in the at least one thewall 202. In this second embodiment, theslot 208 is similar in construction to theslot 108 and extends from theinlet 216. However, theslot 208 extends further than the first embodiment to place a dispensing valve of theproduct unit 220 at a lowest point when theproduct unit 220 is in a registered position. As shown inFIG. 2 b, the at least onewall 202 is of athickness 214. Theslot 208 is of awidth 215 and of adepth 219, thereby placing thestop 213 at thedepth 219. - The
product unit 220 may be any form of gravity fed product unit designed to deliver a product disposed within a flexible vessel. In most embodiments, the bulk product packaging includes a dispensing valve attached to the flexible vessel, and are often considered disposable. Illustratively, a bulk wine is packaged in a polyethylene bag having a dispensing valve. - In this second embodiment, the
product unit 220 includes aproduct vessel 222 for storing aproduct 225, a dispensingvalve 221 having anactuator 223 and a dispensepoint 224. Theproduct vessel 222 includes afirst end 233 and a second end 234. The dispensingvalve 221 is disposed biased to thefirst end 233 of theproduct vessel 222 to provide gravitational head when dispensing, provided the second end 234 is disposed above thefirst end 233. The dispensingvalve 221 further includes afirst flange 228 having a firstmajor diameter 231; a second flange 229 having a second major diameter 232; aneck 226 including aminor diameter 227 disposed between the first andsecond flanges 228 and 229. In this particular example, theneck 226 is of awidth 235 that is complementary in size to theslot width 215. In this particular example, the first andsecond flanges 228 and 229 are disposed adistance 230 apart, wherein thethickness 214 of thewall 202 is complementary to thedistance 230, such that thewall 202 fits between the first andsecond flanges 228 and 229, as described in the first embodiment. - In use, an operator lowers the
first end 233 of theproduct unit 220 into thechamber 206 and aligns theneck 226 between the first andsecond flanges 228 and 229 with theslot 206 in thewall 202, as described in the first embodiment. In this configuration, thefirst flange 228 and the second flange 229 straddle thewall 202. The operator pushes the dispensingvalve 221 into theslot 206 until theminor diameter 227 hits thestop 213. At this point, theproduct unit 220 is at a registered position, and theproduct vessel 222 is disposed within thechamber 206. Theproduct vessel 222 will then settle to a lowest gravitational level dependent upon the package shape, size and construction when released in thechamber 206. - In this registered position, the user may then add thermal effects, such as ice, frozen packs, and the like. Finally, the user may dispense a portion of the
product 225 by actuating theactuator 223 in the dispensingvalve 221. When a portion of theproduct 225 has been dispensed, the remainder of theproduct 225 moves downward due to gravity. Once theproduct vessel 222 is emptied, theproduct unit 220 may be removed and replaced with anew product unit 220. - While this second embodiment has been shown in a simplest form, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any of the extensions of the first embodiment may be utilized with the second embodiment, such as the lead-in, the lid, the plug, the complementarily shaped stop, the engagement plate, multiple wall containers, the saddle, the support, and, therefore, should be considered within the scope of this invention.
