WO2007147414A1

WO2007147414A1 - Cooling device

Info

Publication number: WO2007147414A1
Application number: PCT/DK2007/000304
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Nørager RASMUSSEN; Steen Vesborg
Original assignee: Carlsberg Breweries A/S
Priority date: 2006-06-23
Filing date: 2007-06-22
Publication date: 2007-12-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device (10), and a method using said device (10). The cooling device (10) comprises an inner wall (12) adapted to contain a product (14) to be cooled during use, said inner wall (12) being wholly or partly covered with a fluid-absorbing element (16), such as a wick or blotting paper having a first side in contact with said inner wall (12) and a second side exposed to a surrounding atmosphere. The fluid-absorbing element (16) being in fluid contact with a fluid reservoir (20) so that continuous evaporation of fluid transported from said reservoir (20) to the fluid-absorbing element (16) cools said inner wall (12) by evaporative cooling.

Description

COOLING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a cooling device and a method of using said device.

There are several different ways of cooling food and/or beverage containers. Self-chilling vessels are based mainly on two different principles, where the first principle uses a closed system separated from the product to be cooled and upon activation initiates an endothermic reaction, which cools the product. US Pat. No. 6,266,879 and US Pat. No. 6,178,753 describe containers based on this principle. The second principle is based on a closed two-chamber system separated from the product to be cooled, where one chamber comprises an evaporation unit and the second chamber comprises an absorbing unit. When a valve is opened between the two chambers a drop-in pressure causes fluid to evaporate from the evaporation chamber and thereby removing heat from the evaporator. A heat removing material in the second chamber absorbs heat of vaporisation. US. Pat. No. 6,829,902 describes a self-cooling can based on the phase-change principle.

A drawback related to self-chilling vessels designed according to the prior art is the need of specially designed containers which comprise the cooling elements inside.

Another drawback with prior art self-chilling vessels relates to the need of pressurised chambers, which involve advanced manufacturing techniques.

Yet another drawback with self-chilling vessels is that the cooling process is limited in time and terminates after a certain time, after which it can not be restarted. This clearly limits the use of such vessels.

Yet another problem involves the destructive properties of the materials used in self- chilling vessels. The non-reversible characteristics of either the phase-change process or the endothermic process requires an addition of active components to recur the cooling. The need of specially made containers with certain pressurised cavities with specific materials inside makes the manufacturing process very expensive.

In US Pat. No. 6,141 ,969 a beverage vessel holder for use within a motor vehicle is described. The invention comprises a thermoelectric cooling device from which a wall assembly extends, said wall assembly being configured to retain a beverage in use.

With the solution mentioned above, it is possible to cool a standard beverage can without special measures. However, the need for electricity to supply the thermoelectric device with power dramatically limits the use of such holder.

From DE 41 34 322 A1 a cooling device is known. The cooling device uses evaporation of a cooling fluid and has a cooling mantle fitting around the outside of a drinks container made of a material which material holds the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid is fed to the cooling mantle from a cooling fluid reservoir via flow openings in the mantle. The level and timing of the cooling is controlled via a dosing element which dosing element controls the transfer of the cooling fluid from the cooling reservoir to the cooling mantle. Preferably the cooling device has hangers which hangers allow the cooling device to be suspended in free air.

With the device above, it is possible to cool a drinks container. However, the cooling device is constituted of many mechanical parts and does not provide an efficient cooling of the drinks container.

From DE 297 00 052 A1 a drinks container is known. The container is an evaporatively cooled drinks container especially for a motor cyclist, a runner or a mountain biker. The drinks container has a neoprene casing absorbing fluid for cooling and provides insulation for contents with colour change temperature indication. However, the cooling device does not provide an efficient cooling of the drinks container. A beer drinker during summer or when it is hot prefers to drink his beer having a temperature lower than the surrounding temperature of 20 - 25 degrees.

This accordingly calls for a cooling device which cooling device is able of cooling down the beer and subsequently maintaining the cooled down temperature of the beer.

A requirement in a competitive world is that such a cooling device need to be user friendly to operate and constituted of simple and easy manufactureable parts.

Further the cooling device should only be supplied with a fluid for the cooling which is easy to buy or already used in the household.

