U.S. patent application number 11/010708 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for beverage bottle cooling method and apparatus with assembly for holding ice and water.
Invention is credited to Shimazaki, J. John.
Application Number | 20050126209 11/010708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34656507 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050126209 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimazaki, J. John |
June 16, 2005 |
Beverage bottle cooling method and apparatus with assembly for
holding ice and water
Abstract
The present invention relates to a beverage bottle cooling
apparatus and method comprising a container for containing ice that
is adapted to have a commercial beverage bottle positioned
substantially therein, wherein regular ice cubes can be stored and
sealed within the space between the bottle and container. The space
is preferably substantially sealed by a cap which is adapted with
an opening and sealing member that extends over the neck of the
bottle, wherein the bottle can be held in a predetermined location
by one or more supports extended within the container. The
container, including the supports, is preferably molded and formed
with substantially uniform wall thickness, and adapted to fit in
conventional cup-holders.
Inventors: |
Shimazaki, J. John;
(Sterling, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. John Shimazaki
P.O. Box 650741
Sterling
VA
20165
US
|
Family ID: |
34656507 |
Appl. No.: |
11/010708 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60528921 |
Dec 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.4 ;
62/530; 62/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2303/0843 20130101;
F25D 2331/803 20130101; F25D 2331/809 20130101; F25D 2303/0845
20130101; F25D 2303/081 20130101; F25D 31/007 20130101; F25D 3/08
20130101; F25D 2500/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/457.4 ;
062/062; 062/530 |
International
Class: |
F25D 025/00; F25D
003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cooling device for holding a beverage receptacle of a
predetermined size and shape, comprising: a container adapted to
enable the beverage receptacle to be inserted and supported in a
predetermined location inside said container, wherein a wall of
said container is adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is
placed in the predetermined location, a space for storing ice
particles is formed between the beverage receptacle and said
container; a cap adapted to be substantially sealed onto said
container, wherein said cap has an opening through which a neck of
the beverage receptacle can be extended; a sealing portion on said
cap adapted to be pressed against a shoulder portion of the
beverage receptacle when the beverage receptacle is in the
predetermined location; at least one support extended inward as an
indentation on said wall of said container adapted to support the
beverage receptacle in the predetermined location, wherein said
wall and said at least one support are integrally formed and have
substantially uniform wall thickness; and wherein said device is
adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is in the
predetermined location, and the cap is sealed on said container,
the ice particles are stored and substantially sealed in direct
contact with the beverage receptacle.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one support
comprises at least two support members adapted to engage and
support the beverage receptacle, wherein at least one of the
support members is adapted to fit substantially within a groove or
indentation located on a lower end of the beverage receptacle.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein said at least one support
comprises three support members, wherein two of said support
members is adapted to fit substantially within two grooves or
indentations located on the beverage receptacle, and a third of
said support members is adapted to support an additional surface of
the beverage receptacle.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein said two of said support members
are adapted to be substantially symmetrical relative to a parting
line of said container, and said third of said support member
extends through said parting line.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein each of said two of said support
members has, in plan view, a substantially triangular
configuration, and said third of said support members has a
shelf-like configuration.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein a handle is provided on said
container that extends substantially above said third of said
support members.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one
support is adapted with a surface that helps to self-center the
beverage receptacle as the beverage receptacle is inserted into
said container.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the container is adapted such
that when the beverage receptacle is in the predetermined location,
a lower end of the beverage receptacle is positioned a
predetermined distance from a sloped surface of said container,
wherein the predetermined distance is sufficient to enable the ice
particles in said container to be substantially distributed between
the beverage receptacle and said sloped surface.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said sealing portion comprises at
least one feature taken from the group consisting of: 1) a sealing
member that extends relatively downward and inward to engage and
press against the shoulder portion of the beverage receptacle; 2)
at least one ribbed or blade-like surface that can be pressed
against the beverage receptacle; 3) a thickness sufficient to form
a water-tight seal despite uneven surfaces and/or inexact
dimensions of the beverage receptacle; 4) an inner lipped flange
adapted to be extended through said cap's opening to enable said
sealing portion to be snapped into said cap; 5) at least one groove
into which a projection on said cap can be positioned; 6) a sealing
member that is bonded directly to said cap by over-molding, 2 shot,
or insert molding; 7) a sealing member that is bonded, fused,
welded, molded or otherwise adhered to said cap; and 8) a sealing
member adapted to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of
more than one type of beverage receptacle having a different size
and/or shape.
10. A container for holding a beverage receptacle of a
predetermined size and shape, comprising: an upper portion having
an opening therein for enabling the beverage receptacle to be
inserted at least partially into said container; an intermediate
portion adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is placed in
a predetermined location inside said container, a predetermined
space is formed between a wall of said container and the beverage
receptacle, wherein the space is sufficient in size for storing ice
particles in direct contact with the beverage receptacle; a lower
portion that is narrower than said intermediate portion, wherein
said lower portion is adapted to fit in conventional cup-holders;
and a section on said intermediate portion and/or lower portion
comprising at least one support extended inward on said container
for engaging and supporting the beverage receptacle in the
predetermined location.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein said upper portion is
smaller in diameter or dimension than said intermediate portion,
and wherein said lower portion comprises an internal space for
storing additional ice particles in said container.
12. The container of claim 10, wherein said at least one support
comprises a plurality of support members formed as indentations on
said wall of said container, wherein at least one of said plurality
of support members is adapted to fit substantially within a groove
or indentation located on the beverage receptacle.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein a handle is provided on said
container, and at least one of the support members extends below
said handle.
14. The container of claim 12, wherein at least one of said support
members is adapted with a surface that helps to self-center the
beverage receptacle as the beverage receptacle is inserted into
said container.
