WO2011128920A1

WO2011128920A1 - Method for the industrial production of single serving portions of ice cream

Info

Publication number: WO2011128920A1
Application number: PCT/IT2010/000161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincenzo Mazzuto
Original assignee: Vincenzo Mazzuto
Priority date: 2010-04-14
Filing date: 2010-04-14
Publication date: 2011-10-20
Also published as: EP2470029A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns a new method, and the relative equipment, for the production of single serving portions (15) of ice cream. The phases of the method comprise therefore the injection of a preparation in a fluid form into a mould (4) separable in at least two parts (10, 11) and configured in such a way as to form inside it a plurality of containment volumes (13') of the preparation. A subsequent cooling phase of the mould takes place in such a way that the preparation in a fluid form injected into the containment volumes (13') of the mould (4) reaches the desired consistency. Last, the separation of the two or more parts (10, 11) of the mould takes place and subsequent drawing of the single ice cream shapes (15) obtained.

Description

TITLE

METHOD FOR THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION OF SINGLE SERVING

PORTIONS OF ICE CREAM

Technical Field

The present invention refers to the technical field relative to the methods of production of industrial ice cream.

In particular, the invention refers to an innovative method, and the relative equipment, that allows the production of industrial ice cream in basins or packaging divided into single serving portions.

Background Art

As it is well known, industrial ice cream can comprise varied types of products different among them. Among these products we can find products that are well known by now, such as the ice cream cone. In that case, a certain quantity of creamy product is injected through an appropriate dispenser in a wafer in such a way that it can subsequently be cooled to give consistence to the product and finally package it. Another type of product is, for example, the ice lollies, obtained by means of the use of appropriate moulds into which the preparation in liquid form is frozen around a support stick, generally of wood.

Obviously, among the different types of industrial type ice cream the classic ice cream in one or more flavours is comprised as well, which is entirely arranged in basins of a certain weight, for example, 500 gms or 1 kg basins of ice cream. Such a product type is very common and easily found in supermarkets. In such a manner, people can easily buy it so as to eat comfortably at home a product of a quality similar to the classic homemade ice cream cone. Obviously, apart from the packaging in basins destined to private use there are also larger basins destined, for example, to the restaurant industry.

The production cycle, in accordance with the background art, entails the arrangement of one or more mixing silos into which the raw materials are introduced, being these materials liquid, solid and powder-like, which, emulsified, will form the liquid mixture. Such a preparation is introduced in a pasteurization section, where it follows a pasteurization and homogenization process to be then transferred to maturing vats. Once matured, the liquid preparation is introduced into continuous freezers, called continuous batch freezers, where it is further cooled at the necessary temperature to obtain a creamy consistency (about -6°C) . The continuous freezers are connected to a dispenser device. A conveyor belt is used for the transport of the containment basins of ice cream in such a way that the dispenser can inject in them a certain quantity of ice cream when the basins transit below it. The belt therefore transports the basins into a cooling tunnel, where the ice cream is cooled for some minutes at a temperature of about -40 °C. In such a manner, the ice cream reaches the final consistency also in the most inner part of it at a temperature of at least -20°C.

The basins are therefore sent to a storage and transport section so that they can be put on the market.

Ice cream in basins thus produced, however, presents varied technical problems.

A first technical problem is connected with the difficulty that is generally encountered in drawing from the basin single serving portions of ice cream to place in glasses or dishes. In fact, especially in the case in which the basin remains for a long period of time in the fridge and/or at a very low temperature, the ice cream reaches such a hardness value as to not allow the easy dipping of the spoon and the separation of the portion.

In that case, it is therefore necessary to leave the basin at room temperature for a certain period of time enough to make the ice cream become specially soft or, alternatively, use a scoop dampened with tepid water.

It is still clear how, for example, in the restaurant industry, an excessively long period of time to allow the ice cream to soften can be the cause of further problems. In the specific case of the restaurant industry, it is in fact necessary to prepare the orders of the clients within reasonable times. Moreover, such a sudden change of temperature is not good for maintaining the quality of the ice cream.

Alternatively, it is therefore necessary to dampen the scoop with tepid water in such a way as to cause the melting of the ice cream in direct contact with the scoop itself. In that case, however, the portion separated and placed in the glass will present a small melted part, which does not result aesthetically pleasant. Likewise, the ice. cream remaining in the basin in the separated part will present a certain quantity of melted ice cream which, once frozen again, will not have a pleasant aspect. In that sense, the portions subsequently prepared will not only be defective from the point of view of the aspect but they will also present ice crystals in their structure. It is clear how, especially in the restaurant industry, such a problem relative to the aesthetic aspect of the product presented to the client is of utmost importance.

Brief description of the invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide an innovative method for the production of industrial ice cream in basins, and the relative equipment, for solving at least in part the above- mentioned inconveniences. In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide an innovative method, and the relative equipment, for allowing the production of ice cream that can be easily separated into single serving portions, without for this causing the aesthetic and qualitative deterioration of the product.

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide an innovative method, and the relative equipment, for allowing the production of ice cream packaged in basin already subdivided into single serving portions ready to be served.

These and other aims are obtained through the present method for the production of single serving portions (15) in accordance with claim 1.

In accordance with the present method, it is foreseen the use of a mould (4) separable into at least two parts (10, 11) and configured in such a way as to form inside it at least one or, preferably, a plurality of containment volumes (13'). The volumes result separated and independent among- them. In such a manner, through the injection of the preparation into the mould, it is possible to obtain single serving portions of ice cream ready to be served.

The mould therefore undergoes a cooling process in such a way that the preparation injected into the containment volumes (13') reaches the desired consistency and subsequently the separation of the two parts is carried out (10, 11) in such a way as to extract the single ice cream shapes (15) obtained.

The ice cream obtained is therefore already in single serving portions that can subsequently be packaged in appropriate basins to be commercialised.

Advantageously, the mould is realized in a flexible material, preferably silicone, and is provided with an upper half part (10) and a lower half part (11), the said operation of separation of the mould comprising the lifting of the upper half part (10) with respect to the lower half part and contemporary bending of the upper half part in such a way as to favour the release of the ice cream shapes (15) into the lower half part of the mould.

The use of a flexible material allows to facilitate the exit of the ice cream shapes. In addition, the use of silicon, that is silicon for food use, renders the separation of the shapes even easier.

Advantageously, the operation of drawing of the ice cream shapes (15) comprises the lowering of a suction pad device (30) provided with one or more suction pads to draw the forms of the lower half part of the mould.

Advantageously, the operation of packaging of the single ice cream shapes drawn is further comprised, the said packaging comprising the insertion of the single shapes into a container provided with a plurality of seats into which to place, in each one of them, a single ice cream shape.

Advantageously, the mould is realized in such a way that the containment volumes (13') are spherical so as to produce spherical ice. cream shapes (15) .

Advantageously, in accordance with the present method, a plurality of moulds (4) are conducted in succession through the injection section (2), the subsequent cooling section (6), the mould separation section (7) and the drawing section (30) of the ice cream shapes (15) .

It is also described here the relative equipment (1) for the production of ice cream in single serving portions (15) in accordance with the method described. The equipment comprises:

- One or more moulds (4) ; - A dispenser device (2) configured in such a way as to inject a preparation in fluid form inside the said one or more moulds (4);

- A cooling section (6) into which the moulds are cooled in such a way that the fluid contained reaches the desired consistency.

In accordance with the invention the mould (4) is configured in such a way as to form inside it at least one or, preferably, a plurality of containment volumes (13' ) into which the preparation is injected and wherein, further, the said mould is separable in at least two parts (10, 11) . Further, the equipment is therefore provided with a separating device (7) for separating a part of the mould from the other and a drawing device (30) for allowing the extraction of the single ice cream shapes (15) obtained in the mould once the separation has taken place .

Advantageously, the mould (4) is in a flexible material, preferably silicone, and is provided with an upper half part (10) and a lower half part (11), the said separating device being configured in such a way as to draw and contemporarily bend the upper half part with respect to the lower half part in such a way as to favour the release of the ice cream shapes (15) into the lower half part of the mould.

Advantageously, the upper half is provided with an injection hole (13) for each containment volume through which the dispenser device fills the said containment volumes, each containment volume being hermetically separated from the others.

Advantageously, a conveyor belt (3) is provided with for the transport of the said moulds (4) along the production path.

Advantageously, the drawing device (30) is provided with aspiration means configured to draw each ice cream shape from the mould and place it into a basin (50) .

Advantageously, the aspiration means are provided with one or more suction pads.

Last, it is described here the mould (4) for the production . of ice cream in single serving portions (15) in accordance with the present method. The mould is therefore configured in such a way as to form inside it at least one or, preferably, a plurality of containment volumes (13') and is separable into at least two parts (10, 11) .

Moreover, the mould is advantageously realized in a flexible material, preferably silicone, in such a way that the extraction of the single portions in correspondence of the separation of a part from the other takes place through the contemporary bending of at least one of the parts (10, 11) .

In such a manner, by bending only one part of the mould with respect to the other, the product gets separated from the part of the mould bent, remaining in the other, unbent, part.

Advantageously, the mould is provided with an injection hole (13) for each containment volume (13') in such a way that a preparation in fluid form results injectable into the mould to fill the said containment volumes ( 13' ) .

Advantageously, the containment volumes (13') are spherical-shaped .

