APPARATUS FOR CONSUMING A FREEZABLE SUBSTANCE

An apparatus for consuming a freezable substance is disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a squeezable chamber configured to store a liquid. The apparatus can comprise a flange coupled to or formed with the squeezable chamber, the flange sized and shaped to support the freezable substance. The apparatus can comprise a liquid pathway from the squeezable chamber through the flange to deliver the liquid to the freezable substance.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for consuming a freezable substance, e.g., a frozen confection or frozen beverage device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device for forming a frozen confection that allows for simultaneous consumption of the frozen confection and a user-controlled quantity of fluid, such as alcohol or another liquid.

Description of the Related Art

People sometimes desire to consume mixtures of freezable substances and liquids, such as alcohol, cannabis oil, liquid medication, hydration liquids, liquid vitamins, liquid energy drinks, flavored liquids, or any other suitable liquid base. For example, people desire cool refreshments, especially during the hot summer months. Frozen confections, such as ice pops and Popsicles®, are well-known and popular summertime refreshments for people of all ages. A great variety of frozen confection products, having different colors, flavors, textures, fat content, and caloric content, are widely available. In addition to frozen confections, frozen cocktails are well-known and popular summertime refreshments enjoyed by adults. Frozen cocktails are popular in part because they are cold and also because they are alcoholic.

Freezing alcoholic beverages is problematic due to the low freezing point of ethyl alcohol (the alcohol in alcoholic beverages), which is approximately −173° F. under ambient conditions. The freezing point of alcoholic beverages is between the freezing points of water (32° F.) and alcohol (−173° F.), and depends on the beverage's alcohol content. Therefore, it is difficult to freeze alcoholic beverages and confections having higher alcohol content. As such, completely frozen confections such as ice pops and Popsicles® generally do not contain alcohol.

Because of the low freezing point of alcohol, popular frozen cocktails such as margaritas, piña coladas, and daiquiris are far from completely frozen when served. Instead, “frozen” cocktails are served as a slush with ice crystals suspended in the liquid. If the frozen cocktail is not quickly consumed, the ice crystals melt causing the cocktail to have a less desirable texture and temperature.

In addition to frozen cocktails, it is known to mix alcohol with gelatin to produce food products commonly referred to as Jello® shots and pudding shots. For instance, one type of product mixes vodka, or other alcoholic beverage, with a prepared gelatin before the gelatin solidifies or hardens. The gelatin is then chilled and hardens with the alcoholic beverage contained therein. Although these alcoholic gelatin products provide an alternative to frozen cocktails, they too are not completely frozen and therefore not as refreshing as completely frozen refreshments.

In view of the foregoing, there remains a need in the art for a device that allows for simultaneous consumption of the frozen confection and an alcoholic beverage. The present disclosure addresses this particular need, as discussed in detail below.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an apparatus for consuming a freezable substance is disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a squeezable chamber configured to store a liquid. The apparatus can comprise a flange coupled to or formed with the squeezable chamber, the flange sized and shaped to support the freezable substance. The apparatus can comprise a liquid pathway from the squeezable chamber through the flange to deliver the liquid to the freezable substance.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for consuming a freezable substance is disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a squeezable chamber configured to store a liquid. The apparatus can comprise a freezable substance disposed over the squeezable chamber. The apparatus can comprise a liquid pathway from the squeezable chamber to the freezable substance to deliver the liquid to the freezable substance when a squeezing force is applied to the squeezable chamber.

In another embodiment, a method of consuming a freezable substance is disclosed. The method can comprise squeezing a squeezable chamber in which a liquid is contained, such that the liquid exits the squeezable chamber and mixes with the freezable substance. The method can comprise consuming the freezable substance and the liquid.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for consuming a freezable substance. The apparatus can include a flange sized and shaped to support the freezable substance. The flange can include a projection extending from a first side of the flange. The flange can include a channel in a first side of the flange. The flange can include an orifice providing fluid communication between the first side and a second side of the flange, the first side opposite the second side, the channel sloped to deliver liquid to the orifice. A liquid pathway can extend through the orifice and the projection, the liquid pathway supplying the liquid to the freezable substance.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for consuming a freezable substance is disclosed. The apparatus can include a flange sized and shaped to support the freezable substance, the flange comprises a cavity and a raised rim disposed about the cavity. The apparatus can include one or a plurality of posts extending from a floor of the cavity at a first side of the flange. The apparatus can include a liquid pathway extending through the flange, the liquid pathway supplying liquid to the freezable substance by way of an opening at an upper portion of the flange.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid substance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that, when assembled, creates a Popsicle®-like frozen confection having a container holding a liquid. The user can squeeze a flexible, squeezable chamber to drive the liquid upward through a lumen in the frozen confection so that the user may simultaneously consume the frozen confection and ingest the liquid. Thus, the device allows for a liquid and a frozen substance to be ingested simultaneously while being contained separately within a single vessel. The device further allows the user to control the amount of liquid ingested, and thus the flavor of the product. Using the squeezable chamber, the user may shoot liquid from the device, drizzle the liquid over the frozen confection, or refrain from ingesting any liquid at all. Throughout all the embodiments disclosed herein, the fluid (e.g., stored fluid) can comprise any suitable fluid, e.g., liquid. In various embodiments, the liquid can comprise alcohol, cannabis oil, liquid medicine, hydration liquids, liquid vitamins, liquid energy drinks, flavored liquids, or any other suitable liquid bases.

The drawings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and not for purposes of limiting the same.FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view of a device10for preparing, storing, and serving a chilled or frozen item. As shown inFIG. 1, the device10can comprise a handle2.2and a cap18removably connected to an upper portion of the handle22. As explained herein, the handle22can comprise one or more chambers that store a fluid, such as an alcoholic beverage, cannabis oil, medication, hydration liquids, liquid vitamins, liquid energy drinks, flavored liquids, etc. A frozen confection (not shown inFIG. 1) can be provided inside the cap18.

FIG. 2is a schematic side view of the device10with the cap18having been removed from the device10to reveal a freezable or frozen confection12.FIG. 3is a schematic bottom perspective view of the cap18. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the cap18can comprise a mold cavity16sized and shaped to define the freezable confection12and to contain and/or protect the freezable confection12. In various embodiments, the freezable confection12can be formed by providing a liquid (e.g., water or a flavored liquid) within the mold cavity16between the cap18and the handle22. The liquid can be frozen to form the freezable confection12. Still other ways of forming the freezable confection12may be suitable. The cap18can removably connect to the handle22by way of an engagement feature, such as an annular groove19. The groove19can removably engage with a flange13coupled to or formed with an upper portion of the handle22. For example, in some embodiments, the groove19can snap onto the flange13to removably connect the cap18to the handle22. The user can remove and/or replace the cap18from and/or to the handle22by pulling the cap18from or snapping the cap18to the handle22.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the cap18can comprise an elongate plug17extend from an upper surface of the cap18. The plug17can comprise a rod, shaft, or other suitable elongate member. As shown inFIG. 3, the plug17can have a length that is at least half a length of the cap18. In some embodiments, such as that shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the plug17can be longer than the cap18along a direction parallel to the plug17. The freezable confection12can be provided around the plug17. As shown inFIG. 2, when the cap18is removed from the handle22, a lumen15can be provided through the freezable confection12in the space through which the plug17previously extended. As explained herein, upon squeezing the handle22, the stored fluid can be delivered to and/or over the frozen confection12through the lumen15. The fluid can mix with the frozen confection to provide the user with a tasty treat (or dose of medicine, etc.). Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the device10is configured to allow a person to simultaneously consume the frozen confection12and the fluid (such as alcohol, cannabis oil, medications, flavored liquids, etc.).

FIG. 4is a schematic side sectional view of the handle22, according to various embodiments.FIG. 5is an enlarged schematic side sectional view of a portion of the handle22shown inFIG. 4. The handle22can comprise a first chamber11and a second chamber38. As shown inFIG. 5, the first and second chambers11,38can be separated by a partition25. The first chamber11can comprise a squeezable chamber sized and shaped to store a fluid14. As explained herein, the fluid14can comprise a liquid such as an alcoholic beverage, cannabis oil, liquid medication, hydration liquids, liquid vitamins, liquid energy drinks, flavored liquids, or any other suitable liquid. The second chamber38can be used for any suitable purpose, including, e.g., acting as an enclosure for other device components, such as processing electronics (e.g., communications chips), optical emitters, batteries, etc.

It can be important to size the first chamber11(which is configured to store the fluid14) relative to the mold cavity16(which is sized to contain the freezable confection12) in such a manner as to provide the user with a mixture of fluid14and freezable confection12at a relative concentration that is pleasing to taste. For example, in embodiments in which the fluid14comprises an alcoholic beverage, it may be desirable to provide a mixed confection having alcoholic content in a range of 20 proof to 40 proof, e.g., about 30 proof. In some embodiments, the volume VMof the mold cavity16of the cap18and the volume VCof the first chamber11can be selected to provide the user with a pleasant taste. In some embodiments, the volume VMof the mold cavity16can be in a range of 30 mL to 100 mL, in a range of 30 mL to 75 mL, in a range of 35 mL to 70 mL, in a range of 35 mL to 60 mL, in a range of 35 mL to 55 mL, in a range of 40 mL, to 55 mL, in a range of 40 mL to 50 mL, or in a range of 42 mL to 46 mL, e.g., about 44 mL in one embodiment.

As explained above, the first chamber11can be squeezable, e.g., the first chamber11can be defined by a wall33that can be made of a flexible or deformable material, such as a polymer or plastic. In some embodiments, the wall33of the chamber11can comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Since the first chamber11is squeezable, the volume VCof the chamber11may be variable. In various embodiments, the volume VCof the first chamber11can have a maximum volume (e.g., a volume when not deformed or squeezed) in a range of 35 mL to 100 mL, in a range of 35 mL to 75 mL, in a range of 40 mL to 70 mL, in a range of 45 mL to 65 mL, or in a range of 50 mL to 60 mL, e.g., about 56 mL in some embodiments. In various embodiments, the mold cavity16can have a volume VMthat is large than the volume VCof the chamber11. In various embodiments, it can be advantageous (in terms of providing a good taste to the user) to shape the mold cavity16and the first chamber11to have volumes that are in accordance with a volume ratio R defined as the ratio VM:VC, as defined relative to the maximum volume of the chamber11. In some embodiments, the ratio R can be in a ratio of 0.5 to 1.2, in a range of 0.5 to 1, in a range of 0.5 to 0.9, in a range of 0.6 to 0.9, in a range of 0.65 to 0.85, in a range of 0.7 to 0.85, in a range of 0.73 to 0.83, or in a range of 0.75 to 0.8.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, a tube20can extend downwardly from the flange13into the first chamber11. In some embodiments, the tube20can extend to and be coupled with the partition25between the chambers11,38. One or a plurality of ports34can be provided so that the fluid14can pass from the first chamber11into the tube20by way of the port(s)34. InFIG. 4, the first chamber11can comprise fluid inlet region21that can act as a funnel to direct the fluid14into the tube20from the first chamber11. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the partition25can include one or more angled portions39that act as a funnel at or around the fluid inlet region21. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, the angled portion39can taper radially inwardly from an upper portion25aof the partition25to a lower portion25bof the partition25so as to improve the flow of liquid into the port(s)34.

When the user is ready to consume the freezable confection12, the user can remove the cap18, and apply a radially-inward squeezing force S to the walls33of the handle22. The squeezing force S in turn applies pressure to the fluid14in the first chamber11to cause the fluid14to enter the tube20through the port(s)34. As shown inFIG. 4, the fluid14can follow a flow pathway F, in which the fluid14can enter the tube20and pass upwardly through the tube20and the flange13. As shown inFIG. 4, the flange13can comprise a projection23having an opening24at the upper end of the projection. As shown, the projection23can extend from a first (e.g., upper) side of the flange13. The tube20can extend from a second (e.g., lower) side of the flange13opposite the first side. The fluid14can pass from the tube20through the opening24of the projection23, and out over the freezable confection12(not shown inFIGS. 4-5). The fluid14can intermix with the freezable confection to provide the user with a pleasant taste.

FIG. 5Ais a schematic side sectional view of the handle22, according to another embodiment. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the device shown inFIG. 5Amay be the same as or generally similar to like-numbered components ofFIGS. 1-5. As shown inFIG. 5A, for example, a partition25can be provided to separate the chambers11,38. The partition25can comprise an upper portion25aand a lower portion25b.Unlike the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4-5, however, the upper portion25acan comprise a sloped surface or wall that extends from the lower partition25bto the wall(s)33of the handle22at an angle. In some embodiments, the upper portion25acan comprise a generally planar or straight wall that extends to the wall33. In other embodiments, the upper portion25acan be curved, for example, in a generally parabolic shape.

FIG. 6is a schematic top perspective view of the device10. As shown inFIG. 6, the flange13can be coupled to (e.g., snapped within) or formed with (e.g., integrally formed with) the handle22. The flange13can comprise a raised rim36that defines a cavity29in which the lower portion of the frozen confection12is supported. The flange13can comprise various components configured to secure the frozen confection12to the device and/or to prevent rotation of the frozen confection12relative to the cap18or handle22. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the flange13can comprise a plurality of posts26extending upwardly in the cavity29from a floor37of the flange13. The frozen confection12can freeze about the posts26to provide additional contact between the flange13and the confection12. The posts26can thereby provide improved support to the frozen confection12. Moreover, the projection23can comprise one or a plurality of ribs31extending radially outward from the projection23. As shown inFIG. 6, the ribs31can extend circumferentially about the projection23. As with the posts26, the ribs31can help secure the frozen confection12to the flange13.

In addition, inFIG. 6, the flange13can comprise a channel27extending along the floor37between the projections23. Beneficially, the channel27can provide a drain pathway for liquids to drain into the first chamber11through a drain hole or orifice28between the cavity29and the tube20. In some embodiments, the channel27can be sloped downwardly towards the orifice28so as to guide the liquid to the orifice28. Thus, liquids (such as the fluid14or melted liquid from the frozen confection12) can drain into the channel27and can pass through the orifice28to enter the first chamber11. Beneficially, therefore, the orifice28and channel27can enable melted or otherwise unconsumed liquid to re-mix with the fluid14in the chamber11, rather than spilling out of the cavity29over the raised rim36. Furthermore, before use, the elongate plug17of the cap18can extend through the opening24and can plug the orifice28, thereby preventing the fluid14from spilling out of the device10when not being used. The orifice28can serve as an inlet through which the liquid is supplied to the opening24(e.g., when the liquid is pressurized, for example, by squeezing the squeezable chamber) and the freezable confection, as well as an outlet or drain hole in which unconsumed liquid can pass back into the chamber11.

The device10can include other structures to enhance the usability of the device10. For example, in various embodiments, the device10can comprise an attachment point for a lanyard, which the user can use to hand the device10around his or her neck, etc. In various embodiments, the handle22can comprise any other suitable type of attachment structure that enables the user to attach the handle22to the user (e.g., to the user's hat, clothing, accessories, etc.) before or after the fluid and frozen substances have been consumed. The user can therefore removably connect the handle22to the user's clothing or accessories in various embodiments.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosed embodiments and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed implementations may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the claims not being limited to any particular embodiments) disclosed. Although this certain embodiments and examples have been disclosed herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosed implementations extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations have been shown and described in detail, other modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed implementations. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.