CA2305007A1 - Refrigerator and beverage cooler - Google Patents
Refrigerator and beverage cooler Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2305007A1 CA2305007A1 CA 2305007 CA2305007A CA2305007A1 CA 2305007 A1 CA2305007 A1 CA 2305007A1 CA 2305007 CA2305007 CA 2305007 CA 2305007 A CA2305007 A CA 2305007A CA 2305007 A1 CA2305007 A1 CA 2305007A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- compartment
- container
- refrigerating container
- refrigerating
- ice
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
- F25D31/002—Liquid coolers, e.g. beverage cooler
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
- F25D3/06—Movable containers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
- F25D2331/806—Dispensers
Abstract
A refrigerating container having a body with a first compartment for storing items to be refrigerated and a second compartment is adjacent to and thermally communicating with the first compartment. The second compartment is for receiving ice to cool the first compartment. The container also has a beverage cooling coil that extends through the second compartment. The cooling coil has an inlet and an outlet.
Description
REFRIGERATOR AND BEVERAGE COOLER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to refrigerating devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to ice cooled refrigerating containers with beverage cooling capabilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cold refreshments are often desired in places where power outlets are not convenient or not available. For example, a golfer may desire a beverage while on the golf course or a 1 o beverage may be desired by someone attending an outdoor event. Also, beverages may be served at an additional serving bar commonly referred to as a satellite bar in a pub or other club. In such instances, power required for cooling beverages or other refreshments may not be readily available or practical.
Serving refreshments at outdoor activities, on a golf course, or at an outdoor event may ~5 be an important source of revenue for the small business owner. Further, beer tents or other refreshment serveries may be an important profit source for the financial success of an event.
Refrigerators are commonly used for keeping beverages or snack foods such as sandwiches or other foods, but getting power to a refrigerator may not be practical in many cases.
Also, when a beverage at ambient temperature is placed in a refrigerator, heat transfer may be 2o slow and therefore it may take a long time to cool the beverage to a desirable temperature.
Further, at a busy location, the refrigerator door may be opened frequently allowing ambient temperature air into the refrigerator and thus extending the length of time required to cool a beverage.
There are many coolers available for use where power is generally not available. Most 25 coolers are used with ice or ice packs to keep the cooler contents at a desirable temperature. Ice packs may not be efficient for heat transfer when warm beverages are placed in a cooler. Thus beverages placed in a cooler may take a long time to be cooled to a desired temperature. For better heat transfer, ice may be loosely packed around beverage container;
therefore reducing the time required to cool such beverages. Snack foods packed in a cooler with ice may get wet as 3o the ice melts and therefore ice may not be a practical method of cooling beverages in a cooler with snacks.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to refrigerating devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to ice cooled refrigerating containers with beverage cooling capabilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cold refreshments are often desired in places where power outlets are not convenient or not available. For example, a golfer may desire a beverage while on the golf course or a 1 o beverage may be desired by someone attending an outdoor event. Also, beverages may be served at an additional serving bar commonly referred to as a satellite bar in a pub or other club. In such instances, power required for cooling beverages or other refreshments may not be readily available or practical.
Serving refreshments at outdoor activities, on a golf course, or at an outdoor event may ~5 be an important source of revenue for the small business owner. Further, beer tents or other refreshment serveries may be an important profit source for the financial success of an event.
Refrigerators are commonly used for keeping beverages or snack foods such as sandwiches or other foods, but getting power to a refrigerator may not be practical in many cases.
Also, when a beverage at ambient temperature is placed in a refrigerator, heat transfer may be 2o slow and therefore it may take a long time to cool the beverage to a desirable temperature.
Further, at a busy location, the refrigerator door may be opened frequently allowing ambient temperature air into the refrigerator and thus extending the length of time required to cool a beverage.
There are many coolers available for use where power is generally not available. Most 25 coolers are used with ice or ice packs to keep the cooler contents at a desirable temperature. Ice packs may not be efficient for heat transfer when warm beverages are placed in a cooler. Thus beverages placed in a cooler may take a long time to be cooled to a desired temperature. For better heat transfer, ice may be loosely packed around beverage container;
therefore reducing the time required to cool such beverages. Snack foods packed in a cooler with ice may get wet as 3o the ice melts and therefore ice may not be a practical method of cooling beverages in a cooler with snacks.
Some coolers may include a separate compartment for ice. Again, while these coolers may be efficient for cooling snacks, heat transfer may be very slow when cooling a beverage from ambient temperature. Further, the cooler may be opened frequently, allowing ambient temperature air into the refrigerator and thus extending the length of time required to cool a beverage.
