WO2017185124A1

WO2017185124A1 - A beverage container assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2017185124A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/000093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Domenic Pompeii; Angelo Kotsis
Original assignee: 2Ib On Tap Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-26
Filing date: 2017-04-20
Publication date: 2017-11-02

Abstract

A beverage container assembly (10) for storing and dispensing a beverage, the beverage container assembly (10) comprising: a housing (100) having an upper end (110) and a lower end (120); a chamber (130) within the housing (100) for storing the beverage; a dispenser (140) arranged in fluid communication with the chamber (130) for dispensing the beverage; a base cooler (150) defining a cavity (155) to receive a coolant; and a detachable coupling (160) for detachably coupling the base cooler (150) to the lower end (120) of the housing (100).

Description

A BEVERAGE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

Field

[0001 ] The present disclosure relates to a beverage container assembly and more particularly but not exclusively to a beverage container assembly and base cooler for storing and dispensing beverages.

Background

[0002] Various types of containers are used for the storing and dispensing of beverages. For beverages that are to be served cold, such as soft drink, white wine and beer, these containers are generally stored in a refrigerator or ice bin prior to the beverage being dispensed. The refrigerator or ice bin cools the beverage within the container in an attempt to reach an optimal serving temperature.

[0003] However, a disadvantage of the above described containers is that once the container is removed from that cold environment, the beverage stored within the container generally rises in temperature and the quality of the beverage can be adversely impacted.

Object

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate the above disadvantage.

Summary

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a beverage container assembly for storing and dispensing a beverage, the beverage container assembly comprising:

a housing having an upper end and a lower end;

a chamber within the housing for storing the beverage;

a dispenser arranged in fluid communication with the chamber for dispensing the beverage;

a base cooler defining a cavity to recei ve a coolant; and a detachable coupling for detachably coupling the base cooler to the lower end of the housing.

[0006] Preferably, the detachable coupling comprises a first component on the base cooler and a second component on the lower end of the housing, wherein the first and second components cooperate to couple the base cool er to the lower end of the housing.

[0007] Preferably, the base cooler has a body defining the cavity and the first component of the detachable coupling is positioned towards an upper surface of the body.

[0008] In one form, the detachable coupling is a bayonette fitting.

[0009] In another form, the detachable coupling is a screw threaded arrangement.

[0010] In one embodiment, the beverage container assembly further comprises a seal provided between the base cooler and the lower end of the housing.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the seal is an O-ring seal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the beverage container assembly further comprises a reservoir provided within the housing, wherein the reservoir defines the chamber, and the dispenser extends from the reservoir through a wall of the housing.

[0013] Preferably, the beverage container assembly further comprises a supporting structure l ocated towards the lower end of the housing, the supporting structure being adapted to support the reservoir within the housing.

[0014] Preferably, the lower end of the housing is open to allow the reservoir to contact an upper surface of the base cooler.

[0015] In another embodiment, the chamber is defined by a wall of the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the beverage container assembly further comprises an upper cooler provided at the upper end of the housing, the upper cooler defining a cavity to receive a coolant, and a detachable coupling for detachably coupling the upper cooler to the upper end of the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the beverage container assembly further comprises a cover located at the upper end of the housing.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention provides a base cooler for coupling to a beverage container housing, the base cooler comprising:

a body defining a cavity for receiving a coolant; and

a first coupling component of a two part coupling, the first coupling component positioned towards an upper surface of the body for cooperation with a second coupling component of the two part coupling positioned on a lower end of a beverage container housing.

[0019] In one form, the first coupling component is a first coupling component of a bayonette fitting.

[0020] In another form, the first coupling component is a first coupling component of a screw thread arrangement.

[0021] Preferably, a seal is provided on the base cooler for sealing the base cooler to a beverage container housing.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is an exploded front lower perspecti ve view of a first embodiment of a beverage container assembly.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded front upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is an exploded rear upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 1. [0026] Figure 4 is a front lower perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 5 is a rear upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 6 is a front upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 7 is a front cross sectional view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 8 is a side cross sectional view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 9 is an exploded front lower perspective view of a second embodiment of a beverage container assembly.

[0032] Figure 10 is an exploded front upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 9.

Fi gure 1 1 is an exploded rear upper perspective vi ew of the beverage container of Figure 9.

