US20210289967A1

US20210289967A1 - Platform adjusting individual beverage cooler

Info

Publication number: US20210289967A1
Application number: US17/199,685
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew Merritt
Original assignee: Us & Hemp LLC
Current assignee: Us & Hemp LLC
Priority date: 2020-03-19
Filing date: 2021-03-12
Publication date: 2021-09-23

Abstract

An individual beverage cooler that can be used for holding various sized cans and bottles and keeping them cold. The individual beverage cooler is designed with a moveable platform as to accept various beverage container heights. The platform can be loaded as to keep the beverage container secure within the device. The platform can have features which interact with geometry of a beverage can or bottle to inhibit side-to-side or angular movement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application relates and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/991,772, filed Mar. 19, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed generally to a beverage cooler, specifically a platform adjusting individual beverage cooler.
Individual beverage coolers are common in the marketplace and can come in many different variations. Examples of conventional beverage coolers include, but are not limited to, simple foam designs like a koozie and more rigid designs like stainless-steel designs. Individual beverage coolers are adapted to fit around a bottle or can in order to reduce heat transfer from a person's hand when holding the beverage and heat transfer from the environment when the beverage is set down. Inherently, the use of beverage coolers can also prevent a person's hand from getting cold or touching condensation from holding the beverage directly.
Individual beverage coolers have become popular as they help to keep beverages at the initial desired temperature, without worrying about holding it for too long or the ambient temperature of the environment warming it up. Individual beverage cooler benefits extend to both indoor and outdoor settings.
Conventional designs are only useful with specific beverage container heights or specific beverage container diameters; this drives the need for the user to have multiple beverage coolers to match various can and bottles sizes. Some designs are marketed with separate attachments or embodiments to allow the user to manually adjust the device with the use of these attachments or embodiments; this drives the user to carry or store multiple components, which could easily be misplaced. It can also become frustrating if a user switches from one beverage type to another beverage type.
Accordingly, there is a need for a completely universal design which self-adjusts to accommodate typical sizes of cans and bottles. This would eliminate the need for the user to carry extra components for adjustment purposes or more than one beverage cooler.
Description of the Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the extent that specific patents/publications/products are discussed above in this Description of the Related Art Section or elsewhere in this disclosure, these discussions should not be taken as an admission that the discussed patents/publications/products are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed patents/publications/products may not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough in time and/or may not be sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent law purposes. To the extent that specific patents/publications/products are discussed above in this Description of the Related Art Section and/or throughout the application, the descriptions/disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference into this document in their respective entirety(ies).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an individual beverage cooler which solves the above-mentioned problems by being configured to accept and hold a variety of different sized and shaped beverages. According to one embodiment the individual beverage cooler is comprised of a lid, a main body, a false bottom, a loading mechanism, and a base. This device can fit typical size cans and bottles without requiring changing out parts or buying additional parts.
According to an embodiment the beverage cooler comprises a body having a hollow interior, a first end, and a second end; a base configured to enclose the first end of the body; a lid sized and shaped to attach to the second end of the body; a false bottom within the interior of the body comprising a loading mechanism in communication with a platform, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to move the platform in between a loaded position and an unloaded position, and wherein the platform comprises a wall configured to hold a beverage container.
According to an embodiment the beverage cooler comprises a body having a hollow interior and a first end, and a second end; a base configured to enclose the first end of the body; a lid sized and shaped to attach to the second end of the body; a conical tapered spring comprising a smaller end and a larger end, wherein the larger end is in communication with a platform and the smaller end in communication with the base, such that the spring is configured to move the platform in between a loaded position and an unloaded position.
According to an embodiment the beverage cooler comprises a body having a hollow interior and a first end, and a second end; a base configured to enclose the first end of the body; a lid sized and shaped to attach to the second end of the body; a loading mechanism having in communication with a platform and in communication with the second end of the body, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to move the platform in between a loaded position and an unloaded position.
According to an aspect the platform has a wall configured to hold a beverage container. According to an aspect the lid is tapered. According to an aspect the base is removably attached to the body with snap hooks. According to an aspect the base comprises a nipple that the smaller end of the spring encircles. According to an aspect the base comprises a nipple top that secures the nipple to the smaller end of the spring. According to an aspect the loading mechanism is a spring. According to an aspect the loading mechanism is an air pocket. According to an aspect the loading mechanism is a foam material. According to an aspect the loading mechanism is a retractable cord. According to an aspect the body comprises finger grips. According to an aspect the base is removably attached to the body with snap hooks