The cooling device should be applicable outside, in the garden, on the terrace on the beach, etc. Therefore it is another requirement that the cooling device should be able to be operated as a stand-alone equipment e.g. without the need to continuously supply air, e.g. cold air, electricity and/or cooling fluids from outside of the device. Moreover, the cooling device should retain the relative low temperature within the device in e.g. 2 - 4 hours or longer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, which is simple to manufacture with as few parts as possible.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, which is easy to operate and only consumes a fluid for the cooling which fluid is easy to buy or already is being used in the household.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a stand-alone cooling device.

The above object, the above advantage, and the above features together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will be evident from the below detailed description of the present invention, are in accordance with the teaching of the present invention obtained by a cooling device for containing a product, preferably included in one or more containers, to be cooled or to be kept cool, the cooling device comprising: an outer container defining a base portion and an outer wall, a fluid absorbing element, such as a wick or blotting paper, for partially or fully contacting and enclosing the product to be cooled, a heat insulating wall positioned between and spaced apart from the outer wall and the fluid absorbing element, a first passage being defined between the fluid absorbing element and the heat insulating wall, a second passage being defined between the heat insulating wall and the outer wall, the first passage and the second passage being connected through a further passage below the heat insulating wall and/or through one ore more apertures in the heat insulating wall at the bottom end thereof, and a fluid reservoir for receiving an evaporation fluid, preferably water, the fluid absorbing element extending into the fluid reservoir and being in fluid contact with the fluid received therein so that continuous evaporation of the fluid transported to the fluid absorbing element provides cooling of the product by evaporative cooling.

In an aspect of the cooling device the outer wall is constituted by a glazed or a sealed window. Hereby the user of the cooling device can inspect the interior of the cooling device and see the evaporative liquid level of the fluid reservoir. Further the window provides for an appealing appearance and touch of the cooling device.

In another aspect of the cooling device the glazed or a sealed window has a heat- absorbing surface such as a coating. The coating further promotes evaporative cooling since more heat is absorbed - due to the coating - in the second passage behind the outer wall, i.e. between the heat insulating wall and the outer wall.

In another aspect of the cooling device the heat-insulating wall has a heat-absorbing surface, e.g. a coating facing the second passage. This further or alternative coating on the heat-insulating wall further promotes evaporative cooling since more heat is absorbed - due to the coating - in the second passage.

In an aspect of the cooling device the product to be cooled comprises a liquid product such as beer or carbonised beer.

In another aspect of the cooling device the fluid absorbing element is manufactured self-supporting such as a structural element constituting a wall. It is hereby possible for the fluid absorbing element - due to its stiffness and stability - to receive and contact the surface of a container or keg containing beer. Due to the contact between the container or keg and the fluid absorbing element, which evaporates an evaporation fluid, the evaporative cooling is further promoted.

In an aspect of the cooling device the fluid reservoir contains the above discussed evaporation fluid preferably water or ice, a combination of water and ice, water with a content of an alcoholic liquid, methanol, ethanol or other volatile liquids or any mixture of the aforementioned liquids.

In one aspect of the cooling device the fluid reservoir is placed in the base portion and/or on top of the cooling device.

In an aspect of the cooling device the outer container is an upwardly open container, and the cooling device further is provided with a cover on its top. The cover seals off the upper open end of the outer container and includes inner and downwardly protruding separation flanges which flanges separate the first passage from the second passage and thereby allow air from the environment to be guided into the first passage and further allow air to pass out from the second passage to the environment.

The above object, the above advantage, and the above features together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will be evident from the below detailed description of the present invention, are in accordance with the teaching of the present invention obtained by a method for cooling a product using a cooling device for containing a product, preferably included in one or more containers, to be cooled or to be kept cool, the cooling device comprising: an outer container defining a base portion and an outer wall, a fluid absorbing element, such as a wick or blotting paper, for partially or fully contacting and enclosing the product to be cooled, a heat insulating wall positioned between and spaced apart from the outer wall and the fluid absorbing element, a first passage being defined between the fluid absorbing element and the heat insulating wall, a second passage being defined between the heat insulating wall and the outer wall, the first passage and the second passage being connected through a further passage below the heat insulating wall and/or through one ore more apertures in the heat insulating wall at the bottom end thereof, and a fluid reservoir for receiving an evaporation fluid, preferably water, the fluid absorbing element extending into the fluid reservoir and being in fluid contact with the fluid received therein so that continuous evaporation of the fluid transported to the fluid absorbing element provides cooling of the product by evaporative cooling, the method comprising the steps of:

