Patent Publication Number: US-2017354280-A1

Title: Method and system for regulating the temperature of a beverage

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/348,485, filed on Jun. 10, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     It has long been known that there are preferred temperatures for various beverages. Although most beverages are served at or near their preferred temperature, the temperature of the beverage often deviates from the preferred temperature over the duration of consumption. Other beverages, such as red wine and craft beer, are often set out at room temperature for a period of time before serving to allow the beverage to reach its preferred temperature. While the addition of ice is commonly used to modify the temperature of beverages, the dilution caused by melting ice is undesirable to use for beverages such as beer, wine, and coffee. 
     While there devices have been designed such as those described above designed to replace the addition of ice, there has not been an invention that is capable of tailored modification to reach nuanced preferred temperatures of beverages, such as craft beer. It is widely known that some styles of craft beer are generally preferred warmer than others and there have not been any prior devices intended to maintain the preferred temperature of particular styles of craft beer. It is common to keep different styles of craft beer in a shared refrigerator, as it is impractical, particularly for home consumers, to operate a plurality of refrigerators, each set to different temperatures. Therefore, should an individual want to consume a particular style of craft beer with a warmer preferred temperature, such as a stout, at its preferred temperature, the individual would need to wait a period of time for the beverage to warm up to its preferred temperature. 
     Further, some earlier devices are designed to sit in a glass without being secured or bound to the bottom in any way. As a result, when consuming the beverage, the device may move or roll around within the glass. If the device is not in the center of the glass, it may not be modulating temperature most efficiently. Alternatively, the device may fall or roll out of the glass. 
     SUMMARY 
     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide a system for regulating a temperature of a liquid within a drinking vessel. The exemplary system can include a temperature regulating device including an exterior surface and a composition disposed within a cavity, the exterior surface providing thermal communication between the composition and the liquid and a securing element releasably securing the temperature regulating device within the drinking vessel. Further, the securing element can include a magnet, and the temperature regulating device can include a second magnet which can magnetically couple to the magnet of the securing element to releasably secure the temperature regulating device within the drinking vessel. Further, the magnet can be disposed within a base of the drinking vessel. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the system can further include a coaster, and the magnet can be disposed in the coaster. Alternatively, the system can further include a koozie, and the magnet can be disposed in the koozie. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, the composition can include at least one of water, glycerin, and a mixture thereof. Further, a thermal property of the composition can be defined specifically for the liquid whose temperature is being regulated. For example, the thermal property can be defined by adjusting at least one of a volume, a component, and a concentration of the composition. The thermal property can include at least one of a freezing point and a heat capacity. Further, the exterior of the temperature regulating device can include at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, the temperature regulating device can be configured to warm the liquid. The temperature regulating device can also be configured to cool the liquid. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide a system for regulating a first temperature of a first liquid and a second temperature of a second liquid. The exemplary system can include a first temperature regulating device including a first cavity and a first composition disposed therein, the first composition including a first thermal property configured to regulate the first liquid at the first temperature and a second temperature regulating device including a second cavity and a second composition disposed therein, the second composition including a second thermal property configured to regulate the second liquid at the second temperature. 
     The first and second thermal properties can be configured based on at least one of a volume, a component, and a concentration of the first and second compositions, respectively. Further, the first temperature and the second temperature can be different. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second temperature regulating devices can include a magnet configured to magnetically couple to a securing magnet to releasably secure the first and second temperature regulating devices within a drinking vessel. The securing magnet can be disposed within at least one of a base of the drinking vessel, a coaster, and a koozie. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, the first and second compositions can include at least one of water, glycerin, and a mixture thereof. Further, the first and second temperature regulating devices can be configured to warm the liquid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary system for controlling beverage temperature according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of an exemplary device for controlling beverage temperature according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a bottom view illustration of an exemplary system for controlling beverage according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  is an illustration of an exemplary system base for controlling beverage temperature according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an exemplary system for controlling beverage temperature according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of an exemplary system for controlling beverage temperature according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an exemplary system for controlling beverage temperature according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the temperature of a beverage. Specifically, exemplary embodiments provide new and novel devices, systems, and method for controlling the temperature of a beverage. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary beverage temperature regulating system  100  according to embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 1  depicts a side view of system  100 , wherein temperature regulating device  106  is disposed within drinking vessel  102  and is removably secured by a securing element, e.g., magnet  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , magnet  114  can be embedded in base  110  of drinking vessel  102 . Alternatively, magnet  114  can be permanently or releasably coupled to drinking vessel  102  (e.g., clips, adhesive, straps, in a releasably coupled housing, etc.). In operation, temperature regulating device  106  is preferably primed prior to submersion into the beverage whose temperature is being regulated and after it has been primed, it can be removably secured in position via magnet  114 , and when a beverage (e.g., beer, wine, soda, soft drink, juice, water, etc.) is poured into drinking vessel  102 , temperature regulating device  106  is immersed and surrounded by the beverage held in vessel  102  such that the internal components (e.g., a composition) of temperature regulating device  106  are in thermal communication with the beverage so as to regulate and/or control the temperature of the beverage. Further, magnet  114  secure temperature regulating device  106  in position even if vessel  102  is moved (e.g., the vessel is moved to drink from, etc.). 
     Priming of temperature regulating device  106  can include obtaining a primed temperature of temperature regulating device  106 . For example, if a low primed temperature is desired, temperature regulating device  106  can be placed in a refrigerator, freezer, or other cold environment to lower temperature regulating device  106  to the desired primed temperature. Alternatively, if a warm primed temperature is desired, temperature regulating device  106  can be primed by allowing temperature regulating device  106  to be at room temperature, or by placing temperature regulating device  106  in warm environment (e.g., oven, etc.) to raise the temperature of temperature regulating device  106 . Although temperature regulating device  106  is shown secured to base  110  of vessel  102 , temperature regulating device  106  can be configured to be disposed in any portion of vessel  102  where temperature regulating device  106  can be in contact with the beverage so as to regulate and/or control the temperature of the beverage held in vessel  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows further detail of the temperature regulating device  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , temperature regulating device  106  can include composition  107  disposed with a cavity of temperature regulating device  106  and magnet  108  disposed at an end of temperature regulating device  106 . Magnet  108  can magnetically couple with magnet  114  so as to releasably secure temperature regulating device  106  within vessel  102 . For example, magnets  108  and  114  can releasably secure temperature regulating device  106  to a base of vessel  102  in a centered arrangement so that temperature regulating device  106  is fully immersed in the beverage, and to enable consistent and even temperature distribution throughout the beverage. Composition  107  can be in thermal communication (e.g., via an exterior of temperature regulating device  106 ) with the beverage, and the thermal properties of composition  107  can act to regulate the temperature of the beverage. Although temperature regulating device  106  is shown to have a cylindrical shape, temperature regulating device  106  can take any shape that includes sufficient surface area to permit composition  107  to be in thermal communication with the beverage and allow temperature regulation of the beverage. Further, composition  107  can include substances such as water, glycerin, etc., or a combination thereof, and be specifically configured to have certain desired thermal properties (e.g., freezing point, specific heat, etc.) to obtain the desired temperature regulation. For example, the volume, materials, concentrations, make-up, etc. of composition  107  can be chosen and adjusted to obtain the desired thermal properties of composition  107  so that it can properly regulate the temperature of the beverage for which it is being used. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, depending on the type of beverage whose temperature is to be regulated, temperature regulating device  106  can cool the beverage, or alternatively, temperature regulating device  106  can warm the beverage. To achieve the different desired regulated temperatures, temperature regulating device  106  can be customized to have different thermal properties for the different types of beverages. Accordingly, different liquids can have a specifically tailored temperature regulating device  106  so that the liquid can be maintained at an optimal temperature for that liquid. For example, for beverages that are to be maintained at a lower temperature, composition  107  of temperature regulating device  106  can be designed accordingly (e.g., higher specific heat, lower freezing point, etc.). According to certain exemplary embodiments, for example, a temperature regulating device specifically designed for lager beers may include a composition of approximately 3.12 cubic inches of distilled water, a temperature regulating device specifically designed for wheat beers may include a composition of approximately 2.98 cubic inches of distilled water, a temperature regulating device specifically designed for India Pale Ale (IPA) beers may include a composition of approximately 1.91 cubic inches of distilled water, a temperature regulating device specifically designed for Belgian Ale beers may include a composition of approximately 1.74 cubic inches of distilled water, and a temperature regulating device specifically designed for stout beers may include a composition of approximately 2.29 cubic inches of distilled water. Further, to allow for ease of use, the type of beverage for which each temperature regulating device is designed can be indicated on the surface of the temperature regulating device (e.g., laser etching, drawings, etc.). 
