U.S. patent application number 10/549400 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for drinking vessels with removable cooling devices.
Invention is credited to Andrew Citrynell, Kimberly Ann Miller, Joel Schwarze.
Application Number | 20070028645 10/549400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33032643 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Citrynell; Andrew ; et
al. |
February 8, 2007 |
Drinking vessels with removable cooling devices
Abstract
In one embodiment, a beverage container comprises a vessel
having an interior that is adapted to hold a beverage. The vessel
has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The bottom end defines
a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel. A
cooling element is configured to be coupled to the vessel and to
fit within the cavity. A base comprises a bottom member and a stem
extending vertically upward from the bottom member. The base
includes a connector that is configured to be coupled to the
cooling element or vice versa.
Inventors: |
Citrynell; Andrew;
(Carbondale, CO) ; Miller; Kimberly Ann;
(Carbondale, CO) ; Schwarze; Joel; (Hutchinson,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Family ID: |
33032643 |
Appl. No.: |
10/549400 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 11, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/07746 |
371 Date: |
June 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10389733 |
Mar 14, 2003 |
6758058 |
|
|
10549400 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
|
|
|
10712170 |
Nov 12, 2003 |
6931885 |
|
|
10549400 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.3 ;
62/530 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2303/0841 20130101;
F25D 2331/808 20130101; F25D 2303/082 20130101; F25D 2500/02
20130101; A47G 19/2288 20130101; A47G 19/2255 20130101; F25D 31/006
20130101; F25D 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/457.3 ;
062/530 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20060101
F25D003/08 |
Claims
1. A beverage container, comprising: a vessel having an interior
that is adapted to hold a beverage, wherein the vessel has a closed
bottom end and an open top end, and wherein the bottom end defines
a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel; a
cooling element that is configured to be coupled to the vessel and
to fit within the cavity; and a base comprising a bottom member and
a stem extending vertically upward from the bottom member, wherein
the base includes a connector that is configured to be coupled to
the cooling element.
2. A container as in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a
threaded end on the stem, wherein the cooling element includes a
threaded section, and wherein the threaded end on the stem is
configured to be screwed into the threaded section of the cooling
element.
3. A container as in claim 2, wherein the threaded section of the
cooling element has threads, and wherein an angle defined by the
threads is about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees.
4. A container as in claim 2, wherein the cooling element also
includes a threaded section, wherein the vessel includes a threaded
section at the bottom end, and wherein the threaded section of the
cooling element is configured to be screwed into the threaded
section of the vessel.
5. A container as in claim 4, wherein the threaded section of the
cooling element has threads, and wherein an angle defined by the
threads is about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees.
6. A container as in claim 4, wherein the base and the vessel are
constructed of glass, and wherein the cooling element is
constructed of a material that is different from glass.
7. A container as in claim 6, wherein the cooling element is
constructed of an acrylic.
8. A container as in claim 7, wherein the acrylic has a durometer
of about 30 to about 40.
9. A container as in claim 1, wherein the base and the vessel are
constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of
glass, plastics and acrylics.
10. A container as in claim 1, wherein the vessel has a shape
selected from a group consisting of a mug, a regular wine glass, a
red wine glass, a white wine glass, a martini glass, a tumbler, a
stein glass, a margarita glass, a brandy snifter, a water glass, a
beer glass and a champagne glass.
11. A container as in claim 2, wherein the cooling element has a
bottom end and a top end, and wherein the bottom end tapers inward
and mates with a mating taper on the base.
12. A container as in claim 11, wherein the top end of the cooling
element is generally hemispherical in geometry.
13. A container as in claim 12, wherein the bottom end of the
vessel includes a generally hemispherical surface that partially
defines the interior of the vessel.
14. A beverage container kit comprising: a vessel having an
interior that is adapted to hold a beverage, wherein the vessel has
a closed bottom end and an open top end, and wherein the bottom end
defines a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the
vessel; a cooling element that is configured to be coupled to the
vessel and to fit within the cavity; a base comprising a bottom
member and a stem extending vertically upward from the bottom
member, wherein the base includes a connector that is configured to
be coupled to the cooling element; and a tray having a plurality of
holding regions for holding cooling elements, whereby the tray may
be placed in a freezer to cool the cooling elements.
15. A kit as in claim 14, wherein the tray includes a plurality of
recesses integrally formed in the tray to define the holding
regions.
16. A kit as in claim 15, wherein the recesses are in a shape
selected from a group consisting of semi-cylindrical, ice cube
shaped, pyramidal and semi-spherical.
17. A kit as in claim 14, wherein the base further comprises a
bottom member and a stem extending vertically upward from the
bottom member.
18. A kit as in claim 17, wherein the connector comprises a
threaded end on the stem, wherein the cooling element includes a
threaded section, and wherein the threaded end on the stem is
configured to be screwed into the threaded section of the cooling
element.
19. A kit as in claim 18, wherein the cooling element also includes
a threaded section, wherein the vessel includes a threaded section
at the bottom end, and wherein the threaded section of the cooling
element is configured to be screwed into the threaded section of
the vessel.