[0034] Fi gure 12 is a front upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 9.

[0035] Figure 13 is a front upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 9 showing the inside of the housing.

[0036] Figure 14 is a rear upper perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 9 showing the inside of the housing.

[0037] Figure 15 is a front lower perspective view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 9 showing the inside of the housing. [0038] Figure 16 is a front cross sectional view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 9.

[0039] Figure 17 is a side cross sectional view of the beverage container assembly of Figure 9.

Description of Embodiments

[0040] A first embodiment of a beverage container assembly 10 for storing and dispensing a beverage is depicted in Figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings. The beverage container assembly 10 comprises a housing 100 having an upper end 1 10 and a lower end 120. The upper end 1 10 and the lower end 120 are open. Extending between the upper end 1 10 and the lower end 120 is a wall 125. In the embodiments depicted in the drawings, the wall 125 is cylindrical in shape, however any suitable shape may be used. It is envisaged that the wall 125 is made from formed cardboard. However any suitable material, including plastic, that can be formed into a rigid structure may also be utilised. The housing 100 includes an aperture 105 extending through the wall 125. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the aperture 105 is an elongated circular shape positioned towards the lower end 120 of the housing 100. The housing 100 may also include an insert 107 sized and shaped to cover the aperture 105. The insert 107 is removable to reveal the aperture 105 when required.

[0041] The assembly 10 also comprises a chamber 130 within the housing 100 for storing the beverage. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the chamber 130 is defined by a reservoir 131. The reservoir 131 is mounted within the housing 100 such that the reservoir 131 defines the chamber 130. The reservoir 131 is typically in the form of a flexible plastic or metallised bladder, such as those used in box or cask wine. Generally a plastic bladder may be made from polyethylene and a metallised bladder may include a plastic such as polyethylene and a metal foil.

[0042] The assembly 10 also includes a dispenser 140 arranged in fluid communication with the chamber 130 for dispensing the beverage. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the dispenser 140 extends from the chamber 130 within the reservoir 131 to allow the beverage to flow therethrough. As best depicted in Figure 4, the dispenser 140 passes through the aperture 105 in the wall 125 of the housing 100. The dispenser 140 is sealingly connected to the reservoir 131 and includes an outlet 141 configured to permit the passage of the beverage from the reservoir 131. The dispenser 140 includes an actuator 142 that is moveable between a closed position, inhibiting the flow of the beverage through the dispenser 140, to an open position, allowing the passage of the beverage through the dispenser 140 and through the outlet 141.

[0043] The assembly 10 further includes a base cooler 150. The base cooler 150 has a body 150a that defines a cavity 155 to receive a coolant, such as water, or refrigerant gel or liquid (not shown), that is capable of being frozen. Typically the coolant will include water and may include additives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (Cellusize), sodium polyacrylate, or vinyl- coated silica gel. The base cooler 150 is designed to function as an ice pack base to cool the beverage. In the embodiment depicted in Fi gures 1 to 8, the body 150a of the base cooler 150 is cylindrically shaped and generally matches the inner profile of the housing 100. However, the body 150a may have alternative shapes, although it is preferred that a portion of the body 150a generally matches the inner profile of the housing 100 so as to assist the base cooler 150 to be secured to the lower end 120 of the housing 100. Prior to using the base cooler 150, the coolant is inserted into the cavity 155 through an inlet 151 , as seen in Figure 1. A cap 152 is threadingly engaged with the inlet 151 to close the cavity 155. Once the coolant has filled the cavity 155 and the cap 152 has closed the inlet 151 , the base cooler 150 is placed in a freezer or chiller to freeze the coolant. Alternatively, the base cooler 150 could be made from a sealed unit, where the coolant is already inside the base cooler 150. It is envisaged that the base cooler 150 may be made from injection moulded plastic.

[0044] The base cooler 150 is configured to connect to the housing 100 by engaging with the lower end 120 of the housing 100. In use, the base cooler 150 will rest on a surface when the assembly 10 is being used by an operator to dispense the beverage. The base cooler 150 may include a central projection 153 that extends away from an upper surface 154 of the base cooler 150. The projection 153 is rounded and would generally correspond to a recess formed in a bottle of wine or the like (not shown). The base cooler 150 may be used in a manner where a wine bottle or the like rests on the upper surface 154 of the base cooler 150 to cool the wine bottle. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the projection 153 is configured to project into the reservoir 131 so as to cool the beverage stored therein and to retain the bottle on the base cooler 150.

