Abstract:
The present invention is a geometrically optimized beverage cooler, which positions fluid-filled containers (bottles, cans, vials, syringes, etc.) in an angled, upright, and evenly spaced position for serving and display. The device uniformly distributes ice and cold water around each bottle to maximize the effective cooling capacity of a given quantity of ice, thus reducing the amount of ice needed and the weight of the device during transport. Various embodiments of the apparatus include an ergonomically and structurally reinforced handle and an insulating lid having complementary contours.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of beverage bottles and fluid receptacles, and more specifically to a beverage cooler which has improved cooling efficiency and functionality over standard bottle storage and cooling devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler with uniform size support contours for similar sized beverages. 
         FIG. 1   b  illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler with non-uniform size support contours for beverages of varying sizes. 
         FIG. 1   c  illustrates an exploded view of two geometrically optimized beverage coolers stacked. 
         FIG. 1   d  illustrates a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler. 
         FIG. 2   a  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler. 
         FIG. 2   b  illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler. 
         FIG. 3   a  illustrates a sectional view of one embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler. 
         FIG. 3   b  illustrates a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler. 
         FIG. 4   a  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a lid for a geometrically optimized beverage cooler. 
         FIG. 4   b  illustrates a sectional view of one embodiment of a lid for a geometrically optimized beverage cooler. 
         FIG. 4   c  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler with lid. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler with optional drip pan. 
     
    
    
     GLOSSARY 
     As used herein, the term “cooler” refers to any apparatus, container or receptacle for holding ice and cooling materials. 
     As used herein, the term “beverage container” refers to any fluid-filled container such as a bottle, can, carafe, vial or syringe, and is not limited to containers in which the beverage is a fluid. 
     As used herein, the term “angled surface” or “angled bottom surface” means angled relative to at least one horizontal and at least one perpendicular surface. An angled surface may include, but is not limited to a dome shape or a solid curved structure and may be comprised of one or more segments or angled structures. 
     As used herein, the term “perimeter ridge” refers to a raised edge of an object. 
     As used herein, the term “flattened perimeter area” refers to a level portion of a component which rests on a surface (e.g., table). 
     As used herein, the term “integrally constructed” means formed or created as a single piece or complete unit. 
     As used herein, the term “friction resistant structures” refers to a structural component including, but not limited to grooves, protuberances, contour, or deformations that reduces the resistance of one component against another. 
     As used herein, the term “fluted” means having at least one groove or furrow. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumers spend billions of dollars on bottled and canned beverages each year. The market for beer alone is in excess of $100 billion dollars, and more than 40 billion dollars of bottled water is sold year. Bottles may be made of glass, plastic or other materials. Cans are made of a variety of recyclable metals. 
     Most beverages are consumed in social settings, such as parties, bars, restaurants, and other events. 
     Beverage coolers (including chests, buckets, pails and other storage devices) are generally used by consumers to store and serve bottled beverages in settings where ice, rather than standard refrigeration, must be used to cool bottled and canned beverages. Chests are desirable because they hold a quantity of beverages and may be insulated or constructed to serve as portable refrigerators. Buckets (e.g., champagne buckets) may be ornamental or easy to transport. They are generally constructed with handles and prevent leaking of melting ice. 
     Coolers made of Styrofoam™ or other inexpensive materials are frequently sold at the point-of-purchase for these beverages. Additionally, beer and wine cooling devices are sold at retail outlets and command considerable shelf space in seasonal and non-seasonal markets. Coolers are profitable items for which competition is intense. For example, Walmart™ alone carries several dozen coolers in its stores simultaneously. 
     The cost of coolers and beer buckets can range from a few dollars to more than $80.00 to $100.00. Generally, Styrofoam™ containers dominate the low cost market and are sold at point-of-purchase. In addition, they are lightweight and stackable. 
     However, Styrofoam™ is environmentally hazardous, flakes easily and is unattractive to display. Styrofoam® is also not a material which is attractive for consumers to re-use and Styrofoam™ coolers are discarded at a high rate because of these issues, resulting in a short useful life. 
     Cooler and bucket devices known in the art also take up storage space, making it impractical to keep a number of devices on hand for occasional use (e.g., for parties, picnics or barbeques). Collapsible coolers directed at this problem are known in the art, but are cumbersome and often prone to mildew because they have numerous crevices. 
     In addition, the rectangular and/or rounded design of traditional coolers and buckets is not adapted for retail sale environments or for consumers who have not previously intended to purchase a cooler. Traditional chest-type coolers and buckets lack the visual appeal necessary for consumers to consider them as a point-of-purchase item (e.g., displayed near a register with limited counter space). 
     Additionally, the market is relatively untapped for consumers who want small receptacles for cooling and transporting beverages in the most popularly sold quantities: 6 packs, 12 packs, 24 packs and 30 packs. 
     Users of traditional coolers and buckets also need to manually push aside wet ice cubes to find a bottle. When multiple types of beverages are stored in a cooler, a user must lift the bottles out of the cooler in order to read the label. 
     It is desirable to have a device which makes beverages visible for selection based on a user&#39;s preference and easy for a user to grasp without the need for the user to grope through ice and cold water. 
     Little attention has been given to optimizing the geometric configuration of coolers and buckets so that less ice may be used, cooling efficiency may be optimized, and the weight of transporting the apparatus may be reduced. 
     Traditional coolers and buckets are not adapted for display and use on tables, buffets, and at other events, and their design does not encourage consumers to re-use them. Coolers and buckets look out of place on serving tables, rather than blend into the serving décor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a geometrically optimized beverage cooler, which positions fluid-filled containers (bottles, cans, vials, syringes, etc.) in an angled, upright, and evenly spaced position for serving and display. The device uniformly distributes ice and cold water around each bottle to maximize the effective cooling capacity of a given quantity of ice, thus reducing the amount of ice needed and the weight of the device during transport. Various embodiments of the apparatus include an ergonomically and structurally reinforced handle and an insulating lid having complementary contours. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a geometrically optimized beverage cooler, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent materials, sizes, shapes and designs may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention. 
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements. 
     Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. 
       FIG. 1   a  illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of a highly efficient geometrically optimized cooler  100  having cooler body  10  and uniform size support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f  which are evenly spaced to partially encase and support uniform size bottle structures at an angle of 90 to 150 degrees. The slope of angled bottom  50  (not shown) directs the angle at which the bottles are positioned when placed in geometrically optimized cooler  100 . 
     In other embodiments, support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f  may be adapted to encase fewer other types of fluid-filled containers such as cans, vials, carafes, glasses and syringes. Geometrically optimized cooler  100  may include more or fewer support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f , and in other embodiments, support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f  may not be uniform to accommodate various sizes of fluid-filled containers. In still other embodiments, support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f  may not be symmetrical or evenly spaced. 
     Also visible in  FIG. 1  is center column  30  which includes handle  40 . In various embodiments, center column  30  may be hollow, solid, cylindrical, angled, tapered, or have any other shape, size or proportions. In the embodiment shown, center column  30  is tapered and hollow allowing for stacking. 
     In the embodiment shown, geometrically optimized cooler  100 , center column  30 , and handle  40  are a singly molded component formed from an injection molding process. In other embodiments, geometrically optimized cooler  100  may be constructed of multiple components (e.g., a separately formed handle or insulating layer). In various embodiments, handle  40  may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. 
     In the embodiment shown, geometrically optimized cooler  100  is comprised of polyethylene plastic, but in other embodiments may be comprised of another type of plastic or materials having the following qualities: resistance to ultraviolet rays, ability to function under temperature variations, fluid impermeable, light weight and low cost. In various embodiments, geometrically optimized cooler  100  may be of any size or proportions. 
       FIG. 1   b  illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of geometrically optimized beverage cooler  100  with support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f  of non-uniform sizes to accommodate beverage containers of varying sizes. In the embodiment shown, cooler body  10  further includes structural supporting perimeter ridge  12 , which prevents cooler from being deformed and provides structural support/integrity for cooler body  10  and support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f  by strengthening and adding rigidity. 
       FIG. 1   c  illustrates an exploded view of two geometrically optimized coolers  100   a  and  100   b  illustrating their capability of being stacked. 
       FIG. 1   d  illustrates a side perspective view of a second embodiment of geometrically optimized cooler  100  which has a larger area for holding fluid-filled containers and includes additional handles for carrying geometrically optimized cooler  100 . 
       FIG. 2   a  illustrates a top view of highly efficient geometrically optimized cooler  100  illustrating angled bottom  50 , which is a contoured bottom surface which supports bottles or other containers placed in geometrically optimized cooler  100 . Angled bottom  50  forces bottles, cans or other fluid-filled containers to tilt outward against the inner surface of cooler body  10  and within support contours  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ,  20   e  and  20   f.    
     Also visible in  FIG. 2   a  is handle  40 , which in the embodiment shown, is a flattened handle with a structural ridge along the perimeter for structural reinforcement and strength. In other embodiments, handle  40  may be curved, contoured to receive one or more fingers, or otherwise altered or enhanced without departing from the functionality of a handle. In still other embodiments, handle  40  may be constructed from different or additional components than that of cooler body  10 . 
       FIG. 2   b  illustrates a bottom view of highly efficient geometrically optimized cooler  100 , further illustrating angled bottom  50 . In the embodiment shown, geometrically optimized cooler  100  has flattened perimeter area  45  which ensures that geometrically optimized cooler  100  remains level. In other embodiments, flattened perimeter area  45  may have a larger number of contact points (e.g., may have three separate contact points). 
       FIG. 3   a  illustrates a sectional view of highly efficient geometrically optimized cooler  100 . Visible in  FIG. 3   a  are cooler body  10 , center column  30 , lid  80 , and handle  40 . In various embodiments, center column  30  may be tapered, hollow, or solid. Also visible in  FIG. 3   a  is structural and reinforcing handle rib  42 . 
     In the embodiment shown, cooler body  10  of geometrically optimized cooler  100  is comprised of a single layer  70 ; however, in other embodiments may be comprised of additional layers such as decorative material, insulating material or strengthening material. Cooler body  10  may have additional ribs, supports or structural contours, and may include apertures for inserting handles or for drainage. 
       FIG. 3   a  also illustrates friction resistant structures  77   a  and  77   b  ( 77   b  not visible), which are on the inner surface of center column  30  and prevent center columns  30  from adhering together when stacked. In various embodiments, friction resistant structures  77   a  and  77   b  may be grooves or protuberances or any other friction resisting contours or deformations. 
       FIG. 3   b  illustrates a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of geometrically optimized cooler  100 , which includes optional insulating layer  75  which may be foam, rubber or any other insulating material or coating known in the art. Other embodiments may include optional outer layers (not shown), including ornamentation such as paint, decals, fabric, or any other material capable of being formed into an outer layer. 
       FIG. 4   a  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of lid  80  for geometrically optimized cooler  100 . In the embodiment shown, lid  80  has lid contours  87   a ,  87   b ,  87   c ,  87   d ,  87   e  and  87   f  and lid aperture  83  adapted to receive center column  30 . 
       FIG. 4   b  illustrates a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of lid  80  for geometrically optimized cooler  100 . In the embodiment shown, lid  80  further includes insulating layer  85 . 
       FIG. 4   c  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of geometrically optimized beverage cooler  100  with lid  40 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of geometrically optimized beverage cooler  100  with lid  40  in place. In the embodiment shown, geometrically optimized cooler further includes optional drip pan  90 . 
     In other embodiments, geometrically optimized beverage cooler  100  may further include additional structural features including, but not limited to a rotating base, or rubber feet. In various other embodiments, geometrically optimized beverage cooler  100  may include a drainage component including, but not limited to a drainage pan, drainage holes, or a drainage spout.