- arranging an evaporation fluid in the fluid reservoir of the cooling device, and

- coupling the fluid-absorbing element to the fluid reservoir so that continuous evaporation of the fluid transported from the reservoir to the fluid-absorbing element cools the product by evaporative cooling.

In an aspect of the invention the method further has any of the features of the cooling device as discussed above.

In an aspect of the invention the product to be cooled or to be kept cooled is arranged proximate to or in direct contact with the fluid-absorbing element. In an aspect of the invention the product to be cooled or to be kept cooled is arranged in the one or more containers and the container or containers are in contact with the fluid-absorbing element.

In an aspect of the invention the cooling device is used for the cooling of food and/or beverage containers or for air-condition systems or refrigerators.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling device which cooling device alleviates the drawbacks mentioned above.

This object is achieved with a cooling device in accordance with claim 1 and a method. The use of a fluid reservoir makes it possible to provide for continuous cooling by simple measures. The device can be produced at a low cost and requires no hazardous substances in order to operate, which makes it environmentally friendly and suitable for disposable systems.

Preferred embodiments are defined in the sub-claims.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gas flow is arranged in the atmosphere on said second side of the fluid-absorbing element, such as a wick or blotting paper, in order to enhance evaporation of fluid from the fluid-absorbing element. The use of an enhanced airflow is a convenient way of increasing the cooling capacity of the device.

The cooling device can also comprise a heat-absorbing surface that at least partially covers the fluid-absorbing element in such manner that there is a clearance forming a passage between the fluid-absorbing element and the heat-absorbing surface, wherein said gas flow is created in said passage by means of convection as said heat-absorbing surface is heated. The use of heat-induced convection in order to enhance the gas flow is a low tech and efficient solution that suits the circumstances under which a product needs to be cooled. In order to enhance the above construction further said passage may be closed at one end and a thermal insulator be arranged between the heat-absorbing surface and the fluid-absorbing element, dividing said passage into an essentially U-shaped passage. This isolates the fluid-absorbing element from heat generated by the heat- absorbing surface while providing an enhanced gas flow.

The gas flow may also be enhanced with a fan, preferably powered by electricity.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product to be cooled is a liquid product, preferably a beverage, e.g. beer or a carbonised beer.

The product to be cooled may be arranged in direct contact with the inner wall or arranged in a separate container, the latter being adapted for contact with the inner wall.

In the inventive method for cooling the above device is used to cool a product.

The invention is further to be described with reference to the drawings in which

Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of the outline of a basic inventive device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the outline of a third embodiment of the inventive device.

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the inventive device.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the outline of an inventive device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the inventive device according to a sixth and preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the interior of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a side view of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a view of parts of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is illustrating the cooling within the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of a lid of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the below description and in the drawings, identical components or elements present in different figures of the drawings are designated the same reference numerals, and components or elements differing from a previously described component or element, respectively, however serving basically the same functional purpose as the previously described component or element, respectively, are designated the same reference numerals as the previously described components or elements, respectively, however added a marking for indicating the geometrical difference from the previously described components or elements, respectively.

In Fig. 1 , a conceptual drawing of a first embodiment of a cooling device 10 according to the invention comprises an inner wall 12 configured to enclose a product 14. Said inner wall 12 comprises a fluid-absorbing element, such as a wick or blotting paper 16 which is exposed to a gas flow, generally depicted by the arrow at 18. In the following the fluid-absorbing element will be referred to as a wick. The wick 16 is in contact with a liquid reservoir 20 which liquid reservoir 20 continuously supplies the wick with liquid. The gas flow 18 stimulates evaporation of the liquid to occur and thereby removes heat from the inner wall 12, which consequently cools the product inside the inner wall 12. The inner wall 12 is preferably made of a non- corrosive material with adequate heat transportation properties, such as aluminium, stainless steel or plastics. The walls 15 not covered by the wick 16 generally comprises insulation preventing heat to be transported through the walls 15. Once the parameters are set, the cooling capacity is derivable from elementary thermodynamics, which will not be further discussed here.