15. The container of claim 12, wherein the container is adapted
with a sloped surface located on or substantially between said
intermediate and lower portions, wherein said sloped surface is
adapted such that when the beverage receptacle is in the
predetermined location, the beverage receptacle is positioned a
predetermined distance from said sloped surface, such that ice
particles can be distributed between the beverage receptacle and
said sloped surface.
16. The container of claim 10, further comprising a removable cap
having an opening through which a neck of the beverage receptacle
can be extended, wherein said cap has a sealing portion adapted to
be pressed against a shoulder portion of the beverage
receptacle.
17. The container of claim 16, wherein said sealing portion
comprises at least one feature taken from the group consisting of:
1) a sealing member that extends relatively downward and inward to
engage and press against the shoulder portion of the beverage
receptacle; 2) at least one ribbed or blade-like surface that can
be pressed against the beverage receptacle; 3) a thickness
sufficient to form a water-tight seal despite uneven surfaces
and/or inexact dimensions of the beverage receptacle; 4) an inner
lipped flange adapted to be extended through said cap's opening to
enable said sealing portion to be snapped into said cap; 5) at
least one groove into which a projection on said cap can be
positioned; 6) a sealing member that has been bonded directly to
said cap by over-molding, 2 shot, or insert molding; 7) a sealing
member that is bonded, fused, welded, molded or otherwise adhered
to said cap; and 8) a sealing member adapted to be pressed and
sealed against the shoulder of more than one type of beverage
receptacle having different sizes and/or shapes.
18. A method of making a cooling device for holding a beverage
bottle of a predetermined size and shape, comprising: molding a
threaded open-top container that enables the bottle to be
positioned in a predetermined location within said container,
wherein a space suitable for storing ice particles in direct
contact with the bottle is created between said container and the
bottle when the bottle is in the predetermined location; molding a
threaded cap with an opening through which a neck of the bottle can
be extended; forming a sealing portion on said cap, said sealing
portion being adapted to be pressed and substantially sealed
against a shoulder portion of the bottle when the bottle is in the
predetermined location; and molding at least one support on the
inside of said container as an indentation on a wall of said
container, wherein said at least one support is adapted to engage
and support a lower portion of the bottle, such that when the
bottle is in the predetermined location, and said cap is
substantially sealed onto said container, said sealing portion
helps substantially seal the space.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of molding said at
least one support comprises at least one step taken from the group
consisting of: 1) forming at least three support members extending
inward as indentations on said wall of said container to
self-center and provide support for the bottle; 2) forming a
plurality of support members extending inward as indentations on
said wall, wherein at least one of said support members is adapted
to fit within a groove or indentation located on a lower end of the
bottle; 3) forming said at least one support with surfaces that
help to self-center the bottle as the bottle is inserted into said
container; 4) forming a plurality of support members extending
inward as indentations on said wall, wherein at least two of said
support members extend substantially symmetrically in relation to a
parting line of said container; 5) forming at least two support
members which have, in plan view, a substantially triangular
configuration; 6) forming at least one support member having a
shelf-like configuration; and 7) forming a handle on said container
that extends substantially above at least one of said at least one
support.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of forming said
sealing portion comprises at least one step taken from the group
consisting of: 1) forming a resilient sealing member adapted to
engage and press against the shoulder portion of the bottle; 2)
forming at least one ribbed or blade-like surface that can be
pressed against the bottle; 3) forming a thickness sufficient to
form a water-tight seal despite uneven surfaces and/or inexact
dimensions of the bottle; 4) forming at least one projection on
said cap and molding said sealing portion onto said at least one
projection; 5) forming a sealing member that is bonded or fused
directly to said cap by over-molding, 2 shot, or insert molding
method; 6) forming a sealing member adapted to be pressed and
sealed against the shoulder of more than one type of bottle having
different sizes and/or shapes; and 7) determining the intersection
of the shoulder lines of more than one type of bottle and forming a
sealing member that can be pressed and sealed against said more
than one type of bottle.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/382,526, filed on Mar. 7, 2003, which
claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/298,613,
filed on Nov. 19, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/066,656, filed on Feb. 6, 2002, which
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,621 on Jul. 8, 2003, which claims
priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/983,107, filed on
Oct. 23, 2001, now abandoned. This application also claims priority
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/528,921, filed
on Dec. 11, 2003. Each of the above applications is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of beverage
coolers, and in particular, to a beverage cooling method and
apparatus with an assembly for holding ice and water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Commercial beverages, such as soda, juice, fruit drinks,
sports drinks, water, etc., are often sold in bottles made of PET.
A typical beverage aisle of a grocery store or refrigerator of a
convenience store is often full of a wide variety of bottled
beverage products that come in all shapes and sizes. While most
aluminum cans are sold in 12 ounce sizes, most PET bottles are sold
in larger sizes, ranging from 1/2 liter to 3 liters, including the
popular 20 ounce, 64 ounce and 2 liter sizes.
[0004] The development of larger PET bottle sizes has meant that
the consumer receives more beverage per container. But with more
beverage in each container, additional cooling is needed to keep
the beverage cool, i.e., for a longer period of time. For example,
when there is 20 ounces in a bottle, it will take longer to finish
the beverage, or more beverage will be left over. In either case,
when the weather is warm, or on a hot sunny day, exposure to high
temperatures can result in the beverage becoming warmer quickly,
without any means of keeping the beverage cold. Two liter and other
larger sizes are susceptible to the same results, such as during an
outdoor picnic, or other function, where no refrigerator is
available to keep the beverage cold.
[0005] In the past, resort has been made to using ice chests, but
there are disadvantages to doing so. For example, because PET
bottles are often large, larger ice chests are typically needed, in
which case they can be cumbersome to use. Moreover, it is
burdensome to use an ice chest if only a single serving bottle
needs to be kept cold. Also, when two liter or other larger bottle
sizes are involved, it is often impractical to keep them in ice
chests while the beverage is being served.
