CONTAINER CHILLING BASE AND APPARATUS

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for cooling containers such as beverage containers are disclosed. The apparatus can include a base holding a chilling agent and having a top contoured to fit the bottom of a container, such as a canned beverage. In other embodiments, a portion of a top surface of the base may be shaped such that the portion does not conform to the shape of a beverage container. A bottom surface of the base may be convex and may have extensions that extend beyond the convex shape and configured to allow the base to securely rest on a planar surface. A container may be held to the base using an elastic band.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/973,318 filed on Aug. 22, 2013, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/824,879, filed on May 17, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/849,415 filed on Jan. 28, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/742,991 filed on Aug. 24, 2012, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus for chilling the contents of containers and to methods for chilling contents of containers.

BACKGROUND

Consumers often prefer to consume a beverage at a certain temperature. For example, many consumers prefer to drink cold soda and beer. As these beverages warm, the beverage becomes less enjoyable. A beverage that is initially cold will eventually warm when removed from a refrigerated or cold environment such as, for example, a refrigerator, freezer, ice chest, or cooler. Ice can be added to beverages in open containers, but melting ice dilutes the intended flavor. Furthermore, some beverage containers, such as bottles and cans, do not have openings big enough for most types of ice cubes, resulting in a race against time to finish a cold beverage on a warm day. Insulated beverage container sleeves may reduce contact of the beverage container with the air or a user's hand, but serve only to slow the rising temperature of the beverage. Most coasters do little to delay beverage warming.

Thus, improved apparatus and methods are desired to keep container contents such as beverages cold while a beverage is being consumed.

SUMMARY

Chilled cooling apparatus in which the top is contoured to conform to the bottom of a container to be cooled and where the width of the apparatus is equal to or less than the outer diameter of a container are disclosed. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with an insulating elastic band or sleeve to retain the apparatus and the container.

In a first aspect, bases for cooling contents of a container are provided, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and at least one internal volume, wherein: a shape of the top is configured to conform to a shape of a bottom of a container; at least a portion of the base is not flat; and the sidewall is characterized by an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than an outer diameter of the container.

In a second aspect, bases for cooling contents of a container are provided, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and at least one internal volume, wherein: the top surface is characterized by a shape that does not conform to a bottom surface of a beverage container; and the sidewall is characterized by an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than an outer diameter of the container.

In a third aspect, bands configured to removably retain a base and a container are provided.

In a fourth aspect, apparatus for cooling contents of a container are provided, comprising a base comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; and a sidewall extending from the bottom surface to above the top surface; wherein an extension of the sidewall above the top surface is configured to retain a beverage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D show top, side, bottom, and perspective views, respectively, of certain embodiments of an apparatus provided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of certain embodiments of a base provided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a container, base, and sleeve or band provided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a container resting on certain embodiments of a apparatus provided by the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C show top, side, and perspective views of certain embodiments of a retaining band provided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a container and a base retained by a retaining band according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of a container and a base according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6C show side, cross-sectional, and perspective views of a beverage container for use with a chilling apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7G show cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a base provided by the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a conical-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a cut-conical-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a tetrahedral-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a multi-terraced-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a base having a top surface surmounted by flanges according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13D show cross-sectional, side, top, and bottom views of a base having a bulbous or convex bottom surface and sidewall designed to contact a plane upon which the base rests at limited points, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 14A-14D show cross-sectional, side, top, and bottom views of a base having a convex bottom surface according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 15A-15C show views of an integrated apparatus having a base for retaining a cooling medium and sidewall extensions for retaining a beverage container, according to certain embodiments.

Reference is now made to certain embodiments of methods and apparatus for chilling the contents of containers. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting of the claims. To the contrary, the claims are intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus provided by the present disclosure can be used to chill the contents of a container such as a beverage within a beverage container.

The apparatus includes a base having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall. Overall, the apparatus has the shape of a puck. The sidewall has a diameter that can be substantially the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the container to be chilled. For example, when the container is a soda or beer can, the sidewall has a diameter of about 2.5 inches or less. Having substantially the same diameter means that when a container is resting on the base, the sidewall and the outer diameter of the container are flush and the outer diameter of the sidewall is not greater than that of the container such that the container can rest within the outer diameter of the sidewall and/or be retained by features incorporated within the sidewall that fixedly engage the container.

The top of the base is configured to efficiently chill the container when contacting the base of the container. For example certain beverage containers such as soda and beer cans have a concave surface at the bottom. Thus, for use with these containers, a base will have a convex surface that substantially conforms to the convex bottom surface of the can. In general, the top of a base will have a shape that is configured to mate with the shape of the bottom of the container to be chilled. Mating of the top surface of a base to the bottom surface of the container is intended to facilitate thermal transfer between the two.

