BEVERAGE DISPENSING COOLER

• US 20170370629A1
• Filed: 08/15/2017
• Published: 12/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gregory Scott Gilmer
• Original Assignee: WAM Industries Inc.
• Inventors: Fire, David J.
• Granted Patent: US 10,345,026 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 15/10 with radially-adjustable spade lugs; Control mechanisms therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/351 versatility, e.g. usable for different purposes or different arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/551 Handling of obstacles or difficult terrains
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0084 Hand-held gun type valves
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0086 Hand-held gun type valves
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0412 the whole dispensing unit being fixed to the container
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0418 comprising a CO2 cartridge for dispensing and carbonating the beverage
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0829 Keg connection means
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0844 for containers in crates
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0857 Cooling arrangements cooling systems per se F25B
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0869 using solid state elements, e.g. Peltier cells
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0874 Means for illuminating the handle of taps or faucets
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/0006 Manifolds
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00128 relating to outdoor use; movable; portable
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00133 wheeled
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 21/14 Collecting or removing condensed and defrost water; Drip trays
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2303/081 using ice cubes or crushed ice
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2303/0844 above the product
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2303/0845 below the product
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2331/806 Dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2400/38 : Refrigerating devices characterised by wheels
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 25/021 : combined with trays
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 3/06 : Movable containers
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 3/08 : portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 31/006 : specially adapted for cooling receptacles, e.g. tanks
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 40/963 : Off-grid food refrigeration

Abstract

Disclosed is a beverage dispensing cooler. The beverage dispensing cooler includes a first lid, a second lid, a body, an axle, a handle and multiple hoses. The body includes a chamber, a panel, a base valve, a wall drain, a primary hose, a flow control unit, a power unit and a dispenser gun. The chamber includes multiple cylinders, multiple pressure compartments and a basin configured to collect water from condensation and melted ice. The axle further includes multiple wheels, a rod and multiple bearings connected to the rod and to the multiple wheels. The handle is configured to facilitate engagement of the beverage dispensing cooler with a hand of a user.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing cooler comprising:

a first lid;

a second lid;

a body comprising;

a chamber comprising;

a plurality of cylinders;

a plurality of pressure compartments; and

a basin configured to collect water from condensation and melted ice;

a panel;

a base valve comprising an opening with an adjustable closure configured to connect the basin to an exterior of the beverage dispensing cooler;

a wall drain configured to allow accumulated water to flow from each of the first lid and the second lid into the basin;

a primary hose;

a flow control unit;

a power unit; and

a dispenser gun;

an axle comprising;

a plurality of wheels;

a rod configured to connect the plurality of wheels together, wherein the rod runs through a width of the body; and

a plurality of bearings connected to the rod and to the plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of bearings is configured to allow the plurality of wheels to turn independently of each other;

a handle configured to facilitate engagement of the beverage dispensing cooler with a hand of a user; and

a plurality of hoses.

2. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein a wheel of the plurality of wheels comprises retractable spikes configured to increase traction over a surface.

3. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels comprises:

a plurality of spike housings disposed over a surface of the plurality of wheels;

a plurality of spikes extending from inside of the plurality of spike housings; and

a button configured to control extension of the plurality of spikes, wherein a first depressing of the button causes the plurality of spikes to extend out from the plurality of wheels, wherein a second depressing of the button causes the plurality of spikes to retract back into the plurality of spike housings.

4. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises:

a first segment comprising a pair of hollow extrusions configured to connect to the body, wherein the first segment comprises;

a hinge connected to the body, wherein the hinge is configured to allow for adjustment of an angle of the handle relative to the body; and

a plurality of holes disposed around each hollow extrusion of the pair of hollow extrusions, wherein the plurality of holes is disposed at a plurality of distances from the hinge;

a second segment configured to telescope out from the first segment, wherein the second segment comprises;

a grip;

a dispenser mount attached to the grip, wherein the dispenser mount is configured to facilitate holding of the dispenser gun;

a plurality of buttons corresponding to the plurality of holes of the first segment, and allows a user to adjust the height of the second segment relative to the first segment, thus giving the handle its telescoping ability.

5. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the first lid comprises:

a plurality of hinges connected to the body, wherein the plurality of hinges is configured to allow the first lid to hinge open and close;

a plurality of trays configured to fit atop the chamber and beneath a chamber-facing side of the first lid to allow for storage of a food item, wherein the plurality of trays comprise;

a containment area,

a notch cut into the plurality of trays for allowing an interaction of the plurality of trays with a switch

a freeze gel lining disposed within the plurality of trays, wherein the freeze gel lining is configured to cool as a result of exposure to low temperature within the chamber; and

a switch configured to allow opening of the first lid to reveal one of a containment area of the plurality of trays and the chamber.

6. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the second lid comprises:

a container configured to accommodate a cooling substance, wherein the container comprises;

an opening configured to connect an open volume of the container to the wall drain allowing built-up water to drain into the basin;

a freeze gel lining embedded within walls of the container, wherein the freeze gel lining is configured to maintain a cool temperature within the container;

a track;

a plurality of solar panels configured to supply solar energy to a battery of the power unit, wherein the plurality of solar panels comprises;

a primary solar panel secured into position above the container;

at least one ancillary solar panel attached to the track, wherein the track extends across the top of the container and beneath the primary solar panel to allow the at least one ancillary solar panel to slide under the primary solar panel along the track permitting access to the container; and

a plurality of electrical connections configured to connect the plurality of solar panels to the power unit.

7. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pressure compartments each comprise:

a wall comprising a hole configured to allows access to the gas pressure tank via the plurality of hoses;

a lid comprising a sealed edge configured to seal the lid securely and removably to the plurality of pressure compartments; and

a gas pressure tank comprising an adapter configured to allows for separation of pressure into the plurality of cylinders, wherein the adapter comprises;

a plurality of hose connectors configured to allow for connection of the plurality of hoses to the adapter, and thus allows access to the gas within the gas pressure tank; and

a valve configured to control pressure released from the gas pressure tank.

8. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cylinders comprises:

an opening extending toward the first lid, enabling insertion of at least one of a bottle and a keg into a cylinder of the plurality of cylinders;

a freeze gel lining embedded within the plurality of cylinders

a lid configured to accommodate contents of the plurality of cylinders, wherein the lid comprises;

a hinge configured to allow the lid to swing open for insertion of at least one of the bottle and the keg; and

a latch configured to connect to the plurality of cylinders opposite the hinge to secure the lid in a closed position;

a quick-connect cap configured to connect at least one of the bottle and the keg inserted into the plurality of cylinders to the plurality of hoses, wherein the quick-connect cap comprises;

an input nozzle comprising a hollow extrusion that allows for connection of the quick-connect cap to the gas pressure tank of the plurality of pressure compartments;

an output nozzle comprising a hollow extrusion that allows for connection of the quick-connect cap to the flow control unit via the plurality of hoses;

a tube configured to extend into at least one of the bottle and the keg allowing the liquid within to connect to the input nozzle and the output nozzle; and

a button configured for allowing the quick-connect cap to releasably snap onto at least one of the bottle and the keg.

9. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 8 further comprising a threaded exterior configured for connection of the quick-connect cap to a keg adapter, wherein the keg adapter comprises:

a threaded hole configured to match with the threading of a threaded exterior of the quick-connect cap, wherein the quick-connect cap is configured to be secured into place by applying appropriate torque to the quick-connect cap;

a first end extending from the threaded hole radially outward, wherein the first end comprises a lip configured to wrap around an edge of the keg;

a second end extending from the threaded hole radially outward, opposite the first end, wherein the second end comprises;

a lip configured to allow for connection of the second end to an edge of the keg

a curve configured to allow for a bend in the keg adapter.

10. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the flow control unit comprises:

a body connected inside the chamber near the first lid and the dispenser gun;

a plurality of inlets comprising a series of hollow cylindrical extrusions extending from the body of the flow control unit, wherein the plurality of inlets comprises;

a lip comprising a ring-shaped extrusion concentric with each inlet of the plurality of inlets that allows for attachment of a hose of the plurality of hoses; and

a plurality of actuators comprising a series of actuators configured to open and close in response to receipt of an appropriate signal from the controller;

an outlet comprising a hollow cylindrical extrusion configured for attachment of the primary hose;

a controller configured to receive input signals from the dispenser gun through the plurality of electrical connections and convert the input signals into an output signal that determines which actuator of the plurality of actuators is activated; and

a plurality of electrical connections configured to electrically join the dispenser gun, the controller, the power unit, and the plurality of actuators.

11. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the power unit comprises:

at least one battery capable of storing charge for an extended period of time; and

a battery container configured to allow for connection of the at least one battery to the controller and to the second lid;

12. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises:

a plurality of USB ports configured to regulate charge from the power unit and configured to engage with a male USB-style charging plug into the panel;

a plurality of outlets configured to regulate charge from the power unit and configured to engage with a male electrical wall plug into the panel; and

a door configured to swing open and closed to protect the plurality of USB ports.

13. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the primary hose comprises:

a first end configured to connect to the outlet of the flow control unit over the lip of the outlet;

a second end configured to connect to the dispenser gun; and

a spool configured to allow the primary hose to wind around itself for storage, wherein the spool comprises a constant-force spring and an extrusion, wherein the extrusion comprises a cylinder that extends across the width of the spool and allows for the primary hose and the constant-force spring to wind up, wherein the constant-force spring attaches to a length of the primary hose, creating a constant force on the primary hose that biases the dispenser gun towards the spool, wherein when released, the dispenser gun retracts back toward the beverage dispensing cooler.

14. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 1, wherein the dispensing gun comprises:

a nozzle,

a plurality of buttons comprising;

a primary button,

a plurality of ancillary buttons, wherein depressing an ancillary button of the plurality of ancillary buttons activates a corresponding actuator of the plurality of actuators causing liquid from a corresponding cylinder of a plurality of cylinders to flow through the primary hose and out of the nozzle;

a plurality of indicators located on the plurality of buttons to indicate a corresponding function of each button.

a plurality of LEDs configured to illuminate the plurality of buttons; and

a light configured to illuminate a given area generally in front of the nozzle, wherein the light is activated upon depressing the primary button.

15. The beverage dispensing cooler of claim 14, wherein the dispenser gun further comprises a trigger, wherein a first depressing of the trigger allows depressing of an ancillary button of the plurality of ancillary buttons to activate a corresponding actuator of the plurality of actuators, wherein a second depressing of the trigger causes to open the nozzle and dispense the liquid.