| |
| United States Patent
|
6,647,741 |
| Pechous , et al. |
November 18, 2003 |
Utensil cooling system
Abstract
A cooling system, for cooling the contents of a utensil,
utilizing a removable, reusable, refillable, freezable
toroidal-shaped cooling insert and a toroidal-shaped insulator. The
cooling insert and insulator stack in a nested manner within the
utensil to provide improved insulating and longer cooling of the
utensil contents. Furthermore, a secured bottom holder removably
holds the cooling insert and insulator within the utensil. The
cooling system includes the use of a temperature sensor and display
which provides a visual indicator when the contents have reached a
temperature indicating the contents are no longer being properly
cooled. Such utensils may include, for example, dog dishes, bait
containers and food containers.
| Inventors: |
Pechous; John B.
(Chandler, AZ), Yeary; Mark A. (Gilbert, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/038,250 |
| Filed: |
October 29, 2001 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.6 ;
220/592.2; 62/372 |
| Current
International Class: |
F25D
3/08 (20060101); F25D 3/00 (20060101); F25D 003/08 () |
| Field of
Search: |
62/457.6,457.2,372,529
220/592.01,592.03,592.09,592.15,592.16,592.17,592.2,592.25
|
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Other References
US 2001/0011459 A1 to Rudrick..
|
Primary Examiner: Tapolcai; William E.
Assistant Examiner: Ali; Mohammad M
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cooling system for cooling a substance contained by a utensil
comprising, in combination: a) a substantially toroidal cooling
means for cooling the substance; b) a unitary container means,
comprising an outer portion and an inner portion, for containing the
substance within said outer portion and containing said
substantially toroidal cooling means within said inner portion; and
c) at least one holder means, for holding said substantially
toroidal cooling means within said inner portion of said container
means; d) an enclosure means for enclosing said toroidal cooling
means; e) wherein said enclosure means is formed by removably
fastening said at least one holder means to said unitary container
means.
2. The cooling system according to claim 1 further comprising: a) a
substantially toroidal insulating means for insulating said inner
portion from said outer portion; b) wherein said enclosure means is
also for enclosing said substantially toroidal insulating means.
3. The cooling system according to claim 2 wherein: a) said
substantially toroidal insulating means is substantially nested
adjacent said inner portion within said enclosure means; and b) said
substantially toroidal cooling means is substantially nested
adjacent said substantially toroidal insulating means within said
enclosure means.
4. The cooling system according to claim 3 further comprising a
temperature sensor and display means for displaying the temperature
of the substance.
5. The cooling system according to claim 1 further comprising a
temperature sensor and display means for displaying the temperature
of the substance.
6. The cooling system according to claim 1 wherein said
substantially toroidal cooling means comprises a reservoir means for
containing a freezable coolant.
7. The cooling system according to claim 6 wherein said
substantially toroidal cooling means comprises a removable seal
means for removably sealing freezable coolant within said reservoir
means.
8. The cooling system according to claim 2 wherein said at least one
holder means comprises a removable bottom to said container means.
9. The cooling system according to claim 8 further comprising
attachment means for removably attaching said removable bottom to
said container means.
10. The cooling system according to claim 9 wherein said removable
bottom further comprises gripping means for assisting gripping said
removable bottom.
11. The cooling system according to claim 2 wherein said
substantially toroidal insulating means is removably contained
within said enclosure means.
12. The cooling system according to claim 1 wherein said
substantially toroidal cooling means is removably contained within
said enclosure means.
13. A cooling system for cooling a substance contained by a utensil
comprising, in combination: a) a substantially toroidal cooler
structured and arranged to cool the substance; b) a unitary
container, comprising an outer portion and an inner portion,
structured and arranged to contain the substance within said outer
portion and contain said substantially toroidal cooler within said
inner portion; and c) at least one holder, structured and arranged
to hold said substantially toroidal cooler within said inner portion
of said container; d) an enclosure to enclose said toroidal cooler;
e) wherein said enclosure is formed by removably fastening said at
least one holder to said unitary container.
14. The cooling system according to claim 13 further comprising: a)
a substantially toroidal insulator structured and arranged to
insulate said inner portion from said outer portion; b) wherein said
enclosure is structured and arranged to enclose said substantially
toroidal insulator.
15. The cooling system according to claim 14 wherein: a) said
substantially toroidal insulator is substantially nested adjacent
said inner portion within said enclosure; and b) said substantially
toroidal cooler is substantially nested adjacent said substantially
toroidal insulator within said enclosure.