[0006] Many individuals choose to pour beverages into other
containers, such as cups, mugs, sports bottles, thermal jugs and
bottles, etc., with ice directly in the beverage to keep it cold.
The disadvantage of this, however, is that as ice melts, the
beverage can become diluted. Also, because ice is often made with
unfiltered tap water, impurities can be introduced into the
beverage. Carbonation can also dissipate quickly. The containers
also have to be washed after each use.
[0007] Archaic attempts have been made in the past, such as in the
days when refrigerators were not available. For example, in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 81,814; 592,781 and 303,815, wine bottle coolers, such as
with diaphragms and springs to hold bottles in place are shown, but
these designs were not compact, not easy to manufacture, nor
suitable for bottles with twist off lids, since the bottles were
free to rotate. In later years, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,998,072, 4,281,520, 5,555,746 and 5,904,267, containers with
various compartments, sleeves and packs filled with refrigerants
were developed, but these required the refrigerant to be frozen and
refrozen after each use, and therefore, were not convenient to use.
Various types of insulated containers were also developed, which
helped to maintain the temperature of the beverage, with no ability
to make the beverage any colder.
[0008] What is needed, therefore, is a new and improved apparatus
and method for keeping beverages cold, which overcomes the
disadvantages of previous cooling apparatuses and methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
cooling beverages in bottles and/or keeping beverage bottles cold.
The present invention generally comprises a cooler for containing
ice and water adapted to have the beverage bottle positioned
therein, wherein regular ice cubes, such as from a conventional
dispenser, can be stored and sealed within the space between the
cooler and bottle, to keep the beverage in the bottle cool.
[0010] The cooler is preferably adapted to securely hold a
particular beverage bottle, such as a PET bottle having a certain
size and shape. The cooler is preferably sized and shaped so that a
particular bottle can be held inside, with a sealed compartment
surrounding the bottle, wherein regular ice cubes can be stored and
sealed within the compartment to substantially surround the bottle.
This way, ice can be maintained in direct contact with the bottle,
and the beverage can be maintained at a reduced temperature,
without diluting or introducing contaminants into the beverage. The
beverage can also easily be poured, served and consumed without
having to take the bottle out of the ice.
[0011] The cooler is preferably comprised of two sections that can
be tightened and sealed together, i.e., an upper cap and a lower
container. In the preferred embodiment, the container is preferably
configured much like a mug with a handle, and adapted so that the
bottle can be supported in a substantially fixed location inside
the container, with the neck of the bottle extending from the top
of the container. The cap is adapted to fit on top of the
container, but unlike previous caps, this cap has an opening
through which the neck of the bottle can be extended. The cap also
preferably has a sealing member on the inside thereof, adapted so
that when the bottle is placed in the container, and the neck is
extended through the opening, the cap can be tightened onto the
container, with the sealing member pressed against the shoulder of
the bottle, which helps to seal the space between the cooler and
bottle.
[0012] The sealing member is preferably located on the inside of
the cap and extended around the opening so that it can be pressed
against the shoulder of the bottle. It is preferably made of a
resilient material that can apply pressure against the bottle to
create a waterproof seal. In one embodiment, the sealing member is
permanently bonded or fused to the cap using a direct molding
method.
[0013] The container preferably has one or more supports on the
inside thereof to provide vertical and lateral support for the
bottle. This way, when the cap is tightened onto the container, the
bottle is held in a substantially fixed location, which, in the
preferred embodiment, is between the sealing member and
support.
[0014] In one embodiment, three or more supports are provided and
extended inward as indentations on the inside of the container to
provide a support system for self-centering the bottle and
maintaining the bottle in a substantially fixed location in the
container. In one aspect, at least one support is adapted to fit
within a groove or indentation located on the bottom of the bottle,
to prevent the bottle from rotating inside the container.
[0015] The container, including the support(s), is preferably
integrally formed with substantially uniform wall thickness, which
can be made by conventional molding methods. One preferred goal of
the present invention is to substantially minimize the surface area
contact between the container and bottle, on one hand, and
substantially maximize the surface area contact between the ice and
bottle, on the other hand, and the above construction preferably
helps to accomplish this goal.
[0016] The present invention contemplates that the bottom section
of the container can be made relatively narrow, so that it can fit
in conventional cup-holders, such as found in cars, golf carts,
chairs, etc. This bottom section creates additional space in which
ice particles can be stored, such as underneath the bottle, in
direct contact with the bottle. The supports are preferably
extended inward as indentations on the wall of the container, so
that the bottle can be elevated above the floor, enabling the
bottom section to be narrow enough to fit cup-holders designed to
hold the bottle. The area of the container just above the bottom
section is preferably sloped, which helps displace ice upward as
the bottle is inserted into the container.
[0017] The cap and container are preferably threaded and capable of
being tightened and sealed together. They are preferably adapted so
that the cap can be sealed onto the container at the same time that
the sealing member is sealed onto the bottle, i.e., the container
is adapted so that the cap and container, and cap and bottle, are
sealed at the same time, i.e., with the cap in the same position
relative to the container.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is that the cooler
can be specifically made to accommodate a certain type of beverage
bottle, while not accommodating other beverage bottles, such as
those having different sizes and shapes. PET bottles often come in
a variety of different sizes and shapes, even with bottles having
the same volume. Nevertheless, another aspect of the present
invention is that a single cooler can be designed to fit more than
one bottle type, such as bottles with slightly different sizes and
shapes, which can be accomplished by locating and configuring the
sealing member in a manner that achieves a watertight seal, despite
differences in size and shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a section view of the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a section view of the first embodiment showing a
PET bottle inside;
[0022] FIG. 4 shows the bottom of a typical PET bottle with five
grooves;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a section view of the cap of the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a horizontal section view of a second embodiment
of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 shows section A-A from FIG. 6 of the second
embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 8 shows section B-B from FIG. 6 of the second
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 9 shows ice being displaced by the bottle inside the
container;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a side view of a third embodiment with the cap
on;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a section view of the third embodiment container
showing a bottle inside;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a side view of the third embodiment container
from opposite the handle;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a side view of the third embodiment container
from the handle side;
[0032] FIG. 14a is a horizontal section view of the third
embodiment taken along section E-E shown in FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 14b is a horizontal section view of the third
embodiment taken along section F-F shown in FIG. 15;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a schematic of the third embodiment showing the
locations of horizontal sections E-E and F-F;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a section view of the third embodiment container
with a bottle inside taken along section C-C shown in FIGS. 14a and
14b;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a section view of the third embodiment taken
along section D-D shown in FIG. 14a;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a section view of the cap of the third
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a perspective section view of the cap of the
third embodiment without the sealing member; and
[0039] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the resilient member
of the third embodiment by itself separated from the cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] Several embodiments of the invention are described and
shown.
