ICE CORE, BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH ICE CORE AND METHOD OF MAKING

Abstract

An ice core, a beverage container with an ice core and a method of making the ice core and the beverage container with the ice core is disclosed. The ice core includes an ice core body, an ice core rim formed on the ice core body and an ice core tube formed through the ice core body and the ice core rim. The ice core is configured for placement in a beverage container. A lid having a slit formed thereon can be placed on the beverage container. A straw can be inserted through the slit in the lid, allowing the straw to have access to the beverage container and the ice core tube. wherein the straw placed through the ice core tube is configured to extend from the top region to the base region of the beverage container to access liquid at the base region.

Claims

1. An ice core for a beverage container, comprising: an ice core body having a first end and an opposing second end; an ice core rim formed on the first end of the ice core body, the ice core rim having a bottom surface on the first end of the ice core body, a top surface, and a pair of opposing side surfaces connecting the bottom surface with the top surface; an ice core tube formed through the ice core body and the ice core rim, wherein the ice core tube forms an opening through the ice core body and the ice core rim extending from the top surface of the ice core rim to the bottom surface of the ice core rim and through the first end and the second end of the ice core body; and an ice core housing to house the ice core body, the ice core rim and the ice core tube, wherein the ice core housing includes a cover formed over the top surface of the ice core rim, the second end of the ice core body, and the ice core tube extending therebetween, the cover enclosing ice formed within the ice core body and the ice core rim and the opening extending through the ice core body and the ice core rim that is devoid of ice therein.

2. The ice core of claim 1, wherein the body has a substantially cylindrical shape and the first end has a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end, the diameter of the body decreases progressively from the first end to the second end.

3. The ice core of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the ice core rim has a length corresponding with the diameter of the first end of the ice core body and the top surface of the ice core rim having a length extending beyond a periphery of the diameter of the first end of the ice core body, wherein each of the opposing side surfaces project inwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface to form a rolled outward rim that extends beyond side periphery of the ice core body

4. The ice core of claim 1, wherein the cover formed over the top surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body comprises a pierceable material.

5. The ice core of claim 1, wherein the cover formed over the top surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body comprises a slit thereon for receiving a straw therethrough to access an interior of the beverage container and the ice core including the ice core tube.

6. A method of making an ice core for use with a beverage container, comprising: obtaining an ice core housing having a bottom portion, an open top portion and a side wall joining the bottom portion with the top portion; placing an ice core in the ice core housing, the ice core including: an ice core body having a cylindrical shape with a first end and an opposing second end, the first end having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end; an ice core rim formed on the first end of the ice core body, the ice core rim having a bottom surface on the first end of the ice core body, a top surface, and a pair of opposing side surfaces connecting the bottom surface with the top surface, the bottom surface of the ice core rim having a length corresponding with the diameter of the first end of the ice core body and the top surface of the ice core rim having a length extending beyond a periphery of the diameter of the first end of the ice core body, wherein each of the opposing side surfaces project inwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface to formed a rolled outward rim that extends beyond side periphery of the ice core body; and an ice core tube formed through the ice core body and the ice core rim, wherein the ice core tube forms an opening through the ice core body and the ice core rim extending from the top surface of the ice core rim to the bottom surface of the ice core rim and through the first end and the second of the ice core body, wherein the second end of the ice core body is placed in the bottom portion the of the ice core housing with the first end of the ice core body and the ice core rim facing the open top portion of the ice core housing, partially filling the ice core with particles of frozen liquid, wherein the particles of frozen liquid are distributed in the ice core body and ice core rim and around an exterior of the ice core tube, leaving the opening through the ice core tube free of particles of the frozen liquid therein, adding a liquid to the frozen particles of liquid to fill in gaps between the particles in the ice core; and sealing a portion of the ice core housing with the ice core therein with a lid after providing liquid to the particles of frozen liquid.

7. The method claim 6, wherein the sealing comprises using a sealing machine to place a sealed lid over the ice core housing with the ice core therein and filled with the liquid and the particles of frozen liquid.

8. The method claim 7, wherein the sealed lid extends over the top surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body including the opening therethrough to the ice core tube.

9. The method claim 8, wherein the sealed lid comprises a slit thereon for receiving a straw therethrough to access an interior of the beverage container and the ice core including the ice core tube.

10. The method claim 8, wherein the sealed lid comprises a pierceable material.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the diameter of the ice core body decreases progressively from the first end to the second end.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising freezing the sealed ice core housing with the ice core filled with liquid and particles of frozen liquid for a predetermined period of time to form the ice core.

13. A beverage container assembly, comprising: a beverage container having a base region, a top region and a side wall that joins the base region with the top region, the base region, top region and the side wall together defining a space for receiving a liquid, the top region having a diameter larger than the diameter of the base region, wherein the diameter of the beverage container decreases progressively from the top region to the base region; an ice core configured for placement in the beverage container, the ice core including: an ice core body having a cylindrical shape with a first end and an opposing second end, the first end having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end, wherein the diameter of the ice core body decreases progressively from the first end to the second end; an ice core rim formed on the first end of the ice core body, the ice core rim having a bottom surface on the first end of the ice core body, a top surface, and a pair of opposing side surfaces connecting the bottom surface with the top surface; an ice core tube formed through the ice core body and the ice core rim, wherein the ice core tube forms an opening through the ice core body and the ice core rim extending from the top surface of the ice core rim to the bottom surface of the ice core rim and through the first end and the second of the ice core body; and an ice core housing to house the ice core body, the ice core rim and the ice core tube, wherein the ice core housing includes a cover formed over the top surface of the ice core rim, the second end of the ice core body, and the ice core tube extending therebetween, the cover enclosing a frozen liquid formed within the ice core body and the ice core rim and the opening extending through the ice core body and the ice core rim that is devoid of the frozen liquid therein, wherein the top surface of the ice core rim and the first end of the ice core body face the base region of the beverage container and the bottom surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body face the top region of the beverage container, with the rolled outward rim of the ice core rim configured to lodge against the side wall of the beverage container as a level of liquid in the beverage container diminishes to a point where the ice core is unable to float in the liquid, the rolled outward rim of the ice core rim adhering to the side wall at a location where the length of ice core rim corresponds with the diameter of the side wall, leaving a space between the ice core rim and the base region of the beverage container.

14. The beverage container assembly of claim 13, further comprising a lid configured for secure placement on the top region of the beverage container and to direct the ice core while floating on the liquid in the beverage container downward towards the base region of the container.

15. The beverage container assembly of claim 14, wherein the lid comprise a slit thereon for receiving the straw therethrough to access the beverage container and the ice core including the ice core tube.

16. The beverage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the ice core comprises a height from the top surface of the ice core rim to the second end of the ice core body that is less than the height of the beverage container from the base region to the top region.

17. The beverage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the ice core is configured for removal from the beverage container and upending to reorient the ice core for a different placement with the beverage container, wherein the different placement includes having the top surface of the ice core rim and the first end of the ice core body face the top region of the beverage container and the bottom surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body face the bottom region of the beverage container.

18. The beverage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the cover formed over the top surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body comprises a pierceable material.

19. The beverage container assembly of claim 13, wherein the bottom surface of the ice core rim having a length corresponding with the diameter of the first end of the ice core body and the top surface of the ice core rim having a length extending beyond a periphery of the diameter of the first end of the ice core body, wherein each of the opposing side surfaces project inwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface to formed a rolled outward rim that extends beyond side periphery of the ice core body.

20. The beverage container assembly of claim 13, further comprising a straw configured for placement in the beverage container and the ice core including through the ice core tube, wherein the straw placed through the ice core tube extends from the top region to the base region of the beverage container to access liquid at the base region.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an ice core according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic of the ice core filled with a mix of frozen liquid and liquid prior to freezing according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the ice core deposited in a beverage container to form an ice core beverage container according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic showing the ice core deposited in a beverage container with a straw extending through the ice core to access liquid on a base region of the container according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic showing the ice core deposited in a beverage container with a lid placed on the top region of the container that directs the ice core in a downward direction towards the base region of the container according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the ice core upended from the position depicted in FIG. 5 such that the ice core takes on a different orientation according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an insert being inserted into a beverage container according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an insert coupled with a beverage container according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an insert coupled with a lid according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an insert with a lid in an exploded position according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an insert coupled with a beverage container according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 inserting a thermal regulating core including a 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 core and thermal regulating material are isolated from the beverage, the taste of the beverage may be unimpacted by the cooling or heating of the system and may remain constant.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an core 10, for example an ice core, for use with a beverage container according to an embodiment of the invention. While discussed with respect to being an ice core for cooling a beverage, the core 10 may be a warming core for warming and/or maintaining the temperature of a beverage. As shown in FIG. 1, the ice core 10 includes an ice core body 12 having a cylindrical shape with a first end 14 and an opposing second end 16. In one embodiment, the first end 14 of the ice core body 12 can have a diameter (D) larger than the diameter of the second end 16 of the ice core body 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the diameter of the ice core body 12 can decrease progressively from the first end 14 to the second end 16.

[0026] The ice core 10 can also include an ice core rim 18 formed on the first end 14 of the ice core body 12. In one embodiment, the ice core rim 18 can have a bottom surface 20 on the first end 14 of the ice core body 12, a top surface 22, and a pair of opposing side surfaces 24 connecting the bottom surface with the top surface. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 20 of the ice core rim 18 can have a length corresponding with the diameter of the first end 14 of the ice core body 12 and the top surface 22 of the ice core rim 18 can have a length extending beyond a periphery of the diameter of the first end 14 of the ice core body 12. In one embodiment, each of the opposing side surfaces 24 can project inwardly from the top surface 22 of the ice core rim 18 to the bottom surface 20 of the ice core rim 18 to form a rolled outward rim 26 that extends beyond side periphery of the ice core body 12.

[0027] The ice core 10 can further include an ice core tube 28 formed through the ice core body 12 and the ice core rim 18. In one embodiment, the ice core tube 28 can form an opening 30 through the ice core body 12 and the ice core rim 18. The opening can extend from the top surface 22 of the ice core rim 18 to the bottom surface 20 of the ice core rim 18 and through the first end 14 to an opening 32 in the second end 16 of the ice core body 12. In one embodiment, the ice core tube 28 can take the form of a hollow, circular tube having a predetermined diameter that descends through the ice core body in a substantially, straight, downward direction.

[0028] In other examples, the ice core tube 28 may be of a different shape, for example having a cross-sectional shape of a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, another polygon, or an irregular shape. The shape may be selected to increase surface area, thus increasing thermal transfer properties. The shape and size may be selected based on the shape and size of the ice core and/or beverage container.

[0029] In general, the length of the ice core tube 28 is equivalent to the length of a side wall 17 of the ice core body 12 that joins the first end 14 with the second end 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the ice core tube 28 can be located in a center portion of the ice core body 12. In this manner, as described below in more detail, a straw can be inserted through the ice core tube 28 to a base portion of a beverage container that is configured to receive the ice core. This allows the straw to position the ice core 12 within the beverage container, and additionally access the most chilled portion of the liquid in the base region of the container. In one embodiment, the ice core tube 28 can have a diameter of a half inch. It is understood that this represents one possible tube dimension and is not meant to be limiting to the various embodiments.

[0030] The ice core 10 can also include an ice core housing 34 to house the ice core body 12, the ice core rim 18 and the ice core tube 28. In one embodiment, the ice core housing 34 can take the form of a thin-walled, hard shelled disposable container made of a biodegradable material (e.g., a plastic, a cellulose material, bamboo, hemp, recycled material, or the like). In one embodiment, the ice core housing 34 can include a cover 36 formed over the top surface 22 of the ice core rim 18, the second end 16 of the ice core body 12, and the ice core tube 28 extending therebetween. In this manner, the cover 36 can enclose a frozen liquid (e.g., ice) formed within the ice core body and the ice core rim and the opening extending through the ice core body and the ice core rim that is devoid of the frozen liquid.

[0031] In one embodiment, a cover can be applied over the second end 16 of the ice core body 12. In one embodiment, this cover 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. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 36 formed over the top surface 22 of the ice core rim 18 and the second end 16 of the ice core body 12 can comprise a slit 38 thereon for receiving a straw therethrough to access an interior of the beverage container and the ice core including the ice core tube once placed in the container.

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of making the ice core for use with a beverage container. The method includes obtaining an ice core housing 34 like that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although not shown in these figures for clarity, the ice core housing can have a bottom portion, an open top portion and a side wall joining the bottom portion with the top portion. It is understood that these elements would abut corresponding portions of the ice core 10 that is housed by the housing 34. For example, the second end 16 of the ice core body 12 can be placed in the bottom portion the of the ice core housing 34 with the first end 14 of the ice core body 12 and the ice core rim 18 facing the open top portion of the ice core housing 32.

[0033] After housing the ice core 10 with the ice core housing 34, it can then be filled with a liquid for subsequent freezing into a frozen substance. In one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the ice core can be filled with particles of frozen liquid and liquid to bind the particles together. In one embodiment, the ice core 10 can first be partially filled with particles of frozen liquid (e.g., shaved ice) and then filled thereover with a liquid (e.g., water) to fill in any gaps that exist between the particles in the ice core. In one embodiment, the particles of frozen liquid and liquid fill in parts of the ice core 10 that include the ice core body 14 and ice core rim, leaving the ice core tube 28 devoid of any frozen particles and liquid.

[0034] A portion of the ice core housing with the ice core therein can then be sealed with a lid or cover 36 after providing sufficient liquid to the particles of frozen liquid. In one embodiment, a sealing machine can be used place a sealed lid or cover over the ice core housing with the ice core therein and filled with the liquid and the particles of frozen liquid. The sealed lid or cover 36 can comprise a pierceable material as noted above. In addition, a cover can be sealed over the bottom portion of the housing. The sealing machine can include any now known or later developed cup sealing machine such as readily available commercial sealing machine that can create a tight seal with the use of a special plastic film that can melt and create a vacuum-like seal to prevent spillage of the contents from the cup.

[0035] After the sealing, the method can continue with freezing the sealed ice core housing with the ice core filled with liquid and particles of frozen liquid for a predetermined period of time to form the frozen ice core. In this manner, the frozen ice core can be continued to be stored and ready for future use in chilling liquid in a beverage container.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of the ice core 10 deposited in a beverage container 40 to form an ice core beverage container 42 according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ice core beverage container 42 can include a base region 44, a top region 46 and a side wall 48 that joins the base region with the top region. In this manner, the base region 44, the top region 46 and the side wall 48 together define a space for receiving a liquid. The top region 46 can have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the base region 44. To this extent, as shown in FIG. 3, the diameter of the ice core beverage container 42 decreases progressively from the top region 46 to the base region 44. However, in other embodiments, the diameter of the top region 46 may be the same as the diameter of the base region 44 or the diameter of the top region 46 may be greater than the diameter of the base region 44.

[0037] The arrangement where the diameter of the top region 46 is greater than the diameter of the base region 44 may ensure that the beverage remains at the bottom and will be continually chilled until the beverage is finished. This is in part due to the conduction and convection effects that the coolest drink will sink to the bottom of the cup and there is no reason to design a thicker ice core to cool empty space above the beverage. It is understood that the beverage container 40 represents only type of container and is not meant to be limiting, as the various embodiments are suitable for use with a variety of containers.

[0038] The aforementioned ice core 10 is configured for placement in the beverage container. As shown in FIG. 3, the top surface of the ice core rim and the first end of the ice core body can face the base region 44 of the ice core beverage container 42 and the bottom surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body can face the top region 46 of the beverage container 40. With this placement, the rolled outward rim 26 of the ice core rim is configured to lodge against the side wall 48 of the ice core beverage container 42 as a level of liquid in the beverage container diminishes to a point where the ice core 10 is unable to float in the liquid. In this manner, the rolled outward rim 26 of the ice core rim can adhere to the side wall 48 at a location where the length of ice core rim corresponds with the diameter of the side wall, leaving a space between the ice core rim and the base region 44 of the ice core beverage container 42.

[0039] In one embodiment, the rolled outward rim 26 of the ice core rim of the ice core can be used with a beverage container 40 that is sized to provide approximately half an inch of space between the bottom of the ice core and the base region of the container. Such a spacing will allow a straw to extend to the inside bottom of the container to freely sip the remaining liquid.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a straw 52 can be inserted through the ice core body 12 to have access to the base region 46 of the beverage container to allow one to be able drink the coldest portions of the liquid that remain in the container. In one embodiment, the straw 52 can be inserted through the ice core tube. With the straw 52 inserted through the ice core tube, the straw can be used also to position the ice core 10 within the beverage container 42 while it is floating on the liquid in the container. It is understood that the straw 52 is not limited for placement only within the ice core tube. For example, instead of placing the straw through the ice core tube to extend through the top region to the base region of the beverage container 40 to access liquid at the base region, the straw can be inserted in the container itself as opposed to within the ice core (e.g., adjacent the core).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage container 40 can further include a lid 50 configured for secure placement on the top region 46 of the beverage container. The lid 50 can also serve the purpose of directing the ice core while floating on the liquid in the beverage container 40 in a downward direction towards the base region 44 of the container as shown in FIG. 5. The lid 50 can also have a slit that is in alignment with the slit 38 formed on the cover of the ice core housing 34. In this manner, the straw can be inserted seamlessly through the lid 50 and the cover of the ice core housing to gain access into and through the ice core tube and to the base region of the container.

[0042] Other features the ice core beverage container 42 are apparent from the schematics shown in FIGS. 3-5. For example, the ice core 10 can have a height from the top surface of the ice core rim to the second end of the ice core body that is less than the height of the beverage container 40 from the base region to the top region. In one embodiment, the height of the ice core can be set at about three quarters of an inch shorter than the height of the beverage container 40. One purpose of such a tall design is to allow a closed lid or sealed film to effortlessly push an ice core floating in the beverage container 40 in a downward direction towards the base region of the container 40.

[0043] The tall design of the ice core also enables an increase in the contact area that the ice core will have with the liquid. As a result, there will be an enhancement of both conduction and convection effects with the liquid throughout the entire container at same time. To this extent, the ice core will maximize the chilling effects as fast as possible. The design of the ice core with an upper end that is smaller than the lower end, not only enables chilling the liquid beverage faster at all portions of the container (especially the base region) and for a longer time, but it also obviates the problem of dilution of the liquid that arises from the use of ice cubes.

[0044] Another feature of the ice core 10 of the various embodiments is that it is configured for removal from the beverage container 40 and upending to reorient itself to a different placement within the beverage container. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the different placement includes having the top surface of the ice core rim and the first end of the ice core body face the top region 46 of the beverage container 40, and the bottom surface of the ice core rim and the second end of the ice core body face the bottom region 44 of the beverage container 40. Thus, after one finishes the beverage in the container, the ice core 10 can then be just flipped upside down to be reoriented in the container. The straw 52 can then be used to pierce the plastic film seal on the ice core to get the melted icy fresh water. In this manner, consumers can continue to cool themselves down, quenching their thirst more and awakening their taste buds at the same time.

[0045] In light of the various embodiments described herein, it should be apparent that the ice core and the ice core beverage container 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 ice core and the ice core beverage container described in the various embodiments, zero dilution of the liquid in the beverage 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 ice core and the ice core beverage container 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.

[0046] The design of the circular hollow tube (i.e., the ice core tube) in the center of the thin-walled, hard-shell housing of the ice core not only enables a straw to reach down to the bottom of a cup easier as opposed to one that is floating on top of the beverage in a cup that is filled with blocks of ice. To this effect, the use of the straw in the ice core tube precludes problems of blocks or piles of ice in the container causing the straw to get tangled therein.

[0047] In addition, the tall design of the ice core not only chills the entire cup of the beverage faster, but the larger end of the ice core can remain at the bottom of the cup all of the time to provide a more chilled beverage for consumption via a sip of a straw from start to finish.

[0048] Further, having the ice core 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 ice core. Upon drinking the beverage and using the ice core in the aforementioned manner, the customer can then dispose of both the beverage container and the ice core when finished with the drink.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an ice core or insert 10 being inserted into a beverage container 2, according to one embodiment. As shown, the ice core 10 may be placed inside of the beverage container 2 to secure the ice core 10.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an ice core or an insert 10 being coupled to a lid 60, according to one embodiment. The lid 60 may include a top opening 62 protruding above the lid 60. In one example, the top opening 62 may protrude between 0.1 inches and 1 inch above the lid 60. The top opening 62 may be sealed with the inner container. The top opening 62 may be designed to be capable of receiving a straw.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an ice core or an insert coupled with a lid 60, according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 shows the ice core and lid without the beverage container. The insert 10, as discussed above, may include an interior, hollow ice core tube 28. The ice core tube 28 may extend from a bottom of the ice core toward a top of the ice core. In one example, shown in FIG. 9, the ice core tube 28 is frustoconical in shape, however, the hollow portion may be cylindrical or another shape. The ice core tube may further include an inner tube 31 extending within the ice core tube. The inner tube 31 may 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 lid 60 may include an opening end 33 that provides access to one or more of the ice core tube 28, the inner tube 31, and/or the beverage. The opening end 33 may be sized to receive one or more drinking apparatus, e.g., a straw.

[0052] The opening end 33 may be positioned to be integrated with the top of the inner tube and extending above the lid 60. The opening end 33 may be raised above the lid by a predetermined distance 30, 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 end 33 and the lid 60 were level, it would be more difficult to seal the opening end 33.

[0053] The ice core can be formed of a plastic material. The ice core may have a top diameter and a bottom diameter that are the same, i.e., the ice core 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 ice core may be the same shape as the beverage container or may be different shape from the beverage container.

[0054] The opening end 33 may be sealed and then covered with a lid. The lid may prevent inadvertent piercing or breaking of the seal. A bottom side of the ice core 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 ice core 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 ice core. In one example, once the beverage is finished, the user may turn the ice core upside down and pierce the seal of the bottom side of the ice core with a straw, such that the user may drink icy or cool water from the interior of the ice core.

[0055] In one example, the ice core or 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.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an ice core or an insert with a lid in an exploded position according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 shows the insert 10 and lid 60 without the beverage container. The lid 60 is shown in an exploded, removed position. The lid 60 is configured to be removably coupled with an opening of the insert. For example, the lid may have a threaded connection, as shown in FIG. 10, a snap fit, a press fit, a friction fit, or another coupling known in the art. The lid 60 may include an opening end that provides access to one or more of the insert 10 and/or the beverage. The opening end may be sized to receive one or more drinking apparatus, e.g., a straw.

[0057] The insert 10, as discussed above, may include a first end having a shoulder portion 20. The shoulder 20 portion may be sized and designed to rest on an upper lip of a beverage container. The shoulder 20 may be sized to fit inside of the beverage container, in another example. As shown in FIG. 10, the insert 10 may have walls that are zig-zag shaped or formed of various shapes that may be designed to increase the surface area of the insert 10. As discussed previously, the increased surface area may facilitate and/or enhance the cooling or warming effects of the insert 10.

[0058] A bottom surface of the insert 10 may 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.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an ice core or an insert 10 coupled with a beverage container 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The beverage container 2 may also be coupled with a lid, discussed above with respect to FIG. 10. In one example, the insert 10 may fit fully within the beverage container 2. In another example, a bottom portion of the insert 10 may be sized to rest on and/or be supported by a bottom surface of the beverage container 2. In yet another example, the shoulder 20 of the insert 10 may be sized and positioned to be supported on an upper lip of the beverage container 2.

[0060] In another embodiment, the bottom of the beverage cup may be customized to be the same shape and capacity as the ice core/insert. 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.

[0061] 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 ice core 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 ice core'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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the inventive subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of inventive subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0064] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word a or an should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to one embodiment of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments comprising, comprises, including, includes, having, or has an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

[0065] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.