16. The cooling system according to claim 15 further comprising a
temperature sensor and display structured and arranged to display
the temperature of the substance.
17. The cooling system according to claim 16 wherein said outer
portion comprises a bowl having a bowl bottom.
18. The cooling system according to claim 17 wherein said
temperature sensor and display is structured and arranged to be
placed at about said bowl bottom.
19. The cooling system according to claim 18 wherein said
temperature sensor and display resembles a snowflake.
20. The cooling system according to claim 13 further comprising a
temperature sensor and display structured and arranged to display
the temperature of the substance.
21. The cooling system according to claim 13 wherein said
substantially toroidal cooler comprises a reservoir structured and
arranged to contain a freezable coolant.
22. The cooling system according to claim 21 wherein said freezable
coolant comprises water.
23. The cooling system according to claim 21 wherein said freezable
coolant comprises a freezable gel.
24. The cooling system according to claim 21 wherein said
substantially toroidal cooler comprises a removable seal structured
and arranged to removably seal freezable coolant within said
reservoir.
25. The cooling system according to claim 21 wherein said reservoir
is capable of holding about 50 ounces of freezable coolant.
26. The cooling system according to claim 21 wherein said
substantially toroidal cooler comprises a fill opening with a
removable seal for removably sealing said fill-opening.
27. The cooling system according to claim 26 wherein said
fill-opening is located below a top portion of said substantially
toroidal cooler such that when said substantially toroidal cooler is
placed on a level surface and said reservoir is filled with said
freezable coolant, to the top of said fill-opening, an air space
remains in said reservoir.
28. The cooling system according to claim 13 wherein said at least
one holder is structured and arranged to hold a removable bottom to
said container.
29. The cooling system according to claim 28 further comprising an
attacher structured and arranged to removably attach said removable
bottom to said container.
30. The cooling system according to claim 29 wherein said removeable
bottom further comprises at least one grip structured and arranged
to assist gripping said removable bottom.
31. The cooling system according to claim 14 wherein said
substantially toroidal insulator is removably contained within said
enclosure.
32. The cooling system according to claim 31 wherein said
substantially toroidal cooler is removably contained within said
enclosure.
33. The cooling system according to claim 29 wherein said attacher
further comprises: a) at least one first tab attached adjacent an
underside of said container; b) at least one second tab attached to
said removable bottom; and c) at least one third tab attached to
said removable bottom; d) wherein said at least one second tab and
said at least one third tab are structured and arranged to allow
said at least one first tab to be inserted between said at least one
second tab and said at least one third tab; e) wherein twisting of
said removable bottom causes said at least one first tab to slide
below said at least one second tab and above said at least one third
tab; and f) wherein said removable bottom is held in place and
removably attached to said container.
34. The cooling system according to claim 14 wherein said
substantially toroidal insulator comprises polystyrene.
35. The cooling system according to claim 13 wherein said outer
portion comprises indicia.
36. The cooling system according to claim 35 wherein said indicia
resembles an igloo.
37. The cooling system according to claim 13 wherein said at least
one holder comprises indicia.
38. The cooling system according to claim 29 wherein said removable
bottom comprises indicia.
39. A cooling system for cooling water contained by a pet dish
comprising, in combination: a) a container, comprising, i) an outer
portion having a bowl, and ii) an inner portion; b) a substantially
toroidal insulator; c) a substantially toroidal cooler, comprising,
i) a reservoir, and ii) a fill-opening with a removable seal for
removably sealing said fill-opening, iii) wherein said fill-opening
is located below a top portion of said substantially toroidal cooler
such that when said substantially toroidal cooler is placed on a
level surface and said reservoir is filled with said freezable
coolant, to the top of said fill-opening, an air space remains in
said reservoir; and d) at least one removable bottom structured and
arranged to removably hold said substantially toroidal insulator and
said substantially toroidal cooler within said inner portion of said
container; e) wherein said substantially toroidal insulator is
substantially nested adjacent said inner portion, and said
substantially toroidal cooler is substantially nested adjacent said
substantially toroidal insulator.
40. The cooling system according to claim 39 wherein: a) said bowl
holds about a quart of the water; b) said substantially toroidal
insulator comprises a thickness of about one-half to about one inch
thick polystyrene; and c) wherein said reservoir is capable of
holding about 50 ounces of a freezable coolant.
