Heat preservation container with internal gel layer and vacuum heat preservation layer

Abstract

A heat preservation container comprises a container assembly and a gel assembly. The container includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and an outer sidewall. The container includes a cavity for containing a beverage. The second sleeve extends around an outer periphery of the first sleeve. A gap is defined between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. And the gel layer of the gel assembly is accommodated in the gap. When the container is cooled, the gel layer is cooled and provides cold energy to the beverage in the container. A vacuum gap exists between the second sleeve and the outer side wall. The vacuum gap provides vacuum insulation to ensure that heat does not reach the first sleeve by direct contact when cooled by the gel layer, allowing for long-term cooling of the beverage in the insulated container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insulated container, and more particularly, to an insulated container that uses vacuum insulation and a gel layer to maintain a desired temperature inside the container for a long time. Background Art

[0002] Several insulated containers have been designed in the past. However, none of these insulated containers include an insulated container that combines vacuum insulation and a refrigerant gel layer to help keep the beverage contained in the container at a desired cold or hot temperature for a predetermined period of time. As is well known, people need to keep beverages at a desired temperature after they are taken out of a storage room or an original container. If not stored in an insulated container, the beverage may quickly get hot, thereby reducing the user's satisfaction when drinking the beverage. Therefore, there is a need for an insulated container to keep the beverage cold. Several thermos cups have been designed, but they lack a novel design that combines the vacuum insulation of the container with a gel layer, and thus cannot achieve excellent heat insulation and temperature regulation.

[0003] The applicant believes that the relevant comparative document corresponds to US Patent US4163374, which relates to a refrigerable beverage container holder having means for insulating and cooling canned beverages (such as beer or soft drinks), including a cylindrical cup-shaped liner structure disposed within a conventional foam beverage can holder. The applicant believes that another relevant reference corresponds to US Patent US4768354, which relates to a heat-treated cup for a beverage container, the heat-treated cup being a temperature influencing receptacle for receiving a beverage container. The container includes an outer insulating lid and an inner insert supported within the insulating lid. However, none of these references mention a container that can provide insulation through a combination of vacuum insulation and an internal gel layer, so that the beverage inside the container is kept at a desired cold or hot temperature for a predetermined extended period of time.

[0004] Some other comparative documents similar to the subject matter protected by this patent provide some more or less complex features, which cannot solve the above problems in an effective and economical way. Therefore, none of these patents show the novel features of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an insulated container that can maintain the temperature of the beverage contained therein for a predetermined period of time, whether cold or hot.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an insulated container that combines vacuum insulation and a gel layer to achieve excellent heat insulation, thereby keeping the beverage inside the container at a desired temperature.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal insulation container that is easy to transport and suitable for a cup holder receptacle.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal insulation container that can quickly cool the beverage contained therein.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is low in implementation and maintenance costs and at the same time maintains its effectiveness.

[0010] Other objects of the present invention will be set forth in the following part of this specification, and the detailed description is intended to fully disclose the present invention without imposing any limitation thereon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In view of the foregoing and other related objects, the details of the construction and combination of the components included in the present invention can be more fully understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An elevated isometric view showing a thermal insulation container 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 A side view showing the thermal insulation container 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the thermal insulation container 10, which shows a gel component 40 within a container component 20;

[0015] Figure 4 A bottom view showing the thermal insulation container 10, in which a bottom cover is juxtaposed with the bottom of the container;

[0016] Figure 5 A top view showing the thermal insulation container 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Now referring to the drawings, in which the thermal insulation container of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The present invention discloses a thermal insulation container 10 including a container component 20 and a gel component 40.

[0018] The thermal insulation container 10 can keep warm so as to maintain the temperature of the beverage stored therein at a desired temperature for a long time. Preferably, the thermal insulation container 10 can help keep cold beverages. However, the thermal insulation container 10 can be adapted to keep the beverage within a suitable cold and hot range according to the needs of the user. Advantageously, the thermal insulation container 10 can help accelerate the cooling of the beverage therein, allowing the user to enjoy cold drinks more quickly.

[0019] The container component 20 may include a container 22. In one embodiment, the container 22 may be made of materials such as aluminum, metal, stainless steel, plastic, rubber, or other suitable materials. In a preferred embodiment, the container 22 may have a cylindrical structure. In one implementation, the container 22 may be conical. It should be understood that the container 22 may be defined by a first sleeve 24, a second sleeve 26, and an outer wall 28. In one embodiment, the first sleeve 24, the second sleeve 26, and the outer wall 28 may be conical. Wherein the first sleeve 24 and the second sleeve 26 are substantially away from the outer wall 28 within the container 22. The outer wall 28 may extend around the entire circumference of the container 22. In an alternative embodiment, the container 22 may be selectively covered or sealed with a lid.

[0020] Importantly, the first sleeve 24 may be fixed within the container 22. It should be understood that the first sleeve 24 may have a generally U-shaped configuration. The first sleeve 24 may be located at the center within the container 22. In one embodiment, it may be appropriate to fix the first sleeve 24 within the container using an adhesive. It should be understood that a lip 39 may surround the entire upper circumference of the first sleeve 24. The lip 39 may extend outwardly in a vertical manner and away from the first sleeve 24. The lip 39 may help to fix the first sleeve 24 to the outer wall 28 and be located within the container 22. Additionally, since the top surface of the lip 39 is smooth, it is convenient to drink the beverage in the container 22 in a comfortable manner. In an alternative embodiment, the first sleeve 24 may be suitable for integration with the container 22. When the first sleeve 24 is fixed within the container 22, the diameter and circumference of the first sleeve 24 may be smaller than the diameter and circumference of the container 22. In addition, the length of the first sleeve 24 may be shorter than or equal to the length of the container 22. It should be understood that the first sleeve 24 may be substantially away from the outer wall 28 of the container 22.

[0021] The first sleeve 24 may include a cavity 32 located within the first sleeve 24. The cavity 32 may lead to the interior of the container 22. The cavity 32 may extend along the entire length of the first sleeve 24. Within the cavity 32, the container 22 holds the desired beverage. It is also suitable for holding a bottle filled with beverage within the cavity 32. It should be understood that the length of the cavity 32 is preferably less than the length of the container 22. The container 22 may have an open top, thereby allowing easy and continuous access to the cavity 32. In an alternative embodiment, the cavity 32 may be selectively covered with a container lid. Thus, the first sleeve 24 may include threads 38 located in the upper inner portion of the first sleeve 24. More specifically, the threads 38 may extend entirely along the inner circumference of the first sleeve 24. The threads 38 may allow an attachment to engage and mate with the container 22. In one embodiment, the threads 38 may, for example, secure a container lid or neck to the container 22. The threads 38 may allow an attachment (such as a lid or cover) to be removably fixed to the container 22.

[0022] It should be noted that a second sleeve 26 may also be present within the container 22. It should be understood that the second sleeve 26 may have a generally U-shaped configuration. It may be appropriate for the structures of the first sleeve 24 and the second sleeve 26 to be substantially similar. The second sleeve 26 is preferably made of a material similar to that of the first sleeve 24. It should be understood that the second sleeve 26 may completely surround the first sleeve 24 along the entire circumference of the first sleeve 24 within the container 22. It may be appropriate for the second sleeve 26 to be located below the first sleeve 24. It should be noted that the size of the second sleeve 26 may be larger than the size of the first sleeve 24. It may be appropriate for the length and diameter of the second sleeve 26 to be greater than the length and diameter of the first sleeve 24, respectively. It should be understood that the first sleeve 24 and the second sleeve 26 may be fixed within the container 22 using a gel-like substance that secures the first sleeve 24 and the second sleeve 26 to the top of the container 22.

[0023] It should be understood that a spacing 34 located within the container 22 may be defined between the outer circumference of the first sleeve 24 and the inner circumference of the second sleeve 26. The spacing 34 may be entirely defined as the area existing between the first sleeve 24 and the second sleeve 26. The spacing 34 may entirely surround the first sleeve 24. Importantly, a gel assembly 40 may be accommodated within the spacing 34. Preferably, the gel assembly 40 may be received through the top end of the spacing 34. Preferably, the gel assembly 40 may entirely fill the spacing 34, thereby allowing the container 22 to be appropriately insulated as needed. In one embodiment, the size of the spacing 34 may be greater than the combined thickness of the first sleeve 24 and the second sleeve 26.

[0024] The insulated container 10 may further include a vacuum spacing 35. The vacuum spacing 35 may be defined as the distance between the outer circumference of the second sleeve 26 and the inner circumference of the outer wall 32. Air may be present within the vacuum spacing 35. The vacuum spacing 35 may assist the container 22 in achieving vacuum insulation. The container 22 may be sealed using a bottom cover 36 located at the distal end of its bottom. The bottom cover 36 may be securely fixed to the outer wall, thereby sealing the air within the vacuum spacing 35. Vacuum insulation may help maintain the beverage within the container 22 at a desired temperature for an extended period of time. Vacuum insulation helps prevent heat from dissipating from within the container 22 to the beverage contained therein by conduction. That is, cold beverages can be kept cold, while hot beverages can be kept hot within the container 22. The vacuum insulation provided by the vacuum spacing further helps the insulated container 10 achieve insulation of the internal beverage. It should be understood that the dimensions of the gap 34 and the vacuum spacing 35 can be adjusted to help provide additional insulation, such that the beverage within the container 22 can be kept cold for a longer period of time. In one embodiment, the thickness of the vacuum spacing 35 is 14 inches. However, other embodiments may include a vacuum spacing 35 having a thickness greater than or less than this range.

[0025] The gap 34 may receive the gel assembly 40 therein. The gel assembly 40 may be inserted into the gap 34 through the top of the container 22. The gel assembly 40 may further assist the insulated container 10 in maintaining the beverage within the container 22 at a predetermined temperature. Additionally, the gel assembly 40 may cool the beverage received within the container 22. The gel assembly 40 may include a gel layer 42. The gel layer 42 may be a refrigerant gel having a predetermined thickness, viscosity, and consistency. The gel layer 42 may be made from a variety of combinations. Some combinations may include water, thickeners, silica gel, propylene glycol, gel beads, sodium polyacrylate, or other suitable materials. When using the insulated container 10 to cool a beverage, it may be necessary to cool or freeze the insulated container 10 prior to use, such that the gel layer 42 cools and hardens. Subsequently, the gel layer 42 is allowed to release cold to the beverage received within the first sleeve 24 and the cavity 32. It should be understood that the gel layer 42 may entirely surround the outer circumference of the first sleeve 24. The gel layer 42 may continuously abut the first sleeve 24, such that cold energy can be transferred from the gel layer 42 to the first sleeve 24 by conduction or direct contact. Subsequently, the cold energy of the gel layer 42 is transferred to the beverage contained within the cavity 32 to cool or maintain the coldness of the beverage. It should be understood that when using the insulated container 10 to keep a beverage warm, the container 22 is not frozen prior to use to avoid the gel layer 42 becoming cold. Thus, the gel layer 42 is selectively cooled depending on whether the beverage within the container 22 needs to be kept cold or warm. The freezing point of the gel layer 32 may be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In one embodiment, the thickness of the gel layer 42 is 14 inches, and the thickness range may vary and can be greater or less than 14 inches.

[0026] The thermal insulation container 10 can use the gel layer 42 to cool the beverage in the cavity 32. The vacuum thermal insulation generated in the vacuum gap 35 in the present invention can help reduce the heat reaching the cooled beverage in the container 22. This combination helps to provide a better experience for the user because the temperature of the beverage can be maintained at the desired temperature for a longer time.

[0027] The above description expresses the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. The inventive concept of the present invention can be made into different embodiments. It should be understood that all matters disclosed in this application are only to be construed as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0028] Industrial applicability

[0029] The thermal insulation container having an internal gel layer and a vacuum thermal insulation layer has various embodiments and can be used in industrial applications. For example, the thermal insulation container having an internal gel layer and a vacuum thermal insulation layer provides a thermal insulation container that is easy to transport and suitable for being placed in a cup holder container. In one embodiment, the thermal insulation container has an internal gel layer and a vacuum thermal insulation layer and is capable of quickly cooling the beverage contained therein. In another exemplary embodiment, the thermal insulation container having an internal gel layer and a vacuum thermal insulation layer provides a thermal insulation container that combines vacuum thermal insulation and a gel layer to achieve excellent thermal insulation effect, thereby maintaining the beverage in the container at the desired temperature. In addition, the container includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and an outer sidewall. The container includes a cavity for accommodating the beverage. The second sleeve extends around the outer periphery of the first sleeve. A gap is defined between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The gel layer of the gel assembly is accommodated in the gap. When the container is cooled, the gel layer is also cooled and provides cold energy for the beverage in the container. There is a vacuum gap between the second sleeve and the outer sidewall. The vacuum gap provides vacuum thermal insulation to ensure that heat does not reach the first sleeve by direct contact when being cooled by the gel layer, so that the beverage can be kept cooled in the thermal insulation container for a long time.

Claims

1. A heat-insulating container, characterized in that, Comprising: a. A container assembly, the container assembly including a container having a first sleeve and a second sleeve; a gap is defined between the outer periphery of the first sleeve and the inner periphery of the second sleeve, the first sleeve has a fully open top that mates with a receiving bottle, the first sleeve has a U-shaped bottom end, the container assembly further includes a thread located on the first sleeve and near the open top, the thread follows a helical trajectory, the thread has 1 turn; the container includes an outer sidewall extending around the entire circumference of the container, the length of the second sleeve is greater than the length of the first sleeve; And b. A gel assembly, the gel assembly including a gel layer, the gel layer being received within the gap and wrapping the first sleeve; when the gel layer cools, the gel layer cools a beverage received within the container; the container further includes a vacuum insulation layer located between the inner surface of the second sleeve and the sidewall of the container; the vacuum insulation layer entirely wraps the gel layer and extends below the bottom end of the gel layer; the vacuum insulation layer is sealed using a bottom cover attached to the bottom of the container, the vacuum insulation layer is for providing vacuum insulation, the freezing point of the gel layer is lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the gel layer is selectively frozen, and the gel layer continuously abuts against the first sleeve.

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