In a second embodiment of the present invention the gas flow described in the first embodiment is enhanced by the use of a fan 17 (showed in phantom in Fig. 1). A higher flow of gas will increase the rate of fluid evaporation from the wick and thereby increase the cooling rate. The fan is powered by electricity, preferably solar energy, but it could also be powered by an external wind energy source or other means.

In Fig. 2, a cooling device 10' according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Compared to the first embodiment similar parts have been given the same reference numbers. The inner wall 12' is configured to enclose a beverage can 14' of standard type, and is surrounded by an outer wall 22, positioned in such a way that a passage 24 is created between the inner wall 12' and the outer wall 22. The fluid-absorbing wick 16', positioned in an abutting relationship to the side of the inner wall 12' facing the outer wall 22, is made of sponge material, foam material, textile fibre or regenerated cellulose. In this embodiment, the distance between the outer wall 22 and inner wall 12' is 3-4 mm in order to prevent the evaporated fluid bridging the gap between the outer wall 22 and the inner wall 12' during use, while at the same time obtaining an increased airflow. The outer wall 22 is designed to comprise a heat-absorbing portion 26 causing gas to heat up in the passage 24. This increase in temperature decreases the density of the gas and thereby catalyses convection to occur. Consequently, warm air leaves the cooling device 10' as illustrated by the arrow 19.

The liquid reservoir 20' is positioned at a base portion 28 of the device. The liquid reservoir 20' contains water 21 or ice, e.g. cubed and/or crunched ice, however, different kind of liquids could be used, for example refrigerants having a lower evaporation temperature and thereby enhancing the cooling procedure. Water is, however, a preferred liquid, since it is non-toxic and relatively easy to obtain. Alternatively or in addition to the water, ice is provided which ice during use of the cooling device 10' melts to water. As an example of the liquid is water with a content of alcoholic, e.g. 5 %, 10 % etc. Alternatively, the liquid is methanol, ethanol or other volatile liquids. The liquid may also be any mixture of the aforementioned liquids.

In Fig. 3, a fourth and more elaborate embodiment of the cooling device 10" is shown. The inner wall 12" is configured to enclose a beverage bottle 14" of standard type. The outer wall 22' consists of a heat-absorbing portion 26' which in order to increase the flow and chimney effect heats the air that flows in the passage 24'. The heat-absorbing portion 26' of the outer wall 22' is coloured black or is provided with a black coloured surface, e.g. it is coloured tarnish black in order to increase heat absorption of the heat-absorbing portion 26'. The heat-absorbing portion 26' of the cooling device 10" is intended to be subjected to heat, preferably direct sunlight, which naturally heats up the heat-absorbing portion 26' since the black surface does not reflect but absorbs the heat from the sun. The sun typically heats with 1000 watt per square meter and consequently warm air leaves the cooling device 10" as illustrated by the arrow 19' and relative cold, atmospheric air 18' is at the same time forced into the cooling device 10" through the passage 23.

In this embodiment the water reservoir 20" is arranged on top the device 10". As in the previous embodiment the water reservoir 20" may be placed in the base portion 28' of the device 10", or two water reservoirs could be combined so that the wick 16" fluidly connects an upper reservoir with a reservoir 20" arranged in the base portion 28'. Further, the passage 24' is closed at its lower end and a thermal insulator is arranged as an intermediate wall 32 between the heat-absorbing surface 26' of the outer wall 22' and the wick 16", dividing said passage 24' into an essentially U- shaped passage 30. In the shown example the intermediate wall 32 is accurately positioned by means of extensions 30, connecting the lower portion of the intermediate wall 32 with a bottom of the device 10", while leaving channels through which air may flow freely. The intermediate wall 32 may, however, be positioned by means connecting it to the inner wall 12" and/or outer wall 22'. The intermediate wall 32 is made of any kind of heat insulating material, for example plastics or corrugated cardboard, or a more elaborate insulating material, such as glass wool, stone wool etc. In Fig. 4, a cooling device 10'" according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Compared to the fourth embodiment of the invention as disclosed in Fig. 3 the inner wall 12'" facing the bottle 14'" is omitted in the sixth embodiment of the invention.