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosed subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the body in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the body in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the lid in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the lid in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5C is a front view of the lid in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5D is a sectional view of the lid in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a front view of the base in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the base in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6C is a top view of the base in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the base in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the beverage cooler in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the present invention and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or arrangements, within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
FIGS. 1A-C show an example of the beverage cooler, referred to generally as reference numeral 10, this embodiment of beverage cooler 10 generally comprises body 12, lid 14, false bottom 16 (not shown), and base 18. In FIG. 1B lid 14 is shown in accordance with an embodiment. In FIG. 1C base 18 is shown in accordance with an embodiment.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, where FIG. 2B is a sectional view of beverage cooler 10 cut along line B of FIG. 2A. According to one embodiment, body 12 is cylindrical in shape with a hollow interior portion configured to accept and hold a beverage. The term beverage container is used generally to refer to any beverage container such as but not limited to a can or a bottle of varying heights and diameters. As shown in FIG. 2B, housed within beverage cooler 10 is false bottom 16 which according to one embodiment comprises platform 20 and loading mechanism 22. Body 12 can be any height, diameter, and thickness such that it can hold a beverage container as should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with this disclosure. Beverage cooler 10 can assist in keeping beverage containers cold or hot. The features of beverage cooler 10 can be produced from any materials with or without thermally insulating properties such as but not limited to hemp products, stainless steel, or plastic. The parts of beverage cooler 10 can all be made of the same material or one or more parts can be made of different materials.
FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an embodiment of the exterior portion of body 12. Body 12 has a first end for attachment to base 18 and a second end for attachment to lid 14. In the example shown the first end has snap hook recesses for connection to base 18. Base 18 can be attached to body 12 by any other suitable means such as but not limited to threading or magnets. Further, base 18 can be permanently attached to body 12 or formed as a part of body 12. In the example shown, the second end of body 12 has quarter-turn, anti-cross threading with four thread starts which is configured to accept lid 14. Lid 14 can alternatively be attached to body 12 by any other suitable means such as but not limited to any type or number of threads, snap hooks, or magnets. This embodiment also depicts optional finger grips which a user can grip while holding the beverage cooler 10. Additionally, this embodiment shows an option portion of the body 12 that can be used to display a logo or other decorative feature.
Beverage cooler 10 houses false bottom 16 with the hollow interior, an example of which is shown in FIG. 4. False bottom 16 provides the height adjustment for various size cans and bottles and can use loading mechanism 22 and platform 20 to hold a beverage container firmly against lid 14. False bottom 16 can vertically travel the length of body 12. The travel ability of false bottom 16 can be limited by base 18, loading mechanism 22, or features of body 12, singularly or in any combination. Limiting travel of the false bottom 16 ensures that it stays contained within beverage cooler 10. In one example false bottom 16 stays in an unloaded position near the top/second end of body 12 until pressure is applied to it such that it moves downward to a loaded position near the bottom/first end of body 12. The loaded position depends on the length of the beverage container.
Loading mechanism 22 can extend upward from the base or downward from the top of body 12. The loading mechanism 22 can be a spring, foam, air pocket or any other mechanism that exhibits recoil is adjustable. Alternatively, loading mechanism 22 can be opposite of platform 20 so that the loading is of the extension type. Example of extension type loading mechanisms can be but not limited to extension springs or elastic cords. In another embodiment, loading mechanism 22 can be a tab or feature that allows for height adjustment of the platform 20 by interaction with other components or by the user. In the example shown loading mechanism 22 is a conical spring design that has a smaller end attached to base 18 and a larger end attached to platform 20. The conical shape enables each coil to fit within the next coil.
Platform 20 provides a place for the bottom of a beverage container to sit. Platform 20 can be flat, or have walls or protrusions which correspond to the bottom of a beverage container. In one embodiment, platform 20 has walls which can secure the outside surface of various sized beverage containers with varying geometries. The walls can be accomplished by a series of walls corresponding to standard dimensioned beverage containers or a wall that is moveable/extendable. A wall can be accomplished by one continuous wall or one or more protrusions such as posts. Platform 20 and loading mechanism 22 can be incorporated into one structure.
Platform 20 can function to kept beverage containers centered and prevent tilting. The horizontal movement of false bottom 16 can be restricted by body 12, loading mechanism 22, or features of the platform 20 singularly or in any combination. One example of this restriction is where platform 20 is sized and shaped such that the outer edge of platform 20 is in close proximity to the interior edge of body 12 to prevent movement or canting of beverages. These interactions can assist with keeping the beverage container centered within body 12, especially in the case where the beverage container diameter is less or significantly less than that of the inside diameter of the body 12. In another example, platform 20 can be thick or have extensions so that angular canting is limited.
In FIG. 5A-D there is shown an embodiment of lid 14 which is configured to hold a beverage container within body 12. In the example shown lid 14 corresponds to the shape and size to the second end of body 12. Lid 14 also has an opening which has an inner diameter large enough to accommodate the neck of bottles and openings of cans but small enough to hold bottles and cans within body 12 and prevent them from rising. In one example, lid 14 has a tapered or concave outer diameter for lip comfort. Lid 14 can have features that interact with the body 12 to promote attachment. These features can be but are not limited to threading, magnets, or snap features. These features can also be separately assembled components such as but not limited to magnets.
In FIG. 6A-D there is shown an embodiment of base 18. Base 18 can have features to be attached to body 12 such as but not limited to threading, snap hooks, or magnets. In an alternate embodiment base 18 can be part of body 12. Base 18 can further comprise features that can secure or be in communication with false bottom 16.
An exploded view of an embodiment of beverage cooler 10 can be seen in FIG. 7. This embodiment uses a nipple top 24 and slip washer 26 to keep false bottom 16 in contact with base 18. Nipple top 24 can hold false bottom 16 on to base 18 for example on to a nipple or other feature on base 18. This can help false bottom 16 to stay in place and prevent it from moving around or coming unattached from base 18 particularly when no beverage container is installed or during a fall or rough handling. Other methods can also be used in conjunction with or alternative to nipple top 24 such as but not limited to ultrasonic welding.
Slip washer 26 can be used to allow smooth turning of the false bottom 16 this can be helpful during during assembly of lid 14 or the beverage container is turned after installed. Slip washer 26 prevents the loading mechanism from grinding on base 18. Slip washer 26 can also be used in conjunction with a small amount of grease to bolster smooth turning.
As shown in FIGS. 8A-10B, the same beverage cooler 10 can be used for multiple different beverage containers. Beverage cooler 10 features allow for beverage containers having multiple lengths and diameters to be held within the device without additional parts or changing of parts. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-10B the loading mechanism 22 is a conical tapered spring configured to be compressed toward the base when platform 20 is pressed down upon. The conical tapered spring can be compressed such that the coils of the spring can fit inside one an other allowing the platform to go closer to base 18. When a beverage container is in place and lid 14 is attached to body 12 the loading mechanism 22 applies enough pressure on the platform 20 such that platform 20 presses the beverage container against lid 14 and lid 14 presses the beverage against platform 20 such that the beverage container fits securely. The combination function of the device component features can assist with keeping a beverage container centered, stable, and at the appropriate height. The combination function of the device component features can assist with keeping a beverage container secure vertically, horizontally, and angularly.
Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, where FIG. 8B is a sectional view cut along line B in 8A there is shown an example of a standard sized can placed in beverage cooler 10. In this example loading mechanism 22 is slightly compressed. A standard can is around 8.4-16 fluid ounces and approximately 2.25-2.75 inches in diameter and 3.4-6 inches tall, beverage cooler 10 can hold this size and variations of this size.
Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, where FIG. 9B is a sectional view cut along line B in 9A there is shown an example of a slim sized can placed in beverage cooler 10. In this example loading mechanism 22 is almost entirely compressed. A slim can is around 8.4-16 fluid ounces and approximately 2-2.35 inches in diameter and 3.75-6.5 inches tall, beverage cooler 10 can hold this size and variations of this size.
Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, where FIG. 10B is a sectional view cut along line B in 10A there is shown an example of a standard sized bottle placed in beverage cooler 10. In this example loading mechanism 22 is very compressed. A bottle is around 11-22 fluid ounces and approximately 2.25-6.5 inches in diameter and 6-11.5 inches tall, beverage cooler 10 can hold this size and variations of this size.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as, “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of method or an element of a device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, are intended to include any structure, material or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of one or more aspects of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand one or more aspects of the present invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A beverage cooler, comprising:

