EP1985951A1 - Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Kühlen von Getränken - Google Patents

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Kühlen von Getränken Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1985951A1
EP1985951A1 EP07008636A EP07008636A EP1985951A1 EP 1985951 A1 EP1985951 A1 EP 1985951A1 EP 07008636 A EP07008636 A EP 07008636A EP 07008636 A EP07008636 A EP 07008636A EP 1985951 A1 EP1985951 A1 EP 1985951A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
food
cooling
beverage
cooling units
user
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07008636A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pamela Finley Cushnie
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PFC Products LLC
Original Assignee
PFC Products LLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PFC Products LLC filed Critical PFC Products LLC
Priority to EP07008636A priority Critical patent/EP1985951A1/de
Publication of EP1985951A1 publication Critical patent/EP1985951A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • F25D3/08—Movable containers portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
    • 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
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/083—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid using cold storage material disposed in closed wall forming part of a container for products to be cooled
    • F25D2303/0831—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid using cold storage material disposed in closed wall forming part of a container for products to be cooled the liquid is disposed in the space between the walls of the container
    • 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
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
    • F25D2303/0842—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled inside the beverage contained in a bottle, can, drinking glass, pitcher or dispenser
    • 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
    • F25D2331/808—Glasses

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling a hot food or beverage.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling a hot beverage or a hot liquid, semi-liquid or solid food product.
  • beverages may be dispensed at temperatures (e.g., 180 Fahrenheit, F. / 82,22 °C) that are unsafe to consume.
  • temperatures e.g., 180 Fahrenheit, F. / 82,22 °C
  • Microwave ovens are frequently used by children without adult supervision, and applicant's invention is a way to mitigate a problem associated with this practice. Children are often unaware of the dangers of food being too hot, and are less able to find ways to cool food.
  • Some retail establishments provide ice cubes to cool the hot beverages they sell, causing a dilution of the beverage, and providing the user with no ability to control the amount of cooling. Once the ice cube is in a beverage, it cannot easily be retrieved. If the beverage is allowed to cool at ambient room temperature, time is wasted and the other elements of the meal may become too cool.
  • the refrigerating apparatus is a chamber into which materials to be frozen are placed.
  • Large cooling units are pre-cooled and then also placed in the chamber.
  • the cooling units are made of standard steel tubing and plugged with threaded caps. This material and application preclude use inside a single beverage container, and the cooling units are not meant to come into contact with a food or beverage.
  • This invention is limited in that it does not allow the user to cool a small quantity of a beverage in a normal home or commercial environment.
  • the disclosed large steel units are not very portable, are not useable by children and are not food safe.
  • U.S. Patent No. 1,944,726 discloses a cooling unit.
  • This invention is limited in that the sealed member is made of corrugated metal which is probably not food safe in acidic foods or beverages.
  • the disclosed fluted or corrugated surface is not easily cleaned of food adhering to it. Thus, a child may not be able to thoroughly clean the surface before re- freezing the unit, causing even more food or beverage to adhere to the unit the next time it is used.
  • An assembly comprising a plurality of cooling units is not disclosed. Because the cooling unit is metallic, the user is not able to put the unit (with the coolant material removed) into a microwave oven for sterilization or cleaning.
  • Poux in U.S. Patent No. 2,602,302 discloses a combination ice and hot pack. This invention is limited in that the device is supposed to be applied to the exterior of a human body part, and is not configured for submersion into food stuffs or beverages. Moreover, the disclosed plurality of the independent compartments is provided so that the compartments can collectively be applied to the outside of a body part or surface. The material is designed to allow flexibility of the joined units and is not meant to be submerged into a consumable beverage. The structure of the device does not allow its use for cooling of a beverage.
  • thermodynamic container discloses a thermodynamic container. This invention is limited in that, once the beverage is placed in the disclosed container, there is no user control over the cooling process. The beverage must then be poured from the cooling container into another container in order to stop the cooling process.
  • the problems of lack of user convenience, multiple containers being dirtied by the transfer from container to container, and lack of control over the cooling process have not been solved.
  • the cooling material of choice is disclosed as bees wax, contained by another material providing an outer surface. Modern refrigeration may not be able to adequately freeze the beeswax without cracking the surface material, creating a contact that is not food safe. Moreover, there is no provision made for deploying a plurality of cooling units.
  • the two very small plugs could become misplaced, and even lost in the beverage, causing a safety hazard to the user.
  • the length and diameter of the stirrer are limited by virtue of its use as a straw. A larger diameter would allow more coolant to be used, but would also make the straw concept impractical and difficult to use, since the user would not be able to easily draw the beverage through a large diameter straw.
  • the disclosed invention does not solve the problem of providing a plurality of devices, in case the user would want to employ another application for cooling the beverage or food material, nor is there a provision made in the design to permit efficient collection of said devices.
  • the plugs necessary for the safe use of this device could be lost and allow leaking of the coolant material into the user's food or beverage.
  • Edwards in U.S. Patent No. 4,324,111 discloses a freezing gel containment structure and method. This invention is limited in that the disclosed freezing gel tubes are attached and oriented parallel to each other. There is no provision made for use of a single tube, and use of one or more additional tubes, if needed. The user is not able to pre-select or modify the number of cooling units to employ.
  • the tubes and coolant material are designed for use around the outside of the food material, not for immersing (total submergence) in the food or beverage.
  • the device is designed to provide long-term cooling, not just a reduction of temperature to meet the user's need.
  • the Edwards invention is not designed to lower the temperature of the food or beverage from hot to warm, but rather only to attempt to create a cold food material.
  • Nakashima et al. in U.S. Patent No. 4,908,248 disclose a cooling device that can be attached to any body part or to an object such as a beer bottle. This invention is limited in that it is neither intended nor designed to be placed inside a single-portion container for cooling a beverage. It has a further limitation in that it must be attached to the outside of the object to be cooled.
  • Henry in U.S. Patent No. 4,913,333 discloses a thermal packaging assembly.
  • This invention is limited in that the cooling unit is designed to be packed around items, not inserted into a container containing a food or beverage.
  • This invention was not meant to cool a food quickly and then be removed. It is meant to cool over a long period of time, thereby making this invention inefficient for quick, short-term cooling of a beverage.
  • This invention provides a large amount of air space around each capsule when packed. It was not meant to be submerged in an open beverage container and then removed by the user. The excessive cushioning around each cooling capsule would not be practical for insertion into a beverage, as it would displace the beverage in the container.
  • Snyder in U.S. Patent No. 4,981,022 discloses a refrigerated bicycle beverage carrier.
  • This invention is limited in that it requires that the user purchase the entire bottle/cooler system.
  • the entire bottle/cooler system must be placed in a freezer in order to make the coolant portion useful, not solving the problem of space efficiency.
  • This device limits the user's ability to cool a beverage or food material to that quantity of food or beverage that can be contained by the disclosed container.
  • the user cannot cool food and beverage quantities greater than permitted by the disclosed container size.
  • the user has no control over the amount and duration of coding, because the food material must be either left in the disclosed container, or removed to another container to stop the cooling process.
  • This device does not solve the problem of the user who wants to employ more than one cooling unit for cooling the beverage or food material, nor is there a provision made in the design to permit efficient collection of said cooling units. Any breakage of the plastic tube and welded areas would necessitate no longer being able to use the entire cooler system.
  • This device does not solve the problem of the user who wants to employ more than one cooling unit for cooling the beverage or food material, nor is there a provision made in the design to permit efficient collection of said cooling units.
  • This design does not solve the problem of providing a one piece unit, without separate parts that could be lost or allow the coolant material to leak into the user's food or beverage.
  • the size of the fins limits the food container choice, and could present problems if forced into an opening too small for the design. Thus, application of any force would cause the contained beverage to splash out of the container.
  • This invention is not designed to be used with any food materials with greater thickness or consistency than liquid foods. It does not solve the problem of how to cool stews or similar thick food materials.
  • This device does not solve the problem of the user who wants to employ more than one cooling unit for cooling the beverage or food material, nor is there a provision made in the design to permit efficient collection of said cooling units.
  • McCoy in U.S. Patent No. 5,456,090 discloses a baby bottle ice.
  • This invention is limited in that it is meant to be left in the bottle through the elaborate use of O-rings, held in place by a base rim.
  • This invention does not easily permit multiple cooling uses, as the entire device must be removed, O-rings removed, and the base rim removed before another use.
  • This device must be left in place, within the special bottle, while the beverage is consumed, not giving the user any control over the amount of cooling and length of cooling time.
  • This device is intended to maintain the cool temperature over a long period of time, not just for a short-term application.
  • This device does not solve the problem of cooling the contents of a variety of containers and sizes, since the device is dependent on the base collar and insert fitting only a corresponding bottle opening and depth.
  • this device does not solve the problem of the user who wants to employ more than one cooling unit for cooling the beverage or food material, nor is there a provision made in the design to permit efficient collection of said cooling units.
  • Roth et al. in U.S. Patent No. 6,494,056 disclose a method and system for cooling beverages already contained in a bottle, with a self-matching mouth/lid/collar.
  • This invention is limited in that the material contained in the thermal energy-storage member is not water, and it is unclear whether the contents are food safe if leakage should occur.
  • the disclosed apparatus cannot be used with other user-provided containers.
  • This device does not solve the problem of the user who wants to employ more than one cooling unit for cooling the beverage or food material, nor is there a provision made in the design to permit efficient collection of said cooling units.
  • the threaded cap does not solve the problem of providing a one piece unit, without separate parts that could be lost or allow leaking of the coolant material into the user's food or beverage.
  • the purpose of the invention is to mitigate the problem of an overly hot food or beverage product (e.g., coffee, soup, stew, water) burning the mouth of a consumer.
  • food or beverage means any liquid, semi-liquid or solid item that consumable by a human.
  • An advantage of the invention is that allows the user to easily, quickly, and repeatedly cool a food or beverage to a temperature at which the food or beverage is safe to consume.
  • Yet another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to be extremely space efficient, with no unneeded air space, cushioning, sawdust, padding, or absorbent materials necessary for optimal functioning.
  • Another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to be capable of withstanding a wide range or temperatures and to be microwave safe.
  • Yet another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to eliminate the need for the user to transfer the food or beverage from a cooling container to yet another container for consumption. By immersing or inserting or submerging the cooling unit of preferred embodiments of the invention into a food or beverage container, the cooling unit is in direct contact with the food or beverage material to be cooled.
  • preferred embodiments of the invention solve the problem of first having to cool the food container before the contents of the food container can be cooled.
  • preferred embodiments of the invention are more energy efficient and time efficient. Another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to eliminate the requirement for additional parts that must be located, maintained, purchased and employed, such as O-rings, base collars, plugs, fins, cooling boxes, chains, tubes, and thermometers in order to make it useful.
  • Yet another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to be useable with a wide variety of foods and beverages, from liquids to semi-solids and even solids. It solves the problem presented by other inventions that necessitate their use only with liquids. Another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is that there is no requirement that it be left in the beverage or food container after cooling has occurred. Preferred embodiments of the invention are easily removed from the container before the food or beverage is ingested, providing the user with less weight to move each time the user needs to move the food container. This solves the problem of the user having to lift the cooling device every time the user wants to use the food container.
  • Another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is that maintenance of a certain (pre-selected) temperature is not required, so it is not limiting to a user who wishes to continue application of a cooling unit to the food container. Once the optimum temperature is reached, the cooling unit may be removed.
  • the cooling unit does not have be fluted, corrugated, threaded, plugged or have a porous surfaces. Food particles tend to stick to surfaces that are not smooth, creating problems in cleaning and maintaining background art devices so they do not become a health hazard.
  • Another object of the invention is that a large quantity of food or beverage does not have to be cooled in order to make the device cost-effective. Barrels of beverages are not required for preferred embodiments of the invention to be used effectively.
  • a further object of the invention is to avoid the requirement for a large cooling apparatus in order to be effective. Large metal tubes or bags of coolant are not necessary in order for preferred embodiments of the invention to be useful. Preferred embodiments of the invention are designed to be used on a single-portion food or beverage unit.
  • Another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide means for a plurality of cooling units to be collected and easily maintained. This allows other cooling units to be conveniently and immediately available for a second application. Yet another object of the invention is to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the device by the user. Another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide portability. Even young children and elderly persons are able to use the device, both at home and away from home. It is neither heavy, as some other inventions are, nor bulky with additional air-space, padding, refrigeration boxes and cushioning. Preferably, there is no glass, mercury, metal, or thermometer, as with other inventions, to pose a safety hazard.
  • Another object of preferred embodiments of the invention is to give the user control over the cooling process by allowing the user to visually determine how far the user wants to insert the cooling device into the food or beverage container.
  • the device may be configured to give the user a visual means for determining whether the coolant material in the cooling unit is in a frozen or liquid state.
  • the user has the ability to choose which cooling unit of a plurality of cooling units the user wants to use or freeze, depending on need.
  • at least a portion of the device e.g., the collecting device
  • the invention is an apparatus and method for cooling foods and beverages.
  • the invention is an apparatus that comprises one or more cooling units, with each cooling unit comprising a coolant material in a cooling material container or "body".
  • the coolant material is permanently held in each cooling material container, which is preferably sealed at both ends.
  • the shape of the cooling material container may be tubular (e.g., a tube) or another shape.
  • the cooling units are preferably capable of being frozen and then individually or collectively put into a hot food or beverage in hot food or beverage container. After a cooling unit has absorbed heat from the food or beverage, it serves as a thermal energy storage device.
  • the cooling unit can absorb heat from external environments, so each device is capable of reducing the temperature of a food or beverage, and use of several cooling units simultaneously can produce quicker cooling.
  • the material of the cooling unit container is food safe, able to be repeatedly frozen and heated without leaking, of adequate size and shape to fit into background art food and beverage containers, and is easily cleanable.
  • the invention is comprised of one or more cooling units and a cooling unit collector.
  • the cooling unit collector holds a plurality of cooling units in either a fixed or movable relationship with one another.
  • the invention mitigates the possibility of accidental scalding of body parts because it offers a means for cooling a food or beverage to a more reasonable temperature.
  • the present invention is directed to devices and methods for enhancing the quality of consumable beverages and semi-liquid foods and, more specifically, to a system for use with a consumable food product and a method of providing a cooler temperature of the food before consumption.
  • the applicants' discovery is useful because it is able to meet individual consumer needs for food and beverage temperature reduction, is reusable, and can be safely used by children.
  • there is nothing breakable, and no unsafe ingredients are used in the coolant material.
  • the shape of the cooling unit fits a multitude of containers and is easily cleaned, ready for freezing and re-use.
  • the invention enables children to easily and independently cool their food so as to prevent scalding of their mouths and tongues.
  • the invention is better than ice cubes because it does not dilute the food product.
  • the invention allows the consumer to choose the number of cooling units to use in order to achieve the desired reduction in temperature.
  • the invention has no unsafe coolant ingredients, so the coolant material may be water or any other safe coolant material, either liquid, semi-liquid, or a solid,
  • the coolant material is preferably frozen before use, using readily-available freezing equipment found in most homes and restaurants. Cleaning the device after contact with food is performed easily and quickly.
  • the invention has no moving parts, other than those required to allow the user to choose the number of cooling units (thermal energy storage units) to use with each application.
  • the body is fully made of a food-safe material and substantially fully immersible in the food or beverage container.
  • the body is tubular shaped, preferably elongated, with a cavity having a substantially constant cross section, preferably chosen from rectangular-shaped, biconvex-shaped or circular-shaped cross section.
  • At least one cooling unit is (are) provided with handling means, such as a tabular handle, whose dimensions are preferably chosen so as to enable the user to grip said handle e.g. by pinching it with his thumb and index finger.
  • handling means may help the user detaching the unit from the collecting device, and/or driving said unit into food stuff, and/or easily taking it away when sufficient cooling is achieved.
  • the body is at least partially transparent so as to make the coolant material visible from the user, especially to help the user to check whether said coolant material is in frozen or thawed condition.
  • the coolant material is a freezable substance, whose melting point is preferably comprised between -20°C and +10°C, and more preferably comprised between -5°C and +5°C.
  • the body is preferably fabricated of a plastic material, said plastic material being elastic and maintaining at least some of its elasticity at the temperature at which said coolant material freezes.
  • the coolant material is food-safe, and more preferably that said coolant material is water.
  • At least one, preferably each, cooling unit includes a first piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material, a second piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material that is bonded to said first piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material so as to create a single cavity and a tabular handle.
  • cooling units made of disposable materials are cost-effective.
  • the cooling units can be made of a biodegradable polymer.
  • the cavity is preferably permanently sealed so as to permanently hold the coolant material in the body.
  • cooling units can also be provided with removable caps enabling the user to access to the cavity in order to add or remove coolant material in said cavity.
  • the collection device may comprise a band or ring and each of the cooling units has an aperture through which the band or ring is passable, whereby said cooling units are collectable on said collection device, either side-by-side or spaced apart.
  • the cooling units are freely moving on the collection device, along the ring, and more preferably moveable with respect to each other.
  • cooling units can be either definitively captive from the collection device, or connected to said collection device in a releasable, preferably reversible, manner so as to be at least detachable from said collection device, and, in a preferred embodiment, both detachable from and attachable to said collection device alternatively.
  • the ring of the collection device may be openable so as to enable the user to attach cooling units to and to detach cooling units from said ring.
  • the collection device comprises a junction, possibly substantially rigid, and at least two cooling units are immovably attached to said junction.
  • said junction has four sides to which four cooling units 12 are attached respectively. More preferably, said junction is substantially cross-shaped, with one tube fixed at each end of said cross, with a total of four tubes in all.
  • the invention is an apparatus for cooling a food or beverage in a single-portion food or beverage container comprising: a collection device comprising a substantially circular ring (or band) having a permanently closed joint; and a plurality of cooling units, each of said cooling units comprising a top (which may or may not be constructed of a clear plastic) having a hole by which it is attached (e.g., the ring passes through the hole) to said ring and a threaded male portion, each of said cooling units further comprising a transparent tubular container (e.g., being constructed of a clear plastic) having an exterior, a part of said tubular container containing a cavity, said cavity having a substantially constant cross section and a threaded female portion that is attachable to said male portion and said cavity being at least partially fillable with a freezable coolant material (e.g., water) that is visible from the exterior of said tubular container, said tubular container and said coolant material being food safe (e.g., being approved by the U
  • the invention is an apparatus for cooling a food or beverage in a single-portion food or beverage container comprising: a collection device; and a plurality of cooling units, each of said cooling units having a hole by which it is attached to said collection device, each of said cooling units comprising a tubular container, a part of said tubular container containing a cavity, said cavity having a substantially constant cross section and said cavity being at least partially filled with a freezable coolant material, said tubular container and said coolant material being food safe and said part being immersible in the food or beverage in the single-portion food or beverage container.
  • the collection device comprises a band or ring and each of the cooling units has an aperture through which the band or ring passes, whereby said cooling units are collectable on said collection device, either side-by-side or spaced apart.
  • said tubular container is fabricated of a plastic material, said plastic material being elastic and maintaining at least some of its elasticity at the temperature at which said coolant freezes.
  • each cooling unit is removable from said collection device. More preferably, the coolant material is water.
  • the invention is a process for cooling a beverage comprising: placing an apparatus disclosed herein in a freezer until the coolant material is frozen; removing the apparatus from the freezer; and completely submerging or immersing at least a portion of at least one of the cooling units, more particularly said part of tubular container containing said cavity, in a food or beverage, especially in a single-portion food or beverage container, thereby causing the temperature of the food or beverage to decrease.
  • the invention is an apparatus for cooling a hot food or beverage, the apparatus comprising: a cooling unit comprising a first piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material; a second piece of waterproof paper or other disposable material that is bonded to said first piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material so as to create a preferably single cavity and a tabular handle; and a volume of water at least partially filling said single cavity.
  • a cooling unit comprising a first piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material; a second piece of waterproof paper or other disposable material that is bonded to said first piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material so as to create a preferably single cavity and a tabular handle; and a volume of water at least partially filling said single cavity.
  • both portions are part of a single piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material.
  • each portion is a separate piece of waterproof paper or another disposable material.
  • the invention is an apparatus for cooling a hot food or beverage, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of the cooling units disclosed herein; and a collection device upon which cooling units are collected.
  • the collection device comprises a band or ring and each of the cooling units has an aperture through which the band or ring passes, whereby said cooling units are collectable on said collection device, close together or spaced apart.
  • the invention is an apparatus for cooling a food or beverage in a single-portion food or beverage container comprising: a collection device comprising a junction; and at least two cooling units immovably attached to said junction, each of said cooling units comprising a container, a part of said container containing a cavity that is at least partially filled with a freezable coolant material, said container and said coolant material being food safe and said end being immersible in the food or beverage in the single-unit (single-portion) food or beverage container.
  • the junction has four sides and one of four cooling units is immovably attached to each side of said junction.
  • the invention is an apparatus for cooling liquid, semi-liquid or solid food for a user, the apparatus comprising: a collection device comprising an openable ring; and a plurality of cooling units, each of said cooling units comprising an easily-cleanable tubular container permanently containing a coolant material and each of said cooling units being attachable and detachable to said ring by the user, and said coolant material being visible to the user.
  • the collection device comprises a circular or non-circular band and each of the cooling units has an aperture through which the band is passable.
  • the coolant material is a freezable substance. More preferably, the coolant material is water.
  • the invention preferably associates a plurality of food-safe cooling units with a collection device, thus providing a device that enables the user to adapt on demand the cooling process by freely and easily selecting the amount of coolant needed, either simultaneously or gradually.
  • the invention further relates to a process for cooling a food stuff or beverage which comprises:
  • step (b) of placing said apparatus in a freezer is preferably held until the coolant material freezes.
  • said process may comprise a selecting step (e), during which the user selects an suitable number of cooling units to introduce in the food or beverage product, depending on the temperature of said food or beverage product. Said step (e) preferably takes place prior to step (d) of submerging.
  • beverage cooling apparatus 10 comprises a single cooling unit 12.
  • cooling unit 12 comprises a body or tube 14 having a cavity 16 in lower part 42 that is at least partially filled with coolant material 18.
  • Body or tube 14 may have a variety of cross sections, including substantially rectangular-shaped, square-shaped, biconvex-shaped or circular-shaped cross section, as those illustrated in Figs. 2-4 .
  • Cavity 16 may be completely filled with coolant material 18 or it may be partially filled with coolant material 18 leaving air space 19.
  • beverage cooling apparatus 10 comprises a single cooling unit 12.
  • cooling unit 12 comprises a transparent body or tube 14 having a single cavity 16 in lower part 42 that is at least partially filled with coolant material 18.
  • part 42 is completely submersible (immersible) in a food or beverage in a single-unit food or beverage container.
  • body 14 is made of a plastic material and coolant material 18 is water.
  • both body 14 and coolant material 18 are food safe, e.g., they are approved for exposure to and use with food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • tube 14 is about three inches ( 76,2 mm) long, but may be eight inches (203,2 mm) long or longer.
  • tube 14 is about one half inch (12, 5 mm) in diameter, but may be one inch (25,4 mm) in diameter or more.
  • Body 14 may be tubular in shape or a shape other than tubular (e.g., prismatic or tabular).
  • body 14 is provided with a trade name or logo on its exterior surface or interior surface (the surface that forms cavity 16).
  • body 14 is provided with hole or aperture 26.
  • coolant material 18 is sealed in cavity 16 during manufacture of tube 14.
  • tube 14 could be manufactured by injection molding two halves that are fastened together by welding or adhering.
  • blow molding technology could be used to manufacture tube 14 in one piece.
  • port 20 is provided in end 22 through which coolant material 18 is introduced into cavity 16 before port 20 is permanently sealed.
  • opening 23 is provided with removable cap 24 that can be removed by the user (e.g., by unscrewing or unsnapping) to allow the user to place coolant material 18 into cavity 16.
  • Removable cap 24 is sufficiently large so as to not create a choking hazard should it become separated from tube 14.
  • coolant material 18 is water
  • cavity 16 is not completely filled with water to allow the water to expand during freezing.
  • body 14 is constructed of a plastic that is capable of expanding when the water freezes.
  • thermoplastic or thermoset plastic from which to construct body 14.
  • cooling unit 12 constructed of rubber-like substances and having cavities that are filled with water are less likely to fracture when the water is frozen.
  • the plastic material from which cooling unit 12 is constructed is elastic (rubber-like) and maintains at least some of its elasticity at the temperature at which coolant material freezes.
  • plastic materials include elastomers.
  • a disposable version of body 14 is made of a waterproof or water-resistant paper.
  • body 14 is fabricated by bonding edges 38 of one or two preferably rectangular pieces of waterproof paper together with an adhesive.
  • Coolant material 18 is introduced into cavity 16 formed between the two pieces of paper.
  • tabular handle 40 is provided at top 32 of body 14.
  • cooling unit 12 is disposable.
  • other conventional or unforeseen disposable material e.g., a plastic film or sheet
  • beverage cooling apparatus 10 comprises two cooling units 12 that are attached to collection device 30.
  • collection device 30 is a tabular piece of plastic to which the cooling units are permanently and immovably attached at their tops 32.
  • the cooling units are removably attached (e.g., screwed into) to collection device 30. Applicant envisions that a variety of finishes could be used at top 32, allowing collection device 30 to be joined to a plurality of tubes 12, creating a collection of cooling units 12 that are movable or unmovable with respect to collection device 30.
  • Junction 30 may be of a variety of shapes to permit a plurality of cooling units 12 to be collected over a period of time, with the amount of cooling units and the duration of the collection to be determined by user.
  • the design of collection device 30 may or may not permit the user to add or remove single cooling units 12.
  • Yet another preferred embodiment of the collection device would be to provide plastic junction 30 connecting optimally four cooling units 12 in the fixed form of a cross or plus sign, wherein the cooling units are not meant to be added, moved, or removed from the plastic junction to which they are fixed.
  • Any of the collection devices 30 may be engraved or otherwise be marked with a trade name, logo, etc. that is visible on one or more of the surfaces of collection device 30.
  • the junction 30 is substantially flat and elongated so as to provide the cooling units with handling means.
  • the junction is made in one piece with one or more cooling units.
  • said junction 30 may be divisible, therefore comprising dividing means (31), such as one or more pre-cut breaking lines, so that the user can easily break said junction by bending or tearing it, thus releasing one or more cooling units from the collection device.
  • dividing means such as one or more pre-cut breaking lines, so that the user can easily break said junction by bending or tearing it, thus releasing one or more cooling units from the collection device.
  • the junction can be advantageously divided into sub-portions, each constituting a handle associated to a single cooling unit.
  • collection device 30 comprises ring or band 34.
  • the cross section of ring 34 is about one quarter inch (6, 35 mm) in diameter, constructed of plastic and manufactured by injection molding.
  • Ring 34 which may be circular or another shape, is preferably about three inches (76,2 mm) in overall average diameter.
  • ring 34 has joint 36 to allow a plurality of cooling units 12 to be collected on it by passing ring 34 through hole or aperture 26. Joint 36 may or may not be permanently closed after the cooling units are collected on ring 34.
  • joint 36 is openable to permit the user to open the two ends of ring to allow adding or removing of a cooling unit.
  • joint 36 is openable to permit the user to open the two ends of ring to allow adding or removing of a cooling unit.
  • collection device 30 is configured to allow it to be inserted into aperture 26 at top 32 of one or more cooling units 12 and permit smooth movement of the one or more cooling units 12 along collection device 30.
  • joint 36 is openable to permit the user to open the two ends of ring to allow adding or removing of a cooling unit.
  • other conventional or unanticipated joining means are incorporated into collection device 30.
  • cooling unit 12 is shown hanging from collection device 30.
  • Beverage cooling device 10 is preferably operated by first refrigerating device 10 in a freezer until coolant material 18 freezes.
  • device 10 is then removed from the freezer and one or more cooling units 12 are placed in a hot food or beverage.
  • device 10 does not have to be taken apart in any way in order for one or more cooling units 12 to be inserted into a food container.
  • the one or more cooling units 12 are preferably removed from the hot food or beverage when the temperature of the food or beverage is reduced to an acceptable temperature.
  • Device 10 is preferably manufactured using injection molding technology in a sanitary facility.
  • the material of construction of body 14 is a food safe, boiling safe and freezer safe plastic.
  • Cavity 16 is preferably at least partially filled with sterile water, and sealed at the factory, with aperture 26 created in the manufacturing process.
  • the amount of coolant material 18 introduced into cavity 16 and the size of cooling units 12 is preferably relatively precise, for optimal temperature reduction ability and user convenience.
  • cooling units 12 are attached to collection device 30 at the factory, because collection device 30 is a single ring of plastic having a closed joint, so as to prevent the accidental separation of cooling units from the collection device.
  • beverage cooling device is packaged in a user-friendly, see-through wrap, ready for purchase. The devices could be bulk wrapped for use in commercial venues.
  • the user unwraps the device and, following the directions on the package, washes the entire device in warm soapy water, rinses it, and places it in a freezer. After an appropriate freezing time, the device is ready for use.
  • the user When the user wished to consume a food or beverage product that is, in the user's estimation, too hot to comfortably or safely consume, the user removes the device from the freezer, selects an appropriate number of units to cool the food product, and inserts the units into a container containing the food product (the container, e.g., a mug, cup, bowl or plate, for the food or beverage being supplied by the user.
  • the container e.g., a mug, cup, bowl or plate
  • a beverage cooling device containing about fifteen cubic centimeters (cc) of frozen water will cool a cup of liquid about fifteen degrees Fahrenheit (8,33 °C) within about thirty seconds of total immersion of the device in the liquid.
  • the tubular cooling units are either transparent enough to reveal that the coolant material has frozen/thawed, enabling the consumer to accurately choose the most appropriate/frozen cooling unit(s) for use.
  • the tubular cooling units are fabricated of a material that is soft enough to not break the food container as it is correctly inserted, moved through the beverage and Withdrawn.
  • the tubular cooling units are a color that is pleasant to the user's sense of aesthetics.
  • the packaging for the device and/or the device itself preferably contains a caution to dispose of any cooling unit that exhibits evidence of leakage or distress.
  • Background art coolant devices are not meant to be used in a variety of home containers, and have not been proven safe for high-temperature exposure, because they are used for lowering room-temperature beverages to a more drinkable, desirable temperature. Background art devices are not designed to rectify a situation where a food or beverage has been heated to an unusable temperature.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
EP07008636A 2007-04-27 2007-04-27 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Kühlen von Getränken Withdrawn EP1985951A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07008636A EP1985951A1 (de) 2007-04-27 2007-04-27 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Kühlen von Getränken

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07008636A EP1985951A1 (de) 2007-04-27 2007-04-27 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Kühlen von Getränken

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EP1985951A1 true EP1985951A1 (de) 2008-10-29

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD715143S1 (en) 2013-04-24 2014-10-14 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Chill rod
US9021825B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2015-05-05 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Apparatus for maintaining the temperature of a fluid
US9713798B2 (en) 2013-01-04 2017-07-25 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Apparatus for regulating a temperature of a fluid in a container, and aerating and dispensing the fluid
US9802806B2 (en) 2013-01-04 2017-10-31 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Apparatus for dispensing a fluid from a container and regulating a temperature thereof

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US1944726A (en) * 1932-03-18 1934-01-23 Aiken James Cooling device
US2462757A (en) * 1946-05-10 1949-02-22 Loycz Julius Combined mixer and cooler for drinks
US2468661A (en) * 1947-10-11 1949-04-26 Gilley Inc Pitcher with tube for holding coolants
US2591375A (en) * 1948-03-29 1952-04-01 Radford Henry Cooling device for drinks, soups, or the like
US2602302A (en) * 1947-06-13 1952-07-08 Noel J Poux Combination ice and hot pack
US2876634A (en) * 1954-12-08 1959-03-10 Hale G Zimmerman Thermodynamic container
US4134494A (en) * 1977-01-31 1979-01-16 Wong Woon Tong Combination straw and stirrer
US4324111A (en) * 1980-06-19 1982-04-13 Jerry B. Gallant Freezing gel containment structure and method
US4981022A (en) * 1989-09-08 1991-01-01 American Cycle Industries, Inc. Refrigerated bicycle beverage carrier
US5009083A (en) * 1989-12-06 1991-04-23 Spinos Frank T Beverage cooler
US5129238A (en) * 1990-11-30 1992-07-14 Schwartz James A Soft drink container cooler
US5235823A (en) * 1992-10-09 1993-08-17 Coker William F Cooling device
US5357761A (en) * 1993-10-01 1994-10-25 Schauer Curtis S Universal thermal insert for beverage containers
US5456090A (en) * 1994-07-20 1995-10-10 Mccoy; Mark Baby bottle ice
WO2002085714A2 (de) * 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Eisvogel Nutzeis Gmbh Flasche, insbesondere getränkeflasche
US20030196448A1 (en) * 2002-04-23 2003-10-23 Hank Roth Method and system for use with a consumable beverage
EP1450118A2 (de) * 2003-02-24 2004-08-25 Karl Schorer Kühlvorrichtung für Flüssigkeiten in Behältern
US20050210911A1 (en) * 2004-03-29 2005-09-29 Christian Matthias Dyrbye Cooling device
US7293427B1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2007-11-13 Cushnie Pamela F Beverage cooling apparatus and method

Patent Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1944726A (en) * 1932-03-18 1934-01-23 Aiken James Cooling device
US2462757A (en) * 1946-05-10 1949-02-22 Loycz Julius Combined mixer and cooler for drinks
US2602302A (en) * 1947-06-13 1952-07-08 Noel J Poux Combination ice and hot pack
US2468661A (en) * 1947-10-11 1949-04-26 Gilley Inc Pitcher with tube for holding coolants
US2591375A (en) * 1948-03-29 1952-04-01 Radford Henry Cooling device for drinks, soups, or the like
US2876634A (en) * 1954-12-08 1959-03-10 Hale G Zimmerman Thermodynamic container
US4134494A (en) * 1977-01-31 1979-01-16 Wong Woon Tong Combination straw and stirrer
US4324111A (en) * 1980-06-19 1982-04-13 Jerry B. Gallant Freezing gel containment structure and method
US4981022A (en) * 1989-09-08 1991-01-01 American Cycle Industries, Inc. Refrigerated bicycle beverage carrier
US5009083A (en) * 1989-12-06 1991-04-23 Spinos Frank T Beverage cooler
US5129238A (en) * 1990-11-30 1992-07-14 Schwartz James A Soft drink container cooler
US5235823A (en) * 1992-10-09 1993-08-17 Coker William F Cooling device
US5357761A (en) * 1993-10-01 1994-10-25 Schauer Curtis S Universal thermal insert for beverage containers
US5456090A (en) * 1994-07-20 1995-10-10 Mccoy; Mark Baby bottle ice
WO2002085714A2 (de) * 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Eisvogel Nutzeis Gmbh Flasche, insbesondere getränkeflasche
US20030196448A1 (en) * 2002-04-23 2003-10-23 Hank Roth Method and system for use with a consumable beverage
EP1450118A2 (de) * 2003-02-24 2004-08-25 Karl Schorer Kühlvorrichtung für Flüssigkeiten in Behältern
US20050210911A1 (en) * 2004-03-29 2005-09-29 Christian Matthias Dyrbye Cooling device
US7293427B1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2007-11-13 Cushnie Pamela F Beverage cooling apparatus and method

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9021825B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2015-05-05 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Apparatus for maintaining the temperature of a fluid
US9713798B2 (en) 2013-01-04 2017-07-25 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Apparatus for regulating a temperature of a fluid in a container, and aerating and dispensing the fluid
US9802806B2 (en) 2013-01-04 2017-10-31 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Apparatus for dispensing a fluid from a container and regulating a temperature thereof
USD715143S1 (en) 2013-04-24 2014-10-14 Hewy Wine Chillers, LLC Chill rod

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