[0045] The assembly 10 further comprises a detachable coupling 160 for detachably coupling the base cooler 150 to the lower end 120 of the housing 100. As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the detachable coupling 160 comprises a first coupling component 165 and a second coupling component 170. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the first coupling component 165 is in the form of three bayonette fittings 166 spaced about the periphery of the body 150a. The bayonette fittings 166 are L-shaped channels formed integrally with the body 150a. The bayonette fittings 166 are formed with the body 150a or otherwise attached to the body 150a. The second coupling component 170 i s in the form of three bayonette fittings 171 spaced about the periphery of an insert 175 that mate with the bayonette fittings 166. The bayonette fittings 171 are L-shaped projections formed integrally with the insert 175 so as to securely fit within the lower end 120 of the housing 100. The bayonette fittings 171 are formed with the insert 175 or otherwise attached to the insert 175 and/or the lower end 120 of the housing 100. The bayonette fitting 171 has a leading edge that is enlarged to form head portion 171a. The bayonette fitting 166 has a channel that has a cavity portion 166a designed to receive and secure the head portion 171a of bayonette fitting 171 therein. The bayonette fittings 166 and 171 are reciprocally shaped to slidably interlock, which is aided by having reciprocating profiles and the enlarged head 171 a and cavity portion 166a. The bayonette fittings 166 and 171 releasably couple the base cooler 150 to the lower end 120 of the housing 100.

[0046] The insert 175 is configured to securely fit within the interior of the wall 125. The wall 125 has an upper rim 126 and a lower rim 127. The lower rim 127 is received within recess 128 of the insert 175. The insert 175 has a plurality of upwardly projecting tabs 176 that include the recess 128 that partially deform to enable the insert 175 to be received by the lower rim 127 of the wall 125. However, it is also envisaged that the second coupling component 170 could be integral with the wall 125 or otherwise secured to the wall 125.

[0047] Located above the insert 175 and within the projecting tabs 176 is a cylindrical supporting structure 180. The supporting structure 180 has external guides 180a that extend outwardly from the perimeter wall 184 of the supporting structure 180. The guides 180a slidingly fit within the tabs 176 of the insert 175 to retain the supporting structure 180 within the insert 175. The supporting structure 180 has an opening 182 in the centre thereof that is sized to fit over the projection 153 of the base cooler 150. The supporting structure 180 has a plurality of radially extending anus 183 at a lower end thereof that extend between the perimeter wall 184 of the supporting structure 180 and the opening 182 of the supporting structure 180. The radially extending arms 183 are three equidistantly spaced arms radiating outwardly from the opening 182 to the perimeter wall of the support structure 180. Between the radially extending arms 183 are openings 181. The openings 181 allow for the surface 154 of the base cooler 150 and the reservoir 131 to contact each other. This contact assists in enhancing the heat transfer between the base cooler 150 and the reservoir 131 to cool the beverage to a desirable temperature. The insert 175 and supporting structure 180 are envisaged to be made from an injection moulded plastic.

[0048] In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 8, the assembly 10 further comprises a cover 178 located at the upper end 1 10 of the housing 100. The cover 178 has downwardly projecting tabs 177 similar to those of the insert 175. The cover 178 includes two handle components 185 and 190 positioned either side of the cover 178 that cooperate to form a handle. The handle is then used by a user to easily carry the beverage container assembly 10. As shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, the cover 178 has two openings that allow the first handle component to pass therethrough to engage with the second handle component 190. The cover 178 and handle components 185, 190 are envisaged to be made from an injection moulded plastic.