41. The cooling system according to claim 40 wherein said removable
bottom further comprises: i) at least one first tab attached to an
underside of said container, ii) at least one second tab attached to
said removable bottom, and iii) at least one third tab attached to
said removable bottom; iv) wherein said at least one second tab and
said at least one third tab are structured and arranged to allow
said at least one first tab to be inserted between said at least one
second tab and said at least one third tab; v) wherein twisting of
said removable bottom causes said at least one first tab to slide
below said at least one second tab and above said at least one third
tab; and vi) wherein said removable bottom is held in place and
removably attached to said container.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a cooling system comprising a
removable, reusable, refillable freezable cooling insert and
insulator for improved cooling of utensils or containers, for
example, such as those which may be used to cool a dog/pet dish, a
bait container or a food container.
Typically, in warm and hot weather, there have been problems in
keeping the contents of containers cool over an extended period of
time, especially such items as water in a pet dish. Such containers
typically have little or no cooling mechanism and those with a
cooling mechanism typically have little or no insulation. Such
containers utilize cooling means; however, they tend to be either
too expensive or relatively inefficient to use and clean, etc.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a system for cooling the contents of utensils, which provides a
removable, reusable toroidal cooling container. It is a further
object and feature of the present invention to provide such a
system, wherein the cooling container is a freezable cooling
container. It is a further object and feature of the present
invention to provide such a system wherein such cooling container is
refillable with water (preferably) or other freezable cooling
medium. It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system which is more efficient in the transfer of
heat and cooling than those of the prior art. It is a further object
and feature of the present invention to provide such a system which
provides a removable toroidal insulator. It is a further object and
feature of the present invention to provide such a system which
provides removable toroidal component nesting for nesting the
removable cooling container and the removable insulator within the
utensil. It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system which provides a temperature sensing and
display device.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a cooling system for cooling a substance contained by a
utensil comprising, in combination: a substantially toroidal cooling
means for cooling the substance; a container means, comprising an
outer portion and an inner portion, for containing the substance
within such outer portion and containing such cooling means within
such inner portion; and at least one holder means, for holding such
substantially toroidal cooling means within such inner portion of
such container means. It also provides such a system further
comprising: a substantially toroidal insulating means for insulating
such inner portion from such outer portion; wherein such at least
one holder means is also for holding such substantially toroidal
insulating means.
Further, it provides such a system wherein: such substantially
toroidal insulating means is substantially nested adjacent such
inner portion; and such substantially toroidal cooling means is
substantially nested adjacent such substantially toroidal insulating
means. And, it provides such a system further comprising a
temperature sensor and display means for displaying the temperature
of the substance. It also provides such a system further comprising
a temperature sensor and display means for displaying the
temperature of the substance. And, it provides such a system wherein
such substantially toroidal cooling means comprises a reservoir
means for containing a freezable coolant.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such substantially
toroidal cooling means comprises a removable seal means for
removably sealing such reservoir means. It also provides such a
system wherein such at least one holder means is also for holding a
removable bottom to such container means. And, it provides such a
system further comprising attachment means for removably attaching
such removable bottom to such container means. Still further, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one holder means
further comprises gripping means for assisting gripping such
removable bottom. It also provides such a system wherein such
substantially toroidal insulating means is removably contained
within such inner portion. It even provides such a system wherein
such substantially toroidal cooling means is removably contained
within such inner portion.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a cooling system for cooling a substance
contained by a utensil comprising, in combination: a substantially
toroidal cooler structured and arranged to cool the substance; a
container, comprising an outer portion and an inner portion,
structured and arranged to contain the substance within such outer
portion and contain such cooler within such inner portion; and at
least one holder, structured and arranged to hold such substantially
toroidal cooler within such inner portion of such container. It also
provides such a system further comprising: a substantially toroidal
insulator structured and arranged to insulate such inner portion
from such outer portion; wherein such at least one holder is also
for holding such substantially toroidal insulator.
Moreover, it also provides such a system wherein: such substantially
toroidal insulator is substantially nested adjacent such inner
portion; and such substantially toroidal cooler is substantially
nested adjacent such substantially toroidal insulator. Also, it
provides such a system further comprising a temperature sensor and
display structured and arranged to display the temperature of the
substance. And, it provides such a system wherein such outer portion
comprises a bowl, having a bottom. Further, it provided such a
system wherein such temperature sensor and display is structured and
arranged to be placed at about the bottom of such bowl. It also
provides such a system wherein such temperature sensor and display
resembles a snowflake.
Furthermore, it provides such a system further comprising a
temperature sensor and display structured and arranged to display
the temperature of the substance. Even further, it provides such a
system wherein such substantially toroidal cooler comprises a
reservoir structured and arranged to contain a freezable coolant. It
also provides such a system wherein such freezable coolant is water;
and, wherein such freezable coolant is a freezable gel. Still
further, it provides such a system wherein such substantially
toroidal cooler comprises a removable seal structured and arranged
to removably seal such reservoir. And, it provides such a system
wherein such reservoir is capable of holding about 50 ounces of
freezable coolant. Also, it provides such a system wherein such
substantially toroidal cooler comprises a fill opening with a
removable seal for removably sealing such fill-opening.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such fill-opening is
located below a top portion of such substantially toroidal cooler
such that when such substantially toroidal cooler is placed on a
level surface and such reservoir is filled with such freezable
coolant, to the top of such fill-opening, an air space remains in
such reservoir. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least
one holder is also structured and arranged to hold a removable
bottom to such container. It even provides such a system further
comprising an attacher structured and arranged to removably attach
such removable bottom to such container. Further, it provides such a
system wherein such at least one holder further comprises at least
one grip structured and arranged to assist gripping such removable
bottom. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such
substantially toroidal insulator is removably contained within such
inner portion. Still further, it provides such a system wherein such
substantially toroidal cooler is removably contained within such
inner portion.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such attacher
further comprises: at least one first tab attached to an underside
of such container; at least one second tab attached to such
removable bottom; and at least one third tab attached to such
removable bottom; wherein such at least one second tab and such at
least one third tab are structured and arranged to allow such at
least one first tab to be inserted between such at least one second
tab and such at least one third tab; wherein twisting of such
removable bottom causes such at least one first tab to slide below
such at least one second tab and above such at least one third tab;
and wherein such removable bottom is held in place and removably
attached to such container.
Still further, it provides such a system wherein such substantially
toroidal insulator comprises polystyrene. And, it provides such a
system wherein such outer portion comprises indicia; and, wherein
such indicia resembles an igloo. It also provides such a system
wherein such holder comprises indicia. Further, it provides such a
system wherein such removable bottom comprises indicia.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a cooling system for cooling water contained by a pet dish
comprising, in combination: a container, comprising, an outer
portion having a bowl, and an inner portion; a substantially
toroidal insulator; a substantially toroidal cooler, comprising, a
reservoir, and a fill-opening with a removable seal for removably
sealing such fill-opening, wherein such fill-opening is located
below a top portion of such substantially toroidal cooler such that
when such substantially toroidal cooler is placed on a level surface
and such reservoir is filled with such freezable coolant, to the top
of such fill-opening, an air space remains in such reservoir; and at
least one removable bottom structured and arranged to removably hold
such substantially toroidal insulator and such substantially
toroidal cooler within such inner portion of such container; wherein
such substantially toroidal insulator is substantially nested
adjacent such inner portion, and such substantially toroidal cooler
is substantially nested adjacent such substantially toroidal
insulator.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein: such bowl holds
about a quart of the water; such substantially toroidal insulator
comprises a thickness of about one-half to about one inch thick
polystyrene; and wherein such reservoir is capable of holding about
50 ounces of a freezable coolant. It even provides such a system
wherein such removable bottom further comprises: at least one first
tab attached to an underside of such container, at least one second
tab attached to such removable bottom, and at least one third tab
attached to such removable bottom; wherein such at least one second
tab and such at least one third tab are structured and arranged to
allow such at least one first tab to be inserted between such at
least one second tab and such at least one third tab; wherein
twisting of such removable bottom causes such at least one first tab
to slide below such at least one second tab and above such at least
one third tab; and wherein such removable bottom is held in place
and removably attached to such container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utensil cooling system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view through the section 2--2 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the utensil cooling system of FIG. 1
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the utensil cooling system of FIG. 1
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the utensil cooling system of FIG. 1
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the utensil cooling system
of FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the utensil cooling system of FIG. 6
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view through the section 8--8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail view through the section 9--9 of FIG.
8.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the insulator of the utensil cooling system
of FIG. 6 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view through the section 11--11 of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view through the section 12--12 of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a top view of the coolant container of the utensil
cooling system of FIG. 6 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the coolant container of the utensil
cooling system of FIG. 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 15 is a side view of the coolant container of the utensil
cooling system of FIG. 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 16 is a sectional view through section 16--16 of FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged detail view through section 9--9 of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a top view of the bottom plate of the utensil cooling
system of FIG. 6 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the bottom plate of the utensil cooling
system of FIG. 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 20 is a side view of the bottom plate of the utensil cooling
system of FIG. 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view, partially in section illustrating the
connection of the bottom plate to the outer bowl of the Utensil
cooling system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a bait holder according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a food-cooling dish according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of the utensil cooling system 100 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated is a utensil 102
used for providing cooled water for a pet 104. Such a utensil 102
may be also used to provide cooled food or other substance to an
animal or human. Preferably, utensil 102 comprises exterior indicia
106 (embodying herein wherein such outer portion comprises indicia).
Preferably, exterior indicia 106 of various kinds may be used to
make the utensil 102 more desirable to a buyer or user, for example,
an igloo design, as shown (embodying herein wherein such indicia
resembles an igloo). Preferably, the color of the indicia 106 may
also assist in reflecting sunlight or heat, for example, use of a
white reflective coating.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view through the section 2--2 of FIG. 1.
Preferably, utensil 102 comprises an outer shell 108 and an inner
portion 142 (the above described arrangement embodying herein a
container means, comprising an outer portion and an inner portion,
for containing the substance within such outer portion and
containing such cooling means within such inner portion; and
embodying herein a container, comprising an outer portion and an
inner portion, structured and arranged to contain the substance
within such outer portion and contain such cooler within such inner
portion). Preferably, the outer shell 108 is bowl-shaped being
slightly convex along the exterior sides 110 from top 112 to bottom
114 and having a smaller diameter top portion 116 and a wider
diameter bottom portion 118, along the exterior. Preferably, the
above arrangement is one of the elements of the present invention
that assists in providing for a more stable utensil 102, one that
will resist lateral movement and spilling when being used. This
feature is particularly useful when a pet 104 uses the utensil 102.
Under appropriate circumstances other arrangements may suffice.
Preferably outer shell 108 comprises a central bowl 120. Preferably,
central bowl 120 has sloping sides 122 and a substantially flat
bottom 124 (embodying herein wherein such outer portion comprises a
bowl, having a bottom), as shown. Under appropriate circumstances,
other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, central bowl 120 is
unitary to the outer shell 108 and will hold liquids, such as water
126, without leaking. Preferably, central bowl 120 will hold about a
quart of liquid.
Preferably, utensil 102 further comprises an insulator 128.
Preferably, insulator 128 comprises a toroidal shape (embodying
herein a substantially toroidal insulating means for insulating such
inner portion from such outer portion; and embodying herein a
substantially toroidal insulator structured and arranged to insulate
such inner portion from such outer portion). Preferably, insulator
128 is removably inserted into utensil 102 (embodying herein wherein
such substantially toroidal insulating means is removably contained
within such inner portion; and wherein such substantially toroidal
insulator is removably contained within such inner portion).
Insulator 128 will be further detailed in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 10-12.
Preferably, utensil 102 further comprises a cooling container 130.
Preferably, cooling container 130 is toroidal in shape (embodying
herein a substantially toroidal cooling means for cooling the
substance; and embodying herein a substantially toroidal cooler
structured and arranged to cool the substance). Preferably, cooling
container 130 is removably inserted into utensil 102 (embodying
herein wherein such substantially toroidal cooling means is
removably contained within such inner portion; and embodying herein
wherein such substantially toroidal cooler is removably contained
within such inner portion). Preferably, cooling container 130
comprises a reservoir 132 which will hold a freezable coolant 134
(embodying herein wherein such substantially toroidal cooling means
comprises a reservoir means for containing a freezable coolant; and,
wherein such substantially toroidal cooler comprises a reservoir
structured and arranged to contain a freezable coolant). Preferably,
the coolant 134 is water (embodying herein wherein such freezable
coolant is water); however, under appropriate circumstances other
coolants may suffice, for example, a freezable gel (embodying herein
wherein such freezable coolant is a freezable gel). Preferably,
reservoir 132 will hold about 50 ounces of freezable coolant.
Cooling container 130 will be further detailed in FIG. 6 and FIGS.
13-17. Preferably, utensil 102 further comprises a bottom 136.
Preferably, bottom 136 attaches to outer shell 108 and assists in
containing or holding insulator 128 and cooling container 130 within
the inner hollow cavity 140 (see FIG. 8) that is the inner portion
142 of the outer shell 108 (this arrangement embodying herein
wherein such at least one holder means is also for holding a
removable bottom to such container means; and wherein such at least
one holder is also structured and arranged to hold a removable
bottom to such container). Under appropriate circumstances other
arrangements may suffice. Bottom 136 will be further detailed in
FIG. 5 and FIGS. 18-20. Reference is now made to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a
top view of the utensil cooling system 100 of FIG. 1 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. This top view further
illustrates the preferred shape of the present embodiment. Another
feature of the present embodiment of utensil 102 is a temperature
sensor and display 144 (embodying herein a temperature sensor and
display means for displaying the temperature of the substance; and
embodying herein a temperature sensor and display structured and
arranged to display the temperature of the substance). Preferably,
temperature sensor and display 144 is attached in the bottom center
portion 146 of central bowl 120, as shown (this arrangement
embodying herein wherein such temperature sensor and display is
structured and arranged to be placed at about the bottom of such
bowl). Preferably, the temperature sensor and display 144 comprises
a thin plastic 146 (shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9), such as Lexan.RTM.
with a thermo-sensitive ink 148 applied on the underside 150 and
adhesive 152 applied over the thermo-sensitive ink 148. In the
illustrated embodiment, the ink preferably resembles a snowflake 154
(embodying herein wherein such temperature sensor and display
resembles a snowflake). The temperature sensor and display 144 is
further detailed in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the utensil cooling system 100 of FIG. 1
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As
described above and further illustrated in FIG. 4, utensil 102
comprises exterior indicia 106 which may be used to make the utensil
102 more desirable to a buyer or user, such as an igloo design 156,
as shown. The indicia 106 may also be utilized for advertising
purposes.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the utensil cooling system 100 of FIG. 1
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, bottom 158 comprises a circular, preferably solid,
generally disk-shaped structure, as shown. Further, bottom 158
comprises feet 160 and finger holes 162 (embodying herein wherein
such at least one holder further comprises at least one grip
structured and arranged to assist gripping such removable bottom;
and wherein such at least one holder means further comprises
gripping means for assisting gripping such removable bottom).
Preferably, and as also shown in FIG. 6, feet 160 are inserted into
small apertures 161 in the bottom 158, as shown. Preferably, the
feet 160 are rubber; however, under appropriate circumstances other
materials may suffice. The feet 160 assist in preventing the utensil
102 from lateral movement. Preferably, bottom 158 attaches to
utensil 102 at the underside of the outer shell 108, as shown.
Preferably, bottom 158 also comprises a plurality of alternating
tabs 166 and 170 (tab 170 shown in FIGS. 18-21). Preferably, tabs
166 and 170 are utilized to attach bottom 158 to the underside of
the outer shell 108 (this arrangement embodying herein attachment
means for removably attaching such removable bottom to such
container means; and an attacher structured and arranged to
removably attach such removable bottom to such container). The tabs
166 and 170 will be further detailed below when discussing FIGS.
18-21. In addition, bottom 158 preferably comprises indicia 165
(embodying herein wherein such removable bottom comprises indicia).
Such indicia 165 are preferably used to indicate special
instructions, as shown, including, for example, product name,
registration and other pertinent information (for example, washing
instructions and a patent pending mark or patent number).
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the utensil cooling system
100 of FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Preferably, utensil 102 comprises outer shell 108,
insulator 128, cooling container 130 and bottom 158, as shown.
Preferably, cooling container 130 is toroidal in shape, as shown.
Preferably, insulator 128 is structured and arranged such that it
stacks on top of cooling container 130 such that insulator 128 is
nested and closely fitted over cooling container 130, as shown,
particularly in FIG. 2. Preferably, outer shell 108 is structured
and arranged such that it stacks on top of insulator 128 such that
outer shell 108 is nested and closely fitted over insulator 128, as
shown. Preferably, insulator 128 is adjacent the outer shell 108 and
between the outer shell 108 and the cooling container 130 (this
arrangement embodying herein wherein such substantially toroidal
insulating means is substantially nested adjacent such inner
portion; and such substantially toroidal cooling means is
substantially nested adjacent such substantially toroidal insulating
means; and embodying herein wherein such substantially toroidal
insulator is substantially nested adjacent such inner portion; and
such substantially toroidal cooler is substantially nested adjacent
such substantially toroidal insulator). Under appropriate
circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. The above-described
arrangement of the toroidal insulator 128 and toroidal cooling
container 130 provide longer lasting and more improved cooling for
the utensil 102. As will be further detailed below, using this
described embodiment, a quart of water may be typically kept cooled
by 50 ounces of freezable coolant for a period of about 10 hours
with an outside temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the utensil cooling system 100 of FIG. 6
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8
is a sectional view through section 8--8 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is an
enlarged detail view through section 9--9 of FIG. 8. These figures
more clearly illustrate the outer shell 108 and central bowl 120,
along with the interior sloping sides 122 and flat bottom 124.
Preferably, the outer shell 108 and central bowl 120 are {character
pullout}dishwasher safe{character pullout}, however, the applicant
does not recommend use of a heating cycle for drying the preferred
embodiment. Further, FIG. 9 illustrates a preferred arrangement of
the temperature sensor and display 144. As described above, the
temperature sensor and display 144 comprises a thin plastic 146,
such as Lexan.RTM., coated with a thermo-sensitive ink 148 applied
on the underside 150 of the plastic and a layer of adhesive 152
applied over the thermo-sensitive ink 148. In the illustrated
embodiment, the thermo-sensitive ink 148 is applied in such manner
that it preferably resembles a snowflake 154, as shown. Preferably,
the thermo-sensitive ink 148 on the snowflake 154 will become
translucent when the contents, such as water, reach a set
temperature, preferably indicating the contents require additional
cooling.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the insulator 128 of the utensil cooling
system 100 of FIG. 6 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 11 is a sectional view through the section
11--11 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a sectional view through the section
12--12 of FIG. 11. Preferably, the insulator 128 is a toroidal
shape, as shown. Preferably, the insulator 128 is made from
polystyrene foam such as Styrofoam.RTM. and is about one-half to
one-inch in thickness (embodying herein wherein such substantially
toroidal insulator comprises polystyrene; and embodying herein such
substantially toroidal insulator comprises a thickness of about
one-half to about one inch thick polystyrene). Under appropriate
circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, insulator
128 is structured and arranged such that it is formed (as shown in
FIG. 12) to follow the contours of the cooling container 130.
FIG. 13 is a top view of the cooling container 130 of the utensil
cooling system 100 of FIG. 6 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the cooling
container 130 of the utensil cooling system 100 of FIG. 13 according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a
side view of the cooling container 130 of the utensil cooling system
100 of FIG. 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 16 is a sectional view through the section 16--16 of
FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is an enlarged detail view through the section 9--9
of FIG. 16. As illustrated, cooling container 130 is preferably a
toroidal-shaped hollow-enclosed reservoir, as shown. Preferably,
cooling container 130 comprises an opening 168, used to fill the
cooling container 130, as shown. Preferably, opening 168 is slightly
lower than the top 170 of the cooling container 130, preferably
about one-half inch lower. This arrangement provides for an air-gap
172 within the reservoir 132 (see FIG. 2), which allows room for
expansion of the coolant 134. When coolant 134 is water, such an
expansion is required to avoid undue stress on the cooling container
130, for example, when water freezes and expands. Preferably, the
cooling container 130 is positioned on a level surface while being
filled with coolant 134 such that the cooling container 130 will not
be overfilled and the air-gap 172 reduced (the above described
arrangement embodying herein wherein such fill-opening is located
below a top portion of such substantially toroidal cooler such that
when such substantially toroidal cooler is placed on a level surface
and such reservoir is filled with such freezable coolant, to the top
of such fill-opening, an air space remains in such reservoir).
Preferably, the opening 168 has a neck portion 178 and closure means
such as cap 174 (this arrangement embodying herein wherein such
substantially toroidal cooling means comprises a removable seal
means for removably sealing such reservoir means; and embodying
herein wherein such substantially toroidal cooler comprises a
removable seal structured and arranged to removably seal such
reservoir; and further embodying herein wherein such substantially
toroidal cooler comprises a fill opening with a removable seal for
removably sealing such fill-opening). Preferably, cap 174 snaps onto
opening 168, as shown; however, under appropriate circumstances
other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, cooling container 130
has a center opening 176, as shown. Preferably, this center opening
176 provides both for the temperature sensor and display 144 to
function more accurately (as a freezing substance is not located
directly below) and for the improved cooling of the utensils.
Preferably, the coolant reservoir 132 holds about 50 ounces of
coolant 134. Preferably, the weight of the coolant 134 also adds
enough additional weight to the utensil 102 to assist in preventing
the utensil 102 from sliding around, for example, when being used by
a pet 104, for example, a dog, as shown. Under appropriate
circumstances other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 18 is a top view of the bottom plate 158 of the utensil cooling
system 100 of FIG. 6 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the bottom plate 158
of the utensil cooling system 100 of FIG. 13 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a side
view of the bottom plate 158 of the utensil cooling system 100 of
FIG. 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 21 is a perspective view, partially in section
illustrating the connection of the bottom plate 158 to the outer
shell 108 of the utensil cooling system 100 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, bottom plate 158 is used to hold cooling container 130
and insulator 128 in place. Further bottom plate 158 assists in
insulating and protecting the cooling container 130 and insulator
128 from the elements. As an added embodiment, insulation, such as
polystyrene foam, may be added to the top 157 of bottom plate 158
for further insulating the components. Preferably, tabs 170 and 166
are utilized to attach bottom plate 158 to the underside of the
outer shell 108. Preferably, outer shell 108 comprises tabs 164, as
shown. Preferably, there are four such tabs 164 spaced about equally
apart and arranged to be placed adjacent tabs 166 and turned, in a
preferably clockwise direction, such that tabs 164 will slide
beneath tabs 170, thereby securing the bottom plate 158 to the
underside of the outer shell 108, as shown. Preferably, finger holes
162 are used to grab the bottom plate 158 while turning or twisting
the bottom plate 158. Preferably, tabs 170 further comprise a
tapered end 174 to facilitate the tabs 164 more easily sliding
beneath tabs 170, as shown. Even further, preferably, tabs 166
comprise a stop 172, which provides a stopping point for tabs 164
when they are slid under tabs 170, as shown (see FIG. 20). Under
appropriate circumstances other arrangements may suffice. (The above
described arrangement embodies herein wherein such attacher further
comprises: at least one first tab attached to an underside of such
container; at least one second tab attached to such removable
bottom; and at least one third tab attached to such removable
bottom; wherein such at least one second tab and such at least one
third tab are structured and arranged to allow such at least one
first tab to be inserted between such at least one second tab and
such at least one third tab; wherein twisting of such removable
bottom causes such at least one first tab to slide below such at
least one second tab and above such at least one third tab; and
wherein such removable bottom is held in place and removably
attached to such container.)
Preferably, the bottom plate 158 is removed by reversing the
above-described installation and simply grabbing the bottom plate
158 by utilizing the finger holes 162 and twisting the bottom plate
158 in a counterclockwise direction until the tabs 164 have cleared
the tabs 170. Under appropriate circumstances other arrangements may
suffice. The illustrated preferred embodiment shows a holder means
for containing the cooling means and/or the insulator means,
including a closed upper portion, nesting arrangements, bottom
support etc., embodying herein at least one holder means. Other
alternate but presently less preferred ways to contain or hold a
cooling means according to the present invention, might, under
appropriate circumstances, include snap tolerances, snap rings, side
seams, etc.
In operation, the utensil cooling system 100 is preferably sold
intact. In a preferred embodiment, a set of directions preferably
accompanies the utensil 102. Preferably, a user removes the bottom
plate 158 and removes the cooling container 130. Next, the cap 174
is removed from the cooling container 130. Preferably, the cooling
container is placed on a level surface with the cap 174 facing
upwards and the reservoir 132 is filled with coolant 134, preferably
water, until the coolant 134 is at the base 184 (see FIG. 16) of the
neck 174. The cap 174 is then placed onto the neck 174 and secured
in place. Preferably, the cooling container 130 is then placed in a
freezer. When the coolant 134 is frozen, the cooling container 130
is then removed from the freezer and placed into the utensil 102.
The bottom plate 158 is then attached to the outer shell. The
utensil 102 is now ready to cool whatever contents are placed within
it. In the illustrated embodiment, water is placed in the central
bowl 120 portion. Preferably, the cold temperature activates the
temperature sensor and display 144, in this embodiment a snowflake
154, and the thermo-sensitive ink 148 will show as a color.
Preferably, as an example, when the water reaches a transitional
temperature (preferably, no more than about 75 degrees Fahrenheit)
the thermo-sensitive ink 148 will become colorless, thereby
indicating it is time to change the cooling container. Preferably, a
second cooling container 130 is used as a back-up and kept in a
freezable state such that a quick exchange of cooling containers may
take place.
Preferably, the utensil 102 may be cleaned either by traditional
cleaning-wiping means or by cleaning the entire utensil 102 in a
dishwasher. When a dishwasher is preferred, the preferred method is
accomplished by removing the bottom plate 158, removing the cooling
container 130 and removing the insulator 128 from the outer shell
108. Preferably, the utensil may then be placed in a dishwasher and
cleaned. Preferably, the utensil is air-dried and not heat-dried.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a bait holder according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a
perspective view of a food-cooling dish according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the
utensil cooling system 100 may comprise additional embodiments such
as a cooler 180 or food holder dish 190. Preferably, cooler 180 may
be used to hold bait, for example. Preferably, food holder dish 190
may be used to hold salad or other food, for example. Preferably,
the toroidal shapes and stacking arrangements described and shown
above apply and are utilized in these examples of other shapes in
which the utensil cooling system 100 may apply. Preferably, such
cooler 180 may also comprise a lid 182, and such food holder dish
190 may also comprise a lid 192 to further add to the insulation of
the contents. Under appropriate circumstances other arrangements may
suffice.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many
other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
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