Beverage dispensers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 4,555,045 to Rodth et al. and U. S. Patent Number 5,343,716 to Swanson et al., commonly have cold plates with coils for the beverages to flow through. Ice is then placed on the cold plates for the transfer of heat from the beverage through the coil and to the ice, for fast cooling.
Generally, the beverage 1 o containers used with these dispensers are kept at ambient temperature and thus the ice on the cold plate is relied on for cooling of the beverage. If the beverage dispenser is used continuously, the ice may be melted quickly and therefore must be replenished frequently. Also, the beverages are not contained within the dispenser, and moving the dispenser to an alternate location may be difficult. Further, these dispensers do not have a place for storage of snack foods and therefore may not be useful when it is desirable to cool such food.
It is therefore desirable to provide a cooler for cooling beverages and snack foods efficiently. It is particularly desirable to provide a combined refrigerator and cooler for use in a location where power is not available or cannot practically be made available.
2o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A refrigerating container with a body having a first compartment for storing items to be refrigerated and a second compartment adjacent to and thermally communicating with the first compartment. The second compartment is for receiving ice to cool the first compartment. The container also has a beverage cooling coil that extends through the second compartment. The cooling coil has an inlet and an outlet.
The inlet may fluidly communicate with the first compartment and the outlet may fluidly communicate with a spigot mounted to an outside of the body.
The first compartment may be sized to receive a beer keg. A pressurized fluid supply line may extend through the first compartment to supply a pressurized fluid to the beer keg and a 3o conduit may be provided for connection between the cooling coil inlet and the beer keg.
The body may have thermally insulated outer walls.
Beverage dispensers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 4,555,045 to Rodth et al. and U. S. Patent Number 5,343,716 to Swanson et al., commonly have cold plates with coils for the beverages to flow through. Ice is then placed on the cold plates for the transfer of heat from the beverage through the coil and to the ice, for fast cooling.
Generally, the beverage 1 o containers used with these dispensers are kept at ambient temperature and thus the ice on the cold plate is relied on for cooling of the beverage. If the beverage dispenser is used continuously, the ice may be melted quickly and therefore must be replenished frequently. Also, the beverages are not contained within the dispenser, and moving the dispenser to an alternate location may be difficult. Further, these dispensers do not have a place for storage of snack foods and therefore may not be useful when it is desirable to cool such food.
It is therefore desirable to provide a cooler for cooling beverages and snack foods efficiently. It is particularly desirable to provide a combined refrigerator and cooler for use in a location where power is not available or cannot practically be made available.
2o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A refrigerating container with a body having a first compartment for storing items to be refrigerated and a second compartment adjacent to and thermally communicating with the first compartment. The second compartment is for receiving ice to cool the first compartment. The container also has a beverage cooling coil that extends through the second compartment. The cooling coil has an inlet and an outlet.
The inlet may fluidly communicate with the first compartment and the outlet may fluidly communicate with a spigot mounted to an outside of the body.
The first compartment may be sized to receive a beer keg. A pressurized fluid supply line may extend through the first compartment to supply a pressurized fluid to the beer keg and a 3o conduit may be provided for connection between the cooling coil inlet and the beer keg.
The body may have thermally insulated outer walls.
A base platform with attached wheels may be provided to facilitate movement of the container.
The container may be sized and proportioned to resemble a beer can.
Shelves may be provided in the first compartment, for storing items to be cooled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a refi~igerating container 1 o according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, from the direction indicated by the numeral 2 in Figure 1, of the container of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional view on line 3-3 of the container of Figure 1 illustrating a beer keg in a cabinet-compartment, and ice-compartment cover portion in an opened position, and a door in an opened position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a refrigerating container 20. The container has a body 21 with a first compartment for storing items to be 2o refrigerated and a second compartment that is adjacent to and thermally communicates with the first compartment. The second compartment is for receiving ice to cool the first compartment.
The container also has a beverage cooling coil that extends through the second compartment.
The cooling coil has an inlet and an outlet.
Reference is first made to Figure 1 to a container indicated generally at 20.
In the presently preferred embodiment, the container 20 is stainless steel and is substantially cylindrical with a diameter of about twenty-five inches and a height of about thirty-six inches.
The container 20 has a substantially circular bottom 22 with a diameter of approximately twenty-five inches. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the bottom 22 has a drain hole 24 and a gas aperture 25. The drain hole 24 is about one half inch diameter and is located at a radial 3o distance of approximately ten inches from a central axis 26 of the container 20. The gas aperture will be discussed further below. The bottom 22 also has two sides, an exposed side 28 and an interior side 30. The exposed side 28 has an attached support base 32 with four wheels 34 for rolling the container 20 to a desired location. The support base 32 is substantially square, with four sides 36. Each of the wheels 34 is affixed near one of the corners of the square support base 32.
Attached to the bottom 22, and proj ecting substantially perpendicularly from the interior side 30 is a sidewall 40. Sidewall 40 is about thirty-five inches in height and has an interior face 42 and an exterior face 44, separated by an insulating gap 46 of approximately three quarters of an inch. The sidewall 40 is curved such that it forms a hollow, partial-cylinder, terminating in a first edge 48 and a second edge 50.
The first edge 48 and second edge 50 form the frame for a door 52. The door 52 has an to interior door face 54 and an exterior door face 56, separated by a door insulating gap 58 of approximately three quarters of an inch. Both the interior door face 54 and the exterior door face 56 are curved such that the door 52 forms a hollow, partial cylinder. The door 52 has a hinged edge 60 and a free edge 62. The hinged edge 60 is hingedly attached to the first edge 48 of the sidewall 40 such that the door 52 is moveable between an opened position and a closed position.
When in the closed position, the hinged edge 60 abuts the first edge 48 of the sidewall 40.
Similarly, the free edge 62 abuts the second edge 50 of the sidewall 40. Thus, in the closed position, the sidewall 40 and the door 62 form a hollow, right circular cylinder.
Also projecting substantially perpendicularly from the interior side 30 and attached thereto is a dividing wall 64. The dividing wall 64 is about the same height as the sidewall 40 2o and has two edges 66. Each of the edges 66 is attached to the sidewall 40, such that the dividing wall 64 and the sidewall 40 create a partial cylindrical ice-compartment 68 and a cabinet-compartment 70. The drain hole 24 in the bottom 22 is located such that it provides a drain in the partial cylindrical ice-compartment 68. The dividing wall 64 also has a first aperture 72 and a second aperture 74, near a top 76 of the container 20. The function of the first and second apertures 72, 74 will be described further below.
Attached to the sidewall 40 and the dividing wall 64, and projecting substantially perpendicularly from the dividing wall 64 into the cabinet-compartment 70, is a shelf 77 for storage of items to be refrigerated. The shelf 77 is located near the top 76, inside the cabinet-compartment 70, to allow a beverage container to be placed underneath the shelf 77.
3o As best seen in Figure 2, the top 76 is substantially circular and is divided into two circular-segment portions, an ice-compartment cover portion 78 and a cabinet-compartment cover portion 80. The cabinet-compartment cover portion 80 is fixed to the sidewall 40 and is substantially perpendicular thereto. Refernng now to Figure 3, two circular apertures in the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80, a draft tower aperture 82 and a spill tray aperture 84 are radially aligned and offset, such that the draft tower aperture 82 is closest to the central axis 26.
Attached to the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80, and located over the draft tower aperture 82, is a draft tower 86. Also attached to the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80, on the outside, is a spill tray 88 for catching the drips or spilled fluid. The spill tray 88 is fluidly connected to a spill container 89, through spill tray aperture 84, in the cabinet-compartment 70.
The spill container 89 is releasably attachable to the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80 for containing and emptying spilled beverage. The ice-compartment cover portion 78 is hingedly 1 o attached to the cabinet-compartment cover portion and covers the ice-compartment 68. The ice-compartment cover portion 78 is moveable between an opened position and a closed position, thus allowing access to the ice-compartment 68 when in the opened position and substantially sealing the ice-compartment 68 when in the closed position.
Refernng now to Figures 2 and 3, a stainless steel dispensing and cooling coil 90 has a helical-shaped body 96 located in the ice-compartment and extending from near the first aperture 72 in dividing wall 64, toward the interior side 30 of the bottom 22. The coil 90 has an inlet 92 connected to the body 96 and extending through the first aperture 72 into the cabinet compartment 70. The inlet is for connecting to a beverage container. Starting near the interior side 30 and connected to the helical-shaped body 96, the dispensing and cooling coil 90 has an outlet 94 extending upwardly and out of the ice-compartment 68, through the second aperture 74 and into the cabinet-compartment 70. From the cabinet-compartment 70, the outlet 94 extends out through the draft tower aperture 82 and connects to a spigot 98.
The spigot 98 can be any type of dispensing outlet suitable for dispensing a fluid, as will occur to those of skill in the art.
The gas aperture 25 in the bottom 22 is in a suitable location and is suitably sized to allow a carbon-dioxide gas line 100 into the cabinet compartment 70. The gas line has a gas inlet 102, exterior to the container 20 and a gas outlet 104 in the cabinet-compartment 70. The gas inlet 102 is suitable for attachment to an exterior carbon-dioxide tank 106 with a regulator 108. The gas outlet 104 is suitable for attachment to a beverage container.
3o The operation and use of the container 20 will now be described, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the foregoing and the attached figures.
The container 20 can be used for cooling beverages and snack foods and is especially useful in locations where power is not readily available. Also, the wheels 34 can aid in movement of the container 20 from location to location. In the preferred embodiment, the beverage container is a standard full-size beer keg 110.
The ice-compartment 68 is filled with ice for cooling of the helical shaped body 96 of the dispensing and cooling coil 90. The ice also serves to cool the cabinet-compartment 70 and thus cool, or keep cool, the contents of the cabinet-compartment 70. As the ice melts, the water can then drain out the drain hole 24. Alternatively, a suitable stopper can be placed in drain hole 24 for draining the container 20 at an appropriate time.
The cabinet-compartment 70 is a suitable size and shape to receive the beer keg 110. The 1 o door 52 is opened and the beer keg 110 is inserted into the cabinet-compartment 70. Preferably, the beer keg 110 is already cooled when inserted into the cabinet compartment 70, but pre cooling is not necessary. The gas outlet 104 is attached to the beer keg 110 and the gas inlet 102 is attached to the regulator 108 on the carbon-dioxide tank 106, for pressurizing the beer keg 110 and expelling the beer. Similarly, the inlet 92 of the dispensing and cooling coil 90 is attached to the beer keg 110 for receiving the beer.
Snacks and other foods can also be placed in the cabinet-compartment 70 for cooling and the door 52 can then be moved to the closed position. The water and ice is separated from the cabinet-compartment 70 by dividing wall 64. Thus the contents of the cabinet-compartment 70 can be kept from contacting the water and ice.
2o When a beverage is desired, the carbon-dioxide tank 106 can be opened and the regulator 108 suitably adjusted for pressurizing the beer keg 110. A glass is then placed under the spigot 98 and the spigot 98 is placed in an opened position for allowing the flow of beer. The beer flows out of the beer keg 110 and into the inlet 92 of the dispensing and cooling coil 90. The beer proceeds from the inlet 92 to the helical shaped body 96 and is further cooled by heat transfer, through the helical shaped body 96, from the beer to the ice. The helical shaped body 96 has a large contact area with the ice and therefore allows heat transfer to cool the beer. The beer then flows from the helical shaped body 96 to the outlet 94, through the outlet 94 to the spigot 98, and out into the cup.
While the embodiment discussed herein is directed to a particular implementation of the 3o present invention, it will be apparent that variations to this embodiment are within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and the shape of the container may differ. The size and the shape of each compartment may also differ. Also, the carbon-dioxide tank may be contained within the refrigerating container. The container may be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel or painted steel. Hole and aperture sizes such as the drain hole in the bottom may differ. The insulating gap in the container walls may differ in size and may also be filled with any suitable insulating material. The cabinet-compartment cover portion may also be hingedly attached for ease of cleaning. The cabinet-compartment may have more than one shelf for storage of sandwiches or snacks to be refrigerated. Alternatively, the cabinet may not have any shelves. Additionally, the cabinet compartment may carry other beverages for fluid flow through the dispensing and cooling coil. Further, a plurality of beverages may be contained in the cabinet-compartment and a plurality of dispensing and cooling coils and taps may be used for 1 o cooling and dispensing the beverages. The cooling coil may be any shape in the ice-tank, it may be a round or oval helix and may also be any other shape or dimension suitable for cooling the fluid in the ice-tank. The size and shape of the any of the features may differ while still performing the same function.
Beer manufacturers have recently introduced a new keg size referred to as a "pony keg"
which is half the diameter of a "full sized" keg. As the container 20 can accept two pony kegs, in an alternate embodiment, the container 20 may be modified to provide a separate cooling coil 96 for each of two pony kegs and a separate spigot 98 for each of the two pony kegs to enable dispensing two different beers from the same unit, such as a "light" beer and a "regular" beer.
The present invention provides a novel container for cooling beverages and snack foods.
2o In one embodiment there is provided a refrigerating container. The container may be used for storing items to be refrigerated and also may be used to pass a beverage through a coil in contact with ice for further cooling of the beverage. Thus, if the beverage is at ambient temperature when placed in the cooled compartment, or if an extended length of time is required to cool, the beverage may still be served cold. The container may be used in places where power is not available or where power cannot be supplied practically. This includes use on a golf course, at an outdoor event, at a satellite bar or any other suitable location. The container may also be moved to a desired location as there are wheels provided for transportation.
Also, snack foods may be kept cool and out of contact with water from melting ice.
The container may be sized and proportioned to resemble a beer can.
Shelves may be provided in the first compartment, for storing items to be cooled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a refi~igerating container 1 o according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, from the direction indicated by the numeral 2 in Figure 1, of the container of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional view on line 3-3 of the container of Figure 1 illustrating a beer keg in a cabinet-compartment, and ice-compartment cover portion in an opened position, and a door in an opened position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a refrigerating container 20. The container has a body 21 with a first compartment for storing items to be 2o refrigerated and a second compartment that is adjacent to and thermally communicates with the first compartment. The second compartment is for receiving ice to cool the first compartment.
The container also has a beverage cooling coil that extends through the second compartment.
The cooling coil has an inlet and an outlet.
Reference is first made to Figure 1 to a container indicated generally at 20.
In the presently preferred embodiment, the container 20 is stainless steel and is substantially cylindrical with a diameter of about twenty-five inches and a height of about thirty-six inches.
The container 20 has a substantially circular bottom 22 with a diameter of approximately twenty-five inches. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the bottom 22 has a drain hole 24 and a gas aperture 25. The drain hole 24 is about one half inch diameter and is located at a radial 3o distance of approximately ten inches from a central axis 26 of the container 20. The gas aperture will be discussed further below. The bottom 22 also has two sides, an exposed side 28 and an interior side 30. The exposed side 28 has an attached support base 32 with four wheels 34 for rolling the container 20 to a desired location. The support base 32 is substantially square, with four sides 36. Each of the wheels 34 is affixed near one of the corners of the square support base 32.
Attached to the bottom 22, and proj ecting substantially perpendicularly from the interior side 30 is a sidewall 40. Sidewall 40 is about thirty-five inches in height and has an interior face 42 and an exterior face 44, separated by an insulating gap 46 of approximately three quarters of an inch. The sidewall 40 is curved such that it forms a hollow, partial-cylinder, terminating in a first edge 48 and a second edge 50.
The first edge 48 and second edge 50 form the frame for a door 52. The door 52 has an to interior door face 54 and an exterior door face 56, separated by a door insulating gap 58 of approximately three quarters of an inch. Both the interior door face 54 and the exterior door face 56 are curved such that the door 52 forms a hollow, partial cylinder. The door 52 has a hinged edge 60 and a free edge 62. The hinged edge 60 is hingedly attached to the first edge 48 of the sidewall 40 such that the door 52 is moveable between an opened position and a closed position.
When in the closed position, the hinged edge 60 abuts the first edge 48 of the sidewall 40.
Similarly, the free edge 62 abuts the second edge 50 of the sidewall 40. Thus, in the closed position, the sidewall 40 and the door 62 form a hollow, right circular cylinder.
Also projecting substantially perpendicularly from the interior side 30 and attached thereto is a dividing wall 64. The dividing wall 64 is about the same height as the sidewall 40 2o and has two edges 66. Each of the edges 66 is attached to the sidewall 40, such that the dividing wall 64 and the sidewall 40 create a partial cylindrical ice-compartment 68 and a cabinet-compartment 70. The drain hole 24 in the bottom 22 is located such that it provides a drain in the partial cylindrical ice-compartment 68. The dividing wall 64 also has a first aperture 72 and a second aperture 74, near a top 76 of the container 20. The function of the first and second apertures 72, 74 will be described further below.
Attached to the sidewall 40 and the dividing wall 64, and projecting substantially perpendicularly from the dividing wall 64 into the cabinet-compartment 70, is a shelf 77 for storage of items to be refrigerated. The shelf 77 is located near the top 76, inside the cabinet-compartment 70, to allow a beverage container to be placed underneath the shelf 77.
3o As best seen in Figure 2, the top 76 is substantially circular and is divided into two circular-segment portions, an ice-compartment cover portion 78 and a cabinet-compartment cover portion 80. The cabinet-compartment cover portion 80 is fixed to the sidewall 40 and is substantially perpendicular thereto. Refernng now to Figure 3, two circular apertures in the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80, a draft tower aperture 82 and a spill tray aperture 84 are radially aligned and offset, such that the draft tower aperture 82 is closest to the central axis 26.
Attached to the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80, and located over the draft tower aperture 82, is a draft tower 86. Also attached to the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80, on the outside, is a spill tray 88 for catching the drips or spilled fluid. The spill tray 88 is fluidly connected to a spill container 89, through spill tray aperture 84, in the cabinet-compartment 70.
The spill container 89 is releasably attachable to the cabinet-compartment cover portion 80 for containing and emptying spilled beverage. The ice-compartment cover portion 78 is hingedly 1 o attached to the cabinet-compartment cover portion and covers the ice-compartment 68. The ice-compartment cover portion 78 is moveable between an opened position and a closed position, thus allowing access to the ice-compartment 68 when in the opened position and substantially sealing the ice-compartment 68 when in the closed position.
Refernng now to Figures 2 and 3, a stainless steel dispensing and cooling coil 90 has a helical-shaped body 96 located in the ice-compartment and extending from near the first aperture 72 in dividing wall 64, toward the interior side 30 of the bottom 22. The coil 90 has an inlet 92 connected to the body 96 and extending through the first aperture 72 into the cabinet compartment 70. The inlet is for connecting to a beverage container. Starting near the interior side 30 and connected to the helical-shaped body 96, the dispensing and cooling coil 90 has an outlet 94 extending upwardly and out of the ice-compartment 68, through the second aperture 74 and into the cabinet-compartment 70. From the cabinet-compartment 70, the outlet 94 extends out through the draft tower aperture 82 and connects to a spigot 98.
The spigot 98 can be any type of dispensing outlet suitable for dispensing a fluid, as will occur to those of skill in the art.
The gas aperture 25 in the bottom 22 is in a suitable location and is suitably sized to allow a carbon-dioxide gas line 100 into the cabinet compartment 70. The gas line has a gas inlet 102, exterior to the container 20 and a gas outlet 104 in the cabinet-compartment 70. The gas inlet 102 is suitable for attachment to an exterior carbon-dioxide tank 106 with a regulator 108. The gas outlet 104 is suitable for attachment to a beverage container.
3o The operation and use of the container 20 will now be described, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the foregoing and the attached figures.
The container 20 can be used for cooling beverages and snack foods and is especially useful in locations where power is not readily available. Also, the wheels 34 can aid in movement of the container 20 from location to location. In the preferred embodiment, the beverage container is a standard full-size beer keg 110.
The ice-compartment 68 is filled with ice for cooling of the helical shaped body 96 of the dispensing and cooling coil 90. The ice also serves to cool the cabinet-compartment 70 and thus cool, or keep cool, the contents of the cabinet-compartment 70. As the ice melts, the water can then drain out the drain hole 24. Alternatively, a suitable stopper can be placed in drain hole 24 for draining the container 20 at an appropriate time.
The cabinet-compartment 70 is a suitable size and shape to receive the beer keg 110. The 1 o door 52 is opened and the beer keg 110 is inserted into the cabinet-compartment 70. Preferably, the beer keg 110 is already cooled when inserted into the cabinet compartment 70, but pre cooling is not necessary. The gas outlet 104 is attached to the beer keg 110 and the gas inlet 102 is attached to the regulator 108 on the carbon-dioxide tank 106, for pressurizing the beer keg 110 and expelling the beer. Similarly, the inlet 92 of the dispensing and cooling coil 90 is attached to the beer keg 110 for receiving the beer.
Snacks and other foods can also be placed in the cabinet-compartment 70 for cooling and the door 52 can then be moved to the closed position. The water and ice is separated from the cabinet-compartment 70 by dividing wall 64. Thus the contents of the cabinet-compartment 70 can be kept from contacting the water and ice.
2o When a beverage is desired, the carbon-dioxide tank 106 can be opened and the regulator 108 suitably adjusted for pressurizing the beer keg 110. A glass is then placed under the spigot 98 and the spigot 98 is placed in an opened position for allowing the flow of beer. The beer flows out of the beer keg 110 and into the inlet 92 of the dispensing and cooling coil 90. The beer proceeds from the inlet 92 to the helical shaped body 96 and is further cooled by heat transfer, through the helical shaped body 96, from the beer to the ice. The helical shaped body 96 has a large contact area with the ice and therefore allows heat transfer to cool the beer. The beer then flows from the helical shaped body 96 to the outlet 94, through the outlet 94 to the spigot 98, and out into the cup.
While the embodiment discussed herein is directed to a particular implementation of the 3o present invention, it will be apparent that variations to this embodiment are within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and the shape of the container may differ. The size and the shape of each compartment may also differ. Also, the carbon-dioxide tank may be contained within the refrigerating container. The container may be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel or painted steel. Hole and aperture sizes such as the drain hole in the bottom may differ. The insulating gap in the container walls may differ in size and may also be filled with any suitable insulating material. The cabinet-compartment cover portion may also be hingedly attached for ease of cleaning. The cabinet-compartment may have more than one shelf for storage of sandwiches or snacks to be refrigerated. Alternatively, the cabinet may not have any shelves. Additionally, the cabinet compartment may carry other beverages for fluid flow through the dispensing and cooling coil. Further, a plurality of beverages may be contained in the cabinet-compartment and a plurality of dispensing and cooling coils and taps may be used for 1 o cooling and dispensing the beverages. The cooling coil may be any shape in the ice-tank, it may be a round or oval helix and may also be any other shape or dimension suitable for cooling the fluid in the ice-tank. The size and shape of the any of the features may differ while still performing the same function.
Beer manufacturers have recently introduced a new keg size referred to as a "pony keg"
which is half the diameter of a "full sized" keg. As the container 20 can accept two pony kegs, in an alternate embodiment, the container 20 may be modified to provide a separate cooling coil 96 for each of two pony kegs and a separate spigot 98 for each of the two pony kegs to enable dispensing two different beers from the same unit, such as a "light" beer and a "regular" beer.
The present invention provides a novel container for cooling beverages and snack foods.
2o In one embodiment there is provided a refrigerating container. The container may be used for storing items to be refrigerated and also may be used to pass a beverage through a coil in contact with ice for further cooling of the beverage. Thus, if the beverage is at ambient temperature when placed in the cooled compartment, or if an extended length of time is required to cool, the beverage may still be served cold. The container may be used in places where power is not available or where power cannot be supplied practically. This includes use on a golf course, at an outdoor event, at a satellite bar or any other suitable location. The container may also be moved to a desired location as there are wheels provided for transportation.
Also, snack foods may be kept cool and out of contact with water from melting ice.
Claims (20)
1. A refrigerating container comprising a body having:
a first compartment for storing items to be refrigerated;
a second compartment adjacent to and thermally communicating with said first compartment, for receiving ice for cooling said first compartment;
at least one beverage cooling coil extending through said second compartment, said cooling coil having an inlet and an outlet.
a first compartment for storing items to be refrigerated;
a second compartment adjacent to and thermally communicating with said first compartment, for receiving ice for cooling said first compartment;
at least one beverage cooling coil extending through said second compartment, said cooling coil having an inlet and an outlet.
2. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 1 wherein:
said inlet to said cooling coil fluidly communicates with said first compartment and said outlet fluidly communicates with a spigot mounted to an outside of said body.
said inlet to said cooling coil fluidly communicates with said first compartment and said outlet fluidly communicates with a spigot mounted to an outside of said body.
3. A refrigerated container s claimed in claim 2 wherein:
said first compartment is sized to receive a beer keg;
a pressurized fluid supply line extends through said first compartment for supplying a pressurizing fluid to said beer keg;
a conduit is provided for connection between said cooling coil inlet and said beer keg.
said first compartment is sized to receive a beer keg;
a pressurized fluid supply line extends through said first compartment for supplying a pressurizing fluid to said beer keg;
a conduit is provided for connection between said cooling coil inlet and said beer keg.
4. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 3 wherein:
said body has thermally insulated outer walls.
said body has thermally insulated outer walls.
5. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 4 wherein:
said second compartment has a lid at a top thereof for receiving said ice and, said second compartment has an outlet at a bottom thereof for draining melt therefrom.
said second compartment has a lid at a top thereof for receiving said ice and, said second compartment has an outlet at a bottom thereof for draining melt therefrom.
6. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 5 wherein:
said body is mounted on a base platform having wheels to facilitate movement of said container.
said body is mounted on a base platform having wheels to facilitate movement of said container.
7. A refrigerating container in claim 6 wherein:
said body is generally cylindrical and is proportioned to resemble the shape of a beer can.
said body is generally cylindrical and is proportioned to resemble the shape of a beer can.
8. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 5 wherein:
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
9. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 6 wherein:
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
10. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 7 wherein:
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
11. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 5 wherein:
said thermally insulated outer walls include an interior face spaced apart from an exterior face with an air gap therebetween.
said thermally insulated outer walls include an interior face spaced apart from an exterior face with an air gap therebetween.
12. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 11 wherein:
said interior face and said exterior face are made from sheet metal.
said interior face and said exterior face are made from sheet metal.
13. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 12 wherein:
said sheet metal is stainless steel.
said sheet metal is stainless steel.
14. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 11 wherein:
said spigot is mounted to a top of said body above said first compartment;
and, a drip tray is mounted beneath said spigot for receiving spilt beverage.
said spigot is mounted to a top of said body above said first compartment;
and, a drip tray is mounted beneath said spigot for receiving spilt beverage.
15. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 14 wherein:
a spill container is provided within said first compartment;
said drip tray includes a drain outlet;
said drain outlet fluidly communicates with said spill container through a spill conduit.
a spill container is provided within said first compartment;
said drip tray includes a drain outlet;
said drain outlet fluidly communicates with said spill container through a spill conduit.
16. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 15 wherein:
said body has wheels connected thereto to facilitate movement of said container; and;
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
said body has wheels connected thereto to facilitate movement of said container; and;
said first compartment has at least one shelf for storing items to be cooled.
17. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 16 wherein:
said interior and exterior faces of said body are made from sheet metal.
said interior and exterior faces of said body are made from sheet metal.
18. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 17 wherein:
said sheet metal is stainless steel.
said sheet metal is stainless steel.
19. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 1 further having:
two of said beverage cooling coils extending through said second compartment, each said cooling coil having a respective inlet and a respective outlet;
each said respective inlet fluidly communicates with said first compartment and each said respective outlet fluidly communicates with a respective spigot mounted to an outside of said body.
two of said beverage cooling coils extending through said second compartment, each said cooling coil having a respective inlet and a respective outlet;
each said respective inlet fluidly communicates with said first compartment and each said respective outlet fluidly communicates with a respective spigot mounted to an outside of said body.
20. A refrigerating container as claimed in claim 19 wherein:
said first compartment is sized to receive two half size beer kegs;
a pressurized fluid supply line extends through said first compartment for supplying a pressurizing fluid to said beer kegs;
a conduit is provided for connection between each said respective cooling coil inlet and a respective of said beer kegs;
said body has thermally insulated outer walls;
said second compartment has a lid at a top thereof for receiving said ice;
said second compartment has an outlet at a bottom thereof for draining melt therefrom;
said body has wheels connected thereto to facilitate movement of said refrigerating container;
said respective spigots are mounted to a tower extending upwardly from a top of said first compartment;
a drip tray is mounted beneath said respective spigots for receiving spilled beverage;
a spill container is provided within said first compartment;
said drip tray includes a drain outlet; and, said drain outlet fluidly communicates with said spill container through a spill conduit.
said first compartment is sized to receive two half size beer kegs;
a pressurized fluid supply line extends through said first compartment for supplying a pressurizing fluid to said beer kegs;
a conduit is provided for connection between each said respective cooling coil inlet and a respective of said beer kegs;
said body has thermally insulated outer walls;
said second compartment has a lid at a top thereof for receiving said ice;
said second compartment has an outlet at a bottom thereof for draining melt therefrom;
said body has wheels connected thereto to facilitate movement of said refrigerating container;
said respective spigots are mounted to a tower extending upwardly from a top of said first compartment;
a drip tray is mounted beneath said respective spigots for receiving spilled beverage;
a spill container is provided within said first compartment;
said drip tray includes a drain outlet; and, said drain outlet fluidly communicates with said spill container through a spill conduit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2305007 CA2305007A1 (en) | 2000-04-11 | 2000-04-11 | Refrigerator and beverage cooler |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2305007 CA2305007A1 (en) | 2000-04-11 | 2000-04-11 | Refrigerator and beverage cooler |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2305007A1 true CA2305007A1 (en) | 2001-10-11 |
Family
ID=4165860
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2305007 Abandoned CA2305007A1 (en) | 2000-04-11 | 2000-04-11 | Refrigerator and beverage cooler |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2305007A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20150135763A1 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-05-21 | Pivot Capital Llc | Naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin |
| EP2164797B1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2019-07-03 | Heineken Supply Chain B.V. | Tapping device, connecting device for a beverage container and cooling device for such a connecting device |
| US10443255B1 (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2019-10-15 | Pivot Capital, Llc | Modular store system |
-
2000
- 2000-04-11 CA CA 2305007 patent/CA2305007A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2164797B1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2019-07-03 | Heineken Supply Chain B.V. | Tapping device, connecting device for a beverage container and cooling device for such a connecting device |
| US20150135763A1 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-05-21 | Pivot Capital Llc | Naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin |
| US10443255B1 (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2019-10-15 | Pivot Capital, Llc | Modular store system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |