Beer ball

Abstract

The present invention is a substantially spherical beverage container that enables a person to carry a large volume, about 480 to 720 fluid ounces, of beverage or other fluid. In several embodiments of the present invention the container has at least one handle, but preferably two handles are integrated into the container. The container is preferably made of recyclable material. More preferably the container is made of only one type of recyclable material to facilitate easy recycling.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 131,819 filed Jun. 12, 2008.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention generally pertains to fluid containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plastic beer container for draught beer dispensing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The invention is particularly applicable to beer kegs and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has broader applications and may also be adapted for use in containers or vessels for storing and shipping other beverages, as well as assorted fluids, such as chemicals, paints, and the like.[0004]Most conventional beer kegs were made entirely or partly out of a metal, such as aluminum or steel. These kegs were generally provided with openings in the side and top walls in which a filler plug and a t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention is a beverage container that enables a person to carry a large volume, about 480 to 720 fluid ounces, of beverage or other fluid. In several embodiments the container is substantially spherical with a flat base. In several embodiments the container has at least one handle, but preferably two handles are integrated into the container. It is envisioned that multiple handles or grips could be placed at effective locations and positions on the container. One purpose for the spherical shape of the container is to reduce the surface area of the container, which helps reduce heat gained by the liquid inside and to reduce the amount of material needed to contain a certain volume of liquid.

[0008]The container is preferably made of recyclable material. More preferably the container is made of only one type of recyclable material to facilitate easy recycling. Even more preferably the container is made of only one type of recyclable plastic to facilitate easy recycling. The container could also be constructed in part or completely of biodegradable plastic. A plastic film could be used inside the container, so liquid does not contact the biodegradable or recyclable hollow shell. This is especially advantageous if the hollow shell is constructed of one of the many biodegradable materials that degrade to rapidly for practical use when they come in contact with liquids. For this same reason the hollow shell could also be coated with a film of plastic on the exterior to protect the hollow shell from exterior liquids or environmental moisture.

[0010]It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a beverage container that enables a larger volume of beverage to be carried by an individual.

[0011]Another object of the present invention is to provide a less expensive alternative to typical beer kegs.

[0014]Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container that keeps the fluid inside from warming as quickly as prior beverage containers without many of the associated drawbacks.

Problems solved by technology

Metal kegs are, however, heavy, and therefore difficult to handle, dent fairly easily and are noisy in handling.

Moreover, it is expensive to construct metal kegs, especially if they are constructed of expensive stainless steel or difficult to weld aluminum.

There are, however, disadvantages to both of the plastic / metal kegs mentioned above in that they are still cumbersome to carry and expensive to construct.

These two primary problems cause cans and bottles to be preferred by consumers over kegs.

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