Surface treatment of beverage containers to keep the beverage cool

Abstract

The invention pertains to a method suitable to reduce the heat transfer into a beverage container in order to keep the beverage cool over an extended period of time after taken from the refrigerator. The method is based on a surface treatment of the beverage container which comprises a binder in which phase change material is incorporated. By absorbing latent heat without a temperature increase, the phase change material creates a thermal barrier against heat penetration. The binder with the phase change material contained wherein is applied to the surface of the beverage container, for instance, by spray coating. The coating layer covers most of the container's surface. A second coating layer which does not contain phase change material is applied on top of the first coating layer in order to provide protection against mechanical stress during high speed filling and packaging.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The application claims priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 741,826 filed Jul. 27, 2012 entitled “Surface treatment of beverage containers to keep the beverage cool”.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention pertains to a method suitable to keep the beverage in the container cool after it is taken from the refrigerator. The method is based on a surface treatment of the beverage container. The surface treatment comprises a binder equipped with phase change material as heat storage mean.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Consumer's satisfaction with cold beverages depends often on the initial sensation of coldness and the beverage staying cold while the content is being consumed. However, the beverage in the container warms up quickly after it has been removed from the refrigerator. The heat transfer from the environment into the beverage container occurs many by conduction. The major heat source is the con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method to keep a beverage cool after it has been taken out of the refrigerator. It is based on a surface treatment of beverage containers using phase change material. This material absorbs heat without increasing its temperature, creating a barrier against heat penetration and preventing the temperature of the container from rising for an extended period of time. The phase change material mixture is spray-coated onto the surface of the container and forms a film-like structure that is adhesive and durable. Additionally, a protective coating layer may be added for further protection during high-speed filling and packaging.

Problems solved by technology

These holders made, for instance, of neoprene closed cell foam or another insulating material, have not provided the desired solution because they are often perceived as interfering with the experience of holding a cold drink.

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