The cooling device 10'" is configured as a container and is at its lower part of the container provided with a base portion 28" on which the cooling device 10'" in use stands on a supporting surface and on which the bottle 14" is supported.

A fluid-absorbing element 16'" is configured to partially or fully enclose and contact the container 14'" containing the beverage to be cooled or to be kept cool. The fluid absorbing element 16"' is preferably made of a sponge material, foam material, textile fibre or regenerated cellulose and is self supporting so as to form a structural element constituting a wall which encloses and/or contacts the aforementioned container 14'" within the cooling device 10'". Alternatively, the fluid-absorbing element 16'" is a wick or blotting paper.

The container 14'" is a beverage bottle of standard type. Alternatively the container 14'" is a set of pre-stocked together beers which are to be cooled or to be kept cool or it is a keg.

The fluid absorbing element 16'" is surrounded by an intermediate wall 32', which wall 32' is spaced apart from the fluid absorbing element 16"' leaving a passage 23' between the fluid absorbing element 16'" and the intermediate wall 32'. The intermediate wall 32' is preferably made of a heat insulating material and thus constitutes a heat-insulating wall.

A fluid reservoir 20'" is arranged on top of the cooling device 10'". Alternatively, a fluid reservoir could be placed in the base portion 28" of the device 10'", or two fluid reservoirs may be combined so that the fluid absorbing element 16'" fluidly connects the upper reservoir 20'" with the fluid reservoir arranged in the base portion 28". An outer wall 22" surrounds the intermediate wall 32'. The outer wall 22" is spaced apart from the intermediate wall 32' leaving a passage 24" between the intermediate wall 32' and outer wall 22". The outer wall 22" is manufactured to comprise a heat- absorbing surface 26". Alternatively the outer wall 22" is constituted by a glazed or sealed window element which element as an option may comprise a heat-absorbing surface on one or on both of its two surfaces.

Alternatively or additionally to the heat-absorbing surface of the outer wall 22", the intermediate wall 32' has a heat-absorbing surface which surface faces the passage 24".

The heat-absorbing surface in all cases causes any air present in the passage 24" to be heated up when the sun is shining on any of the heat-absorbing surfaces, i.e. either on the heat-absorbing surface 26" of the outer wall 22" or through the outer wall 22" onto the intermediate wall 32' or on both heat-absorbing surfaces. Alternatively, warm surrounding atmospheric air heats the passage 24".

Such an increase in the temperature of the air in the passage 24" decreases the density of the now warm air and causes convection to occur and the warm air to leave the cooling device 10'" as illustrated by the arrow 19".

A passage 30', which is U-shaped, connects the passage 23' with the passage 24" at the bottom end of the intermediate wall 32'. Alternatively or additionally apertures in the lower part of the intermediate wall 32' connects the passage 23' with the passage 24".

When the warm air from the passage 24" leaves the cooling device 10'" as illustrated by the arrow 19" relatively cold air as illustrated by the arrow 18" from the surrounding atmospheric enters the cooling device 10'" into the passage 23' between the fluid absorbing element 16'" and the intermediate wall 32'. The reason is that the warm air 19", which leaves the cooling device 10'", sucks the cold air 18" into the cooling device 10'" since the passage 23' is in fluid communication with the passage 24" by means of the U-shaped passage 30' or the apertures and since the warm air 19" is to be replaced since building up of a vacuum in an open system is not possible.

The flow of the relatively cold air 18" into the cooling device 10'" and downwardly into the passage 23', which is in fluid communication with the fluid absorbing element 16'", promotes the evaporation of the fluid contained within the fluid absorbing element 16'". As a result heat is removed from the container 14'" with the beverage since the container 14'" in a preferred embodiment is in physical contact with the fluid absorbing element 16'". In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in the figure, the container 14'" is located proximate, e.g. a few millimetres, to the fluid absorbing element 16'". Consequently, in both cases as discussed above, the container 14'" with the beverage is cooled or at least kept cooled.

