CAN COOLER

Abstract

A can cooler includes a housing having a threaded mating mechanism disposed on a lowermost region of inner sidewalls of the housing and a bottom lid releasably secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining a seal circumferentially disposed therein, wherein the seal engages a can received within a top cavity of the housing. The lower portion of the bottom lid includes threads configured to releasably couple with the threaded mating mechanism of the housing. Further, a bottom surface of the can contacts a top surface of the bottom lid such that the seal engages a lowermost region of the can.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to can coolers, and more specifically, to can coolers that do not require external devices for securing the can to a cooling casing.

Beverage cans are metal containers designed to hold a fixed amount of a beverage, such as soda, beer, fruit juice, tea, and so on. Worldwide, greater than 350 billion cans are produced per year, the majority of which are made of aluminum. Unfortunately, metal is a good conductor of heat and, once removed from cold storage, a chilled can of a beverage will warm to the surrounding temperature very quickly.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, a can cooler is provided. The can cooler includes a housing having a threaded mating mechanism disposed on a lowermost region of inner sidewalls of the housing and a bottom lid releasably secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining a seal circumferentially disposed therein, wherein the seal engages a can received within a top cavity of the housing.

In accordance with another embodiment, a can cooler is provided. The can cooler includes a housing having a threaded mating mechanism disposed at a distal end thereof such that the threaded mating mechanism extends beyond a distalmost end of the housing and a bottom lid releasably secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid including an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall defining threads on an inner surface thereof and the inner wall defining a seal circumferentially disposed therein, wherein the seal engages a can received within a top cavity of the housing.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a can cooler is provided. The can cooler includes a housing, an inner sleeve securedly fixed within the housing, and a seal circumferentially disposed within the inner sleeve, wherein the seal engages a can received within a top cavity of the housing.

It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are described with reference to different subject-matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments have been described with reference to apparatus type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject-matter, also any combination between features relating to different subject-matters, in particular, between features of the method type claims, and features of the apparatus type claims, is considered as to be described within this document.

These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will provide details in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a can cooler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of a beverage can inserted into the can cooler of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bottom lid securedly attached to the housing of the can cooler, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the bottom lid and housing of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bottom lid securedly attached to the housing of the can cooler, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the bottom lid and housing of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide for different types of can coolers. In one embodiment, a can cooler includes an inner sleeve within a housing, as well as a seal contacting a bottom region of the inner sleeve to secure a can within the housing. In another embodiment, a can cooler includes a housing and a bottom lid secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid including a seal for securing a can to the housing. In yet another embodiment, a can cooler includes a housing and a bottom lid secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid having an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall defining threads and the inner wall having a seal for securing a can to the housing.

Most consumers prefer to consume drinks such as soda and beer while they are cold. Canned or bottled drinks which have been chilled in ice chests or refrigerators begin to warm as soon as they are removed from the chilled environment. In particular, on summer days, drinks warm up very quickly in the hot sun.

Products have been designed to slow the heating process. Many consumers insulate their can or bottle with a wrap such as neoprene or foam. Millions of these have been sold, proving a desire of consumers to keep drinks cold. However, this wrap simply insulates and does not provide refrigeration or cooling of the beverage.

One product which attempts to refrigerate the beverage is a double walled mug which has a refrigerant between the walls. This refrigerant can be frozen or chilled in a freezer prior to use. When the mug is removed from the freezer, drinks may be poured into the mug to help them stay cold. To use this mug, the consumer must plan ahead to freeze the mug for a period of time before use. This mug also eventually needs to be re-frozen before re-use by returning it to a chilled environment. This takes planning and time between uses. This product is therefore not very practical for several reasons, e.g., for outdoors people drinking beverages or multiple beverages from cans or bottles which are taken from an ice chest.

As a result, the desirability of consuming a can of beer or soda in a chilled state, regardless of the temperature of the environment in which these beverages are consumed, has prompted the development of further apparatuses that insulate these chilled beverages during consumption. For example, another such popular apparatus is a can holder molded into an insulative cup configuration suitable for receiving a beverage can. Such insulative cups are most popular outdoors where an uninsulated beverage would quickly absorb the heat of the environment. However, such insulative cups suffer from the same disadvantages mentioned above regarding other products.

As a result, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention introduce new can coolers with different designs for more effectively cooling beverage cans.