- In an extension of the second embodiment, a
container system 210 further includes a take-uphoop 236 for removing slack from theproduct vessel 222. The take-uphoop 236 includes a mountingface 237, and a cantileveredface 238 having arestraint slit 239. The cantileveredface 238, preferably is parallel to the floor of thechamber 206, and is disposed at an elevation near to theinlet 216 to lift any loose ends of theproduct vessel 222. The restraint slit 239 is of a width slightly larger than the thickness of four plys of theproduct vessel 222 material, such that the material that has been inserted through the restraint slit 239 does not easily come out of the restraint slit 239. - In this specific example, take-up
hoop 236 includes mounting holes for securing the mountingface 237 to an inner wall of thechamber 206 with fasteners. On assembly, the mountingface 237 is positioned such that the cantileveredface 238 is disposed substantially parallel to the floor and at an elevation in proximity to theinlet 216 of thechamber 206, and then secured in place with fasteners or adhesive. Alternatively, the take-uphoop 236 may be secured to an outer face of the wall of thecontainer 201 to minimize penetrations of thechamber 206. Still further, the take-uphoop 236 may be suspended from part of the container system, such as a lid hinge, or the like. - The take-up
hoop 236 may be formed from sheet-metal or plastics, wherein the take-uphoop 236 does not contain sharp edges that could possibly cut or tear theproduct vessel 222. - In use, a user slides a corner or loose portion of the second end 234 of the
product vessel 222 through the restraint slit 239 and pulls upward until all loose portions of theproduct vessel 222 have passed through the restraint slit 239, thereby forcing the any remaining product to move downward and towards an inlet of the dispensingvalve 221. Once the slack has been removed from theproduct vessel 222, the user may once again dispense a portion of the remainingproduct 225. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the films utilized inproduct vessels 222 may be folded to reduce a width requirement for fitting through the restraint slit 239, and, accordingly, arestraint slit width 244 may be less than aproduct vessel 222 width. Should slack reappear after continued dispensing, the user may retighten theproduct vessel 222 by repeating the process. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the take-uphoop 236 may be utilized with virtually all forms of this invention having a soft package. - In an extension of this first extension of the second embodiment, a take-up
hoop 240 includes a hinged joint 241 between the mountingface 237 and the cantileveredface 238, whereby the cantileveredface 238 moves through approximately ninety degrees, and is rotated downward to a horizontal position 243 during use, and to avertical position 242 to provide clearance during removal of theproduct unit 220. While the take-uphoop 240 has been shown with the hinged portion rotating downward, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the take-uphoops - In a third embodiment, a
container system 300 is adapted to house a refillable, rigid container that may be sanitized. As shown inFIG. 3 a, thecontainer system 300 includes acontainer 301 that receives at least oneproduct unit 320. In this third embodiment, thecontainer 301 is identical to thecontainer 201 of the second embodiment, and includes at least onewall 302 defining achamber 306, aninlet 316 to thechamber 306, and aslot 308 disposed in the at least one of thewall 302. In this third embodiment, theslot 308 is similar in construction to theslot 208 and extends from theinlet 316.Slot 308 extends further than the first embodiment to place a dispensing valve of theproduct unit 320 at a lowest point when theproduct unit 320 is in a registered position. In this third embodiment, the at least onewall 302 is of athickness 314. Theslot 308 is of awidth 315 and of adepth 319, thereby placing astop 313 at thedepth 319. - The
product unit 320 is a refillable product unit, and includes aproduct vessel 322 having afill port 323, adischarge port 324, a dispensingvalve 321 connected to thedischarge port 324, and acap 329. In this third embodiment, the dispensingvalve 321 is similar in function to the dispensingvalve 221 in theproduct unit 220, whereby the dispensingvalve 321 delivers aproduct 325 from a filled chamber disposed within theproduct vessel 322 to a dispensepoint 326. In this third embodiment, the dispensingvalve 321 may be any form of flow control known in the art, such as a toggle valve, a rotary valve, a plunger valve, or the like, whereby the dispensingvalve 321 has at least two positions for delivering and not delivering a fluid. Accordingly, afirst position 344 denotes a closed position that does not allow the fluid to pass through the dispensingvalve 321, and asecond position 345 that allows the fluid to move through the dispensingvalve 321 and to the dispensepoint 326. - In similar fashion to the second embodiment, the