A base can also include one or more internal volumes. The internal volumes may be unfilled, that is filled with air, an insulating material, or a chilling agent. In certain embodiments, a base includes at least one internal volume at the top, such as directly beneath and adjacent a convex surface. Other internal volumes may be used for providing insulation at the bottom of the base and/or adjacent the sidewalls. Insulating volumes may contain air or an insulation material such as a foam. The size, location, and contents of the volumes within the base can be selected to insulate the chilling agent from the environment and to facilitate thermal transfer between the chilling agent and the contents of the container. One or more of the internal volumes are filled with a chilling agent.

The top of a base may be any appropriate shape such as concave, convex, flat or textured and are designed to mate with the bottom of a container to be chilled to facilitate thermal transfer between the chilling agent and the contents of the container.

In certain embodiments, the bottom of the base may be any appropriate shape such as, for example, substantially flat. In certain embodiments, a based may include additional features and/or materials that can further serve to insulate the base. For example, a base may include a plurality of standoffs or bumps disposed on the bottom such that the base is stable and that contact of the base with an underlying surface is reduced or minimized. In certain embodiments, a base may include an insulating layer such as a foam or an elastomer that provides additional insulation and can prevent the base from moving or slipping on an underlying surface. In certain embodiments, the insulating layer is made from a material that insulates the base from ambient air or an underlying surface. The insulating layer may be applied to the bottom and/or sidewalls of a base.

The base may be made out of any appropriate material or combination of materials. For example, a base may be made from a thermoplastic. The base may include materials such as a metal that facilitates thermal transfer or portions of the base may include thermally conductive thermoplastic material. In certain embodiments, a base can be injection molded as a single part. Any suitable thermoplastic material may be used. The base may be made from a combination of materials having different thermal transfer characteristics. For example, at the top of the base it is desirable that thermal transfer be efficient in order to cool the contents of a container. Thus, the top of the base may be made of a material or a combination of materials that have good thermal transfer properties and that facilitate cooling of the container contents. Conversely, it may be desirable to insulate the bottom and the sidewalls of the base to minimize thermal transfer to the ambient environment, to a user's hand, or to an underlying surface. Thus, the bottom and sidewalls of the base may be made from a material or combination of materials having poor thermal transfer properties and that facilitates insulation of the base and sidewalls.

In certain embodiments, a base may include multiple materials. For example, the top of a base may include one or more materials that facilitate thermal transfer and the materials forming the sidewalls and/or the bottom may comprise one or more materials that serve to insulate the chilling agent within the base. For example, a thin metal may be positioned and insert molded at the top of the base. Alternatively, the top of the base may include a thermally conductive thermoplastic comprising a thermally conductive filler with other parts of the base being fabricated using a thermoplastic without a thermally conductive filler. Similarly, the sidewalls and/or the bottom of the base could be made using a foamed thermoplastic to improve insulation.

Thermal transfer properties of features of the base may also be modified after the base is formed. For example, a metal foil or other metal surface may be affixed or bonded to the top surface to improve thermal transfer properties. In addition or as an alternative, a thermally conductive layer such as a thermally conductive elastomeric layer could be affixed to the top of the base to both improve thermal transfer and to facilitate mating between the top of the base and the bottom surface of the container to be chilled. A layer on the upper surface or top of the base may have metal features extending through the top of the base and into the chilling agent to improve thermal transfer from the chilling agent to the top surface of the base.

The thickness of the walls of a base may also be selected to optimize the ability of the apparatus to chill a container. For example, the thickness of the wall at the top may be thin to improve thermal transfer, whereas the thickness of the material at the sidewalls and the bottom may be thicker to insulate the chilling agent and also to provide physical integrity to the apparatus.

In certain embodiments, a profile of the sidewall may be substantially planar, and in other embodiments, may be concave, convex, or other suitable shape. In certain embodiments, a profile of the sidewalls may be smooth or may have raised and/or indented features. Raised features can be used to increase retention of the base using a band, as described herein. Indented features may be used to decrease weight, reduce material use, and/or reduce thermal loss.

Bases provided by the present disclosure can be made, for example, by injection molding, blow molding, or other suitable plastic molding method. Thermally conductive and/or non-conductive elements and/or features can be included using insert molding. Chilling agent can be injected into an internal volume and the hole filled, for example, with an adhesive or a plug. Layers of thermally conductive or thermally non-conductive material may be applied to one or more of the outer surfaces of the base to modify the thermal transfer properties of the base.

One or more internal volumes within the base may be filled with a chilling agent. In certain embodiments, the based comprises an internal volume directly below and adjacent the convex surface toward the top of the base. The chilling agent may be selected from a composition or material that has a freezing point less than or substantially the same as that of water. For example, the chilling agent may have a temperature when fully chilled of 0° C. or less, −10° C. or less, or −20° C. or less. The chilling agent can be frozen, for example, by storing the base with the chilling agent in a refrigerator or contacting the base with ice such as in an ice chest. In certain embodiments, a chilling agent is selected from a refrigerant gel.

