Insulated beverage container for beer bottles

Abstract

The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus to insulate beverage containers, and more particularly to a design which may sustain a temperature gradient from the ambient over a designed time frame. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the insulated beverage container when housing a cooled liquid beverage initially in the range of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and ambient temperature no more than 80 degrees, the temperature of the liquid beverage will not rise more than 10 degrees for a period of 45 minutes with the insulating cap sealing the beverage container. Similarly, the same insulated beverage container when housing a heated beverage initially in the range of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and ambient temperature no less than 20 degrees, the temperature of the liquid beverage may not cool more than 10 degrees for a period of 45 minutes with the insulating cap sealing the beverage container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 849,642 filed Jan. 30, 2013, which hereby is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus to insulate beer bottle containers, and more particularly to a design which may sustain a temperature gradient for chilled liquids from the ambient over a significant time frame.BACKGROUND[0003]A variety of insulated containers have been used to hold hot drinks and hot foods. Disposable paper or synthetic resin drinking cups have become extremely common. Simple paper cups are quite acceptable for holding cold or lukewarm beverages, but they present problems when used for hot drinks such as coffee or tea, which may be in the range of 170 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature. In such cases the user tends to grasp the cup between the thumb and forefinger at the upper and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a device that keeps beverage containers cool for a long time. It helps maintain a temperature difference between the beverage and the surrounding environment.

Problems solved by technology

Simple paper cups are quite acceptable for holding cold or lukewarm beverages, but they present problems when used for hot drinks such as coffee or tea, which may be in the range of 170 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.

While this alleviates the problem to some extent, it is extremely awkward and may result in spillage of the hot liquid onto the user.

These handles do provide a means of cup manipulation without directly grasping the cup sidewall; nevertheless, they present significant problems inasmuch as manufacturing costs are increased and because such handles tend to break away from the cup body during use, potentially spilling hot coffee for example on the holder.

None of these documents, however, disclose a double wall beverage mug for containing hot or cold beverages without potential spillage on the user and having a base portion substantially wider than the mouth portion of the mug.

The problem with each of these inventions is that they contain a multitude of parts, require some preparation before use and generally introduce inconveniences in dispensing and closing, particularly if the user of these devices is using them while simultaneously engaging in sports, handiwork, or other activities requiring one free hand, or to repeatedly set down and pick up the beverage without fear of spilling the contents.

One main problem with each of these receptacles is that the insulating structures require more space and are thus more difficult to hold.

In addition, with each of these devices, the top of the receptacle is left open and thus the contents of the beverage within the receptacle are subject to warming, invasion by insects and air-borne debris, and spilling if the receptacle is tipped over.

Finally, some of the refrigerating devices require preparation or refrigeration prior to use and are thus inconvenient.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,303, issued to Kelly, Jr. is a foam receptacle that may serve its intended purpose, but it is not spill resistant and again, there is no lid.

The problem with the above devices is that the top surface becomes a vehicle for heat transfer.

Also, without having a lid, the receptacle is not capable of preventing intrusion by insects and airborne debris that may be encountered in many different environments, for example when using an electric saw.

However, the Rudland device has multiple parts, is pressurized, and has a screw-on lid making it inconvenient for rapid, previously described uses, or one-handed operation.

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