Device for Retaining Beverage Cooling Means Within a Vessel

Abstract

A device ( 10 ) for retaining beverage cooling means ( 11 ) within a vessel ( 12 ) is disclosed. The device ( 10 ) comprises a vessel engaging portion ( 14 ) and means ( 16 ) for engaging the beverage cooling means ( 11 ). The vessel engaging portion ( 14 ) comprises biasing means ( 16 ) which biases the means for engaging the beverage cooling means to the base of the vessel ( 12 ).

1 . A device for retaining a beverage cooling means within a vessel having a base, the device comprising:
 a vessel engaging portion configured to engage the vessel; and   a means for engaging the beverage cooling means,   wherein the vessel engaging portion includes biasing means for biasing the means for engaging toward the base of the vessel.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the vessel engaging portion comprises an arm and a clip, said arm has a proximal end secured to a said clip, and said clip is configured to engage a rim of the vessel.   
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 said arm has a distal end, and the means for engaging the beverage cooling means is disposed at the distal end of the arm and comprises a yoke.   
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 the yoke is resiliently biased around the beverage cooling means.   
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 the biasing means is disposed between the arm and the yoke and the yoke is foldable toward the arm against bias of the biasing means.   
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 the yoke is configured to snap fit around the beverage cooling means about a substantially horizontal axis or a substantially vertical axis extending through the beverage cooling means.   
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 the beverage cooling means has an outer surface which defines a groove adapted to receive the yoke.   
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the beverage cooling means includes a housing for holding liquid or gel capable of absorbing heat from the beverage to cool the beverage.   
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 8 , wherein:
 the liquid or gel is sealed within the housing.   
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 8 , wherein:
 the housing can be opened to allow an ice cube to be inserted into a compartment within the housing.   
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 the beverage cooling means is an ice cube.   
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 the means for engaging the beverage cooling means comprises a loop disposed at the distal end of the arm.   
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 the loop is configured to hold the beverage cooling means to the base of the vessel.   
     
     
         14 . A beverage cooling device, comprising:
 a body capable of being immersed in a beverage; and   a vessel engaging portion capable of engaging a vessel in which the beverage is provided, the vessel having a base, the body and vessel engaging portion being connected by an arm, the arm comprising biasing means which biases the body toward the base of the vessel.   
     
     
         15 . A beverage cooling device according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the body is capable of absorbing heat from the beverage to cool the beverage.   
     
     
         16 . A beverage cooling device for cooling a beverage provided in a vessel, the device comprising:
 a body capable of being immersed in the beverage for cooling the beverage; and   a member having a vessel engaging portion configured to engage the vessel and a biasing means for biasing the body toward the vessel.   
     
     
         17 . A beverage cooling device according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 said body includes a housing for holding at least one of a liquid, a gel, and a solid.   
     
     
         18 . A beverage cooling device according to  claim 15 , wherein:
 said body and said member are separate and distinct.