Container Chilling Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for chilling a container are disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable container or wine chiller has an outer shell and may have a closure that holds the wine bottle in place. The wine chiller may have an insertable coolant, or may alternatively have a permanently affixed coolant.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for chilling a container, and more specifically relates to an apparatus and kit for chilling wine or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wine chillers are known in the art. Many wine chillers, however, are designed for tableside chilling service rather than portability. Other wine carriers may be designed for portability but not optimal chilling conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to one or more of the following features, elements or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, a portable container or wine chiller is disclosed. The wine chiller can have an outer shell and may have a closure that holds the wine bottle in place. The wine chiller may have an insertable coolant, or may alternatively have a permanently affixed coolant. Other items may be affixed to the wine chiller as disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-C are various views of an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 3A-E are additional views of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, a container carrier 10 comprises an outer shell 12 capable of housing a container 22 (visible in FIGS. 2-3). In the illustrative example, container 22 is a wine bottle. However, it should be understood that other bottles and containers are within the scope of the invention. For example, the present invention may be used with water bottles, bottles of liquor, and/or any other type of beverage or food container that is desirably held at a certain temperature.

As can be seen in the example shown in FIG. 1, outer shell 12 carries at least one coolant 14 that can be positioned inside outer shell 12. Coolant 14 is illustratively positionable inside a lower portion 16 of the outer shell 12. However, other configurations and positions are within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 also shows a closure 18 that can used to secure container 22 inside outer shell 12. It is contemplated that closure 18 can be a draw string, zipper, Velcro®, a strap, buttons, fasteners, or any other type of system that can be used to secure an upper portion 20 of outer shell 12. In the illustrated example, closure 18 comprises a slit 24 in outer shell 12 that is drawn together with closure 18. In one embodiment, the closure 18 may have portions (i.e. a draw string or strap) that double as a carrying strap. In another embodiment, a strap may simply be sewn on to outer shell 12.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A, a plurality of coolants 14 can be used to line the inside of outer shell 12. The coolants 14 may be insertable, as shown, but also may be permanently fixed inside outer shell 12. A retainer, such as VELCRO®, a pocket, or some other sort of retaining means, may be used to retain coolants 14 inside the outer shell 12.

It is contemplated that coolants 14 may also be disposable and replaceable. Disposable coolants 14 can comprise freezable liquid or gel, or in the alternative, may be chemically activated coolants. For example, coolants 14 could comprise two chemicals that are separated until it is desired to have a cooling effect, at which time the chemicals are combined in some way. This combination could occur from breaking an intermediary glass or other barrier, or could occur by squeezing one chemical into the other through a semi-permeable membrane that does not permit passage of the chemical(s) without pressure. In one embodiment, coolants 14 may comprise a PVC material.

FIGS. 2B and 2C show outer shell 12 in a side elevation view and a top view, respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 2B, upper portion 20 is substantially conically formed so as to conform to the top of a container such as a bottle of wine. In the top view shown in FIG. 2C, it can be seen that seams or creases 26 may be formed in upper portion 20 so as to accommodate the conical formation.

Other embodiments can be seen in FIG. 3. For example, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, a bottle opener pouch 28 is attached to carrier 10 such that a bottle opener (or any other type of desirable tool) can be carried by carrier 10. In the illustrated example, pouch 28 is carried on the outer shell 12.

However, other positions are contemplated, such as on a strap or other item connected to outer shell 12.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3E, pockets can be formed or sewn on the inner surface of outer shell 12, wherein the pockets can carry coolants 14. In still another embodiment, the coolants 14 can be affixed to the outer shell 12 via a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro® or via any other means known in the art.

It is contemplated that outer shell 12 could be formed of a mesh, stretchable, and/or polyurethane material. One such contemplated material is neoprene, allowing for flexibility around a container 22, yet a tight fit so that coolants are held close to container 22. An inner layer may be coupled to outer shell 12, the inner layer being constructed of, for example, a nylon material. Such a material may provide for better wear of the carrier 10 and easier insertion and removal of the container 22. A handle and shoulder strap may also be attached to the outer shell, the handle and shoulder strap being made from, for example, the a webbed type of material.

The other shell 12 can be constructed so as to provide room for advertising or other markings. It may also include or carry additional pockets and/or straps for multi-purpose use.

The entire system disclosed can be sold as a kit. For example, container carrier 10 can be sold in combination with a wine bottle opener, and container carrier 10 can be configured to hold a wine bottle opener in an outer pocket attached thereto. A strap or other carrying device can be sold with the kit as well. Furthermore, the coolant or a plurality of disposable coolants may be included in the kit.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage carrier comprising:

an outer shell configured to encompass a beverage container;

an opening formed in the outer shell, the opening being configured to permit the beverage container to be inserted and removed from the outer shell;

a coolant removably positioned on an inner portion of the outer shell; and

a retainer configured to releasably retain the coolant on the inner portion of the outer shell.

2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is constructed of a neoprene material.

3. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a strap attached to the outer shell, the strap permitting a user to carry the beverage carrier.

4. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a pocket positioned on an outside surface of the outer shell.

5. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the retainer is a pocket configured to hold the coolant.

6. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the retainer is formed of a hook-and-loop material.

7. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is configured to closely encompass the beverage container.

8. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the coolant is a disposable material.

9. A beverage carrier comprising:

an outer shell configured to encompass a beverage container;

an opening formed in the outer shell, the opening being configured to permit the beverage container to be inserted and removed from the outer shell;

a disposable coolant positioned within the outer shell; and

a retainer configured to releasably retain the coolant within the outer shell.

10. The beverage container of claim 9, wherein the outer shell is constructed of a neoprene material.

11. The beverage container of claim 9, further comprising a strap attached to the outer shell, the strap permitting a user to carry the beverage carrier.

12. The beverage container of claim 9, further comprising a pocket positioned on an outside surface of the outer shell.