US20150083172A1

US20150083172A1 - Chilling Cover for Beverages

Info

Publication number: US20150083172A1
Application number: US14/336,591
Authority: US
Inventors: De Lynn Boal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-07-19
Filing date: 2014-07-21
Publication date: 2015-03-26

Abstract

A beverage chilling system is provided. The system comprises a cover, a vessel, a fastener, and is configured such that the fastener allows attachment of the cover to a vessel, so that the cover can be used to prevent sunlight from warming the contents of the vessel. In certain implementations, the cooling device can take on an egg-shaped character and provide easy carrying by way of a movable handle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/856087, filed Jul. 19, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE SYSTEM

The cooling system relates to an apparatus for chilling and maintaining chilled beverages in chilled state while outdoors.

BACKGROUND OF THE SYSTEM

The cooling system relates to an apparatus for storing chilled beverages outdoors. In warm weather, people have long enjoyed consuming cool beverages outdoors such as at the beach or swimming pool. A common practice is to put bottles or cans in bucket of ice to keep them cold. For example, hotels and resort will frequently sell buckets of beer for their guests to enjoy as they relax by the pool, socialize, and suntan. This allows the guests to make less frequent trips to get more drinks. However a common problem arises when the bucket is placed in direct sunlight and the radiant heat from the sun causes the ice in the bucket to melt more rapidly and the chilled beverages to warm. In many cases, the ice will melt and drinks will become warm faster than a person can consume the number of drinks typically in a bucket.
There is a need in the art for an apparatus that can hold ice and drinks but protect the ice and drinks from the radiant heat of the sun, thus slowing the time it takes for the ice to melt. Further, there is a need in the art for such an apparatus to be easily transportable and inexpensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SYSTEM

Discussed herein are various embodiments of the cooling system that serve the following as well as other objectives that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
One objective of the cooling system is the provision of a convenient means of keeping cold beverages cold outdoors during warm weather.
Another objective of the cooling system is the provision of a means to limit the exposure of an ice filled bucket to direct sunlight.
A further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel for keeping cold beverages cold that is easily portable.
A further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel for keeping cold beverages cold that is inexpensive.
A still further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel for keeping cold beverages cold that has a cover that is easily positionable to block sunlight as the sun position in the sky changes throughout the day.
Yet another object of the cooling system is to provide a cover for a vessel to keep cold drinks cold that can provide maximal protection from the sunlight in an open position and require less space for storage or transport in a closed position.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the cooling system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the system. As will be realized, the system is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the cooling system. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the cooling system wherein the cover is in on open position.

FIG. 2 is a side few of an exemplary embodiment of the cooling system where the cover is in the down position.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives the shaft, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of the inside of the vessel of another embodiment where the pole receiver extends up the pole toward the cover, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system wherein the shaft is fixed to the outside of the vessel and the cover is an a closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of showing the cover in an open position and the shaft in a pivoted position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the mechanism by which the cover is transitioned from open position to closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the mechanism by which the shaft is transitioned from an erect position to a pivoted position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an additional embodiment of the cooling system showing the cover in a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a side few of the cooling system where the cover is in an open position.

FIG. 10 is diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives the shaft.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional diagram of the interface between the cover and the vessel according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional diagram of wherein the cover is in a closed position according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional diagram of showing the cover in an open position according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional diagram of the interface between the cover and the vessel according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 15 is diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives the shaft according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 15A is a diagram of the inside of the vessel of another embodiment where the pole receiver extends up the pole toward the cover.