Fig. 5 illustrates an inventive device according to a sixth and preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cooling device 10"" basically is constituted by three main parts i.e. an outer container 34, a lid 38 and a faucet having a tapping handle 42. The faucet is connected to one end of a dispensing line 40. The other end of the dispensing line 40 is connected to a keg 14"" shown in Figs. 6-8. When operating the tapping handle 42 the keg delivers beverage through the dispensing line 40 out of the faucet to the glass 36.

Fig. 6 is a view of the interior of the inventive device of the present invention and Fig.s. 7 and 8 are side views of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Within the cooling device 10"", a keg 14"" is received. The keg 14"" contains an inner bag including the product to be cooled or to be kept cool. The keg 14"" typically is made as a beverage container known in the art and the inner bag is collapsible so that when the keg 14"" is subjected to pressing forces, the keg 14"" under pressure delivers the product i.e. beverage - e.g. beer or carbonised beer - to the glass 36 as shown in Fig. 5. By taking off the lid 38 evaporation fluid may be supplied to the reservoir 20'" of the cooling device 10"". Alternatively or additionally - as illustrated - icecubes 44 are supplied to the reservoir 20'". As previously discussed in relation to the other embodiments, the same principle of cooling is applied in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The flow of the relatively cold air 18'", which is forced into the cooling device 10"" in the passage 23", provides evaporative cooling to the keg 14"" when warm air 19"' leaves the cooling device 10"" from the passage 24'". The warm air 19"' in the passage 24'" is the result of sun shining on the cooling device 10"". Sunlight as illustrated by the three arrows 48 warms up any air present in the passage 24"' when the outer wall 22'" is exposed to sunlight.

The outer wall 22'" is preferably made of a glazed or a sealed window element. The outer wall 22"' is optionally provided with a heat-absorbing surface such as a coating.

The outer wall 22'" is separated by means of the passage 24"' from the inner wall 32".

The inner wall 32" is constituted by a heat insulating wall, which wall separates the warm air 19"' contained in the passage 24'" from the cold air 18" contained in the passage 23". The passage 24'" is connected to the passage 23" by a further passage 50 at the bottom of the cooling device 10"".

The lid 38 separates the cold air 18" from the warm air 19'" and is illustrated in detail in Fig. 11. A fluid absorbing element 16"" in fluid communication with the reservoir 20'" contacts the keg 14"" when the keg 14"" is received within the cooling device 10"" and by the direct contact of the keg 14"" to the fluid absorbing element 16"" the effect of evaporative cooling is promoted.

Fig. 9 illustrates parts of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The keg 14"" is received in the container 34 and is to be cooled by the cooling device. The connector 52 connects the lid 38 to the keg 14"", and the connector 52 provides a separation between the lid 38 and the keg 14"". The dispensing line 40 is directed from the keg 14"" through the connector 52 to the faucet. The dispensing line 40 is connected by means of a bayonet coupling as known in the art to the keg 14"".

Fig. 10 illustrates cooling within the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The figure illustrates the principle of cooling, but compared to the first five embodiments the cooling device 10"" is provided with a lid 38 acting as a cover. The lid 38 is provided with an opening 46 which allows the cold air 18'" from the outside of the cooling device to enter the cooling device 10"". The opening 46 in the lid 38 acts as a channel from the surrounding atmospheric air to the passage 23" whereby cold air 18'" is sucked into the cooling device 10"" and inevitably passes the opening 46 to get into the passage 23" when warm air 19"" in the passage 24'" is leaving the passage 24'" as caused by the sun shining on the outer wall 22'" of the cooling device 10"".

The lid 38 is provided with a flange 56 which flange 56 does not contact the outer wall 22'" or the outer container 34 when the lid 38 is mounted on top of the cooling device 10"". A distance 57 between the flange 56 of the lid 38 and the outer wall 22'" allows the warm air 19'" to pass out from the passage 24'" to the environment outside the cooling device.

