Portable device for rapid cooling and heating

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for cooling and heating fluids, in particular beverages and liquid foods. A heating or cooling device may include a container containing an insulation system, a cover or lid covering the container, and the insulation system. The insulation system may include a coil made of a thermally conductive material and adapted to connect to an inlet in the cover and an outlet in the container. The cover may include a fluid reservoir for receiving a liquid to be treated and an opening providing a passage for adding additional insulating material to the insulation system during use of the device. When the device is assembled, liquid may be poured into the fluid reservoir, passed through the coil that carries the liquid through the insulation system, and exit the container as a cooled or heated liquid.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 812,404, filed March 1, 2019, and entitled “Portable Device For Quick Chilling And Heating,” which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. [Background technology]

[0002] Many consumers of beverages and liquid foods prefer consumable liquids to be provided at heated or cooled temperatures. When an individual desires to consume such liquids, these liquids often have temperatures that are too hot or too cold for palatability or safe consumption.

[0003] Many freshly prepared beverages, such as a freshly brewed pot of coffee, may have a temperature that is too hot for comfortable or safe consumption, where an individual may prefer the liquid to be cooled before consumption. Other beverages, such as wine, beer, or sake, are believed to have improved or optimal taste when served at a particular temperature or range of temperatures, usually much lower or higher than typical ambient or room temperature. Also, many beverages and liquid foods are stored under refrigerated conditions, where an individual may prefer the liquid to be adjusted to a higher temperature before consumption.

[0004] To achieve optimal drinking experience, the temperature of the fluid must be adjusted prior to consumption. A container is needed that can rapidly change the temperature of a consumable liquid without diluting or contaminating the liquid.

[0005] There is also a need for an apparatus configured to allow for the replenishment of insulating material without interrupting the heating or cooling process being applied to the liquid.

[0006] There is also a need for a device that is large enough to process one or more liquid servings, yet small enough to be portable and easily manipulated and transported. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to the field of devices for cooling and heating fluids. The invention is particularly suitable for lowering the temperature of liquids such as, but not limited to, beer, wine, liqueurs, spirits, coffee, soft drinks, and tea, or for raising the temperature of liquids such as water, broths, liquors, tea, and therapeutic liquids. Both cooling and heating can be performed without diluting the fluid whose temperature is changed by the device.

[0008] The present invention relates to a portable device, which can be easily disassembled for ease of cleaning, storage and transportation, and can be easily assembled or reassembled as needed.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a device that is configured to allow for the replenishment of the material used to alter the temperature of the fluid without interrupting the refrigeration or heating activity of the device.

[0010] The present invention relates to a device that can be used to heat and cool liquids.

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

[0012] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable device for rapidly cooling or heating liquids. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a portable device for rapidly cooling or heating liquids. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portable device for rapidly cooling or heating liquids. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portable device for rapidly cooling or heating liquids. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portable device for rapidly cooling or heating liquids. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of a portable device for rapidly cooling or heating liquids. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a portable device for rapidly cooling or heating liquids. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable device including a container covered with a closure, showing features for securing the closure to the container via structure on the container configured to mate with corresponding structure on the lid. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable device. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a side view of the portable device shown in FIG. [Figure 10B] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the portable device shown in FIG. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 10B and a side view of the portable device showing the mating of the container and closure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular construction shown, since other embodiments are possible. Exemplary embodiments are shown in the referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein be considered illustrative and not limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation.

[0015] While the invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific exemplified embodiments.

[0016] The features of the invention disclosed in this specification, in the drawings and in the claims may be important for the operation of the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any desired combination. Features of one embodiment can be used in other embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Referring to the drawings, Figures 1-10 show an embodiment of an appliance or device 10 for use in altering the temperature of a beverage or liquid food product as shown in accordance with the present invention. General statements made regarding the embodiment used as a cooling device are generally applicable to similar embodiments used as a heating device.