Views of certain embodiments of a base provided by the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. FIGS. 1A-1D show top, side, bottom, and perspective views of certain embodiments a base useful, for example, to chill the contents of a beverage container. A base includes sidewall 101 having a diameter 104, an upper or top surface including a convex portion 102 and a radial depression 103. The base is characterized by a diameter 104 and includes bottom 106. In certain embodiments the height 105 of sidewall 101 can be from about 0.25 inches to about 2.00 inches, from about 0.25 inches to about 1.00 inches, from about 0.35 inches to about 0.65 inches, and in certain embodiments, about 0.5 inches. The height of the sidewall and hence the height of the base can be selected to optimize the amount of chilling agent used for a particular use and optimize convenience, comfort, and/or ease of use. For example, although a large base can be desirable to retain a large amount of chilling agent, it can also be desirable that the base not be too heavy and be comfortable when held by hand. Convenience, comfort, and handling ability can be particularly important for portable uses such as when used to chill a beverage container. In contrast, for stationary applications, a base could be larger and heavier. Such applications include, for example, chilling a pitcher or a bowl containing food.

The thickness of the base can be selected to provide a suitable volume to retain an appropriate amount of chilling agent and appropriate for a particular application. For example, in applications in which the base is attached to a can and hand-held, the base should not be too heavy or cumbersome. The radial recess 103, if necessary, is configured to accept the bottom of a container. For example, the recess shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1D is configured to accept the bottom of a soda can or a beer can. The radial recess or other shape can be configured to mate with or match the corresponding surfaces of other containers.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the base shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. FIG. 2 shows sidewall 201, convex top surface 202, radial recession 203, bottom surface 206, and internal volume 207. In certain embodiments, internal volume 207 may be filled with a chilling agent. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the base includes a single internal volume that is completely filled with a chilling agent. The thick ness of the walls shown in FIG. 2 may be any suitable thickness to ensure mechanical stability, to provide thermal insulation where appropriate, and to facilitate thermal transfer where appropriate. For example, to enhance insulation, the sidewall and bottom may be relatively thicker than the thickness of the top surface, which is configured to be in contact with the container to be cooled. A thinner top surface wall can facilitate thermal transfer from the chilling agent to the container and to the container contents. As shown in FIG. 2, the top of the sidewall extends to the bottom of the recess 203 with an outwardly beveled surface. The recess and outwardly beveled surface is configured to mate with the bottom surfaces of a container such that a container can rest freely on the upper surfaces of the base.

Examples of various embodiments of a base are shown in FIGS. 7A-7G. FIG. 7A shows a base with standoffs 701, which serve to separate the bottom of the base from an underlying surface. Standoffs 701 are configured so that the container and base are stable when resting on a surface. A base may include, for example, 3 standoffs, 4 standoffs or more than four standoffs that have a suitable shape for providing stability. FIG. 7B shows a base with a sidewall and the bottom wall 703 that are thicker than the thickness of the top wall 702. FIG. 7C shows a base having a bottom that is concave toward the center 704 and has flat surfaces 704 toward the sidewalls. The shape of the bottom surface shown in FIG. 7C is configured to minimize contact of the base with an underlying surface and thereby reduce thermal transfer with the underlying surface. FIG. 7D shows a base having a metal insert 706 on the top convex surface to facilitate thermal transfer between the chilling agent and the contents of a container. FIG. 7E shows a base having a layer of insulating material 707 on the bottom surface. Insulating material 707 may be, for example, an elastomer or cork, and is intended to reduce thermal transfer between the chilling agent contained within the base and an underlying surface. FIG. 7F shows a base with at least two internal volumes. Internal volume 708 contains a chilling agent and is situated toward the top convex surface of the base to facilitate thermal transfer to the container. Internal volume 709 is situated toward the sidewalls and the bottom and is configured to insulate the sidewall and the bottom from the environment. Internal volume 709 may be filled with air, foam, or other material that improves thermal insulation. Internal volumes 708 and/or 709 may include reinforcement features to enhance the mechanical stability of the base. FIG. 7G shows a base having at least two internal volumes 710 and 711. In FIG. 7G internal volume 710 is filled with a chilling agent and is situated toward the top of the base including both the central convex surface and the top of the sidewall. Internal volume 711 is situated at the bottom of the base and is configured to insulate the chilling agent from the bottom of the base. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 7A-7G may be used in any suitable combination and may include other features as appropriate.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a container, in this case, a soda can or beer can, positioned above a base and a sleeve. As shown in the figure, the top surface of the base 301 is configured to accept the bottom of the container 302 such that the top surface of the base can mate with the bottom surface of the container 302. As shown in FIG. 3B, when assembled, the bottom of the container mates with the top surface of the base. Also as shown in FIG. 3B, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the sidewall of the base is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the container, such that when assembled, the outer surface of the sidewall is substantially flush with the outer surface of the container. Also, as is apparent form FIG. 3B, the container and the base are not fixedly connected. In other words, the base does not include features that serve to fixedly retain the container and base as a single unit. The container can be freely disengaged from the base. In this embodiment, the chilling base functions similar to a coaster in that the container rests on the base. Also, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the base 301 and the beverage container 302 are held in contact by band 303, which fits around the sidewall of the base and the outer diameter of the beverage container. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, band 303 extends at least part of the length of the container, effectively forming a sleeve around the beverage container. The sleeve or band can be configured to insulate the beverage can from the ambient environment and from a user's hand, as well as to retain the top of the base against the bottom of the can. In certain embodiments, the band or sleeve may be made from a thermally insulating material.

In certain embodiments, it is desirable that a container be fixedly attached to a base such that the container and base function as a single unit. For example, people drinking a beverage often stand and walk around while drinking a beverage. It is therefore useful to chill a beverage while the user is mobile and holding the beverage container.

To address these and other needs, in certain embodiments, a container may be fixedly attached to a base using a band. A band is configured to retain a container and a base. An example of a band is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, which show top, side, and perspective views, respectively, of certain embodiments of a band. In certain embodiments, a band is dimensioned to hold a container against a base. In certain embodiments, a band is elastic such that it can be stretched around the sidewall of a base and the outer wall of a container. In certain embodiments, a band has a height from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, from about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches, and in certain embodiments, is about 1 inch. In other embodiments, it can be desirable to insulate the beverage container from a user's hand, and accordingly a band may extend a certain length of the beverage container. In certain embodiments, a band is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. In certain embodiments, the band is made from a thermally insulating material, and can function to thermally insulate the chilling base and to insulate a user's hand from the chilling base and at least partially from the cold beverage. A band may have any suitable thickness. In certain embodiments, it is desirable that the band be robust, provide insulation between a user's hand a beverage container, firmly retain the base against the bottom of a beverage container, allow for ease of assembly, be easily removed from the base and the beverage container, be printable such as to include logos, and/or include depressed and/or raised surfaces intended for printing, advertisement, facilitate grip, or provide a desirable tactile sensation.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views, respectively, of a container 501 and base 502 held together with a band 503. As shown in these figures, the height of the band spans the thickness of the base and extends beyond the base to capture secure the bottom portion of the container. The band provides a compressive force against the sidewall of the base and the outer surface of the container. Thus, in certain embodiments, an apparatus for chilling a beverage includes a base and a band configured to retain the base and a container. The band, the container, and the base, can be disassembled. The base and the band can be reused. The dimension and the elasticity of the band may be selected such that a user can assemble the band against the sidewall of the base and holding the apparatus in one hand using a twisting motion secure a container against the base with the other hand. Disassembly can be accomplished by using a twisting motion to release the container from the elastic band.

Embodiments of an integrated base and elastic band are shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. FIG. 15A shows a partial cross-sectional view of an integrated base and band. The base portion 1501 includes and internal volume for retaining a coolant (not shown) and sidewall extensions 1502 that facilitate retention of a beverage container (not shown). Sidewall extensions 1502 can be formed using an elastomeric material. The base portion 1502 may be formed using the same material as that used to form the sidewall extensions or be formed using a different material. FIG. 15B shows another embodiment of an integrated base and band in which a portion of the bottom of the base 1503 includes a convex shape and the sidewalls 1505 extend beyond the lowest surface of the convex portion. The sidewalls 1504 also extend above the top surface of the base and can be formed using an elastomeric material to facilitate retention and removal of a beverage container.

As an alternative, the sidewall extensions configured to retain a beverage container may be configured to retain a beverage container as a slidable fit rather than with a compressive force. In such embodiments, the inner walls of the upper sidewall extensions may contain raised features that allow a beverage container to be inserted into the apparatus against the cooling base, retained by the apparatus during use, and then easily disassembled after use. These features can be in the form of concentric raised rings 1506 or other suitable configuration as shown, for example, in FIG. 15C. The sidewall extensions may be any suitable height. A suitable height may be determined by advertising, assembly and disassembly, retention, weight, aesthetics, and tactile considerations. In general, aside from ease of assembly/disassembly and secure retention, it may be desirable that the apparatus be light weight, have acceptable tactile qualities for the user, and allow a user's hand to contact the cold container beverage.

In certain embodiments, an elastic band may be attached to the base or may form part of the base. For example, an elastic band may be affixed to a base using an adhesive. In certain embodiments, the base and elastic band may be a single piece formed using an elastic material with a portion of the elastic extending beyond the uppermost surface of an inner portion of the base to facilitate retention of a beverage container. In other words, the base and the elastic band can be an integral part. An integrated base and elastic band may be formed using the same materials, or different materials, and in certain embodiments, the portion configured to retain a beverage container may be made using an elastic material to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

Apparatus disclosed herein may be used in several applications such as for chilling a container and/or chilling a beverage container. A base may be used similar to an ice pack to chill the interior or contents of a container. For chilling a beverage container, a beverage may be placed on top of the base and used as a coaster. The base chills the beverage when the beverage is placed on top of the base. A beverage container may also be chilled by retaining the base and the beverage container using a band. In this application, the beverage container is continuously chilled while the person drinking the beverage is holding the beverage with the attached chilling base. In another application, such as in a lunch box, the chilling base may be attached to a beverage container with a band and placed in the lunch box to cool both the interior of the lunch box as well as directly keeping the beverage cold.

While the embodiments disclosed herein have focused on use with cans and more specifically beverage cans such as soda and beer cans, it can be appreciated that the apparatus disclosed herein can be adapted for use with other containers. For example, beverages are available in boxes, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. For each container configuration, a based can be configured in an appropriate shape to facilitate chilling. Similarly, a band may be shaped to facilitate retention of the base and the container.

For example, FIGS. 6A-6C show a container for use with a chilling base. Certain beverages may not come pre-packaged in a can, may be provided in a large container that is not easily held by a user, or may be provided in a container that does not have good thermal transfer properties such as in a plastic bottle. In such circumstances it can be desirable to transfer the beverage to a container having good thermal transfer properties and that is configured to mate with a base provided by the present disclosure. The container may be formed from a material having good thermal transfer properties such as metal, glass, or other suitable material. An example is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, which shows a container having a sidewall 601 and a bottom surface 602, where the bottom surface has a concave surface and is configured to mate with a base provided by the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, a container may comprise a base formed from a material having good thermal transfer properties and sidewalls having poor thermal transfer properties. In certain embodiments, the sidewalls, the base, or both the sidewalls and the base, of a container may include one or more internal volumes that are configured to provide insulation or are configured to contain a chilling agent. In such embodiments, the beverage can be cooled by both the detachable base as well as the chilling agent contained within the sidewalls and/or base of the container. It can be appreciated that the sidewalls of the container may have other shapes. As for other embodiments, a base and container may be held in contact with an elastic band or an at least partially elastic sleeve.

Other embodiments may be used to chill contents of containers that are primarily stationary. For example, a chilling apparatus may be configured to retain and chill the contents of a pitcher or a bowl. In other embodiments, a chilling apparatus may be configured to retain and chill food within a container such as salads. In such embodiments in which size a weight are not as limiting as in portable beverage container uses, the sidewalls of the apparatus may be configured to be wider than those of the container such that the container fits at least partially within the chilling apparatus. Containers and chilling apparatus may be designed to work in combination.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upper surface or the top surface of the base is convex, in order to conform approximately to the concave depression in the bottom of a beverage container. However, in some embodiments, no portion of the upper or top surface of the base is convex or even rounded. Some embodiments in which the upper or top surface of the base is not rounded are described.

For example, in certain embodiments, a portion of a top surface of a base may be flat, concave, or other suitable shape.

FIGS. 8A-8C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a conical-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure. FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of a conical-surfaced base. As seen in FIG. 8A, a major portion of a top surface 802 of the base slopes down from an apex 804 of top surface 802 toward edges 806 of top surface 802, forming a conical surface. In some embodiments, apex 804 rises high enough above edges 806 that apex 804 contacts a bottom surface of a beverage container having a depression such as a concave depression. When situated atop the base, the parts of the bottom surface of the beverage container that otherwise might rest upon a flat surface rest instead in a groove or depression disposed toward edges 806, thereby helping to secure the container.

FIG. 8B shows a side view of a conical-surfaced base. A sidewall 808 runs about a circumference of the conical-surfaced base. FIG. 8C shows a top view of a conical-surfaced base. The bottom of a conical-surfaced base may be flat, concave, convex, or other appropriate shape.

FIGS. 9A-9C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a cut-conical-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure. The cut-conical-surfaced base of FIGS. 9A-9C is similar to the conical-surfaced base of FIGS. 8A-8C, except that an upper portion of the cone is “cut off” to form a flat upper surface instead of sloping to an apex.

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of a cut-conical-surfaced base. As shown in FIG. 9A, a central portion 902 of the top surface of the base is flat and on a plane parallel to a plane that forms a bottom of the base. At the edges of central portion 902, the top surface slopes downward in sloping portions 904 toward sidewalls 908 of the top surface. In some embodiments, central portion 902 rises high enough above sidewalls 908 that the points at which central portion 902 and sloping portions 904 meet also contact a bottom surface of a beverage container having a concave depression 906 or other suitable shape for engaging a bottom surface of a beverage container.

FIG. 9B shows a side view of a cut-conical-surfaced base. A sidewall 908 runs about a circumference of the cut-conical-surfaced base. FIG. 9C shows a top view of the conical-surfaced base.

FIGS. 10A-10C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a tetrahedral-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure. FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of a tetrahedral-surfaced base. As shown in FIG. 10A, a major portion of a top surface 1002 of the base slopes down from an apex 1004 of top surface 1002 toward edges 1006 of top surface 1002, forming a tetrahedral surface somewhat in shape like a pyramid. In some embodiments, apex 1004 rises high enough above edges 1006 that apex 1004 contacts a bottom surface of a beverage container having a concave depression or other suitable shape for engaging a bottom surface of a beverage container.

FIG. 10B shows a side view of a tetrahedral-surfaced base. A sidewall 1008 runs about a circumference of the tetrahedral-surfaced base. FIG. 10C shows a top view of the tetrahedral-surfaced base. The tetrahedral top surface is composed of four distinct triangular planes, each having one vertex shared by each of the other triangular planes at apex 1004. As shown in FIG. 8C, the tetrahedral top surface is composed of triangular planes 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016.

Although an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C includes a tetrahedral top surface composed of four triangular planes, some embodiments can involve polyhedral top surfaces composed of greater or fewer than four triangular planes.

FIGS. 11A-11C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a multi-terraced-surfaced base provided by the present disclosure. FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-terraced-surfaced base. As shown in FIG. 11A, a top surface of the base is “stepped,” somewhat in shape like a ziggurat, forming multiple terraces 1102-1108 rising consecutively higher than each other. Each terrace occupies a plane that is parallel to a plane occupied by the bottom surface of the base.

Uppermost terrace 1102, at the center of the top surface of the base, rises the highest among terraces 1102-1108. Progressing outward from the center, terrace 1104 rises lower than terrace 1102, but higher than terrace 1106, which rises higher than terrace 1108. In some embodiments, each of terraces 1102-1106 rises high enough above terrace 1108 that the points at the circumferences of the circular planes that form those terraces contact different points of a bottom surface of a beverage container having a concave depression or other suitable shape for engaging a bottom surface of a beverage container.

FIG. 11B shows a side view of the multi-terrace-surfaced base. A sidewall 1110 runs about a circumference of the multi-terraced-surfaced base. FIG. 11C shows a top view of the multi-terrace-surfaced base. The multi-terraced top surface is composed of four concentric circular terraces. The radii of each of terraces 1102-1108 differ. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the differences between the radii of terraces 1102-1108 is not uniform.

Although an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 11A-11C involves a multi-terraced top surface composed of four terraces, some embodiments can involve multi-terraced top surfaces composed of greater or fewer than four terraces.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A-11C, the top surfaces are not convex or rounded when considered from a side view. Beneficially, a base having a top surface that is not convex or rounded can allow for some empty space to remain between the top surface and the bottom of a beverage container when a beverage container is situated atop the base. Such empty space advantageously can allow possible condensation that might gather on the beverage container's bottom surface to flow more freely, helping to avoid a slippery contact between the top of the base and the bottom of the container. Furthermore, the liquid interface can allow for more efficient thermal transfer between the top of the base and the bottom of the beverage container.

In some embodiments of bases provided by the present disclosure, upper surfaces of the base form the surfaces of various three-dimensional volumes. As with a remainder of the base, these three-dimensional volumes can contain a chillable or freezable medium. However, in some embodiments, an upper surface of the base instead can be flat, but can be surmounted by minimally volumetric structures that, while not capable of containing the chillable or freezable medium, can help to secure a beverage container that rests atop the base. These structures can provide support superior to a bare flat top surface.

FIGS. 12A-12C show cross-sectional, side, and top views of a base having a top surface surmounted by flanges. FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of a flange-topped base. As shown in FIG. 12A, a rounded flange 1202 extends upward from a flat top surface 1204 of the base. In some embodiments, the upper edge of rounded flange 1202 is curved to approximate the complementary curvature of a concave depression in a bottom surface of a beverage container, helping to secure the beverage container atop the base. However, unlike in some embodiments discussed above, rounded flange 1202 does not necessarily contain any liquid or have any substantial volume at all. Rounded flange 1202 can be solid and formed of the same material that forms the liquid-containing base's shell or may be made of a thermally conductive material.

FIG. 12B shows a side view of a flange-topped base. A sidewall 1206 runs about a circumference of the flange-topped base. As shown in FIG. 12B, another rounded flange 1208 also extends upward from the flat top surface of the base and crosses perpendicularly to rounded flange 1202.

FIG. 12C shows a top view of a flange-topped base. As discussed in connection with FIG. 12B, and as shown in FIG. 12C, rounded flanges 1206 and 1208 cross each other at a center of the top surface of the base in a perpendicular manner. In some embodiments, rounded flanges 1206 and 1208 are both solid and are not capable of containing a medium.

Although certain embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 12A-12C involve a flange-topped based surmounted by two perpendicular flanges, some embodiments can include greater or fewer than two flanges. In some embodiments having different numbers of flanges, all flanges may still cross or join each other at the center of the top surface from which those flanges extend upward.

Certain embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 12A-12C can provide a cost-effective structure for securing a beverage container atop a base of the kind described herein. The quantity of materials involved in manufacturing a base having a flanged top may be less than the quantity of materials involved in manufacturing a base having a three-dimensional volumetric top surface.

In some embodiments, the bottom surfaces of a base are substantially flat. However, in some embodiments, portions of a bottom surface of the base can instead bulge outward in a rounded or convex manner. A base having at least a partially rounded bottom surface can permit a larger amount of a chillable or freezable medium to be contained within the base. From a functional perspective, a base having a convex bottom surface can include extensions toward the sidewalls of the base that extend beyond the convex bottom surface to facilitate having the base rest evenly and securely on a flat surface. The extensions can take the form of feet or a cylindrical ring, which may be an extension of the sidewalls of the base. In such embodiments, an upper surface of the base may have any suitable shape including a convex shape configured to mate with a bottom surface of a beverage container.

FIGS. 13A-13D show cross-sectional, side, top, and bottom views of a base having a bulbous or convex bottom surface and sidewall designed to contact a plane upon which the base rests at limited points. FIG. 13A shows a cross-sectional view of the convex-shaped base. As seen in FIG. 13A, a bottom surface 1302 of the base is rounded rather than flat. In some embodiments, a point on bottom surface 1302 makes contact with a plane upon which the base rests. In some embodiments, a point on bottom surface 1302 is above a plane upon which the base rests.

FIG. 13B shows a side view of the convex-shaped base. An arch-punctuated sidewall 1304 runs about a circumference of the convex-shaped base. Thus, in some embodiments, a bottom edge of sidewall 1304 does not uniformly contact a plane upon which the base rests; fewer than all points on the bottom edge of sidewall 1304 contact such a plane. In some embodiments, arched spaces punctuate a bottom portion of sidewall 1304 at regular intervals. These arched spaces can permit parts of the bulbous-bottomed base to remain visible even while the base is resting upon a plane.

In between the arched spaces, feet 1306 and 1308 (among potentially others) make contact with a plane upon which the base rests. The feet, including feet 1306 and 1308, can be spaced equidistantly from each other along the circumference of sidewall 1304. In some embodiments, the feet extend downward from a top of sidewall 1304 to an extent that they are level with a lower-most point of bottom surface 1302. In such embodiments, the feet and the lower-most point of bottom surface 1302 can make contact with a plane on which the base rests, while other points of bottom surface 1302 and sidewall 1304 can remain exposed to open air. Such exposure can help reduce thermal conduction between the base and the object upon which the base sits.

FIG. 13C shows a top view of the convex-shaped base. The top surface of the base may be convex, in order to conform approximately to the concave depression in the bottom of a beverage container. However, in some embodiments, the top surface of the base instead can have a form as described above in connection with any of FIGS. 8A-11C.

FIG. 13D shows a bottom view of the convex-shaped base. As discussed with reference to FIG. 13B, sidewall 1304 can be punctuated with arched spaces that are separated by feet, including feet 1306, 1308, 1310, and 1312. Although an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 13A-13D includes a sidewall 1304 having four feet 1306-1312, in some embodiments, a sidewall can possess a greater or lesser number of feet or extensions. Additionally, in some embodiments, the spaces that separate the feet from each other may have shapes other than arched or rounded.

FIGS. 14A-14D show cross-sectional, side, top, and bottom views of a base having a bulbous bottom surface and a sidewall designed to contact a plane upon which the base can rest continuously along the bottom of the sidewall. FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the convex-shaped base. Similar to the base shown in FIG. 13A, a bottom surface 1402 of the base shown in FIG. 14A is rounded rather than flat. In some embodiments, a point of bottom surface 1402 makes contact with a plane upon which the base rests. Separating the base portion containing the chillable or freezable medium from an underlying surface can reduce thermal transfer between the base and the underlying surface.

FIG. 14B shows a side view of the bulbous-bottomed base. A sidewall 1404 runs about a circumference of the convex-shaped base. Thus, in some embodiments, a bottom edge of sidewall 1404 uniformly contacts a plane upon which the base rests; all points on the bottom edge of side wall 1404 contact such a plane. However, in some such embodiments, other than the bottom of edge of sidewall 1404 and possibly a single point of bottom surface 1402, no other part of the convex-shaped base contacts a plane on which the base rests.

FIG. 14C shows a top view of the convex-shaped base. Similar to the base shown in FIG. 13C, the top surface of the base shown in FIG. 14C may be convex, in order to conform approximately to the concave depression in the bottom of a beverage container. However, in some embodiments, the top surface of the base instead can have a form as described in connection with any of FIGS. 8A-11C.

FIG. 14D shows a bottom view of the convex-shaped base. As discussed with reference to FIG. 14B, a bottom edge of sidewall 1404 can, in some embodiments, be an exclusive point of contact with a surface upon which the convex-shaped base sits. Also as discussed above, though, in some embodiments, a single lower-most point of the rounded bottom surface of the base also can make contact with the surface upon which the convex-shaped base sits.

As can be appreciated, in certain embodiments, an upper surface of a base can include a circular depression such as a circular concave depression configured to match a circular convex extension of a beverage container. In certain embodiments, an upper surface of a base is shaped to substantially mate with the bottom surface of a beverage container.

In some embodiments, a base is substantially a sealed shell in which liquid such as a chillable or freezable medium, is contained. However, in some embodiments, the shell can be manufactured and sold without any substance occupying an inner volume. In such embodiments, an opening into the inner volume of the shell can be situated on one or more surfaces of the base. For example, an opening can be situated upon a top surface of the base, on a bottom surface of the base, or on the sidewall of the base. Such an opening allows liquid such as a chillable or freezable medium to injected into an inner volume of the base, potentially for subsequent freezing. After the inner volume is filled, the opening can be sealed using any suitable material and method. Thus, in certain embodiments, a base does not contain a liquid such as a chillable or freezable medium.

In some embodiments, an opening into an inner volume of the shell can be situated on a surface of the base other than the top surface. In such embodiments, a removable plug can be provided with the base in order to seal the opening after the volume has been filled with liquid, so that the liquid is retained within the base.

In some embodiments, an internal volume of a base is filled or fillable with liquid such as a chillable or freezable medium. However, in some embodiments, the base can be a completely solid, monolithic mass. The base can be composed of material that tends to change temperature relatively slowly, so that the base retains a desired temperature to which it has been deliberately set for a relatively long period of time even in open air. For example, the base can include metal. In certain embodiments, a metal or thermally conductive base may be coated with a plastic and in certain embodiments, the plastic may include extensions configured to raise the thermally conductive base above an underlying surface. In certain embodiments, the lower surface of a thermally conductive base is coated with a thermally non-conductive material such as a plastic. In such embodiments, an upper surface of a thermally conductive base may be configured to conform to a bottom surface of a beverage container.

Beneficially, a non-hollow or solid base such as this might be easier to manufacture than a hollow shell would be, because the material composing the base could be injected into a die during formation without concern for the creation of an internal void suitable for containing another substance. Furthermore, depending upon the material out of which a solid-volume base is composed, the base can act alternatively as a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism, as desired by its user, by heating or cooling the base until it has reached a desired temperature before using the base in conjunction with a beverage container.

EXAMPLE

Embodiments provided by the present disclosure are further illustrated by reference to the following example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, both to materials, and methods, may be practiced without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Example 1

A standard 12 fl-oz beverage can retained by a band against a chilling apparatus having a sidewall height of about 0.5 inches and a similar beverage can without the chilling apparatus were left at room temperature for about 20 minutes. The temperature of the contents of the beverage can with the chilling apparatus was about 10° F. cooler than the temperature of the contents of the beverage without the chilling apparatus.

Finally, it should be noted that there are alternative ways of implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, the claims are not to be limited to the details given herein, and are entitled their full scope and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An base for cooling contents of a container, comprising:

a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and at least one internal volume, wherein:

a shape of the top is configured to conform to a shape of a bottom of a container;

at least a portion of the base is not flat; and

the sidewall is characterized by an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than an outer diameter of the container.

2. The base of claim 1, wherein a portion of the top surface is characterized by a shape selected from a conical shape, a truncated conical shape, a polyhedral shape, and a terraced shape.

3. The base of claim 1, wherein a portion of the top surface comprises flanges.

4. The base of claim 1, comprising a chilling agent contained within the at least one internal volume.

5. The base of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the base is convex.

6. The base of claim 1, comprising extensions extending from the bottom of the base.

7. The base of claim 1, wherein the extensions are selected from feet and a ring.

8. The base of claim 1, wherein the base is configured such that when in contact with the container, the sidewall is substantially flush with a side of sidewalls of the container.

9. A base for cooling contents of a container, comprising:

a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and at least one internal volume, wherein:

the top surface is characterized by a shape that does not conform to a bottom surface of a beverage container; and

the sidewall is characterized by an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than an outer diameter of the container.

10. The base of claim 9, wherein the bottom surface of the base is not flat.

11. A band configured to removably retain a base and a container.

12. The band of claim 11, wherein the band is elastic.

13. The band of claim 11, wherein the inner diameter of the band is substantially the same as the outer diameter of a sidewall of the base and an outer diameter of the container.

14. The band of claim 11, wherein a height of the band is configured to retain the base and the container.

15. The band of claim 11, wherein the band is characterized by a height from 0.5 inches to 2 inches.

16. The band of claim 11, wherein the band comprises a thermally insulating material.

17. The band of claim 11, wherein the base is the base of claim 1.

18. The band of claim 11, wherein the base is the base of claim 9.

19. An apparatus for cooling contents of a container, comprising:

a base comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a sidewall extending from the bottom surface to above the top surface;

wherein an extension of the sidewall above the top surface is configured to retain a beverage container.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the base and the sidewall comprise a single piece.