Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention generally relates to means and methods of containing dry ice within a beverage container. More particularly, the invention relates to a dry ice container box or infuser box using a retaining clip to provide an interface between the box and beverage container. 
         [0003]    (2) Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Several methods of using dry ice within a beverage container are known in the related art. The current zenith in the art was disclosed on Sep. 25, 2007 in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,950 by Roman (the &#39;950 patent) wherein a fixed section is attached to a drinking glass and a movable section acts as a permeable cap to retain dry ice. While innovative and novel, the &#39;950 patent does not contemplate a sealant failure wherein the fixed portion may break free and allow the dry ice to escape into the glass. Thus, what is needed in the art are means and methods of securing a portion of dry ice within a drinking container, such that an attachment failure will not lead to an escape of dry ice or other contained material. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting unique and novel methods and devices to redundantly secure dry ice or other material within a drinking container. The present invention provides unexpected results and utility by using a self enclosing box container with means of attachment to a clip, the clip being attached to a standard or customized drinking container or drinking glass. The disclosed clip or clip assembly is comprised of form fitting components to assist in the snug fit of the clip within the drinking container. The use of non toxic adhesives may be used to assist in the attachment of the clip to the inside surfaces of the drinking container. The box assembly uses a living hinge or other means to safely and conveniently secure dry ice or other contents. The disclosed box assembly includes a vent design suitable for allowing the retained dry ice (or other item for infusing) to communicate with the outer consumable liquid. But yet, the box design prevents the solid contents of the box from directly entering the mouth of the user. 
         [0006]    The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the &#39;950 patent by providing insulation between the dry ice and the drink. The &#39;950 patent immediately exposes all contained dry ice to the drink, thus cooling the glass and shortening the time of fog generation. The present invention provides a box that holds and insulates the dry ice or other infusing material. The clip assembly minimizes the path of direct contact of dry ice to the glass, providing unexpected results by greatly prolonging the generation of the desired fog or witches brew effect. 
         [0007]    The present invention overcomes short falls in the art by providing a two piece interlocking system that allows for one type of material, in the form of a clip assembly, to be affixed or glued to the drinking vessel or drinking glass while a different type of material, in the form of a box assembly, may be used to secure the dry ice or other infusing material. For a box assembly or container to hold the dry ice, it is desirable to have a living hinge to access the box compartment. But, the type of material ideal for construction of a living hinge is not well suited for gluing or otherwise attaching to the inside of a drinking container. Moreover, materials suited for attachment to glass have properties that are not conducive to construction of a box assembly. The disclosed invention provides unexpected results by allowing for the use of the best materials for flexibility in a box assembly and by simultaneously allowing for the best materials to be used for attachment to a drinking vessel. The invention also allows for the clip assemble to be molded into a drinking glass while the box assembly may be inserted by the consumer. 
         [0008]    The disclosed assembly may interlock with the disclosed box assembly to allow for the clip assembly to be permanently attached to a drinking vessel and for the box assembly to be removed, replaced, cleaned and otherwise maintained. 
         [0009]    One aspect of the invention includes the use of dry ice or solidified CO 2  to be introduced within a consumable beverage. Solidified CO 2  starts in the form of a cold solid, and when exposed to typical ambient room temperature, sublimates directly into a vapor or gas state, bypassing the liquid state, unlike frozen water. Hence, solidified CO 2  is commonly referred to as “dry ice” as no liquid is formed by CO 2  at any household temperature. When solidified CO 2  reaches room temperature, a visible fog, is created. Solidified CO 2  may be inserted within a consumable liquid, such as punch, wherein the warming of the CO 2  results in a fog mysteriously rising out of the punch and into the ambient air. This effect is sometimes referred to as “witches brew”. In the Halloween season and on other occasions there is a commercial demand for means of creating witches brew. 
         [0010]    Solidified CO 2  is typically sold in large blocks or in pellet form. For individual beverages, the use of solidified CO 2  in pellet from is common. While solidified CO 2  is not toxic, the unanticipated consumption of any pellet or solid object within a beverage may lead to choking and is very undesirable. The present invention overcomes a shortfall in the art by providing a self closing box or infusion box that remains closed even in the event of detachment from the user&#39;s glass or drinking container. 
         [0011]    In addition, the sublimation creates bubbles which causes a mixing action which obviates the need for stirring or shaking a drink to mix. Furthermore, the dry ice does not dilute the drink as compared to the use of ice wherein water from the ice mixes with the drink. 
         [0012]    These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of invention with the lid in an open position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the invention with the lid in the closed position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view a lid closed position without the drinking glass or clip assembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the invention in a lid open position without the drinking glass or clip assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the clip assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is perspective view of the clip assembly glued or otherwise attached into a glass or drinking container. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the clip assembly glued or otherwise attached into a glass or drinking container. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side sectional view of the clip assembly glued or otherwise attached into a glass or drinking container. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the box assembly attached to the clip assembly with the box lid in an open position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the box assembly attached to the clip assembly with the box lid in a closed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the clip assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is an elevational view of the clip assembly. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of the box showing the side hook and wedge shape head of side hook. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged top view of the box assembly locked into the clip assembly. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an alternative embodiment of the clip assembly shown with an optional back tab 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is an alternative embodiment of the clip assembly shown with an optional bar. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the box assembly attached to the clip assembly and the vessel attached to the clip assembly. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is an enlarged cross section view of the clip assembly and box assembly showing a side hook of the box engaged with the clip. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of a drinking glass, clip assembly and box assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a side, cross sectional view of a box assembly with a closed lid. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a side, cross sectional view of a box assembly with the lid in an open position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a top view of a box assembly with the lid in an open position. 
       
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  one embodiment generally of the invention 
           50  dry ice, solidified CO 2  or other material 
           200  box assembly 
           201  side retaining hook 
           208  lower container portion 
           209  flat vertical section of box 
           210  slot or void in box to accept lid cantilever hook  253   
           211  housing unit for slot  210  in box 
           220  stop tab or box stop tab 
           221  side retaining hook recess 
           240  communication slot 
           245  pry recess or pry recess void, located at edge of lid  250   
           250  lid assembly in general 
           251  top surface of lid. 
           252  bottom surface of lid 
           253  lid cantilever hook 
           254  living hinge attaching lid assembly to box assembly. 
           255  inner side of box assembly 
           300  clip assembly in general 
           302  stop tab for shelf or stop tab shelf, suitable for fitting between a side retaining hook  201  and a box stop tab  220   
           304  void or recess for side retaining hook release 
           305  optional bar in clip assembly 
           306  bottom side of clip assembly 
           307  optional back tab 
           310  adhesive wedge 
           311  outer clip spacers 
           500  drinking vessel 
           510  area for garnish 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0064]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0065]    The reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment nor are separate alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. 
         [0066]    In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical, functional, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0067]    The description, which follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In the description, which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain features of the invention. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , diagram  10  generally illustrates one embodiment of the invention wherein a drinking vessel  500  may contain or secure a clip assembly  300  which in turn may secure a box assembly  200 . The lid  250  of the box assembly  200  is shown in the open position. A pry recess  245  is shown on an edge of the lid  250 . The pry recess  245  may be used to release the lid when the lid is in the closed position.  FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the invention with the lid in a closed position, exposing the top surface of the lid  251 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 3  shows a flat vertical or nearly vertical (due to injection molding requirements this typically can never be vertical because of “draft”) section  209  of the box assembly  200 . Stop tabs  220  are shown at the outer and upper section of the box assembly. The stop tabs  220  are used to rest on top of clip assembly  300  ( FIG. 5 ). More particularly, the stop tabs  220  rest on the top side of the stop tab for shelf or stop tab shelf  302 , shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the invention with the lid in an open position, exposing the bottom surface  252  of the lid and the lid cantilever hook  253 . A living hinge  254  secures the lid to the upper flat vertical section of the box assembly.  FIG. 4  shows five sections of stop tabs  220 . The inside portions of side retaining hooks  201  are shown and reside within their own side retaining hook recess  221 . The space between side retaining hooks  201  and the stop tabs  220  may be used to insert the stop tab for shelf  302  ( FIG. 5 ). By way of further explanation, the side retaining hook recess areas  221  allow the stop tab for shelf  302  ( FIG. 5 ) to fit between the side retaining hooks  201  and bottom surfaces of the stop tabs  220 . 
         [0071]    In  FIG. 4 , attached to the inner side  255  of the box assembly a housing unit  211  that contains a slot or void  210 . Slot  210  accepts lid cantilever hook  253  to secure the lid in a closed position. 
         [0072]      FIG. 5  shows a clip assembly  300  in general which may attach into a drinking vessel by securing an adhesive wedge(s)  310  into a drinking vessel.  FIG. 5  shows an outer clip recess  311  located between two adhesive wedges  310 . The outer clip recess allows for space between the clip assembly and a drinking vessel to allow liquid to flow around the assembly to allow drinking from the glass in any orientation. On the stop tab for shelf  302  are one or more voids or recesses  304  for side retaining hook release. A recess  304  for side retaining hook release may be centered or adjacent to a side retaining hook  201 , as shown in  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 6  shows a clip assembly attached to a drinking vessel  500 .  FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a clip assembly  300  resting within a drinking vessel  500 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of a drinking vessel  500 .  FIG. 8  shows adhesive wedges  310  secured to the inside portion of drinking vessel  500 . Lid  250  is shown in a closed position. 
         [0074]      FIG. 9  shows a box assembly  200  attached to a clip assembly  300  while the lid  250  is in an open position. A side retaining hook  201  of the box assembly applies upward pressure to the bottom side of stop tab for shelf  302  of the clip assembly. Within stop tab for shelf  302  a recess  304  for side retaining hook release is centered or adjacent over a side retaining hook  201 . The recess  304  for side retaining hook release may be used to release a side retaining hook  201  from from a stop tab for shelf  302 , the latter of which is part of the clip assembly  300 . A pin, paperclip or other object may be inserted into a recess  304  for side retaining hook release in order to bend down a side retaining hook  201  and thus release the clip assembly. 
         [0075]      FIG. 10  shows a box assembly  200  attached to a clip assembly  300  while the lid is in a closed position, exposing the top surface  251  of the lid. 
         [0076]      FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of a clip assembly  300  wherein the bottom side  306  of the clip assembly is exposed as well as adhesive wedges  310 . The adhesive wedges  310  may be pre-glued or have glue material preinstalled such that a consumer may peel off a protective strip and then secure the adhesive wedges to the inside of a drinking container. The adhesive wedges may also be melted into a drinking container or molded as part of the original construction of a drinking container. 
         [0077]      FIG. 12  is an elevational view of the clip assembly showing adhesive wedges  310  at the outer perimeter of the clip assembly. 
         [0078]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of portions of the box assembly  200  and shows side retaining hooks  201  and an example of a side retaining hook recess  221  located just above a side retaining hook. 
         [0079]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged top view of a box assembly  200  locked into a clip assembly  300 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 15  is an alternative embodiment of a clip assembly  300  shown with an optional back tab  307 . The optional back tab  307  may be used to prevent the clip assembly from rotating.  FIG. 16  is an alternative embodiment of a clip assembly shown with an optional bar  305 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a box assembly  200  attached to the clip assembly  300  and a drinking vessel  500  attached to the clip assembly. In this embodiment, the optional bar  305  can be seen in the clip assembly as well as the top surface  251  of the lid. 
         [0082]      FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the invention displaying a communication void  240  located within lower portion of a box assembly  200 . The communication void  240  allows the contents of the box assembly to mix or interact with the contents of the drinking vessel  500 , but yet not fall into the contents of the drinking vessel. The unobvious combination of a lower communication void within a otherwise solid dry ice container box provides unexpectedly good results in prolonging or extending the melting time of dry ice as compared to the related art. The insulation qualities of a nearly enclosed box assembly keep the dry ice cold and keep the drink contents warm, thus extending the time in which the dry ice is infused into the drink, allowing for a greater time period of witches brew emanating from the surface of the drink. The slot configuration of the disclosed invention places the mixing of dry ice with the drink at points in the bottom of the drink, and thus adds emphasis the effect of fog rising from the bottom of the drink to the surface of the drink. (See above for explanation of the insulating effect). 
         [0083]      FIG. 19  is an enlarged cross section view of a clip assembly  300  and box assembly  200  showing a side hook  201  of the box assembly engaged with the lower side of the stop tab shelf  302  of the clip assembly. The upper side of the stop tab shelf  302  rests under the stop tab  220  of the box assembly. Just above each side retaining hook  201  is a matching void or recess  304  within portions of the stop tab shelf  302 . Void  304  acts as side retaining hook release. In order to remove the box from the clip, pressure may be applied within recess  304  within the stop tab for shelf  302  in order to release the stop tab for shelf  302  from the grasp of the side retaining hook  201  of the box assembly and stop tab  220  of the box assembly. 
         [0084]      FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of a drinking glass  500 , clip assembly and box assembly  200  showing an area  510  for garnish or similar items. Dry ice  50  or other material is shown within the box assembly  200 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 21  is a side, cross sectional view of a box assembly  200  with a closed lid, resulting in the top surface  251  of the lid facing away from the box. Lid cantilever hook  253  is shown in a locked position.  FIG. 22  is a side cross sectional view of a box assembly  200  with the lid in an open position, exposing the bottom surface  252  of the lid. Lid cantilever hook  253  is shown in an unlocked position.  FIG. 23  is a top view of a box assembly with the lid in an open position. A communication slot  240  is visible at the bottom of the box assembly. A stop tab  220  and side hook  201  are also marked. 
         [0086]    Other aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to: 
         [0087]    Part 1 A system for creating a witches brew effect, the system comprising:
       a) a clip assembly  300  comprising:
           i. a stop tab shelf  302  with one or more voids  304  for a side retaining hook release;   ii. a plurality of adhesive wedges  310  attached to the stop tab shelf  302 ;   iii. a plurality of outer clip spacers  311  located between the adhesive wedges  310  and attached to the stop tab shelf  302 ;   
           b) a box assembly  200  comprising:
           i. a lower container portion  208  with inside  255  and outside surfaces and with one flat vertical or nearly vertical section  209 ;   ii. a living hinge  254  with one side connected to the lower container portion  208  and another side of the living hinge connected to a lid  250 , the lid having a lid cantilever hook  253 ;   iii. a housing unit  211  attached to the inside surface of the lower container portion and a void or slot  210  within the housing unit, the void or slot  210  being suitable to accept the lid cantilever hook  253 , so as to secure the lid in a closed position;   iv. a plurality of side retaining hooks  201  attached to the lower container portion  208 ;   v. a plurality of box stop tabs  220  attached to the lower container portion  208  and adjacent to the side retaining hooks  201 ;   vi. a communication slot  240  contained within the bottom of the lower container portion  208 ;   
           c) wherein the stop tab shelf  302  of the clip assembly  300  has means of fitting between the side retaining hooks  201  and box stop tabs  220  of the box assembly  300 .       
 
         [0100]    Part 2 The system of part 1 further comprising a drinking vessel  500  suitable for attachment to the adhesive wedges  310  of the clip assembly  300 . 
         [0101]    Part 3 The system of part 2 wherein the drinking vessel  500  is attached to the clip assembly  300  by use of the adhesive wedges  310  of the clip assembly. 
         [0102]    Part 4 The system part 1 including an adhesive suitable for securing the adhesive wedges  310  to a drinking vessel  500 . The adhesive may be applied onto the adhesive wedges and covered with a protective wrapping. The adhesive may also be applied to the drinking vessel. 
         [0103]    Part 5 The system of part 2 wherein the clip assembly is molded or contained within the drinking vessel. In this embodiment, the drinking vessel and clip assembly may be manufactured or integrated into one unit. 
         [0104]    Part 6 The system of part 1 wherein the lid  250  has one or more pry recess voids  245  with means to allow insertion of a tool to move the lid cantilever hook  253  from the slot  210  of the housing unit  211 . 
         [0105]    Part 7 A kit for infusing dry ice or other material into a drink, the kit comprising:
       a) a clip assembly comprising:
           i. a stop tab shelf with one or more voids;   ii. a plurality of adhesive wedges attached to the stop tab shelf;   iii. a plurality of outer clip spacers located between the adhesive wedges and attached to the stop tab shelf;   
           b) a box assembly comprising:
           i. a lower container portion with inside and outside surfaces and with one flat vertical section;   ii. a living hinge with one side connected to the lower container portion and another side of the living hinge connected to a lid, the lid having a lid cantilever hook;   iii. a housing unit attached to the inside surface of the lower container portion and a void within the housing unit, the void being suitable to accept the lid cantilever hook, so as to secure the lid in a closed position;   iv. a plurality of side retaining hooks attached to the lower container portion;   v. a plurality of box stop tabs attached to the lower container portion and adjacent to the side retaining hooks; and   vi. a communication slot contained within the bottom of the bottom of the lower container portion.   
               
 
         [0117]    Part 8 The kit of part 7 further including a drinking glass suitable for attachment to the adhesive wedges of the clip assembly. 
         [0118]    Part 9 The kit of part 8 further including means of attaching the adhesive wedges to the drinking glass. 
         [0119]    Part 10 The kit of part 9 wherein the means of attaching the adhesive wedges to the drinking glass include an adhesive suitable for attaching the adhesive wedges to the drinking glass. 
         [0120]    Part 11 The kit of part 10 wherein the clip assembly is molded or fabricated within the drinking glass. 
         [0121]    Part 12 A method of trapping and infusing dry ice or other material within the contents of a drinking glass, the method comprising:
       a) using a clip assembly which uses
           i. a stop tab shelf with one or more voids;   ii. a plurality of adhesive wedges attached to the stop tab shelf;   iii. a plurality of outer clip spacers located between the adhesive wedges and attached to the stop tab shelf;   
           b) using a box assembly which uses:   i. a lower container portion with inside and outside surfaces and with one flat vertical or nearly section;   ii. a living hinge with one side connected to the lower container portion and another side of the living hinge connected to a lid, the lid having a lid cantilever hook;   iii. a housing unit attached to the inside surface of the lower container portion and a void within the housing unit, the void being suitable to accept the lid cantilever hook, so as to secure the lid in a closed position;   iv. a plurality of side retaining hooks attached to the lower container portion;   v. a plurality of box stop tabs attached to the lower container portion and adjacent to the side retaining hooks; and   vi. a communication slot contained within the bottom of the bottom of the lower container portion.       
 
         [0133]    Part 13 The method of part 12 further comprising the use of a drinking glass suitable for attachment to the clip assembly. 
         [0134]    Part 14 The method of part 13 further comprising the step of attaching the clip assembly to the drinking glass. 
         [0135]    Part 15 The method of part 14 further comprising the step of attaching the box assembly to the clip assembly. 
         [0136]    Part 16 The method of part 15 further comprising the step of placing dry ice  50  or similar material into the box assembly. 
         [0137]    Part 17 The method of part 16 further comprising the step of pouring liquid into the drinking glass. 
         [0138]    Claim  18  The method of part 12 using the system of part 1.

Technology Category: f