[0018] 1-7, the heating or cooling device 10 may include a container 20 for containing or packaging an insulation system 22, a lid or cover 24 for covering the container 20, and the insulation system 22 for cooling a potable liquid. At one end, the insulation system 22 may connect to an inlet 26 located on the cover 24, and the other end of the insulation system 22 may connect to an outlet 28 located on the container 20. The cover 24 may include an open section 54 that provides a passageway for an individual to add insulating material to the insulation system 22 while the device 10 is in use. The device 10 may optionally include plugs for sealing each end of the insulation system 22.

[0019] Apparatus 10 includes a container 20, which, as shown in Figures 9-10, may be generally cylindrical and may have the general shape of a cup or pitcher, for example. Container 20 includes a lower section 34, which may include a fluid-tight floor 36 as a bottom surface of container 20. Container 20 may include an upper section 38 opposite lower section 34. Sidewall 40 may extend upwardly from floor 36 and terminate in a lip 42 that defines an opening or mouth 44 of container 20. Sidewall 40 may connect floor 36 and lip 42 of container 20.

[0020] A mouth 44 may be provided in the upper section 38 that is not fluid-tight.

[0021] The floor 36 may be generally fluid-tight, but may include an outlet 28 for providing an outlet for potable liquid being cooled within the apparatus 10. Preferably, the outlet 28 is located in a central portion 39 of the floor 36.

[0022] Container 20 may include a handle member 45, preferably attached to the exterior surface of sidewall 40. Handle member 45 provides a means for gripping and manipulating device 10.

[0023] The apparatus 10 may include a lid or cover 24 for covering a mouth 44 of the container 20. The cover 24 may function as a closure for the container 20. When the cover 24 is engaged with the container 20, the two structures together may define an enclosure having an interior chamber 46 for holding the insulation system 22 and receiving additional insulating material.

[0024] The cover 24 may include a rim 50 that defines an outer edge or periphery of the cover 24. The rim 50 communicates with the lip 42 of the container 20 such that the cover 24 may be positioned to overlie the mouth 44 of the container 20.

[0025] The cover 24 may include a solid section 52 located proximate or adjacent to an open section 54. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the open section 54 may define an opening or hole in the cover 24. The open section 54 is preferably large enough to accommodate movement of the insulating material through the opening or hole provided by the open section 54. The solid section 52 covers or surrounds a portion of the interior chamber 46, while another portion of the interior chamber 46 may communicate with its exterior environment through the open section 54.

[0026] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, the peripheral rim 50 of the cover 24 may be in communication with the entire lip 42 of the container 20. As shown in Figures 9-10, some embodiments may include a cover 24 in communication with a portion of the lip 42. A first portion of the mouth 44 is preferably obscured by the cover 24 and a second portion of the mouth 44 is unobscured or unobstructed. The unobstructed portion of the mouth 44 may provide an opening through which insulating material may enter and exit the insulation system 22, particularly while the apparatus 10 is in use.

[0027] The solid section 52 may include a liquid or fluid reservoir 56, receptacle for initially receiving a quantity of potable liquid into the device 10. The fluid reservoir 56 may be defined by a bottom surface 58 and may have a peripheral wall 60 extending upwardly (or away) from the bottom surface 58. The peripheral wall 60 may extend to the perimeter 50 of the cover 24 or the peripheral wall 60 may extend to the top surface of the device 10. A first portion of the peripheral wall 60 may be disposed such that a portion of the peripheral wall is adjacent to the side wall 40 when the container 20 and the cover 24 are engaged. Preferably, the first portion of the peripheral wall 60 may be disposed adjacent or adjacent to the upper section 38 of the side wall 40. A second portion of the peripheral wall 60 may be disposed adjacent to the first portion and adjacent or adjacent to the open section 54 of the cover 24. In some embodiments, the second portion of the peripheral wall may be disposed distally from the side wall 40 and may form an edge or boundary of the portion of the mouth 44 that is unobstructed by the cover 24 .

[0028] The fluid reservoir 56 may include an opening or hole that acts as an inlet 62. As shown in Figures 1 and 4-5, the inlet 62 may be located on a bottom surface 58 of the cover 24 when the device 10 is in an upright configuration with the cover 24 and the container 20 engaged with one another. Preferably, the fluid reservoir 56 defines a void space having a convex shape or volume to facilitate the flow of fluid to the inlet 62. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the inlet 62 may preferably be located in a central portion 61 of the bottom surface 58 of the cover 24.

[0029] The interior chamber 46 of the device 10 may include an insulation system 22 that provides a pour-through, gravity-operated heat exchange system for cooling or heating the potable liquid. The insulation system 22 may include a coil 4 made of a heat or temperature exchanging material. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-5, the insulation system 22 may include a generally helical coil 64 made of a metal tube, for example made of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or other metal or metal alloy. The coil 64 may be positioned to connect the inlet 62 of the cover 24 to the outlet 28 in the container 20 when positioned within the interior chamber 46.

[0030] The coil 64 has a hollow center or hollow interior portion and provides a tube or conduit for transporting potable liquid between the inlet opening 62 in the cover 24 and the outlet opening 28 in the vessel 20 .

[0031] The coil 64 may have an upper end 66 for communicating with the inlet 62. The coil 64 may have a lower end 68 for communicating with the outlet 28. The coil 64 may have a central portion 70 located between and connecting or joining the upper and lower ends 66, 68. At the upper and lower ends 66, 68, the coil 64 may be in a straight line or configuration for engaging the inlet 62 and outlet 28, respectively.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4-5, the inlet 62 may include a channel member 72 for receiving the upper end 66. The channel member 72 may extend away from the opening or bore defined by the inlet 62 and provide a conduit or passageway through which the upper end 66 may pass. Thus, the upper end 66 may be guided into a position in communication with the inlet 62. The upper end 66 is preferably configured to be inserted into the channel member 72. As shown in Figures 4-5, the distal end of the upper end 66 may include a straight or tubular segment that may be threaded into the opening or bore defined by the inlet 62.

[0033] Similarly, the outlet 28 may include a channel member 72 for receiving the lower end 68. The channel member 72 may extend away from the opening or bore defined by the outlet 28 and provide a conduit or passageway through which the lower end 68 may pass. Thus, the lower end 68 may be guided into a position in communication with the outlet 28. The lower end 68 is preferably configured for insertion into the channel member 72. As shown in Figures 4-5, the distal end of the lower end 68 may include a straight or tubular segment that may be threaded into the opening or bore defined by the outlet 28.

[0034] The inlet 62 and outlet 28 may form an air-tight or liquid-tight seal or connection i) between the inlet 62 and the upper end 66, or ii) between the outlet 28 and the lower end 68. The coil 64 may include a gasket 78 on either end to facilitate sealing with the cover 24 and container 20 of the device 10. Alternatively, the inlet 62 and outlet 28 may each include a gasket or liner 78 to facilitate forming an air-tight or liquid-tight engagement with the coil 64.

[0035] The inlet 62 and outlet 28 may each include a plug to seal them, particularly when the coil 64 is not engaged therewith. Similarly, the upper and lower ends 66, 68 of the coil 64 may include plugs to seal them, particularly when the coil 64 is not in use.

[0036] Between the upper end 66 and the lower end 68, the central portion 70 of the coil 64 may be generally helical in shape, i.e., the central portion 70 may point radially inward from the upper end 66 toward the central portion 70 and downward toward the lower end 68, and the central portion 70 may point radially inward from the lower end 68 and upward toward the upper end 66.

[0037] The coil 64 may be positioned such that some or all of the segments of the central portion 70 are adjacent to the sidewall 40 when the container 20, cover 24, and coil 64 are engaged or connected. As shown in Figures 4-5, when the device 10 is in an assembled configuration, the coil 64 may be positioned within the lower section 34 of the container 20 in spaced-apart relationship with the sidewall 40 of the container 20. The coil 64 may be positioned within the container 20 such that its helical axis is generally aligned with the longitudinal or vertical axis of the container 20.

[0038] In the assembled configuration, the fluid reservoir 56 and the intake 62 may be located in the upper section 38 of the vessel 20 .

[0039] Apparatus 10 may include structure for joining container 20 to cover 24, as shown in Figures 8 and 10B-10C. Top section 38 of container 20 may include one or more recesses or depressions 74 in the interior surface of sidewall 40. Recesses 74 may be shallow, i.e., recesses 74 may be deep enough to define a recess in sidewall 40, but not deep enough to define a hole or aperture through sidewall 40.

[0040] The cover 24 may include a protrusion or projection 76 for engaging a recess 74 on the container 20. The protrusion 76 may be located, for example, on an exterior surface of the peripheral wall 60 of the fluid reservoir 56. The protrusion 76 may be located on a portion of the peripheral wall 40 proximate or adjacent to the upper section 38 of the side wall 60.

[0041] In some embodiments, the protrusion 76 may be located within the peripheral rim 50 of the cover 24 .

[0042] The recesses 74 and protrusions 76 may be regularly spaced apart. To facilitate engagement between the two structures, the size and location of the protrusions 76 preferably mirrors the size and location of the recesses 74 on the container 20. The corresponding recesses 74 and protrusions 76 are preferably sized and shaped to facilitate connection therebetween, preferably a male-female mating connection or engagement. That is, each recess 74 may be configured to provide a receptacle 74 that receives and engages a corresponding protrusion 76.

[0043] For example, recess 74 may have a generally rectangular shape with a raised ridge in the middle, and protrusion 76 may have a similarly sized or slightly smaller sized volume with a groove in the middle. When corresponding recess 74 and protrusion 76 mate, they may fit together like puzzle pieces.

[0044] The container 20 and cover 24 may each have an engagement member 75 that preferably matingly engages with one another, i.e., an engagement member 75a on the container 20 may contact a corresponding engagement member 75b on the cover 24 as shown in Figure 8, in a manner that fixes the positions of the container 20 and cover 24 relative to one another. The engagement members are not limited to corresponding recesses 74 and protrusions 76, but may include any three-dimensional shape for engaging with one another.

[0045] A plurality of corresponding sets of recesses 74 and protrusions 76 may be disposed on the outer surface of the top section 38 of the container 20 and the peripheral rim 50 of the cover 24, respectively, to guide the cover 24 and container 20 into an assembled configuration. In such a configuration, the open section 54 of the cover 24 may be disposed adjacent the handle member 45.

[0046] In some embodiments, the locations of the recesses 74 and protrusions 76 may be reversed, with the recesses 74 located on the cover 24 and the protrusions 76 located on the container 20 .

[0047] Where cooling or chilling is desired, the insulating material may include ice in various forms such as ice cubes, ice chips, ice shavings, or cracked ice, cold water, and other cold solids or substances. The insulating material may include water or a mixture of water and ice. However, "cold" is a relative term and need not be below 32° F. or 0° F. The insulating material is sufficiently cold if it is at a temperature lower than the temperature of the liquid being cooled.

[0048] The insulating material may contain hot or boiling water, other hot liquids or solids, or mixtures thereof, if heating is desired. "Hot" is a relative term, and it need not be above 312°F or 100°F; the insulating material only needs to be at a temperature higher than the temperature of the liquid to be heated for it to be hot enough.

[0049] If it is desired to maintain the liquid at a particular temperature or temperature range, the insulating material may include a material that has the desired temperature or temperature range.

[0050] Ceramic prosthetic materials made according to embodiments of the present invention can be selected to provide desired bending strength and optical transparency.

[0051] In some embodiments, the same device 10 may have an insulation system 22 that can utilize insulating material for both heating and cooling the liquid, but one at a time.

[0052] To use the device 10 for cooling, the coil 64 may be placed within the vessel 20 with the lower end 68 of the coil 64 engaging the outlet 28 of the vessel 20, preferably in a fluid-tight connection. A supply of ice or other cooling insulating material may be mounted in the center of the open vessel 20. The coil 64 may spiral upward to a height adjacent the lip 42 of the vessel 20. The desired insulating material is added to the interior chamber 46 adjacent or in contact with the coil 64, thus providing an insulation system 22 for heating or cooling liquids through the coil 64.

[0053] At approximately the same time, the upper end 66 of the coil 64 engages the inlet 62 in the cover 24, the periphery or rim 50 of the cover 24 engages the lip 42 of the container 20, the protrusions 76 of the cover engage corresponding recesses 74, and the protrusions 76 engage each other to complete the assembly of the device 10. When fully assembled, the device 10 may provide a system for heating or cooling potable liquids without diluting the liquid or contaminating the liquid with the insulating material.

[0054] When mating recesses 74, 76 are not engaged, cover 24 is pivotable about lip 42 of container 20. When mating recesses 74, 76 are engaged, cover 24 is locked in a configuration that prevents cover 24 from being removed and may position the opening of cover 24 adjacent container handle member 45.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cover 24 is tightly fitted from top to bottom with the container 20. The cover 24 cannot then be removed from the container 20 via the same direction in which the cover 24 was snapped. According to some embodiments, to remove the cover 24, the user places the palm of the hand on the handle member 45 and extends the fingers to pull the fluid reservoir 56 directly back towards the handle member 45, thereby removing the cover 24 from the container 20. This action ensures that there is no risk of the user removing the cover 24 when the device 10 is used with high temperature liquids, but the device 10 may be intentionally disassembled for cleaning. It is understood that other methods of securely engaging and disengaging the cover 24 from the container 20 are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0056] An upper end 66 of the coil 64 may be engaged with the inlet 62, preferably in a fluid-tight connection. The cover 24 may be manipulated to engage the container 20. For example, corresponding recesses 74 and protrusions 76 may be positioned to engage with one another, thereby bringing the cover 24 and container 20 into an assembled configuration.

[0057] Another method of providing insulating material within the interior chamber 46, such as when the cover 24 and container 20 are engaged, is to add insulating material through a passageway provided by the open section 54 of the cover 24.

[0058] Liquid may be injected or introduced into fluid reservoir 56, enter coil or conduit 64 via inlet 62, pass through coil 64, and exit through outlet 28. As the liquid passes through coil 64, which is immersed in or in close proximity to the insulating material, it may change the liquid temperature.

[0059] Water is poured onto the ice to a level sufficient to cover most of the central portion 70 of the coil 64. The liquid to be cooled, such as premium Kentucky bourbon, is then slowly poured into the fluid reservoir 56 and allowed to flow by gravity into the coil 64. A cup, pitcher or other receptacle may then be placed or held under the outlet 28. After a short period of time, anywhere from 20 seconds to a few minutes depending on the type and amount of liquid, the liquid may be withdrawn from the device by opening the outlet 28. Under normal operating conditions, the liquid is cooled to well below room or ambient temperature. However, if further cooling is desired, the liquid may be passed through the device again in the manner described above.

[0060] Thus, a liquid having a first temperature when it enters the apparatus 10 can be passed through a cooled coil 64 or conduit such that as the liquid circulates through the apparatus 10, the liquid passes from the first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and the liquid has the second lower temperature when it exits the apparatus 10.

[0061] During this process, additional insulating material, such as additional ice or water, may be introduced through the opening provided by open section 54 of cover 24 without having to disconnect coil 64 from apparatus 10. If desired, excess insulating material may be removed from container 20 by siphoning it or pouring it out of apparatus 10 through open section 54 of cover 24.

[0062] In other embodiments, where it is desired to heat rather than chill a liquid, a warm, hot or boiling liquid or substance, such as heated water, may be used instead of ice or cold water, where the liquid having a first temperature when it enters the apparatus 10 may be passed through a heated coil 64 or conduit such that as it circulates through the apparatus 10, the liquid passes from the first temperature through a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and when it exits the apparatus 10 it has the higher elevated second temperature.

[0063] The device 10 is primarily intended for altering the temperature of potable liquids, but may also be used to alter the temperature of other liquids for other applications including body paints, cosmetics, medicines, and the like.

[0064] In some embodiments, the container 20, cover 24 and coil 64 may be disassembled from one another for cleaning and storing the components of the device 10.

[0065] A particular embodiment of a portable device 10 for rapidly changing the temperature of a liquid or fluid according to the present invention has been described in order to illustrate how to make and use the invention. It is understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its different aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art and that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described. Features described in one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments. It is understood that the invention encompasses any modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention and the underlying underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10: Portable devices 20: Container 22: Insulation system 24: Cover 26:Entrance 28:Exit 34: Lower section 38: Upper section 40: Side wall 45: Handle material 52: Solid section

Claims

1. 1. A portable device for cooling and heating a fluid, comprising: a vessel for receiving insulating material, the vessel comprising: a fluid-tight lower section having an outlet; a non-fluid-tight upper section including one or more recesses located on an inner surface of the upper section; and a sidewall extending upwardly from a floor of the lower section; a cover having an open section and a solid section, the cover providing a closure for the top section of the container; a fluid reservoir in the solid section of the cover for receiving a fluid, the fluid reservoir including an intake port and a peripheral wall having one or more protrusions corresponding to the one or more recesses in the top section, the one or more protrusions intersecting and engaging the one or more recesses when the cover is engaged with the container; a coil of thermally conductive tubing housed within the lower section of the vessel in spaced relation to the side wall, the coil having an upper end communicating with the inlet and a lower end communicating with the outlet; having An apparatus, wherein the insulating material is disposed within the vessel and when the fluid is circulated through the coil, the fluid changes from a first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cover is configured to be detached from the container when an external force is applied to the cover.

3. A handle attached to an outer surface of the upper section, The device of claim 1 , wherein the open section of the cover is positioned adjacent to the handle when the protrusion meets and engages the recess.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the inlet comprises a channel that engages the coil and the outlet comprises a channel that engages the coil.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower ends of the coil include gaskets that engage the inlet and outlet, respectively.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a plug for each end of the coil.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir defines a recess, and the inlet is located in a central portion of the recess.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the thermally conductive tube is made from a metal or metal alloy.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the insulating material is ice.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the open section provides a passageway for adding the insulating material after the cover is engaged with the container.

11. 1. A liquid cooling and distribution apparatus comprising: an enclosure including a lower portion having a floor including a first opening, and an upper portion having a mouth and one or more recesses located on an interior surface of the upper portion to define an interior chamber; a closure for covering the mouth, the closure including a second opening and a peripheral wall having one or more protrusions corresponding to the one or more recesses of the upper portion, the one or more protrusions engaging with the one or more recesses when the closure engages with the enclosure; a conduit extending inside the interior chamber providing a passageway for moving the liquid between the first opening and the second opening; A coolant is disposed inside the internal chamber and in contact with the conduit, such that as the liquid circulates through the apparatus, the liquid changes temperature from a first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

12. the closure includes a liquid reservoir having the first opening; The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the liquid is injected into the liquid reservoir and enters the conduit through the first opening.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the closure portion includes an open section that allows for the addition of insulating material after the closure portion is engaged with the enclosure.

14. The device of claim 11 , wherein the protrusion is configured to be dislodged from the recess when an external force is applied to the closure.

15. A handle attached to an outer surface of the upper portion, The device of claim 13 , wherein the open section of the closure is positioned adjacent to the handle when the protrusion engages the recess.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first opening includes a channel for engaging the conduit; The device of claim 11 , wherein the second opening comprises a channel for engaging the conduit.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising a plug at each end of the conduit.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the conduit is made from a metal or metal alloy.

19. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the insulating material is ice.

20. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the open section provides a passageway for adding the insulating material after the closure engages the enclosure.

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