a body having a hollow interior, a first end, and a second end;

a base configured to enclose the first end of the body;

a lid sized and shaped to attach to the second end of the body;

a false bottom within the interior of the body comprising a loading mechanism in communication with a platform, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to move the platform in between a loaded position and an unloaded position, and wherein the platform comprises a wall configured to hold a beverage container; and

a slip washer in communication with the base and the loading mechanism configured to allow the loading mechanism to easily rotate.

2. The beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the loading mechanism is a spring.

3. The beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the loading mechanism is an air pocket.

4. The beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the loading mechanism is a foam material.

5. The beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the loading mechanism is a retractable cord.

6. The beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises finger grips.

7. The beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the lid is tapered.

8. The beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the base is removably attached to the body with snap hooks.

9. A beverage cooler, comprising:

a body having a hollow interior and a first end, and a second end;

a base configured to enclose the first end of the body;

a lid sized and shaped to attach to the second end of the body;

a conical tapered spring comprising a smaller end and a larger end, wherein the larger end is in communication with a platform and the smaller end in communication with the base, such that the spring is configured to move the platform in between a loaded position and an unloaded position; and

a slip washer in communication with the base and the smaller end of the spring configured to allow the spring to easily rotate.

10. The beverage cooler according to claim 9, the platform has a wall configured to hold a beverage container.

11. The beverage cooler according to claim 9, wherein the lid is tapered.

12. The beverage cooler according to claim 9, wherein the body further comprises finger grips.

13. The beverage cooler according to claim 9, wherein the base is removably attached to the body with snap hooks.

14. The beverage cooler according to claim 9, wherein the base comprises a nipple that the smaller end of the spring encircles.

15. The beverage cooler according to claim 14, wherein the base comprises a nipple top that secures the nipple to the smaller end of the spring.

16. A beverage cooler, comprising:

a body having a hollow interior and a first end, and a second end;

a base configured to enclose the first end of the body;

a lid sized and shaped to attach to the second end of the body; and

a loading mechanism having in communication with a platform and in communication with the second end of the body, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to move the platform in between a loaded position and an unloaded position.

17. The beverage cooler according to claim 16, wherein the platform comprises a wall configured to hold a beverage container.

18. The beverage cooler according to claim 16, wherein the lid is tapered.

19. The beverage cooler according to claim 16, wherein the body comprises finger grips.

20. The beverage cooler according to claim 16, wherein the base is removably attached to the body with snap hooks.