Container chilling apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for cooling containers such as beverage containers are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base holding a chilling agent and having a top contoured to fit the bottom of a container, such as a canned beverage. A container may be held to the base using an elastic band.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for cooling contents of a container, comprising:
 a base comprising a top, a bottom, a sidewall, and at least one internal volume, wherein:   a shape of the top is configured to conform to a shape of a bottom of a container; and   the sidewall is characterized by an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than an outer diameter of the container; and   a chilling agent contained within the at least one internal volume.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the top comprises a recess comprising an outwardly beveled surface. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the top comprises a convex surface configured to substantially conform to the bottom of the container. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the convex surface comprises a thermally conductive material. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base is configured such that when in contact with the container, the sidewall is substantially flush with a side of the container. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a volume between the bottom and the at least one internal volume containing the chilling agent. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises at least one internal volume configured to thermally insulate the chilling agent. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom and the sidewall comprise a thermally insulating material. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the container is a can. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the container is a beverage container. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the container is selected from a soda can and a beer can. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling agent comprises a refrigerant gel. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a band configured to removably retain the base and the container. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the band is elastic. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the inner diameter of the band is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the sidewall and the outer diameter of the container. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein a height of the band is configured to retain the base and the container. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the band is characterized by a height from 0.5 inches to 2 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the band comprises a thermally insulating material. 
     
     
         19 . A method for cooling contents of a container, comprising:
 providing the apparatus of  claim 1  and an elastic band;   contacting a container against the top of the base; and   retaining the container and the base with the elastic band.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein retaining the container and the base comprises:
 assembling the band onto the base;   inserting a container within the band; and   twisting the container against the top of the base.