     The internal cavity can be sized and dimensioned to receive composition  107  and can be adjusted. Further, the internal cavity may include a larger volume than the volume of composition  107  to allow for expansion of composition  107  in the event that composition is frozen or undergoes other expansion as it is primed for use. It is readily understood that the larger the internal cavity, the more of the composition may be present, which can allow for more effective and/or a longer duration of temperature regulation. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a bottom view of base  110  of drinking vessel  102 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , magnet  114  may be centrally disposed within base  110  of vessel  102 . In other embodiments, the magnet may be at a location other than the center. In some embodiments, there may be multiple (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more) magnets affixed to various portions of drinking vessel  102  to allow temperature regulating device  106  to be releasably secured to any portion of vessel  102  that may include a magnet. 
       FIG. 3B  shows a close-up view of beverage temperature regulating system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , temperature regulating device  106  is releasably secured to base  110  of vessel  102  via magnetic coupling of magnets  108  and  114 . Magnets  108  and  114  secure temperature regulating device  106  to the base of vessel  102  so that it does not move around within vessel  102  if someone were to move vessel  102  via an action such as taking a drink of the beverage in vessel  102 . Further, composition  107  is in thermal communication with the beverage held in vessel  102  to regulate the temperature of the beverage in vessel  102  to maintain an optimal temperature for the beverage. 
       FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of a beverage temperature regulating system. The beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIG. 4  is substantially similar to beverage temperature regulating system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the beverage temperature regulating system includes vessel  102  having base  110 , temperature regulating device  106 , and magnet  114 . However, the beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIG. 4  includes coaster  118 , within which magnet  114  is disposed. The beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIG. 4  operates in substantially the same manner as beverage temperature regulating system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , however, instead of magnet  114  being disposed in base  110  of vessel  102 , magnet  114  is disposed in coaster  118 . Similar to beverage temperature regulating system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , temperature regulating device  106  is releasably secured to base  110  of vessel  102  via magnetic coupling of magnet  114 . Magnet  114  secures temperature regulating device  106  to the base of vessel  102  so that it does not move around within vessel  102  if someone were to move vessel  102  via an action such as taking a drink of the beverage in vessel  102 . Further, coaster  118  can be removably coupled to vessel  102  such that coaster  118  need not be used if temperature regulating device  106  is not being used. Coaster  118  can be any object that can be placed under drinking vessel  102 . In an embodiment, the top surface of the coaster has approximately the same dimensions or area as the bottom surface of the drinking vessel. For example, coaster  118  can be a circular disc with a 2⅜ in. diameter, so as to match the size of the base of a standard pint glass. Further, coaster  118  can include a lip around its rim to further securely engage with vessel  102 . Coaster  118  may be made from any suitable material, such as glass, plastic, metal, cork, etc., or a combination thereof. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show yet another embodiment of a beverage temperature regulating system. The beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is substantially similar to beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the beverage temperature regulating system includes vessel  102  having base  110 , temperature regulating device  106 , and magnet  114 . However, the beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIG. 6  includes koozie  122 , within which magnet  114  is disposed (e.g., in base  126  of koozie  122 ). The beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  operates in substantially the same manner as beverage temperature regulating system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , however, instead of magnet  114  being disposed in base  110  of vessel  102  or coaster  118 , magnet  114  is disposed in bas  126  of koozie  122 . Similar to beverage temperature regulating system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , temperature regulating device  106  is releasably secured to base  110  of vessel  102  via magnetic coupling of magnet  114 . Magnet  114  secures temperature regulating device  106  to the base of vessel  102  so that it does not move around within vessel  102  if someone were to move vessel  102  via an action such as taking a drink of the beverage in vessel  102 . Further, koozie  122  can be removably coupled to vessel  102  such that koozie  122  need not be used if temperature regulating device  106  is not being used. Koozie  122  can include any object adapted to receive a drinking vessel, so that the koozie is at least partially situated around the sides or walls and under the drinking vessel. Koozie  122  can be similar in shape to the vessel (e.g., cup-like), and can include a base portion, which can be underneath and in contact with the base of the drinking vessel while in use, and a side portion, which can be around and in contact with the wall of the vessel while in use. Koozie  122  can be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, acrylic, leather, neoprene, EVA, polyester, vinyl, foam, plastic, metal, etc., or a combination thereof. 
     Embodiments of invention can be used to regulate the temperature of a beverage. For example, embodiments of the present invention can be used to cool or warm a beverage to a desired or optimum temperature, and/or keep the beverage at that temperature for a longer period of time than would be the case in an ordinary drinking vessel without utilizing embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the thermal properties of composition  107 , which can be in thermal communication with the beverage, can regulate the temperature of the beverage around its optical temperature. 
     As an example, different types of beers are best enjoyed at different ranges of temperatures. These ideal temperature ranges include about 35-40° F. (American adjunct lagers (“Macros”), malt liquors, light or low alcohol beers), about 40-45° F. (pilsner, light-bodied lagers, kolsch, Belgian wit, hefeweizen, Berliner weisse, American wheat), about 45-50° F. (pale ales, medium-bodied lagers, porters, alt, Irish stouts, sweet stouts), about 50-55° F. (sour ales, lambic/gueuze, English bitters, strong ales, Baltic porters, bocks, Scotch ales, Belgian ales, Trappist ales), and about 55-60° F. (Imperial stouts, Belgian quads, Belgian strong ales, barleywines, old ales, dopplebocks, eisbocks). (Craft Beer Temple, “Serving Beer”, http://craftbeertemple.com/videoblog/serving-beer/, accessed May 12, 2016) 
     For example, the freezing point of composition  107  may be tailored to have specific freezing points and/or ranges. For example, a composition of water and glycerin may be specified to have a freezing point from anywhere between −50° F. and 59° F. Any mixture with a known freezing point may be used. By selecting the elongate body that contains the composition having the desired freezing point, one is able to tailor the temperature modification of the beverage. For example, as discussed above, one may desire to have a beverage, such as a lager, served at a temperature of 35-40° F. One would select an elongate body having a composition that freezes at or near this range. 
     Further, if the beer is colder than the freezing point of the composition within the device, when it warms up, the device will maintain the temperature of the beer at the composition&#39;s freezing point while it melts. Some of the heat from the beer will transfer to the composition as it melts, which will reduce the rate at which the temperature of the beer rises. 
       FIG. 7  shows a flow chart of an exemplary method  700  of regulating a temperature of a liquid. As shown in  FIG. 7 , in step  702 , a temperature regulating device (e.g., temperature regulating device  106 ) having a customized composition with specific thermal properties specifically for the beverage whose temperature is to be regulated is provided. In step  704 , the temperature regulating device is primed. For example, this can include introducing the temperature regulating device to a cold environment (e.g., refrigerator or freezer), a warm environment (e.g., an oven), a moderate environment (e.g., room temperature), etc. to ensure that the temperature regulating device is primed at the desired primed temperature. Next, in step  706 , the temperature regulating device is releasably secured to a vessel (e.g., via magnets), and in step  708 , the beverage is introduced to the vessel, so as to submerge the temperature regulating device and allow the temperature regulating device to regulate the temperature of the beverage via thermal communication of the temperature regulating device and the beverage. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in above, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims and list of embodiments disclosed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. For the embodiments described in this application, each embodiment disclosed herein is contemplated as being applicable to each of the other disclosed embodiments.