Insert for Use with a Beverage Container

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/567,509, filed on Mar. 20, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/639,771, filed on Apr. 29, 2024, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to modifying or maintaining the temperature of beverages, for example cooling or warming beverages. In one example, an insert may be used with a beverage container for cooling or warming a liquid in the container with enhanced conduction and convection without dilution of the liquid.

The addition ice directly to a beverage for the purpose of cooling the beverage is well known. Ice can be produced to have a variety of geometries, shapes, and/or textures. Regardless of whether when the ice is added to a beverage, container prior to filling the container with a liquid or after the container has been filled with ice, the effect is the same. That is, because the temperature of the liquid is typically less than the temperature of the ice, the higher temperature of the liquid will be absorbed by the ice. Melting of the ice will occur promptly due to the process of heat transfer and melting that occurs between the ice and the liquid. If the ice and liquid are stirred or agitated, then the heat transfer and melting process will be more pronounced. A result of the heat transfer and melting that occurs between the ice and the liquid in the container is that the liquid will become diluted with the content of the ice. For example, water in the ice will dilute the liquid in the beverage container to have a taste that is sufficiently different than the taste of the liquid that is present in its originally served form. Not only is dilution an issue with the use of ice, but the length of time that the liquid in the beverage container will be chilled is diminished at a faster rate than is ideally desired due to the heat transfer and melting that occurs between the ice and the liquid.

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the various embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the various embodiments. It is not intended to exclusively identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter set forth in the Claims, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a streamlined form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In light of the issues associated with using ice to chill liquid in a beverage container such as dilution of the liquid and a diminished time that the ice is able to chill the liquid, a need exists for an alternative approach that can overcome these issues. The various embodiments of the present invention described herein overcome these issues by providing an insert for use with a beverage container. The insert of the various embodiments is configured so that there will be zero dilution of the liquid in the beverage container, all while providing both enhanced conduction and convection effects that keep the liquid chilled for a longer period of time in comparison to the conventional approach that relies solely on ice to chill a liquid in a beverage container. In addition, the insert can be configured to be disposable after its usage with the beverage container.

In accordance with one embodiment, an insert for a beverage container is provided that includes an inner container, a first rim, a second rim, and one or more protrusions. The inner container may be positioned inside of the beverage container and may include a first end having a first edge, an opposing second end having a second edge, and side surfaces extending between the first and second edge. The first rim is formed on the first edge of the inner container and includes a first diameter. The second rim is formed on the second edge of the inner container and includes a second diameter. The protrusions extend downwardly from the second end toward the beverage container. The first end is open and the second end is closed. A thermal regulating material is positioned between the inner container and the beverage container.

In accordance with another embodiment, an insert for a beverage container is provided that includes an inner container, a first rim, a second rim, one or more protrusions, and a hollow portion. The inner container may be positioned inside of the beverage container and may include a first end having a first edge, an opposing second end having a second edge, and side surfaces extending between the first and second edge. The first rim is formed on the first edge of the inner container and includes a first diameter. The second rim is formed on the second edge of the inner container and includes a second diameter. The protrusions extend downwardly from the second end toward the beverage container. The hollow portion includes a frustoconical shape extending from the second edge toward the first edge. The first end is open and the second end is closed. A thermal regulating material is positioned between the inner container and the beverage container.

Example embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. For like numbers may refer to like elements throughout.

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of the possible embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

The present embodiments may solve a problem for regulating a temperature of a beverage without modifying or diluting the beverage. Specifically, the present invention may allow multiple dimensional cooling or heating of the entire beverage by surrounding the beverage with thermal regulating material such that the beverage can be cooled or heated synchronously using the conduction and convection effects of the invention. Because the thermal regulating material is isolated from the beverage, the taste of the beverage may be unimpacted by the cooling or heating of the system and may remain constant.

Further, by more efficiently regulating the temperature of beverages, less ice may be used, and time may be saved as a result of not having to add ice to each and every beverage to create a cool or cold beverage. Additionally, the flavor of the beverage is not impacted or diluted by the melted ice.

Turning now to the figures,shows a schematic of an insertfor use with a beverage container according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in, the insertincludes an inner container bodywith a first end, a second endopposite the first end, and side surfacesextending between the first endand the second end. The first endincludes a first edge. The second endincludes a second edge. The first endmay be open, such that liquid may be pour into and/or out of the inner container. The second endmay be closed, such that liquid may not egress from the second end of the inner container.