20. A beverage container, comprising: a vessel having an interior
that is adapted to hold a beverage, wherein the vessel has a closed
bottom end and an open top end, and wherein the bottom end defines
a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel, a
cooling element that is configured to fit within the cavity; a base
comprising a bottom member and a stem extending vertically upward
from the bottom member, wherein the base includes a connector that
is configured to be coupled to the bottom end of the vessel and to
enclose the cooling element within the cavity.
21. A container as in claim 20, wherein the connector comprises a
threaded end on the stem, wherein the cavity includes a threaded
section, and wherein the threaded end is configured to be screwed
up into the cavity using the threaded section.
22. A container as in claim 20, wherein the cavity is generally
cylindrical in geometry and extends vertically upward into the
interior of the vessel, and wherein the cooling element comprises a
cylinder that is filled with a cooling substance.
23. A beverage container as in claim 21, wherein the connector and
the vessel are constructed of a material selected from a group
consisting of glass, hard plastic, and glass coated with hard
plastic.
24. A container as in claim 20, wherein the vessel has a shape
selected from a group consisting of a mug, a regular wine glass, a
red wine glass, a white wine glass, a martini glass, a tumbler, a
stein glass, a margarita glass, a brandy snifter and a champagne
glass.
25. A beverage container comprising: a vessel having an interior
that is adapted to hold a beverage, wherein the vessel has a closed
bottom end and an open top end, and wherein the bottom end defines
a generally hemispherical cavity that is fluidly sealed from the
interior of the vessel; a generally hemispherical cooling element
that is configured to fit within the cavity; a base having a
connector that is configured to be coupled to the bottom end of the
vessel and to enclose the cooling element within the cavity.
26. A beverage container as in claim 25, wherein the bottom end
includes a generally hemispherical surface that partially defines
the interior of the vessel.
27. A beverage container as in claim 26, wherein the connector
comprises threads on the base, and wherein the bottom end of the
vessel includes threads to permit the base to be screwed into the
vessel.
28. A beverage container kit comprising: a vessel having an
interior that is adapted to hold a beverage, wherein the vessel has
a closed bottom end and an open top end, and wherein the bottom end
defines a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the
vessel; a cooling element that is configured to fit within the
cavity; a base comprising a connector that is configured to be
coupled to the bottom end of the vessel and to enclose the cooling
element within the cavity, a tray having a plurality of holding
regions for holding cooling elements, whereby the tray may be
placed in a freezer to cool the cooling elements.
29. A kit as in claim 28, wherein the tray includes a plurality of
recesses integrally formed in the tray to define the holding
regions.
30. A kit as in claim 29, wherein the recesses are in a shape
selected from a group consisting of semi-cylindrical and
semi-spherical.
31. A kit as in claim 28, wherein the base further comprises a
bottom member and a stem extending vertically upward from the
bottom member.
32. A kit as in claim 31, wherein the connector comprises a
threaded end on the stem, wherein the cavity includes a threaded
section, and wherein the threaded end is configured to be screwed
up into the cavity using the threaded section.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention is a continuation in part application and
claims the benefit of copending U.S. application Ser. No.
10/389,733, filed Mar. 14, 2003, the complete disclosure of which
is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the filed of cooling
beverages, and in particular to the use of removable cooling
elements that may be integrated into various beverage containers.
Such cooling elements are removable to permit them to be placed
into a refrigerator freezer and reused.
[0003] One common method to cool beverages is with ice cubes.
Another way to frost a glass in a freezer. However, there are many
problems associated with these methods. For example, ice cubes
dilute the beverage and can alter the taste of the beverage. Ice
cubes may also be contaminated when touched by a human hand, such
as when placing them into the beverage. As another example, when
frosting a glass in the freezer, the frost can be contaminated by
other products in the freezer, causing an odor. As a further
example, the beverage may be contaminated by the water used to make
the ice.
[0004] Hence, this invention is related to devices and techniques
for cooling beverages which greatly reduces or eliminates such
drawbacks.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, the invention provides a beverage
container that comprises a vessel having an interior for holding a
beverage. The vessel has a closed bottom end and an open top end,
with the bottom end defining a cavity that is fluidly sealed from
the interior of the vessel. The beverage container also includes a
cooling element that is configured to fit within the cavity. The
beverage container further includes a base comprising a bottom
member and a stem extending vertically upward from the bottom
member. The base includes a connector that is configured to be
coupled to the bottom end of the vessel and to enclose the cooling
element within the cavity. In this way, a beverage held within the
vessel may be cooled by the cooling element that is fluidly sealed
from the interior of the vessel. As such, the beverage may be
cooled without contamination from the cooling element. Further, the
cooling element may easily be removed and replaced with a fresh
cooling element whenever needed.
[0006] In one aspect, the connector comprises a threaded end on the
stem. The cavity may also include a threaded section so that the
threaded end may be screwed up into the cavity using the threaded
section. In this way, the exterior of the beverage container may
contain a smooth morphology to make the container more
aesthetically pleasing. At the same time the beverage container may
easily be separated into its component parts for cleaning,
replacement of the cooling element, or the like. As an alternative,
the stem may include a female section to mate with a corresponding
male section.
