Container Chilling Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for chilling a container are disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable container or wine chiller has an outer shell and may have a closure that holds the wine bottle in place. The wine chiller may have an insertable coolant, or may alternatively have a permanently affixed coolant.

1 . A beverage carrier comprising:
 an outer shell configured to encompass a beverage container;   an opening formed in the outer shell, the opening being configured to permit the beverage container to be inserted and removed from the outer shell;   a coolant removably positioned on an inner portion of the outer shell; and   a retainer configured to releasably retain the coolant on the inner portion of the outer shell.   
   
   
       2 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is constructed of a neoprene material. 
   
   
       3 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap attached to the outer shell, the strap permitting a user to carry the beverage carrier. 
   
   
       4 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , further comprising a pocket positioned on an outside surface of the outer shell. 
   
   
       5 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is a pocket configured to hold the coolant. 
   
   
       6 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is formed of a hook-and-loop material. 
   
   
       7 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is configured to closely encompass the beverage container. 
   
   
       8 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the coolant is a disposable material. 
   
   
       9 . A beverage carrier comprising:
 an outer shell configured to encompass a beverage container;   an opening formed in the outer shell, the opening being configured to permit the beverage container to be inserted and removed from the outer shell;   a disposable coolant positioned within the outer shell; and   a retainer configured to releasably retain the coolant within the outer shell.   
   
   
       10 . The beverage container of  claim 9 , wherein the outer shell is constructed of a neoprene material. 
   
   
       11 . The beverage container of  claim 9 , further comprising a strap attached to the outer shell, the strap permitting a user to carry the beverage carrier. 
   
   
       12 . The beverage container of  claim 9 , further comprising a pocket positioned on an outside surface of the outer shell.