The inner wall 32" separates the warm air 19'" in the passage 24"' from the cold air 18'" received in the passage 23", and the fluid absorbing element 16"" contacts the cylindrical keg on opposite sides when the keg is received between the fluid absorbing element 16"" as shown. Preferably the fluid absorbing element 16"" completely surrounds a cylindrical wall of a keg.

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of a lid of the inventive device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The lid 38 acting as a cover separates the cold air 18" from the warm air 19'". The outer container 34 of the cooling device is an upwardly open container and is provided with the lid 38, which lid 38 seals off the upper open end of the outer container 34. The lid 38 includes a pair of inner and downwardly protruding separation flanges 54 serving to separate the passage 23" from the passage 24'" from which the heated air 19'" leaves the cooling device 10"".

The present invention utilises the use of evaporative cooling enhanced with an increased airflow, and with the continuous provision of liquid or fluid to be evaporated. There are numerous ways for i.e. guiding the air flow and preventing heat from reaching the container, leading heated air away from the container etc that are considered to be comprised by the appended claims. Furthermore, even though the invention primary is described in connection with cooling of food and/or beverage containers, e.g. containers with carbonised beer the inventive idea may as well be used in connection with air-condition systems or refrigerators.

Points fulfilling the above objects and characterising the invention:

1. A cooling device for containing a product to be cooled or to be kept cool during use, the cooling device comprising: an inner wall for containing the product, preferably included in one or more containers, a fluid-absorbing element such as a wick or blotting paper having a first side in contact with the inner wall and a second side exposed to a surrounding atmosphere, the fluid-absorbing element wholly or partly covering the inner wall, a fluid reservoir, the fluid-absorbing element being in fluid contact with the fluid reservoir so that continuos evaporation of fluid transported from the reservoir to the fluid-absorbing element absorbed therein cools the inner wall by evaporative cooling, a gas flow being arranged in the atmosphere on the second side of the fluid-absorbing element in order to enhance evaporation of fluid from the fluid absorbing element, and a heat-absorbing surface at least partially covering the fluid absorbing element in such a manner that there is a clearance forming the passage between the fluid-absorbing element and the heat-absorbing surface, the gas flow being created in the passage by means of convection as the heat-absorbing surface is heated.

2. The cooling device according to point 1 , a thermal insulator being arranged between the heat-absorbing surface and the fluid-absorbing element, dividing the passage into an essentially U-shaped passage.

3. The cooling device according to points 1 or 2, further comprising an outer wall surrounding the heat-absorbing element.

4. The cooling device according to point 3, the outer wall being constituted by a glazed or sealed window element. 5. The cooling device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the gas flow is enhanced by the provision of a fan, preferably an electrical fan.

6. The cooling device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the product to be cooled comprises a liquid product.

7. The cooling device according to point 6, wherein the liquid product is a beverage.

8. The cooling device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the substance to be cooled is in direct contact with the inner wall.

9. The cooling device according to any of points 1-7, wherein the substance to be cooled is arranged in an additional container, the container being adapted for contact with the inner wall.

10. A method of cooling a product or keeping the product cooled using a cooling device comprising: an inner wall for containing the product, preferably included in one or more containers, a fluid-absorbing element such as a wick or blotting paper having a first side in contact with the inner wall and a second side exposed to a surrounding atmosphere, the fluid-absorbing element wholly or partly covering the inner wall, a fluid reservoir, the fluid-absorbing element being in fluid contact with the fluid reservoir so that continuos evaporation of fluid transported from the reservoir to the fluid-absorbing element absorbed therein cools the inner wall by evaporative cooling, the gas flow being arranged in the atmosphere on the second side of the fluid-absorbing element in order to enhance evaporation of fluid from the fluid absorbing element, and a heat-absorbing surface at least partially covering the fluid absorbing element in such a manner that there is a clearance forming the passage between the fluid-absorbing element and the heat-absorbing surface, wherein the gas flow is created in the passage by means of convection as the heat-absorbing surface is heated, comprising the steps of arranging the substance in the device, and coupling the fluid-absorbing element to a fluid reservoir so that continuous evaporation of fluid transported from the reservoir to the fluid-absorbing element and absorbed therein cools the product.

11. The method according to point 10₁ further having any of the features of the cooling device according to any of the points 1-9.

12. The method according to any of points 9 or 10, wherein the product to be cooled or to be kept cooled is arranged in direct contact with the inner wall.

13. The method according to any of points 9-12, wherein the product to be cooled or to be kept cooled is arranged in the one or more containers, the container or containers being in contact with the inner wall.

14. Use of the cooling device according to points 1-9 for cooling of food and/or beverages containers.

15. Use of the cooling device according to points 1-9 for air-condition systems or refrigerators.

Claims

1. A cooling device for containing a product, preferably included in one or more containers, to be cooled or to be kept cool, said cooling device comprising: an outer container defining a base portion and an outer wall, a fluid absorbing element, such as a wick or blotting paper, for partially or fully contacting and enclosing said product to be cooled, a heat insulating wall positioned between and spaced apart from said outer wall and said fluid absorbing element, a first passage being defined between said fluid absorbing element and said heat insulating wall, a second passage being defined between said heat insulating wall and said outer wall, said first passage and said second passage being connected through a further passage below said heat insulating wall and/or through one ore more apertures in said heat insulating wall at the bottom end thereof, and a fluid reservoir for receiving an evaporation fluid, preferably water, said fluid absorbing element extending into said fluid reservoir and being in fluid contact with said fluid received therein so that continuous evaporation of said fluid transported to said fluid absorbing element provides cooling of said product by evaporative cooling.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, said outer wall constituted by a glazed or a sealed window.

3. The cooling device according to claim 2, said glazed or a sealed window having a heat-absorbing surface, e.g. a coating.

4. The cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, said heat insulating wall having a heat-absorbing surface, e.g. a coating facing said second passage.

5. The cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, said product to be cooled comprise a liquid product, e.g. beer or carbonised beer.

6. The cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, said fluid absorbing element being manufactured self-supporting.

7. The cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, said fluid reservoir containing said evaporation fluid preferably water or ice, a combination of water and ice, water with a content of an alcoholic liquid, methanol, ethanol or other volatile liquids or any mixture of the aforementioned liquids.

8. The cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, said fluid reservoir being placed in said base portion and/or on top of said cooling device.

9. The cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, said outer container being an upwardly open container, and said cooling device further comprising a cover for sealing off the upper open end of said outer container and including inner and downwardly protruding separation flanges for separating said first passage from said second passage and allowing air from the environment to be guided into said first passage and further allowing air to pass out from said second passage to the environment.

10. A method for cooling a product using a cooling device for containing a product, preferably included in one or more containers, to be cooled or to be kept cool, said cooling device comprising: an outer container defining a base portion and an outer wall, a fluid absorbing element, such as a wick or blotting paper, for partially or fully contacting and enclosing said product to be cooled, a heat insulating wall positioned between and spaced apart from said outer wall and said fluid absorbing element, a first passage being defined between said fluid absorbing element and said heat insulating wall, a second passage being defined between said heat insulating wall and said outer wall, said first passage and said second passage being connected through a further passage below said heat insulating wall and/or through one ore more apertures in said heat insulating wall at the bottom end thereof, and a fluid reservoir for receiving an evaporation fluid, preferably water, said fluid absorbing element extending into said fluid reservoir and being in fluid contact with said fluid received therein so that continuous evaporation of said fluid transported to said fluid absorbing element provides cooling of said product by evaporative cooling, said method comprising the steps of: - arranging an evaporation fluid in said fluid reservoir of said cooling device, and

- coupling said fluid-absorbing element to said fluid reservoir so that continuous evaporation of said fluid transported from said reservoir to said fluid-absorbing element cools said product by evaporative cooling.

11. The method according to claim 10, further having any of the features of the cooling device according to any of the claims 1-9.

12. The method according to any of claims 10 or 11 , wherein the product to be cooled or to be kept cooled is arranged proximate to or in direct contact with said fluid-absorbing element.

13. The method according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the product to be cooled or to be kept cooled is arranged in said one or more containers, the container or containers being in contact with said fluid-absorbing element.

14. Use of the cooling device according to claims 1-9 for cooling of food and/or beverages containers.

15. Use of the cooling device according to claims 1-9 for air-condition systems or refrigerators.