Method and system for use with a consumable beverage

#The present invention is directed to devices and methods for enhancing the quality of consumable beverages and, more specifically, to a system for use with a consumable beverage and a method of providing a chilled consumable beverage. Beverages are typically chilled using ice cubes to maintain a desired beverage temperature. However, the use of ice cubes results in the dilution of the beverage due to the introduction of water resulting from the melting of ice cubes. Additionally, some people will spill beverages or find filled beverage bottles to be unwieldy due to a sudden shift in the bottle's center of mass caused by unexpected movement of ice cubes when the beverage container is tilted.

#To overcome this difficulty, re-freezable inserts have been developed for use with drink bottles. These re-freezable inserts can be placed in drink bottles to maintain a beverage in a chilled condition. However, a method for satisfactorily securing a re-freezable insert in a drink bottle has not been developed.

#Clearly, what is needed is a method and system for use with a consumable beverage that securely mounts a thermal energy storing member within a container; that preferably mounts the thermal energy storing member to either a collar or a lid of the container; that preferably incorporates an easy to operate twist lock connection for securing the thermal energy storing member; that preferably allows easy removal of the thermal energy storing member without requiring the removal of other system components; and that is that fun and easy to use by children.

#The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings, an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown. In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for use with a consumable beverage according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded partial view of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating a lid, a collar, a thermal energy storing member, and a top of a container;

#Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the system for use with a consumable beverage and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.

#Referring to FIGS. 1-9, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, a preferred embodiment of a system for use with a consumable beverage is shown and generally designated as 10. Briefly stated, the system includes a container 10 for enclosing a beverage 48 and a thermal energy storing member 44 therein to maintain the beverage 48 in either a chilled or heated condition. The thermal energy storing member 44 is preferably securable to either one of a collar 18 (further described below) or a lid 16 (further described below) via a convenient twist lock feature that allows the thermal energy member 44 to be easily disengaged from either component so that the remaining portions of the system 10 can used with beverages while the thermal energy storing member 44 is being heated or cooled. Additionally, the system 10 can be used with one of multiple interchangeable thermal energy storing members 44, to avoid delays caused by waiting for a single thermal energy storing member 44 to re-freeze or re-heat prior to continued use of the system 10.

#The system 10 and its component parts are preferably formed from a sturdy, non-reactive, durable material, such as a suitable polymer. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the system 10 and its various components can be formed from any materials suitable for use with beverages. The thermal energy storing member 44 preferably contains a gelatinous material that is formed of re-freezable material and/or re-heatable material, such as the non-toxic materials used in gel packs and the like.