Beverage cooler and dispenser

Abstract

A portable cooler for carrying and chilling a standard beverage container having a threaded cap. The container cap is removed, and the container is threaded into the cooler. The beverage container is inverted when the cooler is upright. The container neck threads into a socket which is in liquid communication with a faucet external to the cooler. A shroud engages the base of the cooler, sealing a chilled chamber defined between the beverage container and the shroud, and retaining the beverage container therein. In an alternative embodiment, the container can be oriented in an upright position, and used in that position. An optional cap cooperates with the shroud or the beverage container. The cap is removable to expose the container, or may be provided with spill and vent holes through which beverage is dispensed. A handle is also optionally provided, so that the cooler can be handled in a manner likened unto a mug or pitcher. A refrigeration plant, which may be a Peltier effect type, is housed inside the base of the cooler. An electrical plug enables connection to a suitable electrical power source. The refrigeration plant provides a chilled air circuit flowing across the beverage container. The cooler is plugged into suitable power, chills the beverage, and dispenses the beverage on demand.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.