Portable Ice Making Cup

Abstract

A portable beverage container capable of autonomously generating ice using an internal cooling system. The cup includes a thermoelectric cooling mechanism within a lower chamber that transforms water into ice. An optional embodiment allows the user to pour or store beverages in the same unit, enabling ice to cool the liquid directly for drinking. The invention is compact, self-contained, and ideal for travel, outdoor use, or situations where conventional refrigeration is unavailable.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/649,377 filed on May 19, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to beverage containers, and more particularly to a portable cup integrated with an active cooling mechanism capable of forming ice internally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional portable cups rely on pre-frozen ice, external ice sources, or refrigeration to chill beverages. This dependency limits convenience, especially for users on the go or in remote environments. Although portable cooling devices exist, few-if any-integrate autonomous ice-making capabilities into a drinking vessel. Additionally, users often need separate containers for cooling and drinking. This invention addresses those problems by combining ice generation and beverage consumption into a single, portable system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable ice-making cup that allows users to generate ice internally without the need for pre-frozen ice or external power sources. The cup integrates a thermoelectric cooling module and power system within a form factor comparable to a standard drinking cup. In some embodiments, the cup also functions as a drinking vessel after ice formation, allowing the user to pour a beverage into the cup post-ice generation.

The invention is powered by one or more of the following: rechargeable battery systems (e.g., lithium-ion or solid-state), USB rechargeable battery units, or direct USB power sources. The system may be activated via an onboard control button and may include an indicator light to signal operational status.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the portable ice making cup showing external and internal components labeled numerically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, the invention comprises a portable ice making cup with an integrated cooling system.

100—Removable Lid

The cup includes a removable lid (100), which seals the top opening of the container. The lid may include a sipping port, flip-cap, or straw opening, depending on the model. Its purpose is to provide secure closure and, in some embodiments, enable beverage consumption without full removal.

102—Outer Cup Body

The outer cup body (102) forms the main structure of the container. It is cylindrical in shape and houses the internal chambers and components.

104—Inner Liquid Chamber

Inside the outer wall is the inner liquid chamber (104), which holds the user's beverage. This chamber is thermally connected to the ice formation zone below and may receive the ice either directly or indirectly once it is formed.

106—Ice Formation Chamber

Located below the liquid chamber is the ice formation chamber (106). This chamber includes a thermoelectric cooling device, such as a Peltier module, which operates by drawing heat away from water introduced into this area, thereby forming ice.

108—Formed Ice

The formed ice (108) accumulates in the ice formation chamber or is moved into the beverage zone above. In some embodiments, the ice remains in a reservoir until it melts and cools the beverage above.

110—Thermal Separator Base Plate

The thermal separator base plate (110) divides the ice formation chamber from the inner liquid chamber. It assists in directing thermal transfer from the cooling module while maintaining separation between the water used for ice and the beverage area.

112—Insulated Wall Layer

The insulated wall layer (112) is positioned between the inner and outer walls of the cup body. It reduces heat exchange between the environment and the inner contents, preserving the cold temperature and minimizing condensation.

114—Power Button

The power button (114) is located at or near the base of the device. When pressed, it activates the thermoelectric cooling module to initiate ice formation.

In an alternative embodiment, the device includes a drinking port or straw incorporated into the lid (100) to allow users to consume cooled beverages directly from the same container. The system may include a rechargeable battery and may be powered by USB port, magnetic contact, or other onboard charging mechanisms.

Optional features may include a sensor to detect when ice has been successfully formed, automatic shut-off capability, a beverage level indicator, and safety insulation to prevent condensation or freezing on the outer cup surface.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, adaptations, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the size, shape, and materials used in the cup may vary based on intended use, and the power system may be adapted to accommodate different energy sources. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms not specifically described herein without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A portable ice making device, comprising: a container defining an internal cavity; a thermoelectric cooling module positioned at a lower portion of the container and operable to form ice within the cavity; an insulated outer wall surrounding the internal cavity; and a user-operable power interface to activate the cooling module.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the internal cavity comprises a liquid chamber positioned above the cooling module.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removable lid configured to seal the internal cavity.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cooling module comprises a Peltier element in thermal contact with a metallic base plate.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a battery power source and USB charging port.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the container is configured to allow beverage consumption directly from the cavity once ice is formed.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the internal cavity is divided into an upper beverage chamber and a lower cooling chamber separated by a thermal barrier.

8. A portable device for generating ice, comprising: a housing defining an internal cavity; a water reservoir within the cavity; a thermoelectric cooling module in thermal communication with the water reservoir; and a user-activated control switch to initiate cooling, wherein the device is operable to autonomously form ice within the reservoir without requiring external refrigeration.