Patent Application
20140260111
The present disclosure relates generally to coolers, and more specifically to a reusable cooler and method of selling chilled food and beverages that eliminates the need for ice in support of such sales.
Beverages are typically sold at sporting events and other events from a container that is filled with ice, in order to chill the beverages and to keep the beverages cold. However, the ice required to chill the beverages from room temperature significantly increases the weight of the container, and can also spill onto the ground, where it forms a safety hazard.
Accordingly, a reusable cooler is provided that includes a first hollow sidewall having a first side, a second side and a first chamber that is used to hold a first thermal pack. A second hollow sidewall has a first side that is connected to the second side of the first hollow sidewall, a second side and a second chamber configured to hold a second thermal pack. A third hollow sidewall has a first side coupled to the second side of the second hollow sidewall, a second side and a third chamber configured to hold a third thermal pack. A fourth hollow sidewall has a first side coupled to the second side of the third hollow sidewall, a second side coupled to the first side of the first hollow sidewall and a fourth chamber configured to hold a fourth thermal pack. The first hollow sidewall, the second hollow sidewall, the third hollow sidewall and the fourth hollow sidewall form an interior where beverages can be stored, such as to maintain their temperature.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:
In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures might not be to scale and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
In accordance with the present disclosure, a reusable cooler for distribution of beverage containers is provided that eliminates the need for ice to be used to maintain the beverage containers at a cold temperature. The present disclosure includes a number of exemplary embodiments, such as a first embodiment that is stackable, has open sides with drop-in thermal packs, and which has a digital temperature sensor and an associated display. A second embodiment is soft sided and foldable and also has a digital temperature sensor and associated display. A third embodiment is closed-sided, filled with a reusable thermal solution and has a digital temperature sensor and associated display. In these exemplary embodiments, the digital temperature sensor and associated display can be powered by a solar photovoltaic array, a battery or can be a passive type indicator that uses color changing materials or other suitable passive devices. The dimensions of the reusable cooler can be optimized for predetermined products, such as cans, bottles, long necks or other suitable containers. Interior spacers can also be provided, to improve the ability of the reusable cooler to maintain cold beverage temperatures. A replaceable logo cover or pocket can also be used, to allow the exterior of the reusable cooler to be customized for predetermined sporting events.
The term “thermal pack” as used herein refers to a suitable package containing a suitable substance (solid, liquid, gas or gel) with thermal properties that allow it to act as a heat source or heat sink for packaged food and beverages. In one exemplary embodiment, the thermal packs can be stored in a freezer or cooler prior to use, then inserted into cooler 100 for use and removed from cooler 100 after use. Thermal packs can be layered in rows, disposed between individual food or beverage containers or layers or food or beverage containers, or otherwise used in place of ice.
In addition to slots 102, 104, 106 and 108, cooler 100 includes vents in the interior sides (not explicitly shown) to improve heat transfer from the beverage containers to the thermal packs. A photovoltaic array 122 is disposed on flexible insulated cover, and is operatively coupled to digital display and thermocouple 102, which is used to display the interior temperature of cooler 100. Additional digital displays and thermocouples can also or alternatively be provided on other sides of cooler 100. In addition, a removable inner floor panel is used to store additional thermal packs.
Cooler 100 is stackable, and can be filled and stored in a walk in freezer for subsequent use. Cooler 100 can be formed by blow molding or other suitable processes, and can be customized with colors, patterns, logos, advertising or other designs, which can be applied after the molding process, which can be removable or which can otherwise be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, digital display and thermocouple 102 can also or alternatively provide a digital message, advertising, or other suitable data.
Cooler 100 can include openings 112 and 114 for handles, support straps or other suitable devices to allow a user to easily carry cooler 100, such as to sell beverages in a sports arena or other suitable locations.
In operation, cooler 100 is prepared for use in food or beverage sales by loading frozen thermal packs into slots 104, 106, 106 and 108, and then loading chilled food or beverage containers into the interior of cooler 100. Alternatively, heated food and beverages and heated thermal packs can be used where suitable. Cooler 100 can then be stored in a walk-in cooler and stacked with other instances of cooler 100. A user then retrieves a stocked and chilled cooler 100, and can distribute chilled or heated foods and beverages to others, such as during a sporting event, a musical event or other suitable events.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
