Beverage cooling module

Abstract

A cooling module ( 1 ) for use with a beverage container ( 21 ) is provided. The module includes at least one hermetically sealed reservoir ( 7 ) containing a potable liquid ( 5 ) which may be frozen therein. The reservoir ( 7 ) is specifically adapted for this purpose. The module ( 1 ) also has an engagement formation ( 3 ) adapted to engage the beverage container ( 21 ), thereby enabling the beverage container ( 21 ) and the cooling module ( 1 ) to be supplied as a unit to a consumer. The module ( 1 ) may, for example, be attached to the neck of a bottle ( 21 ) containing a beverage or may rest on top of a glass ( 73 ) containing a beverage.

1 . A cooling module for a beverage container comprising at least one hermetically sealed reservoir containing a potable liquid and an engagement formation adapted to engage the beverage container, thereby enabling the beverage container and the cooling module to be supplied as a unit to a consumer, the reservoir being suitable for containing the liquid in a frozen state and being adapted to enable the liquid to be removed therefrom for consumption with the beverage. 
     
     
         2 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 1 , which the engagement formation is an attachment formation configured to releasably secure the cooling module to the beverage container. 
     
     
         3 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 2  in which the reservoir  7  is an elongate envelope which enables the liquid to be frozen in a corresponding elongate shape, the envelope being integrally formed with the attachment formation. 
     
     
         4 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 2  in which the attachment formation is an annular member configured to fit over a neck portion of the beverage container, the annular member including resiliently flexible flaps projecting from an inner edge thereof, the flaps being configured to give way under their resilience when pushed over a cap or neck region of a container and to return to their original position once moved past a ridge or edge portion of the cap or neck, thereby securing the module to the container. 
     
     
         5 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 1  which comprises two or more hermetically sealed reservoirs. 
     
     
         6 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 1  in which the hermetically sealed reservoir is a generally annularly shaped envelope, thereby allowing the liquid to be frozen into a ring-shaped ice piece which may be broken into separate ice pieces suitable for insertion into the beverage container separately. 
     
     
         7 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 6  in which the attachment formation is an opening defined by the annular shape of the envelope, thus allowing the module to be placed over the cap or top region of a beverage container so as to collar it. 
     
     
         8 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 1  in which the reservoir is manufactured from a sufficiently frangible material so as to enable the frozen liquid to be freed from it by breaking it. 
     
     
         9 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 1  in which the engagement formation includes an engagement surface configured to allow the cooling module to rest over and at least partially obscure an opening of the beverage container. 
     
     
         10 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 9  in which the engagement formation includes a collar projecting from an edge of the engagement surface, substantially normally therefrom, the dimensions of the collar being somewhat larger than those of the opening of the container so as to allow it to fit over the opening. 
     
     
         11 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 9  in which an operatively outer surface of the at least one reservoir containing the potable liquid is formed by an impression in the engagement surface. 
     
     
         12 . A cooling module as claim in  claim 11  in which the impression is shaped and dimensioned to resemble known artefacts selected from the group comprising sporting equipment, fruit, toys, motor vehicles, landmarks, logos, trademarks, branding, words slogans, figurines and the like. 
     
     
         13 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 9  in which the engagement surface is covered with a film obscuring an opening defined by the impression, the film being removable to expose the opening and remove frozen liquid contained within the impression. 
     
     
         14 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 13  in which the film is frangible, thus allowing the frozen liquid to be pushed therethrough and removed from the module. 
     
     
         15 . A cooling module as claimed in  claim 1  in which the potable liquid is purified water, mineral water or distilled water.