[0041] FIGS. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the present invention 1
having a container 5 and cap 3 designed to be connected and sealed
together. As seen in FIGS. 2-3, container 5 is preferably an
open-top container having a handle 7 and an internal space 9 formed
by a wall 12, much like a large mug, wherein an opening on the top
11 enables a bottle 13, such as a commercial PET bottle, to be
inserted therein. Container 5 preferably has extended on the inside
thereof a plurality of supports 4, 6, such as extending inward from
wall 12, which are adapted to provide lateral and vertical support
to bottle 13. This way, bottle 13 can be inserted into container 5,
and supported by supports 4, 6, in a substantially fixed location,
wherein spaces 15, 17, shown in FIG. 3, can be formed between
bottle 13 and wall 12 of container 5 for storing ice and water
therein.
[0042] All or a portion of wall 12 can be cylindrical or any shape
that allows spaces 15 and 17 of sufficient sizes to be formed.
Preferably, the distance between wall 12 and bottle 13 allows
conventional size ice particles to be distributed and stored
therein. Ice particles from standard ice dispensers are typically
less than about one inch thick, and therefore, it is contemplated
that the distance between bottle 13 and wall 12, as shown in FIG.
3, can be about one inch, although virtually any dimension or
distance that serves the intended purposes can be used. While it is
desirable to provide sufficient spaces 15 and 17 for storing the
ice, it is also desirable for container 5 to be compact, and
therefore, the present invention contemplates that these factors
should be taken into consideration when forming container 5 based
on bottle 13.
[0043] Container 5 preferably has a lower section 2 that is
narrowed, such as below supports 4, 6, such that it can fit into
conventional cup-holders, i.e., that are designed to hold bottle
13. Space 17 is preferably formed inside lower section 2, below
bottle 13, to allow additional ice to be stored in container 5,
i.e., in contact with a lower end 49 of bottle 13.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 9, located immediately above lower section
2, there is preferably a surface or section 52 that is sloped or
angled upward and outward. This configuration preferably helps
distribute and displace ice in container 5 upward as bottle 13 is
inserted down into container 5. That is, after ice is added into
container 5, some of the ice particles can interfere with the
insertion of bottle 13, by becoming trapped inside lower section 2,
which can prevent bottle 13 from being inserted all the way down
onto supports 4, 6. Preferably, the distance between sloped section
52 and the lower surface of bottle 13 is predetermined to help
ensure that ice particles can be distributed and/or displaced up,
away from lower section 2, as shown in FIG. 9, when bottle 13 is
inserted into container 5. In addition, or alternatively, water can
be added into container 5, or the cooler can be held sideways, to
help distribute and displace ice away from lower section 2, and
avoid trapping too much ice under bottle 13, and allow bottle 13 to
be properly positioned on supports 4, 6.
[0045] Various supports for supporting bottle 13 in relation to
container 5 are contemplated. Supports 4, 6 preferably keep bottle
13 in a relatively fixed position inside container 5, so that when
cap 3 and container 5 are tightened together, bottle 13 is held in
a substantially fixed location, such as between sealing member 25
and supports 4, 6, i.e., with sealing member 25 pressed tightly
against bottle 13, to form a substantial water-tight seal.
[0046] Cap 3 and container 5 are preferably adapted and designed to
hold a particular bottle 13, which requires the shapes, sizes and
locations of both supports 4, 6 and sealing member 25, and the
distance between them, to be coordinated and determined. With
bottle 13 held in this manner, cap 3 and container 5 are preferably
sealed together at the same time sealing member 25 is sealed
against bottle 13, to enable spaces 15 and 17 to be substantially
sealed thereby.
[0047] At least three supports 4, 6 are preferably provided to
create a support system to hold the lower end of bottle 13 inside
container 5, wherein each support is preferably adapted to engage a
particular surface of bottle 13. For example, in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-4, four supports are shown, --three supports 4 for engaging
the lower exterior surface 49 of bottle 13, and one slightly raised
support 6 for engaging one of the five grooves 45 located on the
underside of bottle 13.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom 49 of a typical PET bottle 13
has multiple grooves 45, i.e., most have 5 grooves, to provide
rigidity and support thereto. By forming at least one of the
supports 6 to fit inside one of the grooves 45, bottle 13 can be
substantially prevented from rotating inside container 5. That is,
by holding bottle 13 between sealing member 25 and supports 4, 6,
raised support 6, which fits into one of the grooves 45, can help
prevent bottle 13 from rotating inside container 5. This way, the
twist-off lid 47 of bottle 13 can easily be opened and closed,
without bottle 13 spinning inside container 5. The embodiment shown
has one raised support 6, but more of the supports, including all
of them, can be adapted to fit into grooves 45.
[0049] Cap 3 will now be discussed. Cap 3 preferably has a central
opening 19, as shown in FIG. 5, through which neck 21 of bottle 13
can extend. Cap 3 preferably has at least one sealing member 25,
such as a resilient sealing ring 23, extended on the inside and
substantially around opening 19. When cap 3 is secured to container
5, with neck 21 extended through opening 19, sealing member 25 is
preferably adapted to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of
bottle 13, to substantially seal bottle 13 inside container 5.
[0050] Sealing member 25 preferably has an engaging surface, which
can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration, i.e., that
performs in the intended manner. For example, it can have ribs,
blades, or semi-circular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 5, which
can help promote water-tightness, even against unevenly shaped
bottles. In this embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, sealing member 25 is
preferably formed with an extended flange 27, that fits above an
upper edge 29 of cap 3, so that it can be snapped into opening 19
and held therein. A raised projection 31 is preferably provided on
cap 3 that mates with groove 33, that helps support sealing member
25, and that provides a pinching effect thereto.
[0051] Sealing member 25 can be made of resilient material, such as
rubber, silicon, polypropylene, urethane, polyethylene, or like
material, etc. The preferred material is Santoprene.RTM. or
Neo-prene.RTM..
[0052] The present invention contemplates that sealing member 25
can be configured and/or made thick enough, so that a degree of
tolerance can be provided at the point where sealing member 25
engages bottle 13. That is, even if bottle 13 is not made to exact
dimensions, it is nevertheless contemplated that enough sealing
capability can be applied via sealing member 25, i.e., by virtue of
its resiliency, thickness and configuration, against bottle 13 to
prevent leaking. Although one type of sealing member 25 is shown,
it can be seen that a variety of different types of sealing
members, including those shown in FIGS. 18-20, are possible.
[0053] Cap 3 and container 5 are preferably threaded to enable them
to be tightened and sealed together. For example, cap 3 preferably
has threads 35 extending along the inside for engaging threads 37
extending along the outside of container 5. Cap 3 is preferably
adapted to be sealed against an upper edge or landing 43 of
container 5. For example, an interference fit can be created
between upper edge 43 and groove 41 formed by extension 39 on cap
3. Groove 41 can be adapted to enable a seal to be made even if
upper edge 43 is not fitted all the way into groove 41.
Alternatively, a separate gasket, as will be discussed, can be
provided to seal cap 3 onto container 5.
[0054] FIGS. 6-9 show an additional embodiment that can be
manufactured by a conventional molding method, such as blow
molding, at a relatively low cost. This embodiment comprises a
container 55, preferably molded from a single integral piece of
moldable material, having substantially uniform wall thickness,
including wall 61, and supports 57 and 59. Container 55 preferably
has a handle 65, threads 67, wall 61, an opening 71, a narrow upper
section with threads 67, an intermediate section, a narrow lower
section 63, etc., wherein a similar cap 3 can be used to hold
bottle 13.
[0055] Supports 57, 59 on container 55, which are adapted to
provide vertical and lateral support to bottle 13, are preferably
formed as indentations on wall 61, i.e., above the floor, although
not necessarily so. The wall thickness at supports 57, 59
preferably ensures that bottle 13 is supported at the appropriate
height, i.e., relative to cap 3 and container 55. By looking at
FIG. 7, it can be seen that a thicker wall 61 at support 59 will
result in raising bottle 13 higher relative to container 55, while
a thinner wall 61 at support 59 will result in lowering bottle 13
relative to container 55.
[0056] Three supports, including one support 57 and two supports
59, are preferably provided, wherein supports 59 are adapted to fit
into two of the five grooves 45 located on the bottom of bottle 13.
Supports 59, as shown in FIG. 6, are preferably positioned on
opposing sides, and adapted so that they fit into two opposing
grooves 45. Supports 59 are specifically adapted to fit into
grooves 45, as shown in FIG. 7, such that when bottle 13 is
inserted into container 55, bottle 13 is prevented from rotating.
Support 57, as shown in FIG. 8, is preferably adapted to engage an
exterior surface of the bottom 49 of bottle 13, wherein support 57
is preferably shelf-like in configuration.
[0057] Based on the above, supports 57 and 59 (two) preferably form
a triangulated support system for supporting bottle 13 in the
predetermined location. Supports 57 and 59 are preferably provided
with sloped surfaces capable of engaging bottle 13 to help to
self-center bottle 13 and align bottle 13 in an upright
position.
[0058] The triangulated support system preferably accommodates
supports 57, 59 being symmetrically oriented relative to a parting
line, shown as B-B in FIG. 6, which is advantageous from a molding
standpoint. Supports 59 are preferably on opposing sides of parting
line B-B, while support 57 preferably extends through the parting
line and perpendicularly thereto. This preferably enables the mold
halves that are used to make container 55 to be easily separated,
which makes releasing container 55 from the mold easier. An
appropriate draft can be provided on supports 57 and 59 (draft not
shown on support 57), which enables the mold halves to be released
with little or no friction. Handle 65 can be molded along parting
line B-B, wherein support 57 can be formed underneath handle 65, as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0059] The third embodiment 100, shown in FIGS. 10-20, comprises a
container 102 and a separate cap 130. This embodiment comprises an
alternate configuration, similar to the previous embodiments, but
represents the best mode. The design shown is intended to fit a
single serving PET bottle 120, such as a 20 ounce bottle, although
the design can be adapted to fit virtually any size or shape of PET
bottle.
[0060] Container 102 is preferably in the shape of a mug, with a
mug-like handle 106 extended on one side. It preferably comprises a
wall 110 that forms an interior space 111 around bottle 120, and
space 113 below bottle 120, with an opening 112 at the top for
inserting the ice and bottle 120 inside. An upper section 114 is
preferably narrowed to enable a relatively small cap 130 to be
used, and has exterior threads 108. An intermediate section 115
preferably extends substantially around the mid-section of
container 102, is preferably larger in diameter than upper section
114, and preferably holds most of the ice around bottle 120. A
lower section 116 is preferably narrowed to fit standard
cup-holders as shown. A sloped section 109 is preferably extended
between intermediate section 115 and lower sections 116.
[0061] Like container 55, this container 102 is preferably adapted
to be molded at relatively low costs. Container 102 is preferably
adapted to be molded from an integral piece of moldable material,
such as plastic, having substantially uniform wall thickness, and
is preferably produced by blow molding.
[0062] Supports 122, 124, 126 are preferably molded as indentations
on wall 110, as shown in FIGS. 10-17, to provide support for bottle
120. Two of the supports 122, 124, are preferably positioned and
oriented as shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b, and adapted so that they
fit into two of the five grooves 45 on the bottom of bottle 120, as
discussed previously, to prevent bottle 120 from rotating. The
third support 126 is preferably extended below handle 106, and is
preferably shelf-like in configuration, to provide support for a
lower exterior surface of bottle 120.
[0063] All three supports 122, 124, 126 preferably form a
triangular support system, to self-center bottle 120 and maintain
it in a substantially fixed and upright position inside container
102. The drawings shown in FIGS. 10-17 reflect a preferred
configuration for container 102, taking into account several
factors. For example, supports 122, 124 are not only adapted to fit
grooves 45 located on bottle 120, but also have, in plan view, a
substantially triangular configuration, as shown in FIGS. 14a and
14b. This configuration is the preferred shape for fitting the
distal tips of supports 122, 124 into grooves 45 on bottle 120.
This helps support bottle 120 properly, and prevents bottle 120
from rotating, and also helps to pin-point the location of bottle
120 in a substantially fixed and consistent location inside
container 102. An upper sloped or angled surface 127 on supports
122, 124 for engaging bottle 120 can be provided to help
self-center bottle 120, and align bottle 120 in an upright
position. Support 126, which forms the third prong in the
triangulated support system, can also be sloped, as shown. The
aesthetics of supports 122, 124 have also been taken into
account.
[0064] Supports 122, 124 are preferably symmetrically oriented on
opposing sides relative to a parting line D-D, which is a central
vertical plane, shown in FIG. 14a, while support 126 preferably
extends through the parting line. Supports 122, 124, 126,
preferably have predetermined angles and/or drafts to allow the
mold halves to be easily separated after container 102 is formed.
In this respect, walls a and b, shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b, on
opposing sides of supports 122, 124, are preferably angled with a
draft relative to plane D-D, to allow the mold halves to be
separated in a direction perpendicular to plane D-D. Likewise,
support 126 is preferably extended and oriented substantially
perpendicular to plane D-D, and preferably has a draft. This
configuration enables the mold halves that are used to make
container 102 to be easily separated, i.e., in a direction
perpendicular to the parting plane D-D, which makes releasing
container 102 after molding easier. At the same time, supports 122,
124, 126 are preferably oriented so that they line up with grooves
45 of bottle 120, as shown previously in FIG. 6. While other
orientations and positions are contemplated, this has been found to
be a preferred way to obtain the advantages discussed above.
[0065] To keep production costs low, it is desirable to keep the
wall thickness of container 102 as thin as possible, but also rigid
enough to ensure that bottle 120 can be supported in the
predetermined location. The thickness of wall 110 at supports 122,
124, 126, and the configuration and location thereof, must
carefully be determined so that the height of bottle 120 in
container 102 relative to cap 130 and sealing member 134, is at a
substantially predetermined height sufficient to achieve a
watertight seal between sealing member 134 and bottle 120.
[0066] The design of container 102 should take into consideration
the factors discussed above in connection with determining how
large or compact container 102 should be, in view of the size and
shape of bottle 120. For example, wall 110 of container 102 is
preferably adapted to form appropriate spaces 111 and 113, between
bottle 120 and wall 110, as well as under bottle 120, to enable a
sufficient amount of ice to be stored therein. Sloped or angled
section 109 is preferably provided at a predetermined distance from
the lower surface of bottle 120, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 17, to
allow ice to be distributed and displaced, as previously shown in
FIG. 9, and help prevent too much ice from being trapped inside
lower section 116. This way, bottle 120 is not prevented from being
inserted down onto supports 122, 124, 126.
[0067] An indicator line 103, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, as well
as line 51 shown in FIG. 2, is preferably provided to indicate how
much ice should be placed in container 102 before bottle 120 is
inserted. In this embodiment, neck 114 on container 102 is
relatively narrow, so once bottle 120 is inserted, not enough room
is available around neck 121 of bottle 120 to add ice into
container 102, i.e., ice must be added into container 102 before
bottle 120 is inserted. Indicator 103 lets the user know how much
ice should be added before bottle 120 is inserted, such that when
bottle 120 is inserted, ice in container 102 can properly be
distributed around bottle 120. This not only helps ensure that the
proper amount of ice is used to substantially surround bottle 120,
i.e., for optimum cooling, but also helps to prevent too much ice
from being trapped inside lower section 116, which can otherwise
prevent bottle 120 from being inserted all the way down onto
supports 122, 124, 126. Of course, other embodiments, such as
containers having necks 114 that are not narrowed, are within the
scope of the invention, wherein in such case, bottle 120 can be
inserted first, and then ice added later, wherein no indicator 103
would be necessary.
[0068] The design of supports 122, 124, 126 is preferably
coordinated with the design of cap 130 and sealing member 134, to
enable the fit between sealing member 134 and bottle 120, and
between cap 130 and container 102, to be substantially watertight,
so that the ice and water within spaces 111 and 113 can be
substantially sealed thereby.
[0069] Like previous cap 3, cap 130 preferably has a central
opening 132, as shown in FIG. 18, through which neck 121 of bottle
120 can extend. Cap 130 preferably has at least one sealing member
134 secured to and extended on the inside of cap 130, and
substantially around opening 132. When cap 130 is placed on
container 102, with neck 121 extended through opening 132, as shown
in FIG. 17, sealing member 134 is preferably adapted to press and
seal against the shoulder of bottle 120.
[0070] Cap 130 is preferably adapted with threads 136 extending
around the internal surface thereof, as shown in FIG. 18. These
threads 136 are designed to engage threads 108 on container 102 to
enable cap 130 and container 102 to be tightened and fastened
together. Grips 131 can also be provided on cap 130.
[0071] To enhance the seal between cap 130 and container 102, a
separate sealing gasket 138 can be provided to seal cap 130 against
a top landing 140 of container 102. In the preferred embodiment,
both sealing member 134 and gasket 138 are preferably formed and
molded at the same time, as part of the same resilient member 135,
shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of resilient
member 135, which includes both sealing member 134 and gasket 138,
formed as a single integral piece. FIG. 18 shows how resilient
member 135, including sealing member 134 and gasket 138, is secured
to the underside of cap 130.
[0072] Preferably, both sealing member 134 and gasket 138 can be
formed in a single production step, using an over-mold, insert
mold, or two-shot method, etc., which bonds resilient member 135
directly onto the inside of cap 130. The material used to make
resilient member 135 is preferably a rubber-like material that is
compatible with the material from which cap 130 is made, to allow
the two surfaces to be bonded or fused together. For example, if
cap 130 is made from polypropylene, resilient member 135 is
preferably made from a polypropylene-containing material, such as
Santoprene.RTM., so that after cap 130 is formed, resilient
material can be injected (using a mold) directly against the inside
of cap 130, wherein heat from the resilient material can cause the
polypropylene in resilient member 135 to bond directly to the
polypropylene of cap 130, thereby forming resilient member 135
directly on cap 130. This bonding between resilient member 135 and
cap 130 is typically as strong as or stronger than the resilient
material itself, and therefore, is substantially permanent. Other
compatible materials, such as those discussed above, are also
contemplated.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 20, multiple spoke-like members 142 are
preferably extended between sealing member 134 and gasket 138,
wherein the spoke-like members 142 not only connect sealing member
134 to gasket 138, but also form the remains of channels formed on
the molds that enabled the resilient material to flow from sealing
member 134 to gasket 138, or vice verse, during production. That
is, from a production standpoint, it is desirable to form both
sealing member 134 and gasket 138 in the same production step.
Therefore, in the preferred method, the molds are preferably
adapted to allow the resilient material to flow from a first
cavity, which forms sealing member 134, through the channels, which
forms spoke-like members 142, to a second cavity, which forms
gasket 138, although it could also flow in the reverse direction.
Four spoke-like members 142 are shown, to enable the resilient
material to flow properly, although any number of spoke-like
members 142 can be provided. Spoke-like members 142 are bonded or
fused directly to cap 130, but are otherwise non-functional.
[0074] Preferably, resilient member 135, including sealing member
134 and gasket 138, is made of relatively low friction material,
such that both sealing surfaces can slide relatively easily in
relation to both shoulder of bottle 120 and upper landing 140 of
container 102, respectively, to allow cap 130 to be easily
tightened and removed. The resilient material used to make
resilient member 135 also preferably has relatively high flow
characteristics, to allow the material to flow into rib formations,
if any, that exist on the sealing surfaces, which need to be filled
properly during production.
[0075] FIG. 19 shows an underside perspective cross-section view of
cap 130 before resilient member 135 has been molded thereto. It
shows two series of projections 144, 146 extending in a ring-like
fashion along the inside of cap 130 corresponding to the locations
where sealing member 134 and gasket 138, respectively, are formed.
These projections 144, 146 preferably provide extra surface area
contact between cap 130 and resilient member 135 for improved
bonding. Preferably, notches 148 are placed on projections 144 and
146 to further increase surface area contact, as well as help
increase torque resistance between cap 130 and resilient member
135. Projections 144, 146 preferably allow sealing member 134 and
gasket 138 to be pinched against the opposing sealing surfaces, as
cap 130 is tightened onto container 102, which helps to ensure that
a substantially tight seal is provided by causing sealing member
134 and gasket 138 to be pressed tightly against their respective
sealing surfaces. FIG. 18 shows the details of cap 130 and how
sealing member 134 and gasket 138 are formed on the underside of
cap 130, with projections 144, 146 extending into sealing member
134 and gasket 138, respectively.
[0076] FIG. 18 shows one preferred cross-sectional shape of sealing
member 134, with multiple ribs or blades 137 that can be extended
down and inward, such as into opening 132, to engage the shoulder
of bottle 120. This configuration preferably enables sealing member
134 to have resilient properties, i.e., by virtue of its
configuration, and not solely by virtue of material
characteristics, wherein the stiffness or firmness of the resilient
material can be increased, if necessary, to reduce friction,
without sacrificing its resilient properties.
[0077] The configuration of sealing member 134, and its location
relative to bottle 120, is significant in ensuring that a
watertight seal can be achieved. FIG. 18, in this respect, shows
two possible PET bottle shoulder configurations, which are
superimposed over each other, one represented by straight dashed
lines 150, and the other represented by curved dashed lines 152. In
this example, the two PET bottles 150, 152 are assumed to have
similar bottom ends, so that both bottles can be supported in
substantially the same fixed location inside container 102. With
either bottle fixed, it can be seen that the shoulder of each
bottle is different, i.e., one has a straight steep shoulder 150,
while the other has a shallow curved shoulder 152.
[0078] An effort has been made to design a single cooler 100 to fit
both PET bottles 150, 152, even if they are different. To do this,
the "seal point," which is the location where sealing member 134
presses against bottle 120, is pre-determined so that sealing
member 134 can be sealed against both bottles, 150 and 152. It can
be seen that the seal point is located at or close to where the two
sets of dashed lines intersect. This way, a single sealing member
134 can be adapted to ensure that a watertight seal can be
achieved, despite different bottles being used.