It is to be understood that the present invention will be described in terms of a given illustrative architecture; however, other architectures, structures, substrate materials and process features and steps/blocks can be varied within the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that certain features cannot be shown in all figures for the sake of clarity. This is not intended to be interpreted as a limitation of any particular embodiment, or illustration, or scope of the claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a can cooler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, whereas FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of a beverage can inserted into the can cooler of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the can cooler 10 has a housing 12 and an inner sleeve 14. The inner sleeve 14 is positioned within the housing 12. The inner sleeve 14 assumes the shape of the interior walls of the housing 12. In one embodiment, the inner sleeve 14 is permanently affixed within the housing 12. In another embodiment, the inner sleeve 14 is releasably secured to the housing 12. The inner sleeve 14 has a seal 16 extending circumferentially thereon. Stated differently, the seal 16 projects inwardly from a sidewall of the inner sleeve 14. The seal 16 is parallel to the bottom wall 18 of the housing 12. In one example, the seal 16 is horizontally placed within the inner sleeve 14. In another example, the seal 16 can be angularly placed within the inner sleeve 14.

The seal 16 is positioned on a lower portion of the inner sleeve 14. In one example, the seal 16 is positioned approximately ½ of an inch from the bottom surface 15 of the inner sleeve 14. In another example, the seal 16 is positioned approximately ¼ of an inch from the bottom surface 15 of the inner sleeve 14. The placement of the seal near the bottom region of the housing 12 advantageously provides for a better and more secure gripping effect between the seal 16 and the beverage can 5 to stabilize the beverage can 5 within the housing 12.

The can cooler can be referred to as a beverage cooler or cooling apparatus. The housing 12 can also be referred to as a receptacle, a body, a cylindrical body or an enclosure or a base member having a bottom wall 18. The housing 12 defines one continuous element or member or component. The inner sleeve 14 can also be referred to as an insert or inner vessel. The seal 16 can also be referred to as a ring or rubber ring or gasket or rib or annular seal. The seal 16 can be, e.g., an O-ring seal.

The housing 12 can be made of, e.g., stainless steel.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in operation, a beverage can 5 is inserted into the opening or cavity 7 of the inner sleeve 14 of the housing 12. The outer walls of the beverage can 5 engage the inner walls of the inner sleeve 14 such that the beverage can 5 engages the seal 16. The inner diameter of the inner sleeve 14 is configured to snugly accommodate the beverage can 5. At that point, a user applies a slight downward force to the beverage can 5 such that the bottom of the beverage can 5 contacts the top surface 15 of the inner sleeve 14 (thus overcoming the friction presented by the seal 16). The seal 16 operates to secure the beverage can 5 to the inner sleeve 14 within the housing 12.

In an alternative embodiment, a double seal can be positioned within the lower portion of the inner sleeve 14. The double seal includes a first seal and a second seal in parallel to each other and separated from each other by a small distance.

In another alternative embodiment, three seals or three ribs can be positioned within the lower portion of the inner sleeve 14. The ribs can be equally spaced apart from each other by a small distance.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the seal 16 may not define one continuous circumferential element. Instead, the seal 16 may define a ring with segmented or discontinuous or disconnected or disjointed elements/segments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bottom lid securedly attached to the housing of the can cooler, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, whereas FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the bottom lid and housing of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the can cooler 12A includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion 12′ defines the outer sleeve whereas the lower portion 20 defines a bottom lid. The bottom lid 20 is releasably secured to the outer sleeve 12′.

The outer sleeve 12′ is a cylindrical body. A lowermost inner portion of the outer sleeve 12′ includes a threaded mating mechanism 13 for receiving the threads 24 of the bottom lid 20. The outer sleeve 12′ can also be referred to as the housing 12′. The threads 24 are defined on an exterior surface of the bottom lid 20.

The bottom lid 20 includes an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24. The upper portion 22 incudes a smooth surface, whereas the lower portion 24 includes the threads. The upper portion 22, however, also includes or accommodates the seal 16 therein. The seal 16 circumferentially extends around an inner area or region of the upper portion 22 of the bottom lid 20. The seal 16 is parallel to a top surface 27 of the bottom lid 20. In one example, the seal 16 is horizontally placed within the upper portion 22 of the bottom lid 20. In another example, the seal can be angularly placed within the upper portion 22 of the bottom lid 20.

When the bottom lid 20 is engaged to the outer sleeve 12′, the seal 16 is positioned or disposed around or adjacent to a lower portion of the outer sleeve 12′. In one example, the seal 16 is positioned approximately ½ of an inch from the top surface 27 of the bottom lid 20. In another example, the seal 16 is positioned approximately ¼ of an inch from the top surface 27 of the bottom lid 20. The bottom surface of the beverage can 5 contacts a top surface 27 of the bottom lid 20 such that the seal 16 engages a lowermost region of the beverage can 5. The placement of the seal near the bottom region of the outer sleeve 12′ advantageously provides for a better and more secure gripping effect between the seal 16 and the beverage can 5 to stabilize the beverage can 5 within the outer sleeve 12′.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A illustrates the releasable engagement or coupling between the bottom lid 20 and the outer sleeve 12′. The threads 24 of the bottom lid 20 engage or mate or couple with the threaded mating mechanism 13 defined within a lower portion of the outer sleeve 12′. Additionally, the upper portion 22 of the bottom lid 20 with the seal 16 rests adjacent the inner wall of the outer sleeve 12′. The upper portion 22 is vertically aligned with the sidewall of the outer sleeve 12′, whereas the seal 16 is vertically aligned with the opening 25 of the outer sleeve 12′. The upper portion 22 can also be referred to as a circumferential wall. The outer sleeve 12′ can also be referred to as a housing.