[0049] The housing 100 may be provided with or without the base cooler 150. The housing typically is provided with the reservoir 131 having the beverage (e.g. wine or soft drink) already inside the reservoir 131. The base cooler 150 may be sold separately and is reusable. Prior to use, the base cooler 150 may be decoupled from the housing 100, with the base cooler 150 stored in a freezer so that the coolant is frozen. The housing 100 including reservoir 131 containing the beverage may be stored separately in a fridge to chill the beverage. When it is desired to serve and dispense the beverage, the base cooler 150 may be removed from the freezer and coupled to the lower end 120 of the housing 100. The dispenser 140 may then be passed through the aperture 105 of the housing 100 if not already done prior. Upon activation of the actuator 142 from the closed position to the open position, the beverage will pass from the reservoir 131 through the outlet 141 and into a glass, cup or the like for consumption by a user. As the coolant in the base cooler 150 has been frozen, and the transfer of a colder temperature is enabled through contact between the base cooler 150 and the reservoir 131 , the beverage in the reservoir 131 will remain at a cooler temperate for a longer period of time. The base cooler 150 also provides a sturdy support for supporting the assembly 10. Alternatively, the base cooler 150 can be used as a base for a bottle of wine. The base cooler 150 may be frozen prior to being used and the bottle be placed onto and into contact with the base cooler 150. This will also allow the wine in the bottle to be cooled. [0050] A second embodiment of the beverage container assembly 310 is depicted in Figures 9 to 17 and is similar to the first embodiment of the assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 8 except as described below. The assembly 310 comprises a housing 400 that is similar to housing 100. However, in assembly 310, the dispenser 440 is mounted to the wall 425 of the housing 400. The dispenser 440 is similar to the dispenser 140. Further, the chamber 430 is defined by the wall 425 of the housing 400, without providing the reservoir 131. The dispenser 440 of this second embodiment is comprised of two seals 341 , an outlet 342, a threaded nut 343 and a mounting 344 mounted on the housing 100. Figures 9 to 1 1 show the dispenser 440 in an exploded configuration. The seals 341 are configured to be placed either side of the mounting 344 to provide for a water-tight seal around the dispenser 440. The outlet 342 extends outwardly from the wall 425, and the threaded nut 343 threadingly connecting to the outlet 342 to secure the dispenser 440 to the wall 425. Tightening the threaded nut 343 to the threaded portion 441 of the dispenser 440 tightens the connection against the seals 341 ensuring a water-tight connection for the dispenser 440. The outlet 342 is configured such that the actuator 445 is adapted to move between a closed position, inhibiting the flow of the beverage through the dispenser 440, to an open position, allowing the passage of the beverage through the dispenser 440. As best illustrated in Figure 17, the outlet 342 and one seal 341 are positi oned externally of the mounting 344 of the housing 400, and the other seal 341 and the threaded nut 343 are positioned internally of the housing 400.

[0051] As depicted in Figures 9 to 17 of the accompanying drawings, the beverage container assembly 310 further comprises a seal 410 provided between the base cooler 150b and the lower end of the housing 400. The base cooler 150b is similar to base cooler 150 and includes the same inlet 151 and cap 152 of the base cooler 150. The base cooler 150b also includes projection 501 that is similar to projection 153 of the base cooler 150. The projection 501 extends away from an upper surface 502 of the base cooler 150b. In one fonn, the seal 410 is an O-ring seal, however, any form of seal that seals the base cooler 150b to the lower end of the housing 400 may also be used. The purpose of the seal 410 is to make the chamber 430 water-tight to allow the chamber 430 to store the beverage therein without the addition of a separate reservoir. The seals 341 also ensure the assembly 310 are water-tight around the dispenser 440. The dispenser 440 operates in the same way as the dispenser 140.

[0052] In the second embodiment of the assembly 310 as illustrated in Figures 9 to 17, the detachable coupling 160a is in the fonn of a screw thread arrangement being a first screw thread 500, defining a first coupling component, on the base cooler 150b and a mating second screw thread 510, defining a second coupling component, on the wall 425 of the housing 400. The screw thread 500 of the base cooler 150b may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the body of the base cooler 150b. The mating screw thread arrangement 510 of the housing 400 is integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the housing 400.

[0053] In use, the base cooler 150b will be stored in a freezer in the same manner as base cooler 150. However, the base cooler 150b will be screwed onto the housing 400 prior to adding the beverage to the assembly 310. The beverage would generally be stored in a separate container (not shown) in the fridge. The base cooler 150b is tightened to the housing 400 by threaded engagement along the screw threads. Tightening the threaded ensures the sealing of the chamber 430. The seal 410 between the base cooler 150b and housing 400 is also contacted by both the base cooler 150b and the housing 400, further assisting in making the chamber 430 water-tight. Once the base cooler 150b is securely fitted to the housing 400, the beverage can be poured into the chamber 430 of the housing 400 through the upper end 405 of the housing 400. Once filled, the upper cooler 450 may be removed from the freezer and coupled to the upper end 405 of the housing 400. In the second embodiment, the assembly 310 is refillable and can store and dispense a variety of beverages, other than those typically stored in bladders. The assembly 310 acts in the same manner as assembly 10 for the dispensing of beverages by a user. It is envisaged that any number of suitable beverages could be stored within the chamber 430. These beverages include beer, wine, spirits, premixed cocktails, soft drinks and water.

[0054] The assembly 310 may further comprise an upper cooler 450 provided at the upper end of the housing 400. The upper cooler 450 is in the same form as the base cooler 150, 150b and detachably couples to the upper end of the housing 400, except as described below. The upper cooler 450 acts as a cover for the housing 400 and also cools the beverage stored within the chamber 430 of the housing 400 from a position above the beverage. The upper cooler 450 may have a handle 455 connected to and extending from the upper cooler 450 or the base cooler 150b. The handle 455 of the upper cooler 450 is moveable between a first position, configured to be gripped by a user, and a second position, stored adjacent the upper cooler 450. In the second embodiment, the beverage container assembly 310 further comprises a second seal 410 provided between the upper cooler 450 and the upper end of the housing 400. The upper cooler 450 is threadingly attached to the upper end of the housing 400 in the same manner that the base cooler 150b is threadingly attached to the lower end of the housing 400. That is, the screw thread arrangement 515 of the upper cooler 450 is integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the body of the upper cooler 450. The mating screw thread arrangement 520 of the housing 400 is integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the housing 400. The seal 410 between the upper cooler 450 and the upper end of the housing 400 ensures that the chamber 430 is fully sealed when the screw threads 500, 510 are threadingly engaged.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the screw threads 500, 510 form the detachable coupling. However, it is envisaged that the detachable coupling 160 of the first embodiment of the assembly 10 may be interchan geable with the detachable coupling 160a of the second embodiment of the assembly 310.

[0056] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A beverage container assembly for storing and dispensing a beverage, the beverage container assembly comprising:

a housing having an upper end and a lower end;

a chamber within the housing for storing the beverage;

a dispenser arranged in fluid communication with the chamber for dispensing the beverage; a base cooler defining a cavity to receive a coolant; and

a detachable coupling for detachably coupling the base cooler to the lower end of the housing.

2. The beverage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the detachable coupling comprises a first component on the base cooler and a second component on the lower end of the housing, wherein the first and second components cooperate to couple the base cooler to the lower end of the housing.

3. The beverage container assembly of claim 2, wherein the base cooler has a body defining the cavity, and wherein the first component of the detachable coupling is positioned towards an upper surface of the body.

4. The beverage container assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the detachable coupling is a bayonette fitting.

5. The beverage container assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the detachable coupling is a screw threaded arrangement.

6. The beverage container assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a seal provided between the base cooler and the lower end of the housing.

7. The beverage container assembly of claim 6, wherein the seal is an O-ring seal.

8. The beverage container assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a reservoir provided within the housing, wherein the reservoir defines the chamber, and the dispenser extends from the reservoir through a wall of the housing.

9. The beverage container assembly of claim 8, further comprising a supporting structure l ocated towards the lower end of the housing, the supporting structure being adapted to support the reservoir within the housing.

10. The beverage container assembly of claim 8 or 9, wherein the lower end of the housing is open to allow the reservoir to contact an upper surface of the base cooler.

1 1. The beverage container assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the chamber is defined by a wall of the housing.

12. The beverage container assembly of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , further comprising an upper cooler provided at the upper end of the housing, the upper cooler defining a cavity to receive a coolant, and a detachable coupling for detachably coupling the upper cooler to the upper end of the housing.

13. The beverage container assembly of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , further comprising a cover located at the upper end of the housing.

14. A base cooler for coupling to a beverage container housing, the base cooler comprising: a body defining a cavity for receiving a coolant; and

15. The base cooler of claim 14, wherein the first coupling component is a first coupling component of a bayonette fitting.

16. The base cooler of claim 14, wherein the first coupling component is a first coupling component of a screw thread arrangement.

17. The base cooler of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a seal is provided on the base cooler for sealing the base cooler to a beverage container housing.