Beverage Cooling Apparatus

Abstract

A beverage cooling apparatus for imparting coldness to beverage containers includes a base having a planar configuration and having a pair of side walls extending upwardly from ends of the base. The apparatus includes a guide member that includes first and second end portions and defining a plurality of apertures spaced apart from one another between the first and second end portions thereof that are configured to selectively receive and suspend the plurality of beverage containers, respectively. The first and second end portions of the guide member are coupled to upper ends of the side walls of the cooling member, respectively. The cooling member includes a temperature transfer material that transfers hot or cold heat energy to beverage containers suspended in apertures, respectively, such that they touch or are in proximity to the cooling member. The cooling member is separable from the guide member and re-frozen for later use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices for cooling beverage items and, more particularly, to a beverage cooling apparatus having a guide portion separable from a re-freezable cooling portion, the guide portion having multiple apertures configured to suspend multiple beverage containers into proximity or contact with the cooling portion.

With the advent of home brewing of beer, taste testing of multiple home brews of beer has become very popular. A beer flight device is often used to present several low volume containers of beer to be sampled, either by prospective buyers, consumers, or judges of the home brewed beer samples. A beer flight device is a generally flat device, usually made of wood, having multiple recessed areas like conventional coasters into which glasses or cups of a beverage such as beer are nested for the purpose of serving or sampling the beer. A common problem with presenting multiple containers of beer for sampling is that each container—especially the last container in a series—loses its cool temperature and, as a result, may be perceived as less desirable to the consumer or judge more because of its temperature than its taste.

Various devices have been proposed in the art for maintaining a desired temperature of multiple beverage items. Although presumably effective for their desired purposes, the existing devices are commercial in nature and have no ability to repeatedly refreeze a cooling portion separate and distinct from the remainder of the device. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a portable beverage cooling apparatus having a guide portion having multiple openings configured to suspend or guide multiple low-volume beverage containers into proximity or contact with a cooling portion. Further, it would be desirable to have a portable beverage cooling apparatus in which the cooling portion is selectively removable from the guide portion and repeatedly re-freezable and constructed or a temperature transfer material for imparting coldness to the suspended beverage containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A beverage cooling apparatus for imparting coldness to a plurality of beverage containers according to the present invention includes an elongate base having a generally planar configuration defining a first linear axis and having a pair of side walls extending upwardly from opposed ends of the base, respectively. The apparatus includes a guide member that includes first and second end portions having an elongate and planar configuration, the guide member defining a plurality of apertures spaced apart from one another between the first and second end portions thereof that are configured to selectively receive the plurality of beverage containers therethrough, respectively. The first and second end portions of the guide member are coupled to upper ends of the side walls of the cooling member, respectively. The cooling member includes a temperature transfer material that transfers hot or cold heat energy to the plurality of beverage containers received in the plurality of apertures, respectively. Accordingly, the cooling member may be separated from the guide member and repeatedly re-frozen for later use.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a beverage cooling apparatus for transferring coldness to a plurality of beverage containers suspended into proximity of a cooling media.

Another object of this invention is to provide a beverage cooling apparatus, as aforesaid, a beverage cooling apparatus, as aforesaid, that includes a cooling portion removable from a beverage container guide portion and constructed of an energy transfer medium that is re-freezable.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a beverage cooling apparatus, as aforesaid, in which the guide portion is configured to receive or suspend multiple beverage cups into proximity or contact with the cooling portion.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a beverage cooling apparatus, as aforesaid, that is easy to use and economical to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage cooling apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a top view of the cooling apparatus as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is a sectional view taken along line 2b-2b of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the cooling apparatus as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the guide member removed from the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is a bottom view of the guide member as in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5b is a sectional view taken along line 5b-5b of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cooling member removed from the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7a is a top view of the cooling apparatus as in FIG. 1, illustrated with two beverage containers inserted into respective apertures of the guide member; and

FIG. 7b is a sectional view taken along line 7b-7b of FIG. 7a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A beverage cooling apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7b of the accompanying drawings. The beverage cooling apparatus 10 includes a cooling member 20 constructed of a temperature transfer material, a guide member 30 coupled to the cooling member 20 and configured to suspend a plurality of beverage containers into proximity to the cooling member 20 and a releasable locking member 40 for selectively coupling the guide member 30 to the cooling member 20.

The cooling member 20 includes an elongate base 21 having opposed ends 22, 23 and having a generally flat or planar configuration. The base 21 defines a first linear axis, also known as a first longitudinal axis. The base 21 has a narrow width and elongate length. The base 21 includes a pair of upstanding side walls 24, 25 each side wall having a planar configuration extending upwardly from a respective end 22, 23. Preferably, each side wall 24, 25 is perpendicular to the base 21 and defines a truncated or flat upper end 24a, 24b. Each upper end 24a, 24b may also be referred to as a free end as no component is mounted to it other than the releasable coupling of the guide member 30 as described later.

The base 21 includes an upper surface 26 that defines a plurality of recessed areas or referred to simply as recesses 27. Each recess 27 is positioned along the upper surface 26 and along the first linear axis and is spaced apart from an adjacent recess 27. Each recess 27 is aligned with an aperture 33 defined by the guide member and is configured to receive a bottom 14 of a beverage container 12 (e.g. a cup) in a nested relationship as will be discussed in further detail below. Accordingly, each recess 27 has a diameter substantially similar to a diameter of the beverage container (e.g. cup). The base 21 may include a lower surface having a gripping material or pattern, such as hard rubber, such that the beverage cooling apparatus 10 is stable when positioned on a surface such as a table, countertop, or the like.

The guide member 30 includes a first end portion 31 opposite a second end portion 32 and, like the base 21, has a generally flat or planar configuration having a linear longitudinal shape, the guide member 30 defining a second linear axis extending between the end portions. The guide member 30 defines a plurality of apertures 33, also referred to as holes, extending entirely therethrough. Each aperture 33 is spaced apart and distinct from an adjacent aperture 33, the apertures 33 being positioned along the second linear axis between the end portions respectively. Each aperture 33 has a diameter and shape configuration complementary to and capable of receiving a beverage container 12 therein. In an embodiment, the diameter of a respective aperture 33 may enable a beverage container 12 to be suspended from the guide member 30 such that the bottom 14 of the beverage container 12 is in close proximity to the cooling member or, in an embodiment, may allow the bottom 14 of the beverage container 12 to be nested and received in an associated recess 27.

The first and second end portions 31, 32 of the guide member 30 are releasably coupled to upper ends 24a, 25a of the side walls 24, 25 of the cooling member 20, respectively. When the cooling member 20 and the guide member 30 are coupled together, the first linear axis and the second linear axis are parallel one to the other. In other words, the base 21 of the cooling member 20 is parallel to the guide member 30. More particularly, the guide member 30 has a lower surface defining first 34 and second 35 notches proximate first 31 and second 32 end portions, respectively. First 34 and second 35 notches have dimensions and configurations to receive a respective upper ends 24a, 25a of the side walls 24, 25 of the cooling member 20 in a friction fit or nested engagement. The combination of upper ends 24a, 25a and notches 34, 35 are the primary means by which the cooling member 20 is selectively coupled to the guide member 30.

In addition, however, the beverage cooling apparatus 10 includes an auxiliary means for selectively coupling the guide member 30 to the cooling member 20. Namely, at least one locking member 40 may be coupled to a respective side wall and is configured to releasably “lock down” a guide member 30 having already been coupled to the cooling member 20 as described above. In an embodiment, a pair of locking members 40 may be included—one for attachment to each side wall 24, 25. Now, more particularly, the locking member 40 includes a top wall 42 and a pair of opposed end walls 44 depending or extending downwardly from the top wall, the locking member 40 having a singular or unitary construction. Each end wall 44 may define an opening for selectively engaging a respective anchor fastener 48 as described below.

Correspondingly, at least one anchor fastener 48 is attached to a side edge of at least one side wall of the cooling member 20. The at least one anchor fastener 48 is configured to be engaged by a corresponding locking member 40. Specifically, an opening 46 in an end wall 44 of the locking fastener 48 is configured to receive and engage a respective anchor fastener 48. In an embodiment having multiple locking members 40, a pair of anchor fasteners 48 may be associated with each side wall 24, 25.

Now, with further reference to the cooling member 20, the cooling member 20 may include a temperature transfer element or be partially or fully constructed using a temperature transfer material. This material has the characteristic of transferring its thermal condition to objects touching or in proximity to it. For example, if the temperature transfer material is frozen or otherwise very cold, it will transfer cold thermal energy to objects in complete or proximal contact therewith, e.g. the beverage container 12. The temperature transfer material may be a freezable gel pack and may comprise a commercial refrigerant gel although other materials may also be used, including those from a group comprising primarily water, corn syrup, liquid soap, rubbing alcohol, a salt and water mixture.

In another aspect, the guide member 30 may include first 36 and second 37 handles extending outwardly from the first 31 and second 32 end portions. The handles 36, 37 are situated along the second linear axis of the guide member 30 and do not change the planar configuration of the guide member 30. The handles 36, 37 extend outwardly of the side walls 24, 25 of the cooling member 20.

In use, the cooling member 20 may be refrigerated, i.e. placed in a conventional freezer, until frozen. Then, the upper ends 24a, 25a of respective side walls 24, 25 may be nested within respective notches 34, 35 and one or more locking members 40 attached to further secure the cooling and guide members together. Then, one or a plurality of beverage containers partially or substantially filled with a beverage, e.g. beer, may be inserted into or suspended in the apertures 33 of the guide member 30 as described above.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A beverage cooling apparatus for imparting coldness to a plurality of beverage containers, comprising:

a cooling member that includes an elongate base having a generally planar configuration defining a first linear axis and having a pair of side walls extending upwardly from opposed ends of said base, respectively;

a guide member that includes first and second end portions having an elongate and planar configuration, said guide member defining a plurality of apertures spaced apart from one another between said first and second end portions thereof that are configured to selectively receive the plurality of beverage containers therethrough, respectively;

wherein said first and second end portions of said guide member are coupled to upper ends of said side walls of said cooling member, respectively;

wherein said cooling member includes a temperature transfer material that transfers hot or cold heat energy the plurality of beverage containers received in said plurality of apertures, respectively.

2. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said base of said cooling member includes an upper surface defining a plurality of recesses aligned with said plurality of apertures when said guide member is coupled to said side walls of said cooling member.

3. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said side walls include upper ends each having a free, truncated configuration;

said guide member has a lower surface defining first and second notches proximate said first and second end portions thereof, said first and second notches having a configuration that selectively receives said upper ends of said side walls, respectively.

4. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said guide member includes first and second handles extending outwardly from said first and second end portions, respectively.

5. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said guide member defines a second linear axis extending between said first and second end portions, said second linear axis being parallel to said first linear axis when said guide member is coupled to said cooling member.

6. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 5, wherein:

said first and second handles are situated in said second linear axis of said guide member;

said first and second handles extend outwardly of said side walls of said cooling member.

7. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising at least one locking fastener selectively coupled to at least one side wall of said cooling member, said at least one locking fastener blocking removal of said guide member from said cooling member when said guide member is first coupled to said cooling member prior to said at least one locking fastener being coupled to said respective side wall.

8. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 7, further comprising:

at least one anchor fastener mounted to a side edge of at least one side wall of said cooling member;

wherein said at least one locking fastener includes a top wall and a pair of end walls depending downwardly from opposed ends of said top wall, each end wall defining an opening for selectively engaging said at least one anchor fastener.

9. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 8, wherein:

said at least one locking fastener is a pair of locking fasteners selectively coupled to said first and second side wall of said cooling member, respectively;

said at least one anchor fastener is a pair of anchor fasteners mounted to said side edges of each said side wall of said cooling member.

10. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein temperature transfer material is refreezable gel pack.

11. A beverage cooling apparatus for imparting coldness to a plurality of beverage containers, comprising:

a cooling member that includes an elongate base having a generally planar configuration defining a first linear axis and having a pair of side walls extending upwardly from opposed ends of said base, respectively;

a guide member that includes first and second end portions having an elongate and planar configuration defining a second linear axis, said guide member defining a plurality of apertures spaced apart from one another between said first and second end portions thereof that are configured to selectively receive and suspend the plurality of beverage containers therethrough, respectively;

wherein said first and second end portions of said guide member are releasably coupled to upper ends of said side walls of said cooling member, respectively, said second axis being parallel to said first axis when said guide member is coupled to said cooling apparatus;

wherein said cooling member includes a temperature transfer material that transfers hot or cold heat energy to the plurality of beverage containers received in said plurality of apertures, respectively.

12. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 11, wherein said base of said cooling member includes an upper surface defining a plurality of recesses aligned with said plurality of apertures when said guide member is coupled to said side walls of said cooling member.

13. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 11, wherein:

said side walls include upper ends each having a free, truncated configuration;

said guide member has a lower surface defining first and second notches proximate said first and second end portions thereof, said first and second notches having a configuration that selectively receives said upper ends of said side walls, respectively.

14. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 13, wherein said guide member includes first and second handles extending outwardly from said first and second end portions, respectively.

15. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 11, further comprising at least one locking fastener selectively coupled to at least one side wall of said cooling member, said at least one locking fastener preventing removal of said guide member from said cooling member when said guide member is first coupled to said cooling member prior to said at least one locking fastener being coupled to said respective side wall.

16. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 15, further comprising:

at least one anchor fastener mounted to a side edge of at least one side wall of said cooling member;

wherein said at least one locking fastener includes a top wall and a pair of end walls depending downwardly from opposed ends of said top wall, each end wall defining an opening for selectively engaging said at least one anchor fastener.

17. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 16, wherein:

said at least one locking fastener is a pair of locking fasteners selectively coupled to said first and second side wall of said cooling member, respectively;

said at least one anchor fastener is a pair of anchor fasteners mounted to said side edges of each said side wall of said cooling member.

18. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 11, wherein temperature transfer material is refreezable gel pack.

19. The beverage cooling apparatus as in claim 11, wherein said temperature transfer material is taken from a group comprising corn syrup, liquid soap, rubbing alcohol, salt and water mixture, and refrigerant gel.