Moreover, the topmost portion of the outer sleeve 12′ can be referred to as the proximalmost portion or region and the bottommost portion of the outer sleeve 12′ can be referred to as the distalmost portion or region. The proximalmost end and the distalmost end of the outer sleeve 12′ remain open or each include a cavity. The bottom lid 20 threadably attaches to the distalmost region or area of the outer sleeve 12′. The threads 13 are disposed or positioned or defined on a lowermost inner sidewall of the outer sleeve 12′.

The seal 16 is also vertically offset from the threaded mating mechanism 13 of the outer sleeve 12′ and vertically offset from the threads 24 of the bottom lid 20. The seal 16 is not positioned on or next to the threads 24. The seal 16 is separate and distinct from the threads 24 of the bottom lid 20. The seal 16 is configured to be above the threads 24 of the bottom lid 20. Thus, the seal 16 is not coplanar with the threads 24. Moreover, a diameter of the seal 16 is less than a diameter of the lower portion 24 having the threads.

In operation, the bottom lid 20 is threadedly secured to the outer sleeve 12′, and then a beverage can 5 is inserted into the opening or cavity 25 of the outer sleeve 12′. The outer walls of the beverage can 5 engage the inner walls of the outer sleeve 12′ such that the beverage can 5 engages the seal 16. At that point, a user applies a slight downward force to the beverage can 5 such that the bottom of the beverage can 5 contacts the top surface 27 of the bottom lid 20 (thus overcoming the friction presented by the seal 16). The seal 16 operates to secure the beverage can 5 to the outer sleeve 12′ threadedly secured to the bottom lid 20.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bottom lid securedly attached to the housing of the can cooler, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, whereas FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the bottom lid and housing of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the can cooler 12B includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion 32 defines the outer sleeve, whereas the lower portion 40 defines a bottom lid. The bottom lid 40 is releasably secured to the outer sleeve 32.

The outer sleeve 32 is a cylindrical body. The outer sleeve 32 can also be referred to as a housing 32. A lower portion of the outer sleeve 32 includes a threaded mating mechanism 33 extending away from the outer sleeve 32 for receiving the threads 43 of the bottom lid 40. Stated differently, the threaded mating mechanism 33 is disposed at a distal end thereof such that the threaded mating mechanism 33 extends beyond a distalmost end of the outer sleeve 32. The threaded mating mechanism 33 can also be referred to as a projection member or threaded projection member or threaded projection component outside the confines of the outer sleeve 32.

The bottom lid 40 includes an outer wall 42 and an inner wall 44. The inner wall 44 is separated from the outer wall 42 by a space 46. The outer wall 42 includes internal threads 43 for mating with the threaded mating mechanism 33 of the outer sleeve 32. The inner wall 42 includes the seal 16. The seal 16 circumferentially extends around an inner area or region of the inner wall 44 of the bottom lid 40.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A illustrates the releasable engagement or coupling between the bottom lid 40 and the outer sleeve 32 via the threaded mating mechanism 33. The threads 43 of the outer wall 42 engage or mate or couple with the threaded mating mechanism 33 of the outer sleeve 32. Additionally, the inner wall 44 of the bottom lid 40 with the seal 16 rests adjacent the inner wall of the outer sleeve 32. The inner wall 44 is vertically aligned with the sidewall of the outer sleeve 32, whereas the seal 16 is vertically aligned with the opening 45 of the outer sleeve 32.

The seal 16 is also vertically offset from the threaded mating mechanism 33 of the outer sleeve 32 and vertically offset from the threads 43 of the outer wall 42. The seal 16 is not positioned on or next to the threads 43. The seal 16 is separate and distinct from the threads 43 of the outer wall 42. The seal 16 is configured to be above the threads 43 of the threaded mating mechanism 33 and the threads 43 of the outer wall 42. Thus, the seal 16 is not coplanar with the threads 43. Moreover, a diameter of the seal 16 is less than a diameter of the outer wall 42 including the threads 43.

In an alternative embodiment, the seal 16 may not define one continuous circumferential element. Instead, the seal 16 may define a ring with segmented or discontinuous or disconnected or disjointed elements/segments.