product vessel 322 includes afirst end 333 and asecond end 334. The dispensingvalve 321 is disposed biased to thefirst end 333 of theproduct vessel 322 to provide gravitational head when dispensing, provided thesecond end 334 is disposed above thefirst end 333. In this third embodiment, theproduct vessel 322 is a blow-molded and trimmed at theport 323 to position at least onesealing feature 327 relative to theport 323. In this particular example, the sealingfeature 327 is at least one thread that is molded into theproduct vessel 322. Theproduct vessel 322 is of a size complementary to thechamber 306 of thecontainer 301. In this particular example, theproduct vessel 322 holds at least one-gallon of fluid, and may be available in different sizes. Thedischarge port 324 includes aneck 328 of awidth 337 having aminor diameter 335 that is complementary to thewidth 315 of theslot 308. Thedischarge port 324 further includes amajor diameter 336 that is larger than thewidth 315, and, accordingly will not pass through theslot 308. Thedischarge port 324 further includes aninner connection diameter 340 that is complementary to anouter housing diameter 341 of the dispensingvalve 321. In this particular example of the third embodiment, theouter housing diameter 341 further includes an o-ring groove 339 for receiving an o-ring 342, whereby the o-ring 342 fits into the o-ring groove 339 for sealing. - The o-
ring 342 may be a commercially available o-ring, and is of a size complementary to the groove diameter and may be formed from an elastomer, such as epdm. - The
cap 329 may be any type of closeout device known in the industry, and may include athread 347 that is complementary to the thread disposed around theinlet port 323 of theproduct vessel 322. Thecap 329 may further include anelastomeric seal 348 that fits along aninner face 349 of thecap 329. Theseal 348 is of a size complementary to an outer end of thefill port 323 and an inner cavity of thecap 329. Thecap 329 may be injection molded from any suitable plastic, such as ABS. - On assembly, the o-
ring 342 is inserted into the o-ring groove 339, and the dispensingvalve 321 is inserted into theinner connection diameter 340, such that a fluid seal is created between theinner connection diameter 340, the o-ring 342, and a bottom of the o-ring groove 339. Next, theseal 348 is inserted into the cavity of thecap 329, and thecap 329 is placed over thefill port 323. Upon further assembly, the user inserts thefirst end 333 of theproduct unit 320 into thechamber 306 while aligning theminor diameter 335 of theproduct unit 320 with theslot 308, thereby placing theproduct vessel 322 into thechamber 306 and the dispensepoint 326 outside of thecontainer 301. - In use, the operator may remove the
cap 329 for filling, fill theproduct vessel 322, replace thecap 329, and then dispense theproduct 325. Upon emptying, the user may repeat the process to add additional product, or may remove theproduct unit 320 for cleansing. In this configuration, theproduct unit 320 may be disassembled for cleansing. Cleansing will require the placement of theproduct unit 320 components into a sanitizing chamber, such as a dishwasher. - One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thermal enhancement may be added into the
chamber 306 to help cool or heat theproduct vessel 322. - While this third embodiment has been shown with a
product unit 320 that may be broken down to be sanitized, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that it is possible to permanently join a dispensing valve to the product vessel if the product vessel is formed from polyvinyl chloride or acetyl butyl styrene. In the case of a permanent joint, the sanitizing process would require the passage of detergents through the product path to sanitize the internal components. - While this third embodiment has been shown in a simplest form, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all of the extensions of the first and second embodiments may be utilized in the third embodiment, and, therefore, should be considered to be part of the third embodiment.
- Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing detailed description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.
Claims (21)
1. A container system, comprising:
a product unit, comprising:
a product vessel containing a pressurized product;
a dispense portion including a dispense point, wherein the product disposed in the product vessel is in fluid communication with the dispense point to regulate a flow therefrom;
a container, comprising:
at least one wall defining a chamber for receiving the product vessel of the product unit, wherein the at least one wall comprises a slot in communication with an inlet of the chamber;
a first engagement face disposed on a first side of the slot;
a second engagement face disposed on a second side of the slot; and
a stop disposed between the first engagement face and the second engagement face, wherein a neck of the product unit slides between the first engagement face and the second engagement face until engaging the stop, thereby placing the product unit in a registered position, and further wherein the product vessel is disposed within the chamber and a dispense point of the product unit is disposed outside of the container in the registered position.
2. The container system according to claim 1 , wherein a neck width is complementary is size to a width of the slot.
3. The container system according to claim 2 , further comprising at least one flange disposed adjacent to the neck to limit axial translation of the neck through the at least one wall.
4. The container system according to claim 3 , wherein the pressure in the product vessel moves the product to the dispense point of the product unit when a dispense valve is in an open position.
5-9. (canceled)
10. The container system according to claim 1 , wherein the stop is complementary in shape to the neck to minimize thermal losses.
11. The container system according to claim 2 , wherein the neck is round in shape and the neck width equivalent to the diameter.
12. The container system according to claim 1 , wherein the neck includes a first flat and a second flat, and the neck width is equivalent to a distance between the first flat and the second flat.
13. The container system according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a plug adaptable to the slot, wherein the plug comprises:
a body including a first end and a second end:
a first groove disposed on the body and extending from the first end to the second end, and
a second groove disposed on an opposing side of the body, wherein the second groove extends from the first end to the second end, and further wherein the body slides between the first engagement face and the second engagement face, thereby moving the first engagement face and the second engagement face into the first and second grooves to close out the slot.
14. The container system according to claim 13 , wherein the first end of the plug is of a shape complementary to the neck of the product unit to minimize thermal losses.
15. The container system according to claim 13 , wherein the second end of the plug is complementary in shape to a lid to minimize thermal losses.
16. The container system according to claim 1 , further comprising:
an insulating layer disposed adjacent to the at least one wall to minimize thermal losses.
17. The container system according to claim 13 , further comprising a lid adaptable to the inlet of the chamber, wherein the lid closes out the chamber to minimize thermal losses.
18-20. (canceled)
21. The container system according to claim 1 , wherein the product unit is a bulk beer unit.
22. The container system according to claim 1 , wherein the product vessel includes at least one support in alignment with the dispense point.
23. The container system according to claim 22 , wherein the at least one support contacts a floor of the chamber when the product unit is in the registered position.
24. The container system according to claim 22 , further comprising a load support in communication with the floor of the chamber and the at least one support of the product vessel, whereby the product vessel is level in the registered position.
25. The container system according to claim 1 , wherein a distance from the inlet of the chamber to the stop is equivalent to a depth from the top of the product unit to a lowermost portion of a minor diameter of the product unit, thereby ensuring that the product unit is disposed within the chamber.
26. The container system according to claim 1 , wherein a distance from the inlet of the chamber to the stop is not equivalent to a depth from the top of the product unit to a lowermost portion of a minor diameter of the product unit.
27. The container system according to claim 26 , further comprising a load support in communication with the at least one support of the product vessel and the floor of the chamber, wherein the load support is complementary to a distance between the floor and the supports of the product vessel to support the product unit in a level position when the product unit is in the registered position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/573,329 US20140069941A1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2012-09-11 | Method and apparatus for a product cooler |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/573,329 US20140069941A1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2012-09-11 | Method and apparatus for a product cooler |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140069941A1 true US20140069941A1 (en) | 2014-03-13 |
Family
ID=50232200
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/573,329 Abandoned US20140069941A1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2012-09-11 | Method and apparatus for a product cooler |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140069941A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140097202A1 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2014-04-10 | Joergen Knudsen | Support Unit |
US20190168942A1 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2019-06-06 | Shanghai Hongyan Returnable Transit Packagings Co., Ltd | Liquid transport system and a liner bag and a method of using the same |
CN111361870A (en) * | 2020-03-23 | 2020-07-03 | 上海鸿研物流技术有限公司 | Liquid delivery system and liner bag and method of manufacturing the same |
IT202000015547A1 (en) * | 2020-06-26 | 2021-12-26 | Santo Bellomonte | BAG-IN-BOX CONTAINER STRUCTURE |
-
2012
- 2012-09-11 US US13/573,329 patent/US20140069941A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140097202A1 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2014-04-10 | Joergen Knudsen | Support Unit |
US20190168942A1 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2019-06-06 | Shanghai Hongyan Returnable Transit Packagings Co., Ltd | Liquid transport system and a liner bag and a method of using the same |
US11655076B2 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2023-05-23 | Shanghai Hongyan Returnable Transit Packagings Co., Ltd | Liquid transport system and a liner bag and a method of using the same |
CN111361870A (en) * | 2020-03-23 | 2020-07-03 | 上海鸿研物流技术有限公司 | Liquid delivery system and liner bag and method of manufacturing the same |
IT202000015547A1 (en) * | 2020-06-26 | 2021-12-26 | Santo Bellomonte | BAG-IN-BOX CONTAINER STRUCTURE |
WO2021260639A1 (en) * | 2020-06-26 | 2021-12-30 | Bellomonte Santo | Bag-in-box container structure |
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