[0007] In another aspect, the cavity may be generally cylindrical
in geometry and extend vertically upward into the interior of the
vessel. With such a configuration, the cooling element may comprise
a cylinder that is filled with a cooling substance. Other shapes
include cubed, hemispherical, curved, and the like. In a further
aspect, both the connector and the vessel may be constructed of
various materials, such as glass, hard plastics, glass coated with
a hard plastic, crystal, ceramic, acrylic and the like.
[0008] The beverage containers of the invention may be configured
into a wide variety of shapes while still providing a suitable
cooling element. For example, the vessel may be in the shape of a
mug, a wine glass, a martini glass, a tumbler, a stein glass, a
margarita glass, a champagne glass, ordinary drinking glasses (such
as water glasses), beer glasses, including pint glasses, and the
like. In some embodiments, the beverage containers may be
reinforced at the juncture of the cavity and the exterior of the
vessel to prevent the vessel from premature breakage.
[0009] one particular embodiment, the bottom end of the vessel may
define a generally hemispherical cavity that is fluidly sealed from
the interior of the vessel. With such configuration, a generally
hemispherical cooling element may be provided to fit within the
cavity. In this way, the base may be coupled to the bottom end of
the vessel to enclose the cooling element within the cavity. The
use of a generally hemispherical cooling element is advantageous in
that it maximizes the surface area available for heat transfer.
Such a cooling element is also particularly useful in beverage
containers that have the shape of a tumbler, mug, or the like
because the generally hemispherical cavity fits nicely within the
interior of the vessel. Conveniently, the vessel may include
threads while the bottom end of the base also includes threads to
permit the base to be screwed into the vessel. The threads on the
base may be either male or female to correspond with female or male
threads on the vessel. The angle of the threads may be in the range
from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some cases from about
65 degrees to about 75 degrees, and in some case about 70 degrees.
To connect or disconnected the two parts, they may be twisted
relative to each other by about 1/4 to about one turn, and more
preferably from about 1/4 to about 1/2 turn.
[0010] Another feature of the invention is that it may include one
or more trays having a plurality of holding regions for holding the
cooling element. In this way, the tray may be placed into a freezer
to simultaneously cool multiple elements.
[0011] In one aspect, the tray may include a plurality of recesses
that are integrally formed in the tray to define the holding
regions. The recesses may be in the shape of the cooling element so
that they may easily fit within the recesses. For example, the
recesses may be semi-cylindrical, hemispherical, pyramid shaped,
cube shaped and the like.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention provides a beverage
container that comprises a vessel having an interior for holding a
beverage. The vessel has a closed bottom end and an open top end,
and the bottom end defines a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the
interior of the vessel. A cooling element is configured to be
coupled to the vessel and to fit within the cavity. The container
also includes a base that comprises a bottom member and a stem
extending vertically upward from the bottom member. The base
includes a connector that is configured to be coupled to the
cooling element. In this way, the cooling element sits between the
vessel and the base to connect the two elements. In this way, the
cooling element may be constructed of a material that may interface
with glass or another fragile material that is used to construct
the vessel and the base. The base, vessel and cooling element may
be connected to each other by a snap fit, by screwing, by a lock
twist and the like. Such connectors may include male and female
components that can be used on any of the interconnecting
parts.
[0013] In one aspect, the connector may comprise a male threaded
end on the stem, and the cooling element may include a female
threaded section. The male threaded end on the stem is configured
to be screwed into the female threaded section of the cooling
element. Further, the threads on the female threaded section of the
cooling element may have an angle in the range from about 65
degrees to about 75 degrees, and more preferably about 70 degrees.
This permits the base to be coupled to the cooling element with a
single twist (about a half a turn). The cooling element may also
include a male threaded section, and the vessel may include a
female threaded section at the bottom end. The male threaded
section of the cooling element is configured to be screwed into the
female threaded section of the vessel. The male threaded section of
the cooling element may have threads with an angle in the range
from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some cases from about
65 degrees to about 75 degrees, and in some case about 70
degrees.
[0014] In another aspect, the base and the vessel are constructed
of glass, and the cooling element is constructed of a material that
is different from glass, such as an acrylic. The acrylic may have a
durometer of about 30 to about 40, and more preferably about 35.
This material provides a stable connection while still being soft
enough to be coupled to the glass base and vessel. The material
used may also be resistant to expanding and contracting when heated
or cooled, such as when the container (or any of the components)
are placed in the freezer or refrigerator or the dishwasher. In
some cases, the glasses may be partially of completely made of a
disposable platic.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a beverage
container according to the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the container of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a
container according to the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a container
according to the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4A is an exploded cross sectional side view of the
container of FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of still another embodiment of a
beverage container according to the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a
beverage container according to the invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side view of one particular embodiment of a
beverage container according to the invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a beverage
container according to the invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of a further embodiment of a beverage
container according to the invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of yet a further embodiment of a
beverage container according to the invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a side view of still a further embodiment of a
beverage container according to the invention.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top view of one embodiment of a tray for
holding cooling elements according to the invention.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of a tray for
holding cooling elements according to the invention.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
beverage container according to the invention.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a front view of the container of FIG. 14.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of a vessel of the
container of FIG. 15.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cooling element of the
container of FIG. 14.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a side view of the cooling element of FIG.
17.
[0034] FIG. 18A is a cross sectional side view of the cooling
element of FIG. 18.
[0035] FIG. 18B is a bottom view of the cooling element of FIG.
17.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a side view of a base of the beverage container
of FIG. 14.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a front view of another embodiment of a beverage
container according to the invention.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the beverage container of
FIG. 20.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a vessel of the container
of FIG. 20.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a front view of the vessel of FIG. 22.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a front view of another embodiment of a beverage
container according to the invention.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the beverage container of
FIG. 24.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a base of the container of
FIG. 24.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a vessel of the container
of FIG. 24.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a front view of the vessel of FIG. 27.
[0046] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
beverage container according to the invention.
[0047] FIG. 30 is a front view the beverage container of FIG.
29.
[0048] FIG. 31 is a front view of a base of the container of FIG.
29.
[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] The invention provides various beverage containers that may
be used with removable and reusable cooling elements. The
containers each include a vessel for holding the liquid and a
cavity for holding the cooling element. The cavity is sealed from
the interior of the vessel but also extends up into the vessel to
provide a cooling effect. The cavity may have a variety of shapes
or styles configured to maximize heat transfer away from the liquid
or to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Such shapes may
include cylindrical, hemispherical, pyramid shaped, arcuate,
square, triangular, ice cube shaped and the like. The cavity may
conveniently have a shape that is similar to the cooling element,
although that is not necessary. The wall thickness may also be
minimized to maximize heat transfer. The cooling element may
contain any substance that can be cooled and serve to absorb heat.
Examples include water, gels, Blue Ices coolant, any non-toxic
re-freezable substance, and the like. Alternatively, the cooling
element may be a solid substance, such as a metal rod, a piece of
ice, or the like. On one alternative, the cooling element may be
constructed of a glow-in-the-dark material. The cooling element may
be held in the cavity by a base that has one or more connectors to
connect the base to the vessel. Examples of connectors include
threads, clips, snaps, screws, press fits and the like. The base
may be screwed, twisted, locked or snapped into place. One
advantage of using threads is that the vessel may be coupled to the
base utilizing relatively few threads. In this way, the two
components may be locked together using a single twist. The
components may be coupled by a 1/4 turn all the way to a full turn,
or even greater. Further, such threads permit the two components to
be easily unscrewed, even when the vessel is filled with liquid so
that the cooling element may easily be replaced. Few threads also
reduce the changes of having the vessel or the base break. Further,
with few threads, the beverage container remains symmetrical when
assembled, while still being easy to fit together. This
configuration also facilitates the speed at which the container may
be assembled and disassembled, and facilitates ease of use.
[0051] Hence, the invention provides a removable cooling element
for cooling beverages that may be placed into a regular
refrigerator freezer between uses. The removable device when frozen
may be placed into an upper portion of the vessel, and a bottom
portion may then be attached to the upper portion. The device
easily fits into the vessel, which may be constructed of a wide
variety of materials, such as glass, plastic or the like. The base
of the beverage container may be tubular, cubical, semicircular,
pyramidal, or the like, and may be connected to the bottom of the
vessel by a stem or end portion that attaches to the bottom of the
vessel and seals in the cooling element. When threads are used,
they may be constructed of a hard plastic, acrylic or the like, or
glass with a hard plastic or acrylic coating. As another example,
one of the threaded elements may be a hard plastic while the other
is made of glass, or both may be of a hard plastic. The vessels may
be made of glass, plastic, acrylic, ceramic, crystal, earthen ware,
a disposable plastic, or the like. As one specific example, the
male threading may be on the base or stem and may be constructed
from a hard plastic, acrylic or glass with a hard plastic or
acrylic coating on a glass stem. Alternatively, female threads
could be used as well. Such materials serve to seal the cooling
device into the integrated vessel and base to cool the beverage
without ever contacting it. As such, the cooling device may be
replaced even while the fluid is in the vessel to provide
additional cooling.
[0052] In one aspect, the bottom end of the cooling element may
include a slot so that a tool may be used to turn the cooling
element in case it gets lodged into the vessel. The slot may be
sized to receive a coin (such as a quarter or a dime), a
screwdriver or the like.
[0053] Alternatively, both the base and the vessel may be coupled
to the cooling element. In this way, the cooling element serves as
a connector to connect the base to the vessel without coming into
contact with each other. This arrangement permits the base and the
vessel to be constructed of a fragile material, such as glass, and
still be coupled to each other. Further, this arrangement permits
the cooling element to easily be removed and placed in a cooler to
cool the cooling element.
