EP2373553A1

EP2373553A1 - A dry ice container system

Info

Publication number: EP2373553A1
Application number: EP10729073A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Victor Yeung
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-06
Filing date: 2010-01-06
Publication date: 2011-10-12
Also published as: CN102272015A; EP2373553A4; CA2752452A1; US20100024441A1; WO2010078652A1

Abstract

In an embodiment of the present invention, a dry ice container system comprises: a dry ice vaporizing device including a container, and an external implement configured to unlock the closed container. The container comprises a vapor permeable surface and is made up of two container portions configured to be closed together so that the container is closable. The vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, and wherein the container is configured, when the container is locked closed, to prevent the release of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

Description

Title: A DRY ICE CONTAINER SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US provisional patent application number 61/204,258, filed Jan 6/2009, to US patent application number 12/386,527 filed Apr 20/2009, and to US patent application number 12/583,676 filed Aug 25/2009 the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to dry ice containers for use in cooling liquids and more particularly dry ice containers for immersion in drinks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates to the field of safe dispensation of dry ice in food applications. Dry ice can be used to create a visual fog effect using fluid. Dry ice can be hazardous and cause injury if handled incorrectly or ingested. Dry ice can cause frostbite and asphyxiation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This application aims to solve safety issues related to the dispensation of dry ice in food applications for creating a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of the server or being accidentally swallowed by the consumer and causing frostbite. It is also designed to increase the rate of consumption of food and beverages by creating greater demand and by creating a perception that a food serving has lost some utility once the visual fog effect is over. This perceived loss of utility might encourage the consumer to order a replacement. [0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dry ice container system comprises: a dry ice vaporizing device including a container, and an external implement configured to unlock the closed container. The container comprises a vapor permeable surface and is made up of two container portions configured to be closed together so that the container is closable. The vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, and wherein the container is configured, when the container is locked closed, to prevent the release of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

[0006] In one aspect, the container comprises a closure feature comprising first and second hook elements. The external implement comprises an unlocking block comprising: an unlocking element, such as a pin, which is configured to engage one of the hook elements and disengage it from the other of the hook elements to thereby unlock the container; and a splitter configured to separate the portions of the container and thereby open the container.

[0007] In one aspect the container has an aperture that permits engagement between the external implement and one of the hook elements to release it from the other of the hook elements. The aperture is preferably axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the container and is centered on the bottom of the container so that the container may be pushed down on a pin on the external implement in any orientation about the longitudinal axis.

[0008] In one aspect, the device further comprises a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container. In one aspect, the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.

[0009] In one aspect, the container is substantially cylindrical and comprises: a first container portion that is a first semi cylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions; a second container portion that is a second semi cylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions, the second semi cylinder connectable to the first semi cylinder so that when the first and second semi cylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder; and a hinge connecting the first and second semi cylinders at ends of the first and second semi cylinders, wherein at least one of the first and second semi cylinders comprises the vapor permeable surface, and wherein the first and second semi cylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge. [0010] In one aspect, the device further comprises a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container, wherein the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of using dry ice comprises: providing a dry ice vaporizing device as described herein; inserting dry ice into the device; closing and locking the closeable entrance; and submerging the device in a fluid.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dry ice vaporizing device comprises: a container comprising a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed; and a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container, wherein the vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, and wherein the container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

[0013] In one aspect, the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through. In one aspect, the container comprises a closure feature comprising a male hook lockable to a female receiver. [0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dry ice vaporizing device comprises: a) a substantially cylindrical container comprising: a first semi cylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions; a second semi cylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions, the second semi cylinder connectable to the first semi cylinder so that when the first and second semi cylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder; and a hinge connecting the first and second semi cylinders - A - at ends of the first and second semi cylinders; wherein at least one of the first and second semi cylinders comprises a vapor permeable surface comprising a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, wherein the first and second semi cylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge, wherein the substantially cylindrical container is configured to be locked closed, and wherein the substantially cylindrical container is configured, when it is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension. [0015] In one aspect, the substantially cylindrical container comprises a closure feature, whereby the second semi cylinder comprises a female receiver and the first semi cylinder comprises a male hook lockable to the female receiver.