In operation, the bottom lid 40 is threadedly secured to the outer sleeve 32 via the threaded mating mechanism 33, and then a beverage can 5 is inserted into the opening or cavity 45 of the outer sleeve 32. The outer walls of the beverage can 5 engage the inner walls of the outer sleeve 32 such that the beverage can 5 engages the seal 16. At that point, a user applies a slight downward force to the beverage can 5 such that the bottom of the beverage can 5 contacts the top surface 37 of the bottom lid 40 (thus overcoming the friction presented by the seal 16). The seal 16 operates to secure the beverage can 5 to the outer sleeve 32 threadedly secured to the bottom lid 40 via the threaded mating mechanism 33.

The threaded mating mechanism 33 is positioned directly between the outer wall 42 and the inner wall 44. In other words, the threaded mating mechanism 33 is positioned or placed within the space 46 defined between the outer wall 42 and the inner wall 44. The inner wall 44 has a height greater than a height of the outer wall 42. Moreover, the seal 16 is configured to be positioned above a topmost thread of the threaded mating mechanism 33. Thus, the seal 16 is horizontally offset from the threaded mating mechanism 33.

In conclusion, different can coolers have been presented. In one embodiment, a can cooler includes an inner sleeve within a housing, as well as a seal contacting a bottom region of the inner sleeve to secure a can within the housing. In another embodiment, a can cooler includes a housing and a bottom lid secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid including a seal for securing a can to the housing. In yet another embodiment, a can cooler includes a housing and a bottom lid secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid having an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall defining threads and the inner wall having a seal for securing a can to the housing.

While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or implementation of the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or implementation as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

It should also be understood that the example embodiments disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Thus, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a” and the like, is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Furthermore, the naming conventions for the various components, functions, parameters, thresholds, and other elements used herein are provided as examples, and can be given a different name or label. The use of the term “or” is not limited to exclusive “or” but can also mean “and/or”.

Having described preferred embodiments, which serve to illustrate various concepts, structures and techniques that are the subject of this patent, it will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating these concepts, structures and techniques may be used. Additionally, elements of different embodiments described herein may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically set forth above.

Accordingly, it is submitted that that scope of the patent should not be limited to the described embodiments but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A can cooler comprising:

a housing having a threaded mating mechanism disposed on a lowermost region of inner sidewalls of the housing; and

a bottom lid releasably secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining a seal circumferentially disposed therein, wherein the seal engages a can received within a top cavity of the housing.

2. The can cooler of claim 1, wherein the seal is positioned approximately ½ of an inch from a top surface of the bottom lid.

3. The can cooler of claim 1, wherein the seal is positioned approximately ¼ of an inch from a top surface of the bottom lid.

4. The can cooler of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the bottom lid includes threads configured to releasably couple with the threaded mating mechanism of the housing.

5. The can cooler of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the can contacts a top surface of the bottom lid such that the seal engages a lowermost region of the can.

6. The can cooler of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the bottom lid is vertically aligned with sidewalls of the housing and wherein the seal is vertically aligned with the top cavity of the housing.

7. A can cooler comprising:

a housing having a threaded mating mechanism disposed at a distal end thereof such that the threaded mating mechanism extends beyond a distalmost end of the housing; and

a bottom lid releasably secured to a bottom region of the housing, the bottom lid including an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall defining threads on an inner surface thereof and the inner wall defining a seal circumferentially disposed therein, wherein the seal engages a can received within a top cavity of the housing.

8. The can cooler of claim 7, wherein the seal is positioned approximately ½ of an inch from a top surface of the bottom lid.

9. The can cooler of claim 7, wherein the seal is positioned approximately ¼ of an inch from a top surface of the bottom lid.

10. The can cooler of claim 7, wherein the threads of the outer wall are configured to releasably couple with the threaded mating mechanism of the housing.

11. The can cooler of claim 7, wherein a bottom surface of the can contacts a top surface of the bottom lid such that the seal engages a lowermost region of the can.

12. The can cooler of claim 7, wherein the upper portion of the bottom lid is vertically aligned with sidewalls of the housing and wherein the seal is vertically aligned with the top cavity of the housing.

13. The can cooler of claim 7, wherein the threaded mating mechanism of the housing is securedly positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall.

14. The can cooler of claim 7, wherein the inner wall has a first height and the outer wall has a second height, wherein the first height is greater than the second height.

15. A can cooler comprising:

a housing;

an inner sleeve securedly fixed within the housing; and

a seal circumferentially disposed within the inner sleeve, wherein the seal engages a can received within a top cavity of the housing.

16. The can cooler of claim 15, wherein the seal is positioned approximately ½ of an inch from a bottom surface of the inner sleeve.

17. The can cooler of claim 15, wherein the seal is positioned approximately ¼ of an inch from a bottom surface of the inner sleeve.

18. The can cooler of claim 15, wherein a bottom surface of the can contacts a bottom surface of the inner sleeve such that the seal engages a lowermost region of the can.

19. The can cooler of claim 15, wherein the seal includes a plurality of seals.

20. The can cooler of claim 15, wherein the seal is a segmented seal.