FIG. 15B is a diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system wherein the shaft is fixed to the outside of the vessel and the cover is an a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the cooling system has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the system.
The present apparatus may be understood by reference to the figures, though the cooling system is not limited to the particular embodiments shown in the figures. In certain embodiments, the cooling system comprises a cover and a means of attaching the cover to a vessel. Other embodiments of the cooling system further comprise a vessel, wherein the vessel is attached to the cover by such means. For purposes of illustration in this description, the vessel will be discussed in reference to the cover, but it is not an integral aspect of all embodiments of the cooling system.
A first exemplary embodiment of the current system is depicted in FIG. 1. In these exemplary embodiments, the cover 14 further comprises a shaft 12 having two ends, a first end 12A attached to the vessel 10 and a second end 12B attached to a cover 14. The cover 14 may be any of a number of structures, here, it is depicted as an umbrella, but many other configurations are possible and within the scope of the system. Here, the cover 14 is shown in its open orientation, where it is effective in substantially blocking exposure of direct sun light into the vessel, so as to maintain the temperature inside the vessel.
In certain embodiments, the vessel 10 is made of metal. In still other embodiments, the vessel 10 is made of plastic. In certain exemplary embodiments, the vessel resembles a bucket, though other configurations, such as a vase, a cooler, or any number of other water-tight configurations are possible. The vessel can be comprised of a variety of materials, such as steel, acrylic plastic, alabaster, aluminum, bamboo, bluestone, brass, brick, bronze, cane, ceramic glass/tile, concrete, copper, enamel, flagstone, glass, gold, granite, grout, iron, ivory, jade, limestone, marble, pewter, plexiglass, polyurethane, porcelain, sandstone, slate, stainless steel, terrazzo, tin or vinyl tile, or composites of multiple materials. Likewise, the cover can be comprised of many types of hard or soft plastic or cloth. More specifically, both the vessel and cover may be comprised of: acetate, burlap, fiberglass, rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, wool, acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, Spandex, acrylic plastic, aluminum, bamboo, brass, ceramic glass or tile, copper, enamel, glass, plexiglass, polyurethane, tin, vinyl clothing or vinyl tile, felt and the like, as well as composites or combinations of these and other materials. In certain exemplary embodiments, both the vessel 10 and the cover 14 may contain certain designs, such as decorative patterns, logos, or other aesthetic features.
In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise at least one handle 16. In certain embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 1, the handle 16 can be placed at the second end of the shaft 12B on the opposite end as the vessel 10 and just above the cover 14. Other placements of the handle or handles are clearly possible, such as on the vessel 10 itself. In embodiments wherein a plurality of handles are employed, they can be placed on opposite sides of the vessel, or in any number of configurations that will be obvious to one of skill in the art. In embodiments having at least one handle, the handle 16 functions to allow the user to easily pick up and move the entire apparatus from place to place, preferably while maintaining a substantially upright orientation and without upsetting the contents of the vessel 10.
In certain embodiments of the cooling system, the cover 14 is adjustable. For example, in certain embodiments, the cover 14 can be closed. FIG. 2 shows an example of certain exemplary embodiments of the current system wherein the cover 14 is in such a closed orientation. In this closed orientation, the apparatus is more easily transported from place to place by gripping the handle 16 and lifting the apparatus 9. The cover 14 can be moved into an open orientation by moving the cover 14 along the longitudinal axis 22 of the shaft 12 in the direction away from the vessel 10. In certain embodiments of the cooling system, the cover 14 can also be adjustable so as to change the relative height between the cover and the vessel. In certain other embodiments, the cooling system comprises a cover that is attachable
FIG. 3 is cross sectional diagram showing the inside of exemplary embodiments of the vessel 10. The vessel 10 has a base 6 with first side 4 that contacts the ground and second side 5. On the second side 5 of the base 6 is a coupling 18 which is fixedly attached to the base 6 of the vessel by fasteners 10. Nuts, bolts, screws, clips, clamps, quick-release fasteners and the like can all be employed as coupling means. Myriad fastening means are possible, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In certain exemplary embodiments, such as the example shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 12 has on its first end 12A threading that engages with the inside of the coupling 18, which in this case has a female section designed to accommodate the first end 12A. and screw in. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 12 can contain the female end and be placed over the coupler 18. Many other configurations are possible, as would be clear to one of skill in the art.
FIG. 3A depicts yet another embodiment of the current system wherein the coupler 18 extends longitudinally along the shaft 12. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 3A, the coupler 18 can extend past the top of the vessel 10, though this is by not necessary. In such embodiments the coupler provides the shaft with additional support which may make the apparatus more suitable in windy conditions, or under other conditions which cause additional force to be applied to the shaft, or as a feature to increase durability.
FIG. 4 depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of the current system wherein the shaft 12 is attached to the vessel 10 by a fastening member 26 that wraps circumferentially around the vessel 10. The fastening member 26 secures the shaft 12 to the outside of the vessel 10 with a coupler 24. In certain embodiments, the fastening member 26 is made of an elastic polymer. In other embodiments, the fastening member is made of nylon. Other materials, such steel, ceramic, plastic and the like will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, the shaft 12 can be further secured to the side of the vessel 10 by an additional fastening member 34. In certain embodiments, the shaft 12 further comprises a pivot lock button 32 located between the first end 12A and second end 12B of the shaft 12. The pivot lock button can be depressed to effectuate a transition of the shaft from an erect position to a pivoted position, as best shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 also depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, wherein the shaft 12 has been transitioned into the pivoted position. Ice and beverages 35 can be seen to fill the vessel 10. In FIG. 5, the cover 14 is in an open position and the shaft 12 is in a pivoted position such that cover 14 is positioned to block the ice and beverages 35 from direct exposure to sunlight overhead.
FIG. 6A depicts a further exemplary embodiment of the cooling system wherein the shaft 12 further comprises an inner shaft 48 and an outer shaft 50, and wherein the inner shaft 12 can be moved telescopically into and out of the outer shaft 50. The outer shaft 50 further comprises a catch stop 38 and a lower ring 36 wrapping circumferentially around the end of the outer shaft 50 receiving the inner shaft 48. The inner shaft 48 further comprises a catch 44. Wrapping around the inner shaft 48 is upper ring 42. The cover 14 is connected to a plurality of stretcher rods 52. Each stretcher rod 52 has a first end 52A and second end 52B. Said first end 52A connected to the perimeter of the cover 14 and said second end 52B connected to the upper ring 42. To move the cover 14 from a closed position to an open position the handle 16 is pressed downward 56 until the upper ring 42 contacts the lower ring 36. Further downward 56 pressure is applied until the catch 44 slides into the catch slot 38 and locks at which point the stretcher rods 52 will be approximately perpendicular to the upper ring 42 and the cover 14 will be placed in an open position.
FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary embodiment of the current system wherein the cover 14 is in an open position. The handle 16 further comprises a release trigger 46 that when depressed, moves the catch 44 into a position flush with the inner shaft 48. When the release trigger 46 is depressed the catch 44 can clear the catch stop 38. By pulling upwards on the handle 16, the inner shaft 48 can be drawn out of the outer shaft 50 and the upper ring 42 moved longitudinally along the outer shaft 50 in an upwards direction such that the plurality of stretch rods 52 are drawn into a position toward a generally parallel position with respect to the shaft 12 and the cover 10 falls into a closed position.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show an exemplary embodiment of the current system wherein the cover 14 is in a closed and open position, respectively. The shaft 12 can pivot around the pivot point 15 upon depression of the pivot lock button 32. Upon depression of the pivot lock button, the shaft 12 can pivot around the pivot point 15 until it rests against the stop 17, as best shown in FIG. 7B.
In yet another embodiment of the cooling system, depicted generally in FIGS. 8-15, the cooling system has a generally egg-like shape. In these exemplary embodiments, the cover 114 is generally domed and in the closed position is operationally coupled to the vessel 110, as is best shown FIGS. 8 & 12. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cover 114 further comprises a shaft 112 having two ends, a first end 112A attached to the vessel 110 and a second end 112B attached to the cover 114. In FIG. 8, the cover 114 is shown in its closed orientation, where it is effective in substantially blocking exposure of direct sun light into the vessel as well as creating a substantially sealed compartment, so as to maintain the temperature inside the vessel. As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 13, the cover 114 is shown in its open orientation wherein cold beverages can be accessed by users of the cooler.
FIGS. 8-9 are cross sectional diagrams showing the inside of the cooling system according to exemplary embodiments. In certain of these embodiments, the vessel 110 has a base 106 with a first side 104 that contacts the ground and a second side 105 which faces the vessel 100. On the second side 105 of the base 106 is a coupling 118 which is fixedly attached to the base 106 of the vessel by fasteners. As with earlier embodiments, nuts, bolts, screws, clips, clamps, quick-release fasteners and the like can all be employed as coupling means. In still further embodiments, the base 106 is welded to the vessel 110. It would be apparent to one of skill in the art that a variety of means can be employed for securing the vessel 110.
As shown in FIGS. 8-9, in certain exemplary embodiments the shaft 122 can be extendable 112C so as to allow it to suspend the cover 114 at a sufficient height above the upper rim of the vessel 110A so as to allow ease of user access to the beverages 1 contained therein. A variety of means, such as a spring loaded or threaded shaft made up of multiple sub-parts can be used to accomplish this adjustment in length, as would be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.
FIGS. 12-13 generally depict the cooler having an insulating layer 120, which in certain embodiments is filled with a thermal insulator such as silica aerogel, polyurethane or styrofoam or other insulation means such as a vacuum insulated panel. These modes of insulation would be apparent to one of skill in the art.
In certain exemplary embodiments, such as the example shown in FIG. 10, the shaft 112 can further comprise on its first end 112A threading that engages with the inside of the coupling 118, which in this case has a female section designed to accommodate the first end 112A and screw in. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 112 can contain the female end and be placed over the coupler 118. Many other configurations are possible, as would be clear to one of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the coupler 118 or shaft 112 can further comprise a spring-loaded mechanism so as to facilitate the raising of the cover 114.
FIGS. 11 and 14 depict detailed views of the junction between the cover 114 and vessel. Various embodiments of the cooler can contain differing coupling means, such as a threaded coupling 113 as depicted in FIGS. 8-11 or ridge and recess coupling 115, as depicted in FIGS. 12-14. As would be apparent to one of skill in the art, various other means of creating a thermally preferable seal can be utilized.
As shown in FIGS. 15-15B, in certain exemplary embodiments the cooler further comprises an adjustable handle 122, which in this embodiment serves to fold down 122A, as best shown in FIG. 15B. In further embodiments, the handle may be retractable, such as is shown in FIGS. 8-9.
Although the cooling system has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the system.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A beverage chilling apparatus, comprising:

a. a cover;

b. a vessel; and

c. a fastener, wherein the fastener allows attachment of the cover to a vessel, so that the cover can be used to prevent sunlight from warming the contents of the vessel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is adjustable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is an umbrella.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vessel is a bucket.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nuts, bolts, screws, and clips.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable handle.

7. A beverage chilling apparatus for attachment to a vessel, comprising:

d. a cover; and

e. a fastener, wherein the fastener allows attachment of the cover to a vessel.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a vessel.