Abstract:
A beverage chilling system is provided. The system comprises a cover, a vessel, a fastener, and is configured such that the fastener allows attachment of the cover to a vessel, so that the cover can be used to prevent sunlight from warming the contents of the vessel. In certain implementations, the cooling device can take on an egg-shaped character and provide easy carrying by way of a movable handle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/856087, filed Jul. 19, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE SYSTEM 
       [0002]    The cooling system relates to an apparatus for chilling and maintaining chilled beverages in chilled state while outdoors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE SYSTEM 
       [0003]    The cooling system relates to an apparatus for storing chilled beverages outdoors. In warm weather, people have long enjoyed consuming cool beverages outdoors such as at the beach or swimming pool. A common practice is to put bottles or cans in bucket of ice to keep them cold. For example, hotels and resort will frequently sell buckets of beer for their guests to enjoy as they relax by the pool, socialize, and suntan. This allows the guests to make less frequent trips to get more drinks. However a common problem arises when the bucket is placed in direct sunlight and the radiant heat from the sun causes the ice in the bucket to melt more rapidly and the chilled beverages to warm. In many cases, the ice will melt and drinks will become warm faster than a person can consume the number of drinks typically in a bucket. 
         [0004]    There is a need in the art for an apparatus that can hold ice and drinks but protect the ice and drinks from the radiant heat of the sun, thus slowing the time it takes for the ice to melt. Further, there is a need in the art for such an apparatus to be easily transportable and inexpensive. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SYSTEM 
       [0005]    Discussed herein are various embodiments of the cooling system that serve the following as well as other objectives that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0006]    One objective of the cooling system is the provision of a convenient means of keeping cold beverages cold outdoors during warm weather. 
         [0007]    Another objective of the cooling system is the provision of a means to limit the exposure of an ice filled bucket to direct sunlight. 
         [0008]    A further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel for keeping cold beverages cold that is easily portable. 
         [0009]    A further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel for keeping cold beverages cold that is inexpensive. 
         [0010]    A still further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel for keeping cold beverages cold that has a cover that is easily positionable to block sunlight as the sun position in the sky changes throughout the day. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of the cooling system is to provide a cover for a vessel to keep cold drinks cold that can provide maximal protection from the sunlight in an open position and require less space for storage or transport in a closed position. 
         [0012]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the cooling system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the system. As will be realized, the system is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the cooling system. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the cooling system wherein the cover is in on open position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side few of an exemplary embodiment of the cooling system where the cover is in the down position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives the shaft, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a diagram of the inside of the vessel of another embodiment where the pole receiver extends up the pole toward the cover, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system wherein the shaft is fixed to the outside of the vessel and the cover is an a closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of showing the cover in an open position and the shaft in a pivoted position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show the mechanism by which the cover is transitioned from open position to closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show the mechanism by which the shaft is transitioned from an erect position to a pivoted position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an additional embodiment of the cooling system showing the cover in a closed position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side few of the cooling system where the cover is in an open position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives the shaft. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional diagram of the interface between the cover and the vessel according to certain embodiments. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional diagram of wherein the cover is in a closed position according to certain embodiments. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional diagram of showing the cover in an open position according to certain embodiments. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional diagram of the interface between the cover and the vessel according to certain embodiments. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives the shaft according to certain embodiments. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15A  is a diagram of the inside of the vessel of another embodiment where the pole receiver extends up the pole toward the cover. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15B  is a diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system wherein the shaft is fixed to the outside of the vessel and the cover is an a closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Although the cooling system has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the system. 
         [0032]    The present apparatus may be understood by reference to the figures, though the cooling system is not limited to the particular embodiments shown in the figures. In certain embodiments, the cooling system comprises a cover and a means of attaching the cover to a vessel. Other embodiments of the cooling system further comprise a vessel, wherein the vessel is attached to the cover by such means. For purposes of illustration in this description, the vessel will be discussed in reference to the cover, but it is not an integral aspect of all embodiments of the cooling system. 
         [0033]    A first exemplary embodiment of the current system is depicted in  FIG. 1 . In these exemplary embodiments, the cover  14  further comprises a shaft  12  having two ends, a first end  12 A attached to the vessel  10  and a second end  12 B attached to a cover  14 . The cover  14  may be any of a number of structures, here, it is depicted as an umbrella, but many other configurations are possible and within the scope of the system. Here, the cover  14  is shown in its open orientation, where it is effective in substantially blocking exposure of direct sun light into the vessel, so as to maintain the temperature inside the vessel. 
         [0034]    In certain embodiments, the vessel  10  is made of metal. In still other embodiments, the vessel  10  is made of plastic. In certain exemplary embodiments, the vessel resembles a bucket, though other configurations, such as a vase, a cooler, or any number of other water-tight configurations are possible. The vessel can be comprised of a variety of materials, such as steel, acrylic plastic, alabaster, aluminum, bamboo, bluestone, brass, brick, bronze, cane, ceramic glass/tile, concrete, copper, enamel, flagstone, glass, gold, granite, grout, iron, ivory, jade, limestone, marble, pewter, plexiglass, polyurethane, porcelain, sandstone, slate, stainless steel, terrazzo, tin or vinyl tile, or composites of multiple materials. Likewise, the cover can be comprised of many types of hard or soft plastic or cloth. More specifically, both the vessel and cover may be comprised of: acetate, burlap, fiberglass, rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, wool, acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, Spandex, acrylic plastic, aluminum, bamboo, brass, ceramic glass or tile, copper, enamel, glass, plexiglass, polyurethane, tin, vinyl clothing or vinyl tile, felt and the like, as well as composites or combinations of these and other materials. In certain exemplary embodiments, both the vessel  10  and the cover  14  may contain certain designs, such as decorative patterns, logos, or other aesthetic features. 
         [0035]    In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise at least one handle  16 . In certain embodiments, as is shown in  FIG. 1 , the handle  16  can be placed at the second end of the shaft  12 B on the opposite end as the vessel  10  and just above the cover  14 . Other placements of the handle or handles are clearly possible, such as on the vessel  10  itself. In embodiments wherein a plurality of handles are employed, they can be placed on opposite sides of the vessel, or in any number of configurations that will be obvious to one of skill in the art. In embodiments having at least one handle, the handle  16  functions to allow the user to easily pick up and move the entire apparatus from place to place, preferably while maintaining a substantially upright orientation and without upsetting the contents of the vessel  10 . 
         [0036]    In certain embodiments of the cooling system, the cover  14  is adjustable. For example, in certain embodiments, the cover  14  can be closed.  FIG. 2  shows an example of certain exemplary embodiments of the current system wherein the cover  14  is in such a closed orientation. In this closed orientation, the apparatus is more easily transported from place to place by gripping the handle  16  and lifting the apparatus  9 . The cover  14  can be moved into an open orientation by moving the cover  14  along the longitudinal axis  22  of the shaft  12  in the direction away from the vessel  10 . In certain embodiments of the cooling system, the cover  14  can also be adjustable so as to change the relative height between the cover and the vessel. In certain other embodiments, the cooling system comprises a cover that is attachable 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is cross sectional diagram showing the inside of exemplary embodiments of the vessel  10 . The vessel  10  has a base  6  with first side  4  that contacts the ground and second side  5 . On the second side  5  of the base  6  is a coupling  18  which is fixedly attached to the base  6  of the vessel by fasteners  10 . Nuts, bolts, screws, clips, clamps, quick-release fasteners and the like can all be employed as coupling means. Myriad fastening means are possible, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In certain exemplary embodiments, such as the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the shaft  12  has on its first end  12 A threading that engages with the inside of the coupling  18 , which in this case has a female section designed to accommodate the first end  12 A. and screw in. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft  12  can contain the female end and be placed over the coupler  18 . Many other configurations are possible, as would be clear to one of skill in the art. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3A  depicts yet another embodiment of the current system wherein the coupler  18  extends longitudinally along the shaft  12 . In some embodiments, such as that depicted in  FIG. 3A , the coupler  18  can extend past the top of the vessel  10 , though this is by not necessary. In such embodiments the coupler provides the shaft with additional support which may make the apparatus more suitable in windy conditions, or under other conditions which cause additional force to be applied to the shaft, or as a feature to increase durability. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of the current system wherein the shaft  12  is attached to the vessel  10  by a fastening member  26  that wraps circumferentially around the vessel  10 . The fastening member  26  secures the shaft  12  to the outside of the vessel  10  with a coupler  24 . In certain embodiments, the fastening member  26  is made of an elastic polymer. In other embodiments, the fastening member is made of nylon. Other materials, such steel, ceramic, plastic and the like will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, the shaft  12  can be further secured to the side of the vessel  10  by an additional fastening member  34 . In certain embodiments, the shaft  12  further comprises a pivot lock button  32  located between the first end  12 A and second end  12 B of the shaft  12 . The pivot lock button can be depressed to effectuate a transition of the shaft from an erect position to a pivoted position, as best shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  also depicts the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4 , wherein the shaft  12  has been transitioned into the pivoted position. Ice and beverages  35  can be seen to fill the vessel  10 . In  FIG. 5 , the cover  14  is in an open position and the shaft  12  is in a pivoted position such that cover  14  is positioned to block the ice and beverages  35  from direct exposure to sunlight overhead. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6A  depicts a further exemplary embodiment of the cooling system wherein the shaft  12  further comprises an inner shaft  48  and an outer shaft  50 , and wherein the inner shaft  12  can be moved telescopically into and out of the outer shaft  50 . The outer shaft  50  further comprises a catch stop  38  and a lower ring  36  wrapping circumferentially around the end of the outer shaft  50  receiving the inner shaft  48 . The inner shaft  48  further comprises a catch  44 . Wrapping around the inner shaft  48  is upper ring  42 . The cover  14  is connected to a plurality of stretcher rods  52 . Each stretcher rod  52  has a first end  52 A and second end  52 B. Said first end  52 A connected to the perimeter of the cover  14  and said second end  52 B connected to the upper ring  42 . To move the cover  14  from a closed position to an open position the handle  16  is pressed downward  56  until the upper ring  42  contacts the lower ring  36 . Further downward  56  pressure is applied until the catch  44  slides into the catch slot  38  and locks at which point the stretcher rods  52  will be approximately perpendicular to the upper ring  42  and the cover  14  will be placed in an open position. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6B  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the current system wherein the cover  14  is in an open position. The handle  16  further comprises a release trigger  46  that when depressed, moves the catch  44  into a position flush with the inner shaft  48 . When the release trigger  46  is depressed the catch  44  can clear the catch stop  38 . By pulling upwards on the handle  16 , the inner shaft  48  can be drawn out of the outer shaft  50  and the upper ring  42  moved longitudinally along the outer shaft  50  in an upwards direction such that the plurality of stretch rods  52  are drawn into a position toward a generally parallel position with respect to the shaft  12  and the cover  10  falls into a closed position. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show an exemplary embodiment of the current system wherein the cover  14  is in a closed and open position, respectively. The shaft  12  can pivot around the pivot point  15  upon depression of the pivot lock button  32 . Upon depression of the pivot lock button, the shaft  12  can pivot around the pivot point  15  until it rests against the stop  17 , as best shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0044]    In yet another embodiment of the cooling system, depicted generally in  FIGS. 8-15 , the cooling system has a generally egg-like shape. In these exemplary embodiments, the cover  114  is generally domed and in the closed position is operationally coupled to the vessel  110 , as is best shown  FIGS. 8 &amp; 12 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the cover  114  further comprises a shaft  112  having two ends, a first end  112 A attached to the vessel  110  and a second end  112 B attached to the cover  114 . In  FIG. 8 , the cover  114  is shown in its closed orientation, where it is effective in substantially blocking exposure of direct sun light into the vessel as well as creating a substantially sealed compartment, so as to maintain the temperature inside the vessel. As best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 13 , the cover  114  is shown in its open orientation wherein cold beverages can be accessed by users of the cooler. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 8-9  are cross sectional diagrams showing the inside of the cooling system according to exemplary embodiments. In certain of these embodiments, the vessel  110  has a base  106  with a first side  104  that contacts the ground and a second side  105  which faces the vessel  100 . On the second side  105  of the base  106  is a coupling  118  which is fixedly attached to the base  106  of the vessel by fasteners. As with earlier embodiments, nuts, bolts, screws, clips, clamps, quick-release fasteners and the like can all be employed as coupling means. In still further embodiments, the base  106  is welded to the vessel  110 . It would be apparent to one of skill in the art that a variety of means can be employed for securing the vessel  110 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , in certain exemplary embodiments the shaft  122  can be extendable  112 C so as to allow it to suspend the cover  114  at a sufficient height above the upper rim of the vessel  110 A so as to allow ease of user access to the beverages  1  contained therein. A variety of means, such as a spring loaded or threaded shaft made up of multiple sub-parts can be used to accomplish this adjustment in length, as would be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 12-13  generally depict the cooler having an insulating layer  120 , which in certain embodiments is filled with a thermal insulator such as silica aerogel, polyurethane or styrofoam or other insulation means such as a vacuum insulated panel. These modes of insulation would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
         [0048]    In certain exemplary embodiments, such as the example shown in  FIG. 10 , the shaft  112  can further comprise on its first end  112 A threading that engages with the inside of the coupling  118 , which in this case has a female section designed to accommodate the first end  112 A and screw in. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft  112  can contain the female end and be placed over the coupler  118 . Many other configurations are possible, as would be clear to one of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the coupler  118  or shaft  112  can further comprise a spring-loaded mechanism so as to facilitate the raising of the cover  114 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 11 and 14  depict detailed views of the junction between the cover  114  and vessel. Various embodiments of the cooler can contain differing coupling means, such as a threaded coupling  113  as depicted in  FIGS. 8-11  or ridge and recess coupling  115 , as depicted in  FIGS. 12-14 . As would be apparent to one of skill in the art, various other means of creating a thermally preferable seal can be utilized. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIGS. 15-15B , in certain exemplary embodiments the cooler further comprises an adjustable handle  122 , which in this embodiment serves to fold down  122 A, as best shown in  FIG. 15B . In further embodiments, the handle may be retractable, such as is shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . 
         [0051]    Although the cooling system has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the system.