[0079] During the design phase, the intersection of the two sets of
dashed lines can be determined by using three dimensional models of
the bottles, such as using digital scanning, and superimposing them
to determine the intersection. It can be seen that if sealing
member 134 is located too high or too low, or in the wrong
location, sealing member 134 would have difficulty sealing against
both bottles. By configuring and locating sealing member 134
substantially where dashed lines 150, 152 intersect, sealing member
134 preferably seals against either bottle 150 or 152.
[0080] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of lower sealing gasket 138,
which preferably has multiple ribs 154 thereon. Although ribs are
not necessary, ribs 154 help to provide more resilience and
tolerance, i.e., they allow for more "squish room," by virtue of
their configuration. Again, this is advantageous so that stiffer or
firmer materials, which have lower friction properties, can be used
to make resilient member 135, i.e., without sacrificing the
beneficial characteristics of a resilient, more forgiving, sealing
surface.
[0081] Sealing gasket 138 is preferably formed with a stepped
portion 156, located on cap 130, which forms the outer diameter of
sealing gasket 138. This helps enable sealing gasket 138 to be
formed by injection molding, directly onto the inside of cap 130,
without interference from threads 136.
[0082] The location of sealing member 134 and gasket 138, as well
as the height and configuration of their sealing surfaces,
including ribs 137, 154, etc., are preferably designed and
coordinated in association with the particular bottle or bottles
that have been selected to fit the cooler, i.e., to achieve a
watertight seal. A goal of the present invention is to coordinate
the design of supports 122, 124, 126, along with cap 130, sealing
member 134 and sealing gasket 138, so that the sealing surfaces
engage and seal against their respective surfaces, i.e., sealing
member 134 seals against bottle 120, and gasket 138 seals against
landing 140 of container 102, at the same time, with bottle 120 in
the same fixed location.
[0083] In use, regular ice, such as chopped, cubed, crushed, etc.,
is preferably placed inside container 5, 55 or 102. Indicator 51 or
103 is preferably provided to indicate how much ice should be
placed therein. Next, bottle 13 or 120 is pushed down into the ice,
which causes some of the ice to be displaced, as shown in FIG. 9,
and climb up the sides of the bottle. The sloped section 52 or 109,
above lower section 2, 63 or 116, preferably causes ice to be
displaced and distributed upward as bottle 13 or 120 is pushed
downward. Water can be added to container 5, 55 or 102, or
container 5, 55 or 102 can be held sideways, to make it easier for
the ice to be displaced and distributed around bottle 13 or 120,
while inserting the bottle, without trapping too much ice under
bottle 13 or 120.
[0084] Next, bottle 13 or 120 is preferably inserted until it is
properly seated and rests on supports 4, 6, or 57, 59, or 122, 124,
126. Cap 3 or 130 can then be placed over bottle 13 or 120, with
neck 21 or 121 extended through opening 19 or 132, and then
tightened onto container 5, 55 or 102, which causes sealing member
25 or 134 to be pressed and sealed against the shoulder of bottle
13 or 120, while at the same time, the connection between cap 3 or
130 and container 5, 55 or 102 can also be sealed. Ice and/or water
within spaces 15, 17, or 60, or 111, 113, can be stored and sealed,
substantially surrounding bottle 13 or 120, to help keep the
beverage cool. This prevents water from leaking out, and enables
the beverage to be poured and consumed directly from bottle 13 or
120, without having to remove bottle 13 or 120 from the ice.
[0085] Each main piece, including caps 3, 130, and containers 5,
55, 102, is preferably made from a moldable plastic, such as
polyethylene, HDPE, polypropylene, PET, etc., although any
conventional material, such as stainless steel, glass, ceramic,
etc., can also be used. Sealing member 134 and gasket 138 can be
made of a resilient rubber-like material, such as TPE, silicon,
polypropylene, polyethylene, urethane, etc., but is preferably made
of a material that is found in cap 130, so that the two can be
bonded together, as discussed. While for insulation purposes,
containers 5, 55, 102 can be made of materials that conduct heat
poorly, or with double wall construction, they can simply be made
of a relatively thick plastic. The thickness preferably provides
rigidity and a sufficient level of insulating properties thereto.
Caps 3 and 130 can be injection molded, although containers 55 and
102 are preferably blow-molded. Blow-molding not only allows
supports 57, 59, and supports 122, 124, 126, to be indented, but
necks 37 and 114 to be narrow relative to an intermediate section
thereof. Container 5 can be made by any suitable method.
[0086] Other steps preferably involved in making caps 3, 130 and
containers 5, 55 and 102 are measuring and/or scanning the bottle
to obtain precise dimensions. This enables the coolers to be
adapted to a particular bottle, so that the bottle can be held in a
substantially fixed location. The present invention also
contemplates that bottles can be custom made to fit the container,
i.e., with surfaces that engage the sealing member and supports, if
desired. Textures, grips and/or indentations can also be provided
on the pieces for improved grip. The containers can have a side
handle, as shown, although a strap or other type of handle, or
indented grips, can also be used. One or both pieces can be made of
transparent or translucent materials so that the contents can be
seen from outside.
[0087] In one aspect of the present invention, the present cooling
device can be made to accommodate a certain type of beverage
bottle, whereas, other beverage bottles having different sizes and
shapes can specifically be excluded. On the other hand, the present
invention contemplates that a single cooler can be adapted to fit
different bottles, by determining the intersection of their
shoulder profiles, and adjusting the location and configuration of
the sealing member, relative to the supports, to accommodate the
different sizes and shapes of the bottles.
[0088] The above discussion illustrates some of the embodiments and
features of the present invention. Each embodiment has been shown
with certain features or lack of features. Nevertheless, it should
be understood that any embodiment shown could also have a feature
or lack a feature shown in another embodiment, i.e., the features
are intended to be interchangeable between embodiments. It should
also be understood that other embodiments and features, such as
those not specifically disclosed herein, which may perform in the
intended manner, are also within the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *