Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a frozen beverage holder and method of making the same, the frozen beverage holder formed from a frozen block with one or more orifices formed in the frozen block adapted to receive a beverage container. The beverage holder may be formed entirely from a frozen liquid, semi-liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous material, and may also include height positioning devices or steps to position a beverage container inserted into the orifices at a desired height, a storage area and drainage channel formed into the frozen beverage holder; and a business card holder formed as a groove in the frozen beverage holder and configured so that a business card may be vertically inserted into the groove. The present invention is also directed at a mold for making the frozen beverage holder.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/343,767, filed on May 4, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally directed to a beverage holder made from a frozen substance that may be used to hold and support one or more beverages. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a frozen beverage holder that comprises one or more orifices or receptacles to accept variously sized and shaped beverage containers. 
         [0003]    Various products and methods exist in order to maintain beverages at typically desired cold temperatures. Generally, these products and methods can be broken down into three (3) main approaches: (i) insulation devices; (ii) cooled cavities; and (iii) a combination of each. For example, insulation devices may comprise what are commonly known as “coosies,” also known as a “can cooler,” “beer sleeve,” or “stubby holder.” These devices are generally manufactured from an insulating material in a shape that receives a beverage can or bottle. This device does not continuously cool the beverage, but rather seeks to maintain the pre-existing temperature of the beverage as long as possible. 
         [0004]    Cooled cavities may comprise nothing more than a bucket, filled with ice, within which beverages may be deposited. To some extent, cooled cavities may include standard and miniature refrigerators. 
         [0005]    Combinations of both insulation devices and cooled cavities may comprise the general cooler, a device that manufactured from an insulating material and may be filled with ice or other coolants to maintain the inner cavity at a low temperature. 
         [0006]    However, each of these devices have significant drawbacks. Insulating devices alone generally rely upon the temperature of the beverage, and therefore their efficacy reduces over time. Cooled cavities are generally bulky and inconvenient, and must be carried by the user even after all beverages have been exhausted. Moreover, cooled cavities such as coolers generally do not support beverages once opened. In fact, it is common practice to use a cooled cavity to reduce the temperature of a beverage, remove the beverage from the cooled cavity, and use an insulating device such as a coosie to maintain the beverage temperature. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a device and method of cooling beverages without the aforementioned drawbacks is desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Aspects of the invention may include a beverage holder formed from a frozen block, comprising one or more orifices formed in the frozen block, adapted to receive a beverage container. 
         [0009]    Aspects of the present invention may also include a beverage holder formed entirely from a frozen liquid, semi-liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous material, comprising: one or more orifices formed in the frozen block, the one or more orifices of a generally cylindrical shape and adapted to receive a beverage container, the one or more orifices comprising height positioning devices or steps to position a beverage container inserted into the orifices at a desired height; a storage area and drainage channel formed into the frozen beverage holder; and a business card holder formed as a groove in the frozen beverage holder and configured so that a business card may be vertically inserted into the groove. 
         [0010]    Aspects of the present invention may also include a mold for forming a frozen beverage holder, the mold comprising: a bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising protrusions shaped to occlude the frozen material from areas that will form orifices in the frozen beverage holder for receiving beverage containers; and side surfaces connected to the bottom surface such that the mold is substantially liquid-tight. 
         [0011]    These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements. The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and may aid in understanding the following detailed description. Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will make reference to the following figures, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A-2F  illustrates multiple variations in the size, shape, and details of a frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A-3D  depicts a detailed view of positioning devices that may be utilized by a frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a storage area that may optionally be formed integral to a frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a frozen beverage holder with internal beverage cavities, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a frozen drink holder configured to receive various lighting devices, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A-7D  illustrates a frozen drink holder configured to present marketing material, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a mold that that may be used to make a frozen drink holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a mold that that may be used to make a frozen drink holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a mold that that may be used to make frozen drink holders in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a frozen beverage holder  10  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will be discussed. Frozen beverage holder  10  is generally made from a frozen block  11 , which may be any frozen liquid, semi-liquid, semi-solid, or gas. Frozen block  11  may comprise one or more beverage chambers  110  configured to receive a beverage container. Beverage chamber  110  may extend entirely through frozen block  11  (not shown) or may terminate within frozen block  11  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), at bottom  113 . Each beverage chamber may optionally further comprise a positioning device for maintaining a desired height of a beverage container inserted into the beverage chamber  110 . For example,  FIG. 1  depicts two (2) steps  111 ,  112  that are sized to hold beverage containers of a certain diameter at a certain height. Note that while beverage chambers  110  are depicted as round, or cylindrical, such chambers may be of any shape and size suitable to receive a beverage container. 
         [0026]    Unlike other cooling devices, frozen beverage holder  10  is formed entirely from a frozen material. This provides several benefits. First, use of a frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention provides for a direct interface between a beverage container and the frozen material, thereby providing optimal cooling. Additionally, because the frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is comprised entirely of a frozen material, once melted there is no waste or unnecessary containers. Additionally, as the frozen beverage holder begins to melt, liquid may puddle in the beverage chambers, thereby maintaining a direct interface with the beverage container and cooling the beverage container efficiently. 
         [0027]    While the frozen beverage holder  10  is illustrated as a rectangular block comprising two (2) beverage chambers, a frozen beverage holder in accordance with the present invention may be of any shape or size, and may comprise any number of beverage chambers. For example, and with reference to FIG. 2A, a frozen beverage holder  210  may comprise a rectangular frozen block 211 with one ( 1 ) beverage chamber  212 . With reference to  FIG. 2B , a frozen beverage holder  220  may comprise a rectangular frozen block  221  with six (6) evenly spaced beverage chambers  222 . With reference to  FIG. 2C , a frozen beverage holder  230  may comprise an oval shaped frozen block  231  with six (6) beverage chambers  232  arranged in an asymmetric pattern. With reference to  FIG. 2D , a frozen beverage holder  240  may comprise an oval shaped frozen block  241  with two (2) beverage chambers  242 . With reference to  FIG. 2E , a frozen beverage holder  250  may comprise a cylindrical frozen block  251  with a single beverage chamber  252  disposed coaxially with the frozen block  251 . 
         [0028]    In addition to various arrangements and design choices in the shape of the frozen beverage holder and the number and spacing of beverage chambers, frozen beverage holders may further comprise trays or other storage areas, indents, or surfaces formed into the frozen block. For example, the frozen beverage holder  260  depicted in  FIG. 2F  comprises a rectangular frozen block  261  that comprises single beverage cavity  262  and a formed tray  263 . Formed tray  263  may be used to hold any number of things, including without limitation, sliced lemons, limes, or other garnishment, or shrimp, shellfish, or other food items. 
         [0029]    In utilizing the frozen beverage holder, it is desirable to have as much of the beverage container in direct contact with the frozen block. However, the beverage container must be easily removable. Given the varying sizes of beverage containers (e.g., beverage cans, bottles, and cups), a mechanism is useful to maintain each type of beverage container at a particular desired height. Generally, the smaller the diameter of the beverage container, the larger the vertical height of the container. For example, when comparing beer bottles, standard beverage cans, and plastic cups, beer bottles generally have the smaller diameter and the largest height. 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIG. 3A-D , a detailed view of positioning devices that may be utilized by a frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 3A , a cross-section of a positioning device  310  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is depicted. Positioning device  310  is comprised of a series of steps  311 ,  312 , and  313  shaped into the beverage chamber. A beverage container of a certain diameter will sit on one of steps  311 ,  312 , or  313 . 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 3B , a cross-section of positioning device  320  is depicted. Positioning device  320  comprises angled walls  321  that form the beverage chamber, and a bottom surface  322 . Because of the angled walls, a beverage container of a certain diameter will sit at a particular height. However, because of the continually angled walls, unless the beverage container has a matching angled walls, support for a beverage container (such as a standard beverage can) will be limited to the contact points with angled walls  321 . 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIG. 3C , a cross-section of a positioning device  330  is depicted. Positioning device  330  comprises angled walls  331  much like the device illustrated in  FIG. 3B . However, positioning device  330  further comprises ridges  332 ,  333 . The beverage chambers and location of the ridges  332 ,  333  may be sized and located such that beverage containers inserted into beverage chamber may sit on the ridges  332 ,  333 , thereby providing additional support. 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 3D , a cross-section of a positioning device  340  is depicted. Positioning device  340  is comprised of protrusions  341 ,  342  in a generally cylindrical beverage chamber. As with the other positioning devices, protrusions  341 ,  342  provide support at different heights for beverage containers of different diameters. Note that the positioning devices illustrated in  FIG. 3A-D  are exemplary only. Additional or different positioning devices or designs may be utilized to maintain the location of beverage containers in beverage chambers in each of an X, Y, and Z direction. 
         [0034]    As briefly discussed above, frozen beverages holders in accordance with the present invention may further comprise trays or other storage areas, indents, or surfaces formed into the frozen block.  FIG. 4  illustrates a storage area  40  that may optionally be formed integral to a frozen beverage holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Storage area  40  may be formed in frozen block  410 , and may comprise an indented bottom surface  420 , with side walls  430 ,  431 ,  440 ,  441 . Alternatively, the storage area may be formed integral to one or more sides of the frozen block  410 , thereby reducing the number of side walls (not shown). In some embodiments, storage area  40  may further comprise a drainage mechanism  450 . Drainage mechanism may comprise a notch, hole, or orifice that allows liquids to drain from storage area  40 . For example, if storage area  40  is used to hold shrimp cocktail, as the frozen beverage holder begins to melt at ambient temperature, it is not desirable to have water-logged shrimp. Accordingly, the storage area  40  may drain liquid as it accumulates. Storage area  40  may be of any shape or size, and the shape, size, and dimensions of storage area  40  depicted in  FIG. 4  are exemplary only. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates a frozen beverage holder  50  with internal beverage cavities  520 ,  530 , in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Frozen beverage holder  50  may be formed from a frozen block  510 . Frozen block  510  may comprise internal beverage cavities  520 ,  530 . Internal beverage cavities may be formed in any shape or size, and may be positioned at any location within frozen block  510 . Internal beverage cavities may be formed by occluding the material that forms the frozen block  510 , or by freezing a mold or membrane (either empty or filled with a liquid) within the frozen block  510 . For example, the mold from which the frozen block  510  is made may include an insert in the shape of internal beverage cavity  520 ,  530 . Alternatively, a membrane—for example filled with a beverage—may be frozen within the frozen block  510 . Because certain liquids, particularly liquids with a higher alcohol content, freeze at lower temperatures than water and other liquids, a membrane filled with an alcoholic beverage could be frozen within the frozen block  510 . In order to access the internal beverage cavities—either to fill or remove the cavities—access holes  521 ,  31  may be used. For example, straws  522 ,  532  may be inserted into access holes  521 ,  531  in order to drink liquid stored in the internal beverage cavity  520 ,  530 . 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a frozen drink holder  60  configured to receive various lighting devices, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Frozen drink holder  60  may be formed from frozen block  610 . In addition to the features discussed above (e.g., beverage chambers with or without positioning devices, storage areas, internal beverage cavities, etc.) a frozen drink holder  60  may comprise orifices  620 ,  630  to receive lighting devices. For example, orifice  620  may be sized to receive the insertion of a “glow-stick,” or other illuminating device. Orifice  630  may be sized to receive a “glowing” device of a different size and shape, for example “glow bracelets” or “glow necklaces.” Although illuminating devices may be frozen with the frozen block  610 , it may be more desirable to include orifices in the frozen beverage holder  60  into which lighting devices may be inserted. Use of lighting devices such as “glow sticks” may cause the entire frozen beverage holder  60  to glow, and emit light from the lighting device. Note that it is contemplated that any type of lighting or illuminating device may be used, including powered lighting devices (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, neon, or light emitting diodes (LED) devices. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIGS. 7A-7D , a frozen drink holder configured to present marketing material, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will be discussed. It is anticipated that a use of frozen beverage holders in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may be as novelty items used to market other goods or services. For example, during a concert or other such outdoor event, frozen beverage holders in accordance with the present invention may be provided by a company seeking additional advertisement. Accordingly, marketing components may be desired. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 7A , a beverage holder  70  may be formed from frozen block  701 , and may have shaped into the frozen block  701  a name, logo, trademark, or emblem  702 . For example,  FIG. 7A  shows the company “Ice-Hole Products” shaped into the frozen block  701 . This name may be shaped during the formation of the frozen block  701 —e.g., by including the shape of the name, logo, trademark or emblem in the mold itself Alternatively, the name, logo, trademark, or emblem may be shaped after formation of the frozen block  701 , for example by manual carving, laser engraving, or by branding with a heated device. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a business card holder  711  which may be formed into frozen beverage holder  71  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The detail portion of  FIG. 7B  depicts a cross section of the business card holder, which may formed from a crevasse  712  created between two sloping walls  713 ,  714 . Because walls  713 ,  714  may slope towards each other, thereby narrowing crevasse  712 , a business card or other marketing material may be inserted and held by a type of interference fit. 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 7C , marketing material  721  may be frozen internal to the frozen beverage holder  72 . If the frozen block is formed from a clear or generally clear frozen material, the marketing material  721  may be visible. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 7D , an accessible cavity  731  may be formed within the frozen beverage holder  73 . This accessible cavity  731  may be configured to receive marketing material  732  or other material (e.g., a menu) though an access slot. In this manner, a plurality of frozen beverage holders  73  may be formed, and each may receive different (or identical) marketing material  732 . As noted with regard to  FIG. 7C , if the frozen block is formed from a clear or generally clear frozen material, the marketing material  732  may be visible. 
         [0042]    Various frozen beverage holders have been discussed. With reference to  FIG. 8 , a mold  80  that that may be used to make a frozen drink holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. In one of its simplest forms, mold  80  may comprise an open rectangular box, or cavity, that comprises a bottom surface  801 , and side walls  802 ,  803 ,  804 , and  805 . Protrusions  806  in the shape of beverage chambers may extend from the bottom surface  801  of the mold  80 . When filled with a liquid, semi-liquid, semi-solid, or gas, and frozen, a block with two (2) beverage chambers will be formed. The shape of the mold  80  may dictate the shape of the final frozen beverage holder, and accordingly the mold  80  may be of any shape or size desirable to the user. 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , a mold  90  that that may be used to make a frozen drink holder in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will be discussed. Mold  90  may comprise an open, generally rectangular box with a bottom surface  901 , and side walls  910 ,  911 ,  912 ,  913 . Mold  90  may further comprise extrusions  914  shaped in the inverse, or negative, of beverage chambers. Mold  90  may further comprise an extrusion  915  shaped in the inverse, or negative of a storage area, including an extrusion  916  that forms a drainage mechanism. Mold  90  may further comprise an extrusion shaped in the inverse, or negative of a business card holder or other such marketing component. 
         [0044]    Additionally, mold  90  may comprise functional elements that may assist in the removal of a shaped frozen block from the mold  90 . For example, planar variations or fluting  918  in each side wall  910 ,  911 ,  912 ,  913  may assist in breaking the contact between the frozen block and mold walls, thereby assisting in removal of a shaped, frozen ice block from the mold  90 . 
         [0045]    Mold  90  may be comprised of any material. Certain materials may be more desirable due to their performance at reduced temperatures, their waterproof nature, and their mold release characteristics. Additional elements such as cost, availability, and ability to manufacture into complex shapes may be taken into account when selecting mold materials. For example, silicone and flexible rubber may be used due to their flexible nature in removing shaped frozen blocks from the mold. Polyethylene may used for its firmer, rigid characteristic that may be desirable in forming intricate shapes into frozen blocks. Polypropylene may be used for its material characteristics in both mold forming and freezing. Note that these materials are exemplary only, and it is contemplated that molds for forming frozen beverage holders in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may be made from any material. Additional materials may include silicone, silicone blends, polypropylene, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethanes, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, phenolics, urea-formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, polylactic acid, and plastarch materials. 
         [0046]    Additionally, each protrusion used to make each component—positioning devices, storage areas, internal beverage cavities, internal lighting cavities, marketing components, etc.—may be removable. In this manner, when preparing the mold for use, the user may select which components are desired in the final frozen block and may insert the protrusions necessary for each desired component, while omitting protrusions for undesired components. 
         [0047]    Molds may be used to make single frozen beverage holders or a plurality of frozen beverage holders. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 10 , a mold that that may be used to make a plurality of frozen drink holders in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Mold  100  may comprise a generally rectangular shaped open box  1010 , divided into four (4) subordinate areas  1021 ,  1022 ,  1023 , and  1024 . Each subordinate area may comprise a protrusion  1025  from the bottom surface of the mold in the shape of a beverage chamber. Additional details as discussed above (e.g., beverage chambers with or without positioning devices, storage areas, internal beverage cavities, internal lighting cavities, marketing components, etc.) may be present in the mold  100 . Additionally, it is contemplated that walls  1026 ,  1027  may be removable, thereby allowing the user to select how many beverage chambers is desired in the final, frozen beverage holder. 
         [0048]    It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense, and that the scope of the invention will be solely determined by the appended claims.