[0016] In one aspect, the device further comprises a handle connected to the substantially cylindrical container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the substantially cylindrical container. In one aspect, the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.

[0017] In one aspect, the present invention provides a dry ice container, an entrance to insert the dry ice into the container and a permeable surface wherein during vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

[0018] In one aspect of the invention, the entrance is configured to receive dry ice and securely close. In another aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a lid to close the entrance. In another aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a fastener that functions to ensure the seal of the entrance. In another aspect of the invention, the permeable surface functions to carbonate and cool a fluid outside the container. In another aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a handle that is made of a stick, a chain, a string or a foodstuff. [0019] The present invention also provides a method for dispensing dry ice by providing a dry ice container, inserting dry ice into the container, closing the entrance, and then submerging the dry ice container in a fluid.

[0020] The present invention also provides a dry ice dispensing system, comprising a fluid, a fluid container, a dry ice supply, a dry ice container, and a permeable surface wherein during vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor created by the dry ice inside the container and substantially prevents the dry ice from exiting the container. [0021] In another aspect, the dry ice dispensing system further comprises an automation apparatus configured to insert the dry ice into the container entrance and close the container entrance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment with the entrance open.

[0023] Figure 1 b shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment with the entrance closed.

[0024] Figure 2a shows a schematic view of a dry ice dispensing system with the entrance open.

[0025] Figure 2b shows a schematic view of a dry ice dispensing system with the entrance closed and submerged in a fluid.

[0026] Figure 3a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flap and the entrance open. [0027] Figure 3b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flap and the entrance closed.

[0028] Figure 4a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flexible arm and fastener and with the entrance open.

[0029] Figure 4b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flexible arm and fastener and with the entrance closed. [0030] Figure 5a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with the entrance open.

[0031] Figure 5b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with the entrance pinched closed. [0032] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a cover attached to an axle.

[0033] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a cover attached to a hinge.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional chain.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional tube.

[0036] FigurelOa shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a closure feature and the entrance open. [0037] FigurelOb shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a closure feature and the entrance closed.

[0038] Figurei 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an unlocking block.

[0039] Figure12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement for opening the container.

[0040] Figure13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an unlocking block with pin.

[0041] Figure 14a is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the container with an unlocking block used to open the container. [0042] Figure 14b is a sectional elevation view of the embodiment of the container shown in Figure 14a with the unlocking block opening the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0043] In this specification and in the claims, the use of the article "a",

"an", or "the" in reference to an item is not intended to exclude the possibility of including a plurality of the item in some embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art in at least some instances in this specification and the attached claims that it would be possible to include a plurality of the item in at least some embodiments of the invention.

[0044] Reference is made to Figures 1a and 1 b which show an embodiment of a dry ice dispenser including: a dry ice container 101 that is comprised of a permeable surface such that there is a plurality of holes 102 in the dry ice container 101. The shape of the dry ice container 101 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or may be a shaped to resemble a figure or icon that may be used to create a marketing message. The container 101 may be comprised of plastic, metal, glass, wood, or edible material. Preferably there may be approximately at least one to one hundred and twenty holes 102 in the container 101. The individual holes 102 may have surface areas 1mm² to 4mm² in diameter, more preferably 2mm² to 3 mm², so as to prevent a potentially hazardous amount of dry ice from exiting the dry ice container 101. The dry ice container 101 has an entrance 105 where dry ice may be inserted and sealed closed. Figure 1 a shows the entrance 105 open and Figure 1b shows the entrance 105 closed making use of a hinge 103, although it would be obvious that the entrance 105 may open and close without a hinge 103. Additionally this embodiment includes a handle 104 although it is not essential to the invention. The handle 104 may be accessorized with one or more elements 106 that may include decorative elements, foodstuff elements, lighting elements, text elements, or marketing materials.

[0045] In operation the dry ice entrance 105 would be open allowing a piece of dry ice to be inserted inside the dry ice container 101. The entrance 105 would then be securely closed and thereby allow the safe dispensation of dry ice into a food application.