[0054] The cooling element may also be made of a hard plastic or
acrylic, and the re-freezable substance may be of any color. In
some cases, the cooling element could be made of a fluorescent or a
glow in the dark material or any other easily identifiable
material. Similarly, the vessel may also be of any color.
[0055] When the cooling device is removed, it may be washed and
then kept in the freezer in an appropriate cooling tray or bucket.
The tray may have regions that are shaped to hold the particular
cooling element. Because the removable cooling element is never in
contact with the interior of the vessel, it is always hygienic.
[0056] Such a system provides a variety of advantages. For example,
as just described, the beverage is hygienically cooled using a
reusable cooling device that never contacts the beverage. The
cooling elements fit neatly into a tray and take up little room in
the freezer, usually less than an ordinary ice tray.
[0057] Further, the beverage container may be separated into parts
to facilitate washing. For example, the stem may be separated from
the vessel and separately placed into a dishwashing machine with a
reduced risk of being broken.
[0058] The beverage container or insert may also come in an
assortment of colors to make identification of the container
simple, thus resulting in less chance of the spreading of germs by
drinking from another's glass. Different colors may also be used
for the cooling element, the fluid within the cooling element and
the cavity used to hold the cooling element, including fluorescent
or glow in the dark materials.
[0059] Another feature is that the extension into the interior of
the vessel takes up extra volume. In this way, restaurants and bars
may increase their profits per drink.
[0060] The beverage also does not get diluted with melting ice, and
there is no contamination from the ice/odors or impurities in the
water. This is also true with frosted glasses, where the frost can
have odors or contamination from the water used to make frost.
[0061] Also, since no ice cubes are placed into the beverage, there
is no chance of contamination from a person's hand used to place
the ice into the beverage. In fact, no human contact with the
beverage is ever experienced.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a beverage
container 10 will be described. Container 10 comprises a base 12
and a vessel 14 having an open top end 16 and a closed bottom end
18. Formed in bottom end 18 is a cavity 20 that extends up into the
interior 22 of vessel 14. Cavity 20 is cylindrical in geometry and
is sized to receive a cylindrical cooling element 24. The bottom of
cavity 20 has threads 26 for receiving a threaded end 28 of a stem
30 that is part of base 12. In this way, cooling element 24
containing a cooling substance 25 may be inserted into cavity 20,
and threaded end 28 of stem 30 may be screwed into threads 26 to
completely seal cooling element 24 within cavity 20. One advantage
of using internal threads within cavity 20 is that a continuous
smooth surface is provided at the interface between vessel 14 and
stem 30. As such, container 10 has the appearance of a traditional
wine glass, except for the presence of cooling element 24 that
extends into interior 22. However, this has the advantage of
reducing the volume of interior 22 so that restaurants and bars can
reduce the amount of beverages served while still charging the same
amount.
[0063] Another advantage is that the cooling element 24 is almost
entirely exposed to interior 22 to maximize heat transfer. Further,
since cooling element 24 is sealed from the beverage, no
contamination of the beverage by a coolant occurs. Container 10 is
also aesthetically pleasing and can be fashioned in essentially any
shape or configuration, including conventional shapes and designs
as described hereinafter.
[0064] In use, cooling element 24 is placed into a cold location,
such as a refrigerator or freezer. When ready to pour a beverage,
cooling element 24 is removed and placed into cavity 20. Threaded
end 28 is then screwed into cavity 20 until it is unable to turn
and a smooth surface at the joint is formed. A beverage is then
poured into vessel 14 where it is cooled by cooling element 24. At
any time, base 12 may be unscrewed and cooling element 24 replaced
with another one.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 3 another embodiment of a beverage
container 40 will be described. Container 40 is essentially
identical to container 10 except that container 40 is a martini
glass and has a different shaped vessel 42. As such, container 40
is labeled with the same reference numerals for elements that are
the same as those used with container 10. When stem 30 is screwed
into cavity 20, vessel 42 has a conical shape that is continuous at
the interface between vessel 42 and stem 30.
[0066] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate a beverage container 50 in the
shape of a mug. Container 50 comprises a vessel 52 having an open
top 54 and a closed bottom 56 to form an interior 58. Extending up
onto the interior 58 is a hemispherical cavity 60 to hold a
hemispherical cooling element 62. This shape maximizes the coolable
surface wherein interior 58 to maximize cooling. Conveniently, a
handle 64 may be coupled to vessel 52.
[0067] Bottom 56 includes internal threads 66 to mate with threads
68 on a base 70 having an outer edge 72. After cooling element 62
is placed into interior 58, base 70 is screwed into bottom 56 until
edge 72 is flush with vessel 52 as shown in FIG. 4. Hence,
container 50 has the shape of a traditional mug while also
containing a cooling element that is configured to maximize heat
transfer. In addition, container 50 includes all of the benefits of
the other containers described herein.
[0068] FIGS. 5-10 describe various other embodiments of beverage
containers that are constructed in a manner similar to the other
containers described herein. As such, the containers in FIGS. 5-10
are labeled with similar elements followed by "a" through "g". FIG.
5 illustrates a white wine glass 70, and FIG. 6 illustrates a
champagne glass 80. FIG. 7 illustrates a Stein glass 90, and FIG. 8
illustrates another wine glass 100. FIG. 9 illustrates a margarita
glass 110, and FIG. 10 illustrates another martini glass 120. FIG.
11 illustrates a tumbler 130 that is similar to mug 50 of FIG. 4
without a handle. Other types of glasses include red wine glasses,
brandy snifter glasses, along with essentially any other type of
glass or beverage container.
[0069] FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a tray 140 having a
plurality of recessed regions 141 that may be semi-cylindrical in
geometry for holding a set of cylindrical cooling elements 142. In
this way, multiple cooling elements 142 may simultaneously be
placed into a freezer while using minimal space. When a beverage
container needs a new cooling element, it may simply be removed
from tray 140 and placed into the cavity as previously described.
The old cooling element may then be placed onto tray 140 which is
placed into the freezer. Further, it will be appreciated that tray
140 may have any shape of indentation needed to match the shape of
the cooling element, including any of the shapes described
herein.
[0070] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative tray 150 having a
plurality of hemispherical recesses 152 for receiving hemispherical
cooling elements. Tray 150 may be used in a manner similar to tray
140.
[0071] Although some embodiments are described in the context of a
martini glass, it will be appreciated that similar techniques may
be used for any of the other beverage containers described herein.
For example, tumbler 50 could be modified so that cooling element
62 included internal and external threads in a manner similar to
connector 214.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, another embodiment of a
beverage container 200 will be described. Container 200 comprises a
base 202 and a vessel 204 having an open top end 206 and a closed
bottom end 208 (see also FIG. 16) to permit vessel 204 to hold a
beverage. Formed in bottom end 208 is a cavity 210 that extends up
into an interior 212 of vessel 204. Cavity 210 is cylindrical in
geometry at its base and hemispherical at its top to be able to
receive a cooling element 214 (see FIGS. 17 and 18). The bottom of
cavity 210 has female threads 216 for receiving corresponding male
threads 218 on cooling element 214, although the male/female
relationship of the threads may be swapped.
[0073] The top of cavity 210 is curved or rounded to maximize the
amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the beverage.
However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could be used as
well. For example, it could be stepped, square, rectangular, or the
like. When element 214 is screwed into cavity 210, the top end of
element 214 comes into contact with the top end of cavity 210 to
maximize heat transfer in a manner similar to that described with
other embodiments. Also, additional support material may be
included in the region where the outer walls of vessel 204
intersect cavity 210. In this way, vessel 204 is made more durable
so that it will resist breaking when connection to base 202.
[0074] One particular feature of cooling element 214 is that it
also functions as a connector to connect vessel 204 to base 202.
More specifically, base 202 includes a stem 220 (see FIG. 19)
having a threaded top end 222. Element 214 also includes female
threads 224 at its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end
222 of base 202, although the male/female relationship of the
threads could be swapped. As best shown in FIG. 15, this
arrangement permits vessel 204 to be coupled to base 202 without
coming into contact with each other. This allows vessel 204 and
base 202 to be constructed of relatively fragile materials, such as
glass, ceramics, porcelain, china, and the like, and then connected
to each other using a softer material as a connector. For example,
connector 214 may be constructed of a plastic, acrylic, or the
like. In this way, the more fragile materials used to construct
base 202 and vessel 204 may be screwed into connector 214 without
breaking. In some cases, the entire beverage container could be
constructed of the same material, such as plastic, acrylic or the
like. One exemplary material for constructing connector 214 is an
acrylic material having a durometer in the range from about 30 to
about 40, and more preferably about 35. Such a material has a small
coefficient of thermal expansion so that it does not excessively
shrink or expand due to changes in temperature. Further, the
material is hard enough so that a stable connection is provided
between base 202 and vessel 204. At the same time, the material is
soft enough to prevent breakage of the vessel 204 or the base
202.
[0075] Connector 214 also includes a tapered end 225 that serves as
a buffer between base 202 and vessel 204 so that the two pieces
never come into direct contact. This also helps to prevent base 202
and vessel 204 from breaking. Conveniently, the taper of end 225
matches the angle of vessel 204 so that a smooth, continuous
surface is provided along the exterior of container 206. For
instance, the angle of taper, alpha, may be in the range from about
35 to about 45 degrees.
[0076] The use of glass to construct vessel 204 and base 202 is
important because many establishments, such as restaurants demand
containers made of glass. Also, glass is aesthetically pleasing and
easy to wash using conventional dishwashers. Container 200 is easy
to assemble and reuse simply by screwing and unscrewing the
pieces.
[0077] Another important feature of container 200 is the amount of
pitch used with threads 218 and 224. The pitch is selected such
that it takes about a half a turn to insert and remove connector
214 and to connect and remove base 202 to and from connector 214.
By requiring only a single twist to connect the components, the
chances of breakage are reduced. Further, it is relatively easy to
connect and disconnect the pieces since it may be done with a
single twist. In one aspect, the angle, beta, of threads 218 and
224 may be in the range from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees,
in some cases from about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees, and in
some case about 70 degrees. This minimizes the number of threads to
minimize the amount of turning required. It also provides
sufficient threads so that the components are securely held
together. However, the pitch may be configured so that the pieces
separate when turned about 1/4 turn to about one turn or more.
[0078] Cooling element 214 includes an open interior 226 for
holding a cooling substance similar to other embodiments. In this
way, cooling element 214 may be removed and placed in a freezer for
cooling. Also similar to other embodiments, a tray may be used to
hold multiple cooling elements 214.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 18B, cooling element 214 has a bottom end
230 that may include one ore more slots 232, detents or the like.
This provides an easy way to disengage or remove cooling element
from vessel 204. Examples of tools that may be used to engage slots
232 include coins (such as a quarter), a screw driver, a
fingernail, a knife, or the like.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 20-23, another embodiment of a beverage
container 300 will be described. Container 300 comprises a base 302
and a vessel 304 having an open top end 306 and a closed bottom end
308 (see also FIGS. 22 and 23) to permit vessel 304 to hold a
beverage. Formed in bottom end 308 is a cavity 310 that extends up
into an interior 312 of vessel 304. Cavity 310 is cylindrical in
geometry at its base and hemispherical at its top to receive a
cooling element 314 (see FIG. 21) that is similar to cooling
element 214 in other embodiments. The bottom of cavity 310 has
threads 316 for receiving corresponding threads cooling element
314.
[0081] Cavity 310 has a top 311 that is curved or rounded to
maximize the amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the
beverage. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could
be used as well. For example, it could be stepped, square,
rectangular, pyramid shaped or the like. When element 314 is
screwed into cavity 310, the top end of element 314 comes into
contact with the top end 311 of cavity 310 to maximize heat
transfer in a manner similar to that described with other
embodiments. Also, additional support material may be included in
the region where the outer walls of vessel 304 intersect cavity
310. In this way, vessel 304 is made more durable so that it will
resist breaking when connection to base 302.
[0082] One particular feature of cooling element 314 is that it
also functions as a connector to connect vessel 304 to base 302.
More specifically, base 302 includes a stem 320 (see FIGS. 20 and
21) having a threaded top end 322. Element 314 also includes
threads at its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end 322 of
base 302. As best shown in FIG. 20, this arrangement permits vessel
304 to be coupled to base 302 without coming into contact with each
other. This allows vessel 304 and base 302 to be constructed of
relatively fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, porcelain,
china, and the like, and then connected to each other using a
softer material as a connector. For example, connector 314 may be
constructed of a plastic, acrylic, or the like. In this way, the
more fragile materials used to construct base 302 and vessel 304
may be screwed into connector 314 without breaking. Also, connector
314 accommodates expansion and contraction of the other pieces
during heating or cooling. In some cases, the entire beverage
container could be constructed of the same material, such as
plastic, acrylic or the like. One exemplary material for
constructing connector 314 is an acrylic material having a
durometer in the range from about 30 to about 40, and more
preferably about 35. Such a material has a small coefficient of
thermal expansion so that it does not excessively shrink or expand
due to changes in temperature. Further, the material is hard enough
so that a stable connection is provided between base 302 and vessel
304. At the same time, the material is soft enough to prevent
breakage of the vessel 304 or the base 302.
[0083] Connector 314 also includes a tapered end 325 (see FIG. 20)
that serves as a buffer between base 302 and vessel 304 so that the
two pieces never come into direct contact. This also helps to
prevent base 302 and vessel 304 from breaking. Conveniently, the
taper of end 325 matches the angle of vessel 304 so that a smooth,
continuous surface is provided along the exterior of container
300.
[0084] Another important feature of container 300 is that it takes
about a half a turn to insert and remove connector 314 and to
connect and remove base 302 to and from connector 314 similar to
other embodiments. However, the pitch may be configured so that the
pieces separate when turned about 1/4 turn to about one turn or
more.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 24-28, another embodiment of a beverage
container 400 will be described. Container 400 comprises a base 402
and a vessel 404 having an open top end 406 and a closed bottom end
408 (see FIGS. 27 and 28) to permit vessel 404 to hold a beverage.
Formed in bottom end 408 is a cavity 410 that extends up into an
interior 412 of vessel 404. Cavity 410 is cylindrical in geometry
at its base and hemispherical at its top to receive a cooling
element 414 (see FIG. 25) that is similar to cooling element 214 in
other embodiments. The bottom of cavity 410 has threads 416 for
receiving corresponding threads cooling element 414.
[0086] Cavity 410 has a top 411 that is curved or rounded to
maximize the amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the
beverage. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could
be used as well. For example, it could be stepped, square,
rectangular, pyramid shaped or the like. When element 414 is
screwed into cavity 410, the top end of element 414 comes into
contact with the top end 411 of cavity 410 to maximize heat
transfer in a manner similar to that described with other
embodiments. Also, additional support material may be included in
the region where the outer walls of vessel 404 intersect cavity
410. In this way, vessel 404 is made more durable so that it will
resist breaking when connection to base 402.
[0087] One particular feature of cooling element 414 is that it
also functions as a connector to connect vessel 404 to base 402.
More specifically, base 402 includes a stem 420 (see FIGS. 24 and
26) having a threaded top end 422. Element 414 also includes
threads at its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end 422 of
base 402. As best shown in FIG. 24, this arrangement permits vessel
404 to be coupled to base 402 without coming into contact with each
other. This allows vessel 404 and base 402 to be constructed of
relatively fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, porcelain,
china, and the like, and then connected to each other using a
softer material as a connector. For example, connector 414 may be
constructed of a plastic, acrylic, or the like. In this way, the
more fragile materials used to construct base 402 and vessel 404
may be screwed into connector 414 without breaking. Also, connector
414 accommodates expansion and contraction of the other pieces
during heating or cooling. In some cases, the entire beverage
container could be constructed of the same material, such as
plastic, acrylic or the like. One exemplary material for
constructing connector 414 is an acrylic material having a
durometer in the range from about 30 to about 40, and more
preferably about 35. Such a material has a small coefficient of
thermal expansion so that it does not excessively shrink or expand
due to changes in temperature. Further, the material is hard enough
so that a stable connection is provided between base 402 and vessel
404. At the same time, the material is soft enough to prevent
breakage of the vessel 404 or the base 402. 100871 Connector 414
also includes a tapered end 425 (see FIG. 24) that serves as a
buffer between base 402 and vessel 404 so that the two pieces never
come into direct contact. This also helps to prevent base 402 and
vessel 404 from breaking. Conveniently, the taper of end 425
matches the angle of vessel 404 so that a smooth, continuous
surface is provided along the exterior of container 400.
[0088] Another important feature of container 400 is that it takes
about a half a turn to insert and remove connector 414 and to
connect and remove base 402 to and from connector 414 similar to
other embodiments. However, the pitch may be configured so that the
pieces separate when turned about 1/4 turn to about one turn or
more.
[0089] FIGS. 29-31 illustrate another embodiment of a beverage
container 500 will be described. Container 500 comprises a base 502
and a vessel 504 having an open top end 506 and a closed bottom end
508 to permit vessel 504 to hold a beverage. Formed in bottom end
508 is a cavity 510 that extends up into an interior 512 of vessel
504. Cavity 510 is cylindrical in geometry at its base and
hemispherical at its top to receive a cooling element 514 (see FIG.
30) that is similar to cooling element 214 in other embodiments.
The bottom of cavity 510 has threads 516 for receiving
corresponding threads cooling element 514.
[0090] Cavity 510 has atop 511 that is curved or rounded to
maximize the amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the
beverage. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could
be used as well. For example, it could be stepped, square,
rectangular, pyramid shaped or the like. When element 514 is
screwed into cavity 510, the top end of element 514 comes into
contact with the top end 511 of cavity 510 to maximize heat
transfer in a manner similar to that described with other
embodiments. Also, additional support material may be included in
the region where the outer walls of vessel 504 intersect cavity
510. In this way, vessel 504 is made more durable so that it will
resist breaking when connection to base 502.
[0091] One particular feature of cooling element 514 is that it
also functions as a connector to connect vessel 504 to base 502.
More specifically, base 502 includes a stem 520 (see FIG. 31)
having a threaded top end 522. Element 514 also includes threads at
its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end 522 of base 502.
As best shown in FIG. 29, this arrangement permits vessel 504 to be
coupled to base 502 without coming into contact with each other.
This allows vessel 504 and base 502 to be constructed of relatively
fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, porcelain, china, and
the like, and then connected to each other using a softer material
as a connector. For example, connector 514 may be constructed of a
plastic, acrylic, or the like. In this way, the more fragile
materials used to construct base 502 and vessel 504 may be screwed
into connector 514 without breaking. Also, connector 514
accommodates expansion and contraction of the other pieces during
heating or cooling. In some cases, the entire beverage container
could be constructed of the same material, such as plastic, acrylic
or the like. One exemplary material for constructing connector 514
is an acrylic material having a durometer in the range from about
30 to about 40, and more preferably about 35. Such a material has a
small coefficient of thermal expansion so that it does not
excessively shrink or expand due to changes in temperature.
Further, the material is hard enough so that a stable connection is
provided between base 502 and vessel 504. At the same time, the
material is soft enough to prevent breakage of the vessel 504 or
the base 502.
[0092] Connector 514 also includes a tapered end 525 (see FIG. 30)
that serves as a buffer between base 502 and vessel 504 so that the
two pieces never come into direct contact. This also helps to
prevent base 502 and vessel 504 from breaking. Conveniently, the
taper of end 525 matches the angle of vessel 504 so that a smooth,
continuous surface is provided along the exterior of container
500.
[0093] Another important feature of container 500 is that it takes
about a half a turn to insert and remove connector 514 and to
connect and remove base 502 to and from connector 514 similar to
other embodiments. However, the pitch may be configured so that the
pieces separate when turned about 1/4 turn to about one turn or
more.
[0094] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes
of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that
certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *