Abstract: The present invention provides an insulated container for cooling hot beverages to an acceptable temperature and then maintaining the beverage temperature in an acceptable temperature range for consumption. This invention has an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir surrounding a beverage chamber, the upper and lower reservoirs communicating with one another through at least one passageway having a two-way valve. A liquid located in the lower reservoir is permitted to flow into the upper reservoir through the valve. The thermal liquid removes some of the heat from the hot beverage. After the hot beverage reaches a satisfactory drinking temperature, the liquid is then allowed to flow back through the valve into the lower reservoir. The air in the upper reservoir maintains the beverage at a proper temperature. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-dispensing cooler comprising a) a cabinet defined by a plurality of opposing walls and a top and a bottom; b) a filling means for adding items to said cabinet located near the top of one of said walls; c) a dispensing means positioned vertically distal from said filling means on one of said walls; and d) a cooling means positioned at least partially inside said cabinet wherein said cooling means defines an inclined channel connecting said filling means to said dispensing means. The self-dispensing cooler is preferably portable.