[0046] Reference is made to Figures 2a and 2b, which show an embodiment of a dry ice dispensing system including a dry ice 201 contained inside a dry ice container 101 that is submerged in a fluid 203 that is contained inside a fluid container 202. (Such as a drinking glass or a bowl). Figure 2a shows the dry ice 201 inside the dry ice container 101 and Figure 2b shows the dry ice container 101 submerged in a fluid 203. When the dry ice container 101 is submerged in the fluid 203, the permeable surface 102 allows the fluid 203 to flow into the dry ice container 101 and interact with the dry ice 201 and create vapor. The vapor exits the dry ice container 101 via the permeable surface 102 and mixes with the fluid 203. Some of the vapor will dissolve into the fluid 203 creating carbonic acid effectively carbonating the fluid. Since vapor gas is less dense than fluid 203, majority of the vapor will rise to the top surface of the fluid 203. When the vapor rises to this level a visual fog effect results. The fluid 203 chosen may be of any kind of fluid preferably with a high water content. One skilled in the art will realize a plethora of good fluids 203. Since dry ice 201 has a temperature of -78.5°C the fluid 203 that comes in contact with the dry ice 201 may be cooled.

[0047] Reference is made to Figures 3a and 3b. The dry ice container

101 has a flap-receiving surface 302 that surrounds the dry ice entrance 105. The dry ice entrance 105 may be sealed with a flap or patch 301. The flap 301 may be comprised of a flexible material that seals well, such as plastic, foam, aluminum foil, or laminated cardboard. The flap 301 may adhere to the adhesive surface 302 using adhesives, high temperature bonding, or zip lock bond. Figure 3b shows the flap 301 midway to sealing the dry ice entrance 105. [0048] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the dry ice container 101 has a flexible arm 401 that is attached to lid 402. The lid may securely seal the dry ice entrance 105 using a fastener, preferably a zip tie. The fastener may be comprised of a gear rack 403 and ratchet 404. Preferably the ratchet 404 allows linear movement of the gear rack 403 in one direction only. All the elements including the dry ice container 101 , flexible arm 401 , lid 402 and fastener may be manufactured as a single component and may be comprised of plastic. Figure 4b shows the dry ice entrance 105 sealed by the lid 402 while the flexible arm 401 is still attached to both the dry ice container 101 and lid 402. Figure 4b also shows the gear rack 403 pulled through the ratchet 404 thus securely closing the entrance 105.

[0049] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the dry ice container 101 is comprised of a flexible material such that the dry ice entrance 105 may be pinched closed and sealed. Figure 5b shows the dry ice entrance 105 pinched closed. The seal 501 may be achieved using adhesives, high temperature bonding, or zip lock bond.

[0050] Referring to Figure 6, the dry ice container 101 has a dry ice entrance 105 that is closed using a disc 601 that may rotate on an axle 602 that is attached to the dry ice container 101. The disc 601 may rotate in a direction such that the flatter surface of the disc 105 significantly covers the surface area of the dry ice entrance 105.

[0051] Referring to Figure 7, the dry ice container 101 has a dry ice entrance 105 that is closed using a cover 701 that is attached to a hinge 702. The hinge 702 is attached to both the container 101 and the cover 701.

[0052] Referring to Figure 8, the dry ice container 101 is attached to a chain 801 that is further attached to an anchor 802. The anchor 802 may function to allow the chain 801 to drape over the edge of a container without falling. The chain 801 and anchor 802 may be comprised of materials such as metal, plastic, or fibers.

[0053] Referring to Figure 9, the dry ice container 101 is attached to a hollow tube 901. The tube 901 pierces the container 101 thus providing an exit for vapor inside the container 101. The tube 901 could also be configured not to pierce the container 101 and run along the side of the container 101 thus allowing the tube 901 to function as a drinking straw.

[0054] Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, the dry ice container 101 has a closure feature that includes first and second closure members 1001 and 1002, which may be first and second hook elements 1001 and 1002. In the embodiment shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the first hook element 1001 is configured in an aperture 1004 and may thus be considered a female element. The aperture 1004 has a first end 1005 through which the second hook element 1002 enters and withdraws from the aperture 1004, and a second end 1006 which is on the outside of the container 101. The second hook element 1002 is configured as a male hook element. Figure 10b shows the female 1001 and male 1002 elements engaged with one another thereby locking the container 101 in the closed position. In one embodiment, when engaged the male 1002 hook element preferably protrudes from the second end 1006 of the aperture 1004, thus allowing the hook elements 1001 and 1002 to be unmated by exerting a force on the exposed protruding surface area of the hook element 1002 to lift it out of engagement with the other hook element 1001. The exposed surface area of the second hook element 1002 may be between 1 mm² to 25mm². In Figure 10b the exposed area of the mated male 1002 preferably may be at a depth inside the female 1001 between 0.5 and 5mm. In a preferred embodiment, the exposed surface area of the second hook element 1002, the depth of the second hook element 1002 in the aperture 1004 from the second end 1006, and the force required to lift the second hook element 1002 out of engagement from the first hook element 1001 are selected so that closure feature is configured to be unopenable by human hands.

[0055] Referring to Figure 11 , an accessory to the dry ice container

101 may be an unlocking block 1101. The unlocking block 1101 functions to un-mate dry ice containers 101 where females 1001 and males 1002 are actively mated. The unlocking block 1101 may be mounted to a counter or desktop workspace surface area using double sided tape, glue, nails or screws. The block comprises a channel 1102 that is configured to allow a dry ice container 101 to move along inside the channel 1102 in a bidirectional manner. The channel 1102 may be configured to lay horizontal, vertical or diagonal to the unlocking block 1101. The channel 1102 may be comprised of a set of rails 1103. The rails 1103 are configured to mate with the dry ice container 101 and guide the dry ice container 101 through the channel 1102. [0056] The channel 1102 is also comprised of a pin 1104. The pin

1104 is configured to make contact with the exposed surface area of the male 1002. In operation the pin 1104 opposes the force of the dry ice container 101 moving along the channel 1102 and un-mates the male 1002 from the female 1001.

[0057] The channel 1102 is also comprised of a splitter 1105. The splitter 1105 is configured to expand the gap between the male 1002 and female 1001. In operation the splitter makes contact with the dry ice container 101 where the male 1002 and female 1001 meet and opposes the force of the dry ice container 101 moving along the channel 1102 thereby expanding the gap between the male 1002 and female 1001.

[0058] In another embodiment shown in Figure 12, the closure feature includes first a hook element 1001 on a first container portion 101 and a second hook element 1002 on a second container portion 101b. The first and second container portions 101a and 101b may be semi-cylindrical members, which may be half-cylindrical members in one embodiment. The first and second hook elements 1001 and 1002 engage each other to hold the dry ice container 101 in a closed position. The container 101 has a pass-through aperture 1201 on its bottom end that permits the pass-through of an unlocking element 1301 on the unlocking block 1101 (Figure 13) for engagement with the second hook element 1002. Figure 14a shows the dry- ice container 101 ready to be lowered onto the unlocking block 1101 for opening. Referring to Figure 14b, when the dry ice container 101 is pushed down on the unlocking block 1101 , the unlocking element 1301 passes through the aperture 1201 and engages a lip 1003 (see Figure 14) on the second hook element 1002 which lifts the second hook element 1002 out of engagement from the first hook element 1001. The force of the unlocking element 1301 on the lip 1003 also urges the second portion 101 b of the dry ice container 101 away from the first portion 101a of the container 101 , thereby assisting in opening the container 101 and releasing any remaining dry ice that it may contain. [0059] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the pin

1301 extends along a longitudinal pin axis A and is cylindrical so as to be insertable into the aperture 1201 in any rotational position throughout a 360 degree range of the container 101 about the longitudinal pin axis A, to unlock the first and second hook elements 1001 and 1002 from each other.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the base of the unlocking block

1101 , which is shown at 1302 defined a seat 1303 for the container 101 that permits the container 101 to be oriented in any rotational position throughout the 360 degree range about the longitudinal pin axis A. The seat 1303 also preferably assists in aligning the pin 1301 with the aperture 1201. As such the seat 1303 may be in the form of a part-cylindrical channel, as shown in Figure 13, or alternatively it may have some other form, such as a part- spherical depression.

[0061] The aperture 1201 in the container 101 for the unlocking element 1301 is preferably small enough that it inhibits a person from being able to unlock and open the container 101 with their hands. In this way, people using the container are inhibited from inadvertently or maliciously releasing the dry ice and injuring themselves or others with it. In the embodiment shown, the aperture 1201 is approximately 3mm across however other sizes of aperture 1201 (both larger and smaller) would also be usable while still inhibiting a person from unlocking the container 101.

The depth of the aperture (defined as the distance of the lip 1003 on the second hook element 1002 from the outside end of the aperture 1201 ) also plays a role in how much the structure inhibits a person from unlocking it. In particular a larger aperture 1201 may be more acceptable as the distance to the lip 1003 increases

[0062] An advantage of all the embodiments shown is that the dry ice container 101 may contain dry ice 201 and create a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of the server or being accidentally swallowed by the consumer and causing frostbite.

[0063] Of course, the various aspects of the embodiments shown in

Figures 1-14b may be mixed and matched as desired, where possible. [0064] For example, the container 101 may be comprised of three or more modular pieces that join together to comprise a container.

[0065] For another example, the container 101 and handle 104 may be comprised of any edible substance. [0066] For another example, the handle 104 may be comprised of a string, chain, wire, or cable.

[0067] For another example, the holes 102 may be configured to display a textual image.

[0068] For another example, the hollow tube 901 may be having a manifold arrangement.

[0069] In the above-described embodiments and the appended claims, the term semi-cylinder includes both a half-cylinder and a partial cylinder that is not specifically a half-cylinder. The term part-cylinder also includes both a half-cylinder and a partial cylinder that is not specifically a half-cylinder.

[0070] While the above description constitutes a plurality of embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to further modification and change without departing from the fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A dry ice container system, comprising: a container comprising a vapor permeable surface, wherein the vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes configured to prevent the passage of dry ice of a selected size, wherein the container includes first and second container portions which are closeable together so that the container is in a closed position, and which are openable, and wherein the container includes a closure feature to lock the container in the closed position; and an unlocking block configured to unlock the container.

2. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the closure feature is unopenable by human hands.

3. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the closure feature includes a first hook element on the first container portion and a second hook element on the second container portion, wherein the container includes an aperture through which a force can be applied to one of the first and second hook elements to unlock the first and second hook elements from each other, wherein the closure feature is configured such that at least one of: the dimensions of the aperture, and the force necessary to unlock the first and second hook elements from each other, is selected to inhibit the closure feature from being openable by human hands.

4. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the aperture is less than about 3mm across.

5. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the unlocking block includes a base and a pin positioned on the base, wherein the pin is the unlocking element.

6. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pin extends along a longitudinal pin axis and is insertable into the aperture to unlock the first and second hook elements from each other in a plurality of rotational positions of the container about the longitudinal pin axis.

7. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pin extends along a longitudinal pin axis and is insertable into the aperture in any rotational position throughout a 360 degree range of the container about the longitudinal pin axis, to unlock the first and second hook elements from each other.

8. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base includes a seat for receiving the container and for at least partially aligning the aperture in the container with the pin.

9. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the seat is a part-cylindrical channel.

10. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the unlocking block includes: a base; a pin on the base configured to engage one of the hook elements to unlock the first and second hook elements from each other; and a splitter positioned to urge the first and second container portions apart.

11. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a handle connected to the container.

12. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the handle has a length at least long as a longest dimension of the container.

13. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.

14. A dry ice container system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the container is substantially cylindrical and the first container portion is a first semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions; the second container portion is a second semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions, the second semicylinder connectable to the first semicylinder so that when the first and second semicylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder; and a hinge connects the first and second semicylinders at ends of the first and second semicylinders, wherein at least one of the first and second semicylinders comprises the vapor permeable surface, and wherein the first and second semicylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge.