GB2370628A

GB2370628A - Ice cold drinks

Info

Publication number: GB2370628A
Application number: GB0020828A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Trevor Jolley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-23
Filing date: 2000-08-23
Publication date: 2002-07-03
Also published as: GB0020828D0

Abstract

A cooling device can be used for the production of ice cold drinks or ice-cubes. The cooling device when used in its upright position, by using a beaker supplied, will produce ice cold drinks ideal for hot summer days. This is achieved by the use of a small bottle of liquid nitrogen (16) either through a bottom entry port (14) or through a top spray (13). The cooling device can also be used in a horizontal position for the production of ice-cubes in a tray. A transparent plastics door must be shut before any cooling can commence. The used may proceed to cool the beaker by pressing button B situated on top of the device. A thermometer in the water will cause an LED to light up when the water reaches its required temperature.

Description

"ICE COLD DRINKS" This invention relates to the production of"ice cold"drinks and ice cubes in an instant.

Sodastreams are well known devices that when used in the correct manner inject C02 into H20 in order to make carbonated water. This can then be used to make carbonated drinks like orange pop for example following the introduction of the correct flavour syrup.

However, although this produces thirst quenching drinks as desired, they are, of course carbonated (not still) and are served at the temperature that the water is initially introduced.

The cooling device works on the same principle as the sodastream. However, rather than carbonating the water, the cooling device cools the water rapidly by the touch of a button to ice cold temperatures. Ideal for those hot summer days. This device can also be used to make"ice-cubes in an instant".

Two specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in close up the relative settings on the dial D: Figure 2 shows in perspective, the cooling device in an upright position; Figure 3 illustrates the opening of the cooling device revealing the ideal position of the beaker before the water would be cooled; Figure 4 shows the cooling device in its alternative horizontal position ready for the production of instant ice-cubes.

Figure 5 shows possible beaker for cooling water from the inside out.

Note: The cooling device appears transparent only to illustrate the possible position of its interior. The outer shell may indeed be made of a durable none-transparent plastic.

Example 1 For this example the dial D on the top of the cooling device is set to"cool" (see Fig 1).

Referring to the drawing in Fig 2, the cooling device comprises a plastic body 10 with a transparent plastic door 12, which may have a rubber seal running around it for insulation for example. Inside the main body lies the means by which the water would be cooled. For example a small bottle of liquid Nitrogen 16, linked via various connections to 14. The point at which the designated beaker would be placed holding up to I litre of water. (Note that the beaker, provided with the device, is tall and thin to allow rapid cooling). This beaker could be made from any safe conducting metal again to speed the cooling process and may be coated in plastic so as to ensure the users hands do not stick to the beaker when it is ice cold.

Placing the beaker inside the device as in Fig 3 requires the user to screw the bottom of the beaker into place (at 14) ensuring its stability. Once this is secured the door may be closed. After having closed the door tightly, the user may proceed to cool the water by depressing the button B situated on the top of the device. Note that the dial D is set to"cool". A thermometer in the water will cause an LED to light up when the temperature of the water reaches a cool 4 degrees for example. At which point the user should release the button and open the door. The water can then be poured into an appropriate glass and drunk in the usual manner.

Note that the liquid Nitrogen may be sprayed into the cooling chamber from the top (at 13) cooling the liquid from the out-side in. Alternatively via the connection at 14, cooling the water from the inside out. This would require a beaker similar to that in Fig 5.

Example 2 This time with the dial D as in Fig 1 set to"freeze". Alternatively, the cooling device can be positioned horizontally as in Fig 4 in preparation for the production of instant ice-cubes. This time water may be poured into the tray provided and then carefully placed into the cooling device. Once the door has been tightly closed, the button B may again be depressed, this time for approximately 30 seconds for example. This time the water is cooled from the out side in with the liquid Nitrogen entering the cooling chamber at either point 13 or 14. 0nce the stipulated time has passed the button may be released and the door opened. Voila! Ice-cubes. Note this time that the thermometer and LED are not needed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. The cooling device works on the same principle as the Sodastream. However, rather than carbonating the water, the cooling device cools the water rapidly by the touch of a button to ice cold temperatures. Ideal for those hot summer days. This device can also be used to make"ice-cubes in an instant".
2. A cooling device as claimed in CLAIM 1 which, within its body incorporates the means by which to cool the desired liquid.
3. A cooling device as claimed in CLAIM 2 wherein the main cooling equipment is a small gas bottle containing liquid Nitrogen.
4. A cooling device as claimed in CLAIM 3 wherein the beaker supplied is of suitable size and shape to allow rapid cooling.
5. A cooling device as claimed in CLAIM 3 wherein the transparent plastic door with rubber seals is sufficient that whilst cooling is taking place none of the required substance is lost.
6. A cooling device as claimed in CLAIM 5 which incorporates a digital thermometer and an LED such that when a required temperature is reached the LED lights up.
7. A cooling device as claimed in CLAIM 6 where there are two settings on a dial which refer to different levels or temperatures depending on whether the user wishes to make ice cold drinks or ice cubes.
8. A cooling device as claimed in CLAIM 7 which when required to make ice cubes operates from the horizontal position.
9. A cooling device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-5 of the accompanying drawing.