Method and apparatus for a product cooler

Abstract

A container system allows a user to register a bulk product unit at a predetermined elevation by engaging a stop disposed at a deepest point of an engagement slot. The engagement slot is disposed in a wall of a container containing a chamber having an inlet for receiving a product vessel. The neck of the product unit may be lowered into the slot, thereby moving the product vessel through the inlet of the chamber, and positioning the dispensing valve outside of the container. The first embodiment further comprises a retrofit system for adapting an existing product cooler to contain a saddle to support the neck of a bulk product unit. In a second embodiment, the container system is designed to receive and dispense gravity fed flexible packages, such as bulk wine. In a third embodiment, the container system comprises a product unit that is refillable, sealable, and separable for cleansing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to dispensing product at a remote location, and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to methods and an apparatus for creating a container system capable of delivering a variety of products from a variety of product containers disposed within a chamber of the container system.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Ice chest manufacturers provide coolers for storage of most single-serve products, such as cans, bottles, ice, and the like. Product coolers are available in virtually any size, shape or color, and the thermal efficiencies of the product coolers are always getting better, however, a same basic shape is almost always utilized. Namely, a rectangular shape having a cavity or chamber for storing product units is utilized. An exterior layer is often formed from two separate pieces that are joined together to protect an interior foam. A glued joint does not allow any s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes several improvements to a container system for minimizing thermal losses and promoting efficiency. The first improvement is a complementary-shaped stop to prevent heat loss. The second improvement is a lead-in angle to provide a wider engagement area. The third improvement is a plug with grooves to capture and cover the engagement faces, and a lid-closed out engagement slot. The fourth improvement is a take-up hoop to elevate loose packaging and force remrant fluids to move towards the inlet of a dispensing valve. The take-up hoop is hinged for easy removal of the product package. Overall, these improvements enhance the efficiency and performance of the container system.

Problems solved by technology

A glued joint does not allow any spills, condensate, or drips to contact the interior foam.

While single-serve product units fit into the product coolers without issue, “bulk” versions do not easily fit into coolers.

In fact, problems arise when a product unit having a dispense valve requires cooling, because on gravity fed products, a dispense valve is disposed at a lowest end of the product unit.

Still further, product units for dispensing beer are of a large size, and, therefore, require a still larger ice-chest.

Additionally, a spacing between support flanges on a product unit is typically thin when compared to a wall of an ice-chest.

Ice-chests designs are not conducive to a retrofit operations that require breaching a wall, because a breached wall will allow water to contact the foam, and then mold will start to grow in the foam area.

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