A first rimis formed on the first edgeof the inner container. The first rimincludes a first diameter D. As discussed further below, the first diameter Dmay be sized such that the diameter of the first rimis less than a diameter of the beverage container (shown, for example, in). Having the first diameter Dbe less than the diameter of the beverage container allows the inner containerto fit within the beverage container and allows for the placement of ice and/or other thermal regulating material to be placed between the inner container and the beverage container, as discussed further below. However, in another embodiment, the first diameter Dmay be equal to or greater than the diameter of the beverage container. This may allow for the first rim to cover the beverage container. This may be advantageous in that the contents between the inner container and the beverage container used to regulate the temperature may not escape when the user drinks from the insert. This may be especially advantageous where the insert is designed to keep the beverage warm and the contents regulating the temperature is hot or warm liquid. In one example, a user of the insert and beverage container may drink from the first rim.

A second rimis formed on the second edgeof the inner container. The second rimincludes a diameter D. In the embodiment illustrated in, the first diameter Dis greater than the second diameter D, creating a generally frustoconical shape of the inner container. The frustoconical shape may allow the inner container to squeeze into the beverage container, around the thermal regulating material (e.g., crushed ice). However, in other embodiments, the first diameter Dand the second diameter Dmay be the same, creating a cylindrical inner container. In yet another embodiment, the second diameter Dmay be greater than the first diameter D.

is a schematic view of a top portion of an insert or inner container shown in, coupled with a beverage container, according to one embodiment.is a schematic view of a bottom portion of the inner container shown in, coupled with a beverage container. In one example, the beverage containermay be an ordinary cup, such as a disposable cup, a glass cup, a plastic cup, a metal cup, or the like. The inner container and beverage container are sized and designed such that there is a spaceseparating the inner container and the beverage container. This spaceallows for thermal regulating material to be inserted to cool or warm the beverage inside of the inner container, without watering down or otherwise modifying the flavor of the beverage. In one example, the thermal regulating material may be a combination of one or more of ice (e.g., crushed ice), water, and propylene glycol. The ice and water combination may chill the beverage. In another example, the thermal regulating material may be hot or warm water that may keep the beverage warm. Hot or warm drinks may stay hot longer if the thermal regulating material is preheated. The thermal regulating material may be chemical composition intended to maintain a high or low temperature, for example, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, urea, sodium polyacrylate, a non-toxic gel-type substance, a mixture of cornstarch and water, or the like.

As discussed above, the first diameter of the first rimmay be less than the diameter of the beverage container. The inner containermay be sized and designed to fit precisely within the beverage container. In one example, there may be a slight gap between the first rimand the beverage container. The gap may allow for a user to insert a straw in the gap into the beverage container. As such, the user may be able to drink the beverage from the inner containerand then insert a straw into the beverage containerto drink the ice cold water that is cooling the beverage in the inner container.

The beverage container and/or the inner container may be made from a thin-walled hard-shell custom-made disposable beverage cup. The beverage cup and/or inner container may be made of biodegradable material, paper, cardboard, another cellulose-based material, plastic, polymer, plastic, glass, or the like.

The inner containermay include an interior, hollow portionextending from the second edgetoward the first edge. The hollow portionmay be frustoconical in shape. The hollow portionmay be sized and position to allow the thermal regulating material to move within the hollow portion. This may allow for the thermal regulating material to contact a greater surface area of the inner container, thus improving the cooling or heating efficiency. The design enables an increase in the contact area that the thermal regulating material will have with the inner container. As a result, there will be an enhancement of both conduction and convection effects with the thermal regulating material throughout the entire container at same time. To this extent, the thermal regulating material will maximize the chilling effects as fast as possible. Additionally, the hollow portionmay also allow access to the thermal regulating material, for example fresh icy water, via a straw. As such, the inner container may serve to regulate the temperature of the beverage, as well as provide a source of fresh, cold drinking water.

As illustrated in, the inner container may include one or more protrusions. The protrusionsextend downwardly from the second endtoward the beverage container. The protrusionsmay be between 0.1″ and 1.5″, based on desired use. The inner containermay have a height that is based on the height of the beverage containersubtracted by the height of the protrusions. This allows for the top portion of the inserted inner containerto be substantially the same as the height of the top portion of the beverage container.

The protrusionscreate a spacefor the thermal regulating material under the inner container, enhancing the cooling or warming effect. Further, the protrusionsmay serve to center the inner containerwithin the beverage container. The protrusionsmay have a cross-sectional shape that is circular, frustoconical, square, rectangular, or the like.

The functions of the protrusions not only create a space between the inner containerand the bottom of the beverage container, but also place the inner containerin the center of the beverage container, creating bottom space and center position of the inner containerinside the beverage containercan also be replaced by changing its shape to expand and extend such as ().

As illustrated in, in one embodiment, the insert includes a lid. The lidmay be sized and positioned to be placed over both the inner container and the beverage container. The lid may be friction fit, snap-fit, screw fit, or the like. In one example, the lidis placed over the inner container without covering the beverage container. The lid can comprise a pierceable material. For example, the material can include any of a number of plastic materials that are strong enough to provide a seal but at the same time being pierceable. The lid may include a slit thereon for receiving a straw therethrough to access an interior of the inner container or the beverage container.

The side wallsmay be a uniform shape, for example a cylinder. However, in other examples, the side wallsmay contain one or more different shapes. Changing the shape of the inner container not only increases its external surface area, but also allows the side surfaces to contact with more thermal regulating material, in one example, crushed ice to achieve better conduction effects. When paired with the hollow core, the contact surface area with the thermal regulating material is increased.

As illustrated in, the side surfacesmay include one or more grooves. The groovesmay extend between the first end and the second end, or a portion thereof. In one example, the grooves may extend beyond the second end and may form the one or more protrusions, discussed above. The groovesmay serve several functions. The groovesmay increase the surface area of the inner container, thus improving the thermal efficiency of the thermal regulating material. Said another way, the groovescreate more surface area which better cools or heats the contents of the inner container. Further, the groovesmay serve to align the inner containerwithin the beverage container. The groovesmay correspond to notches or protrusions of the beverage container for aligning and securing the inner container.

is a schematic view of a beverage container without an insert according to one embodiment. The beverage containerincludes an empty spacethat is configured to receive the inner container. The beverage containerincludes a maximum fill linefor the thermal regulating material.

is a schematic view of an insert or inner containerbeing inserted into a beverage container, according to one embodiment. As shown, the inner containermay be placed inside of the beverage containerto secure the inner container.

is a schematic view of an insert or inner containercoupled with a beverage container, wherein beverage containeris filled with a mix of frozen liquid and liquid, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the mix of frozen liquid/ice/liquid may surround the inner container, including the hollow portion. This allows the mixture to surround multiple portions of the inner container to facilitate cooling of the inner container.

is a schematic view of an insert or inner containercoupled with a beverage container, according to one embodiment. As shown, the protrusionscreate a space between the inner containerand the beverage container. Further, the protrusionsfacilitate alignment of the inner containerwithin the beverage container.

a schematic view of an insert or inner containercoupled with a beverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention.also shows a bottom view of the insert, showing the hollow portion. The groovesand hollow portionmay increase the surface area of the inner containerthat is contacted by the thermal regulating material, which increases the cooling or warming efficiency. The shape of the hollow portionmay be adjusted based on desired use. For example, the shape of the hollow portionmay be modified based on the beverage containerwith which the hollow portionis intended to be used with. Additionally, the shape of the hollow portionmay be modified based on the desired heating or cooling characteristics. In one embodiment, the hollow portionmay be star shaped or shaped to increase surface area that would be in fluid communication with the thermal regulating material, such that the hollow portionwould permit greater cooling or heating properties based on the increased surface area.

is a schematic view of an insert or inner container coupled with a beverage container, according to an embodiment of the invention. The beverage containermay also be coupled with a lid. The lidmay include a top openingprotruding above the lid. In one example, the top openingmay protrude between 0.1 inches and 1 inch above the lid. The top openingmay be sealed with the inner container.

is a schematic view of an insert coupled with a lid, according to an embodiment of the invention.shows the insert and lid without the beverage container. The insert, as discussed above, may include an interior, hollow portionextending from the second edge toward the first edge. In one example, shown in, the hollow portionis frustoconical in shape, however, the hollow portion may be cylindrical or another shape. The hollow portionmay further include an inner tubeextending within the hollow portion. The inner tubemay provide alignment and spacing features, as well as additional cooling features. For example, the inner tube may include provide further cooling or warming material for desired temperature regulation. The lidmay include an opening endthat provides access to one or more of the insert, the hollow portion, the inner tube, and/or the beverage. The opening endmay be sized to receive one or more drinking apparatus, e.g., a straw.

The opening endmay be positioned to be integrated with the top of the inner tube and extending above the lid. The opening endmay be raised above the lid by a predetermined distance, for example, between 0.1 and 3 inches. Once the beverage is filled, the opening end may be sealed by a sealing machine. However, if the opening endand the lidwere level, it would be more difficult to seal the opening end.

The insert can be formed of a plastic material. The insert may have a top diameter and a bottom diameter that are the same, i.e., the insert may be a cylinder. In other embodiments, the top diameter may be less than the bottom diameter or the top diameter may be greater than the bottom diameter. The insert may be the same shape as the beverage container or may be different shape from the beverage container.

The opening endmay be sealed and then covered with a lid. The lid may prevent inadvertent piercing or breaking of the seal. A bottom side of the insert may be configured to have an open portion that may be sealed with a sealing machine with, for example, a plastic covering. The top and bottom of the insert may have openings that are sealed with a film material. Once the beverage is finished, the user may insert a straw through the sealed portions and drink icy or cool water from the interior of the insert. In one example, once the beverage is finished, the user may turn the insert upside down and pierce the seal of the bottom side of the insert with a straw, such that the user may drink icy or cool water from the interior of the insert.

In one example, the insert may be turned upside down, i.e., having a bottom side of the insert facing upwards, such that the cavity of the insert may be filled with a thermal regulating material, e.g., crushed ice. Once the thermal regulating material is placed inside the insert, the bottom side of the insert may be sealed using a sealing machine. For example, a polymer or plastic material may be used to seal the bottom side. The sealed side may then be covered with a lid, for example, a lid over the top side of the insert, the bottom side of the insert, or both. The lid may prevent the sealing accidently being pierced. The insert may be turned right side up, e.g., with the bottom side facing downward. A pre-chilled beverage may be poured into the beverage container, around the insert. This method may be a less expensive means to make the cooling insert. After the chilled beverage is finished, the user may take the bottom lid covering the inserts bottom side off, to prevent dripping of the residual beverage. The insert may then be turned upside down, and the user may use a straw to pierce the bottom surface, such that the user may be able to drink the icy or chilled water.

is a schematic view of an insert with a lid in an exploded position according to an embodiment of the invention.shows the insertand lidwithout the beverage container. The lidis shown in an exploded, removed position. The lidis configured to be removably coupled with an opening of the insert. For example, the lid may have a threaded connection, as shown in, a snap fit, a press fit, a friction fit, or another coupling known in the art. The lidmay include an opening end that provides access to one or more of the insertand/or the beverage. The opening end may be sized to receive one or more drinking apparatus, e.g., a straw.

The insert, as discussed above, may include a first end having a shoulder portion. The shoulderportion may be sized and designed to rest on an upper lip of a beverage container. The shouldermay be sized to fit inside of the beverage container, in another example. As shown in, the insertmay have walls that are zig-zag shaped or formed of various shapes that may be designed to increase the surface area of the insert. As discussed previously, the increased surface area may facilitate and/or enhance the cooling or warming effects of the insert.

A bottom surface of the insertmay be sized to the same size and shape of a bottom of a beverage container. As such, the bottom surface of the insert is configured to be received by the bottom of the beverage container. In one example, the bottom surface of the insert may be integrated with the bottom of the beverage container.

is a schematic view of an insertcoupled with a beverage containeraccording to an embodiment of the invention. The beverage containermay also be coupled with a lid, discussed above with respect to. In one example, the insertmay fit fully within the beverage container. In another example, a bottom portion of the insertmay be sized to rest on and/or be supported by a bottom surface of the beverage container. In yet another example, the shoulderof the insertmay be sized and positioned to be supported on a upper lip of the beverage container.

In another embodiment, the bottom of the beverage cup may be customized to be the same shape and capacity as the inner container. The beverage cup may then be turned upside down to fill the cavity with crushed ice, and then use a sealing machine may seal the bottom. The beverage cup may then be turned over and the pre-chilled beverage may be poured into the cup, which not only enables beverage chilling but also saves the cost of making ice cups. This method is also applied when making beer cups, cocktail glasses or beer pitchers.

In another embodiment, polyethylene (PE) may be used to make the beverage cup. PE may have a heat resistance up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. If PE is used for the beverage container, a gel-like substance (e.g., a cornstarch and boiling water mixture) may be poured into the beverage cup surrounding the inner container to heat slowly into the PE beverage container. After pouring the hot drink into the PE beverage container, more of the gel-like substance may be added, until both the beverage container and the inner container's rims are on the same horizontal. This combination can achieve a longer-lasting heat preservation effect. This hot drink cup will be ideal for drinking hot drinks in colder areas and during winter.

In light of the various embodiments described herein, it should be apparent that the currently described embodiments overcome the dilution and diminished chilling time associated with a convention approach that relies solely on ice added to a liquid in beverage container. With the inner container and beverage container alignment described in the various embodiments, zero dilution of the liquid in the inner container is achievable, as is providing both enhanced conduction and convection effects that chill the liquid faster and keep it chilled for a longer period of time. These benefits can be advantageous with all types of drinks. One example, where the various embodiments are suitable for use is ice coffee. In particular, the arrangement of the various embodiments will allow the ice coffee to retain its original flavor from the first sip to the last drop, of which such a sensation is highly desirable to a coffee drinker.

Further, having the arrangement be disposable per one embodiment, makes its use suitable in scenarios where beverages are sold in a commercial venue. For example, upon receiving an order for a beverage that is typically served chilled (e.g., ice coffee, juice, soda, etc.), a commercial vendor can fulfill the order by filling a beverage container with both the ordered liquid and the thermal regulating material. Upon drinking the beverage, the customer can then dispose of both the inner container and the beverage container when finished with the drink.

In one embodiment, an insert for a beverage container is provided that includes an inner container, a first rim, a second rim, and one or more protrusions. The inner container may be positioned inside of the beverage container and may include a first end having a first edge, an opposing second end having a second edge, and side surfaces extending between the first and second edge. The first rim is formed on the first edge of the inner container and includes a first diameter. The second rim is formed on the second edge of the inner container and includes a second diameter. The protrusions extend downwardly from the second end toward the beverage container. The first end is open and the second end is closed. A thermal regulating material is positioned between the inner container and the beverage container.

In one example, the first diameter of the first rim is configured to be less than a dimeter of the beverage container. In another example, the first diameter of the first rim is configured to be greater than a diameter of the beverage container.

The insert may include a hollow frustoconical portion extending from the second edge toward the first edge. The frustoconical portion may be configured to receive the thermal regulating material.

In one embodiment, an insert for a beverage container is provided that includes an inner container, a first rim, a second rim, one or more protrusions, and a hollow portion. The inner container may be positioned inside of the beverage container and may include a first end having a first edge, an opposing second end having a second edge, and side surfaces extending between the first and second edge. The first rim is formed on the first edge of the inner container and includes a first diameter. The second rim is formed on the second edge of the inner container and includes a second diameter. The protrusions extend downwardly from the second end toward the beverage container. The hollow portion includes a frustoconical shape extending from the second edge toward the first edge. The first end is open and the second end is closed. A thermal regulating material is positioned between the inner container and the beverage container.

In one example, the insert includes a gap between the first rim and the beverage container. In one example, the frustoconical shape receives the thermal regulating material. The thermal regulating material may be ice, water, a cooling material, a warming material, or a combination thereof.

The side surfaces may include one or more grooves. The protrusions may be configured to center the inner container within the beverage container. The protrusions may have a cross-section that is one or more of: circular, frustoconical, square, or rectangular. The inner container may have a frustoconical shape with a larger diameter at the first end and the hollow portion may have a frustoconical shape with a larger diameter at the second end. In one example, the insert may include a lid that is configured to be positioned over one or more of the inner container or the beverage container.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the inventive subject matter without departing from its scope. While the embodiments described herein are intended to define the parameters of the inventive subject matter, they are by no means limiting and are example embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.