Advantageously, the diameter of the sphere is comprised within 4 cm and 6 cm, preferably 5 cm.

Advantageously, nine containment volumes are comprised.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present method and equipment, according to the invention, will be clearer with the description of some of its embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 represents a top view of the production system in accordance with the present invention;

- Figures 2 and 3 represent the dispenser device in a filling phase of the moulds;

- Figures 4 and 5 represent in detail a possible configuration of realization of mould in accordance with the invention;

- Figure 6 represents the bending of the mould on the basis of its material of realization;

- Figures from 7 to 9 represent the lifting and bending phases of the upper half part of the mould with respect to the lower half part in such a way as to be able to draw the ice cream shapes;

- Figures 10 and 11 represent the subsequent drawing phase of the ice cream balls from the lower half part of the mould.

Description of one preferred embodiment

With reference to figure 1 it is described schematically, from a top view, a system 1 for the realization of a production cycle of ice cream in basin in accordance with the present invention.

The sections of the system comprising the mixing silos, the pasteurizer, the maturing vats and the continuous freezers have already been introduced in the preliminary part of the background art. The same, not being the specific object of the invention, are not represented in figure 1 and will not be further detailed here .

Figure 1 therefore schematises a dispenser device 2 that injects the ice cream in the mould. Figure 1 also represents a conveyor belt 3 that transports along a production path a plurality of moulds 4. Naturally, even if figure 1 shows for simplicity purposes only one dispenser device, it is clear that it is possible to place two or more dispenser devices on the basis of the ^" productivity needs.

The dispenser device 2 is therefore arranged with respect to the belt 3 in such a way as to be able to inject through a nozzle 5 the preparation inside moulds 4 in transit on the belt. Figure 1 schematises the dispenser device arranged substantially above the conveyor belt.

Figure 2 and figure 3 show better a dispenser device 2 provided with a nozzle 5 that is vertically mobile in such a way as to be lowered for intercepting the mould and injecting the preparation inside it.

Figures from 4 to 6 detail better, in accordance with the invention, the innovative type of mould used.

In accordance with the preferred configuration of the invention, the mould is realized in two halves, that is in a first upper half part 10 and a second lower half part 11.

Figure 4 shows a top view of the upper half part 10 and of the lower half part 11. Always as shown in figure 4, each half part of the mould comprises a plurality of distinct seats 12, that is separate among them, which, when in use, are coupled to the relative seats of the respective symmetrical half when the mould is closed. In such a manner, each coupled seat 12 forms a containment volume 13' hermetically isolated from the other containment volumes and of a predetermined form. It is clear that there can be any number of seats for each mould and that the seats can have any shape and dimension.

Preferably the seats, see for example figure 4, are semispherical-shaped in such a way that, when coupled, they generate containment volumes 13' perfectly spherical. Preferably, the mould thus described comprises nine spherical seats.

The two half parts (11, 10) of the mould 4 are generally symmetrical between them except by the fact that the seats 12 relative to the upper half part 10 are each one provided with an inlet hole 13. In such a manner, going back to figure 2 or 3, for example, it is possible to inject the ice cream through the nozzle 5 into each hole when the mould is closed. In that sense, it is enough to include a nozzle configured in such a way as to be inserted in the relative holes of the mould so as to inject the ice cream into the containment volumes of the mould.

During all the production cycle (see figure 1, for example) the moulds 4 are therefore laid on the conveyor belt 3 on the part of the lower half part 11 in such a way that the upper half part 10 provided with the said injection holes 13 results orientated towards the top and therefore accessible from the dispenser device 2.

For clarity purposes, figure 5 shows the top view and the relative section of a mould 4 wherein the upper half part 10 is coupled to the lower half part 11 in such a way that the coupled seats 12 form the containment volumes 13' into which the preparation (or ice cream) is injected. In the specific case of the example of figure 5 section A-A, containment volumes 13' of spherical shape are highlighted.

The mould is realized in a particularly deformable and flexible material, for example rubber or, preferably, silicone for food use.

In particular, the use of silicone as the material of realization has revealed to be particularly functional for the aims since the ice cream does not stick to the walls of the mould in the containment volumes 13' , therefore resulting easily extractable from the same and thus preserving intact at best the final form.

Figure 6 shows for that purpose a section of the lower portion 11 (or, likewise, of the upper portion) in rubber or silicone under normal conditions and in a bent condition. The figure highlights the consequent deformation of the seats by means of the elastic bending that facilitates the exit of the ice cream, as better detailed below.

Going on with the description of the method and going back to figure 1, the moulds 4 arranged on the belt, once filled with ice cream, proceed through a cooling section 6 where they will remain at a temperature of about -40 °C for enough time to allow the ice cream to reach the necessary consistency for the removal from the mould and the conservation into the basin. When exiting, the product contained in the mould has reached the desired solid consistency at a temperature of about -20 °C and the equivalent form of the containment volumes into which the ice cream has been inj ected .

Subsequently, at the exit from the cooling section, a separator device 7 is used for separating the upper half part 10 of the mould from the lower half part 11. Figure 1 schematises a separator that is mobile in such a way that it can be arranged above the belt for lifting the upper half part of the mould from the lower half part that lays on the belt.

Figure 7, for example, schematises a separator 7 with suction pads 7 that draws the upper half part 10 as shown in figure 8. As shown in subsequent figure 9, the separator bends the upper half contemporarily to its lifting. As it was said, the bending guarantees the easy detachment of the ice cream shapes from the seats of the upper half part, especially if silicon moulds are used. In such a manner, during such a detachment of the mould, the ice cream shapes 15 remain inside the seats of the lower half part that lays on the belt.

The bending can eventually be combined with a series of light vibrations that favour the detachment.

Similarly, instead of the suction pads described, a pliers system could be applied.

Subsequently, the extraction phase of the single ice cream shapes 15 from the lower half of the mould is carried out in such a way as to arrange them into a packaging basin.

In accordance with such a phase (see figure 10 and figure 11) the lowering of a suction pad drawing device 30 is foreseen, eventually provided with aspiration, similar to the separator device 7. The drawing device 30 is lowered in such a way that the single suction pads catch the ice cream balls, lifting them from the lower half part .

Once the balls are extracted from the lower half part, while the lower half part is coupled again to the respective upper half part to repeat the production cycle, the drawn ice cream balls are inserted in the basin or packaging .

The packaging or basin comprises a certain number of seats into which each single ice cream shape drawn from the suction pads is placed.

In such a manner, when it is necessary to prepare an ice cream dish, it is enough to draw one or more portions already ready from the basin to place them in the glass or dish.

Figure 1 shows a basin 50 arranged in such a way that the suction pads can insert the drawn balls in it.

The use of spherical seats of the mould allows the realization of single portions of a perfectly spherical shape, a result which is not obtained currently with any of the devices or spoons commonly used for drawing ice cream from the traditional basins.

The seats of the mould, in the case of a spherical shape, are configured in such a way as to realize single spherical ice cream balls of a diameter of about 5 cm.

Claims

A method for the production of single serving portions (15) of ice cream comprising the operations of:

- Injection of a preparation in a fluid form inside a mould (4) separable in at least two parts (10, 11), the said mould being configured in such a way as to form inside it at least one, preferably a plurality of containment volumes (13') into which the preparation is injected;

- Cooling of the mould in such a way that the preparation in a fluid form injected into the containment volumes (13') of the mould (4) reaches the desired consistency;

- Separation of the two or more parts (10, 11) of the mould and subsequent drawing of the single ice cream shapes (15) obtained.

A method, according to claim 1, wherein the mould is realized in a flexible material, preferably silicone, and is provided with an upper half part (10) and a lower half part (11), the said operation of separation of the mould comprising the lifting of the upper half part (10) with respect to the lower half part and contemporary bending of the upper half part in such a way as to favour the release of the ice cream shapes (15) into the lower half part of the mould.

A method, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the said operation of drawing of the ice cream shapes (15) comprises the lowering of a suction pad drawing device (30) provided with one or more suction pads for drawing the forms from the lower half part of the mould.

4. A method, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the operation of packaging of the single ice cream shapes drawn is further comprised, the said packaging including the insertion of the single shapes into a container provided with a plurality of seats, into each of which a single ice cream shape is placed.

5. A method, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the mould is realized in such a way that the containment volumes (13') are spherical- shaped so as to produce spherical ice cream shapes (15) .

6. A method, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of moulds (4) are conducted in succession through the injection section (2), the subsequent cooling section (6), the detachment section of the mould (7) and the drawing section (30) of the ice cream shapes (15).

7. An equipment (1) for the production of ice cream in single serving portions (15) comprising:

- One or more moulds (4);

- A dispenser device (2) configured in such a way as to inject a preparation in a fluid form into the said one or more moulds (4);

- A cooling section (6) into which the moulds are cooled so that the fluid contained reaches the desired consistency;

and characterized by the fact that the mould (4) is configured in such a way as to form inside it at least one or, preferably, a . plurality of containment volumes (13') into which the preparation is injected and wherein, further, the said mould is separable in at least two parts (10, 11), the said equipment further comprising a dispenser device (7) for separating a part of the mould from the other and a drawing device (30) for allowing the extraction of the single ice cream shapes (15) obtained in the mould once the separation has taken place.

8. An equipment (1), according to claim 7, wherein the mould (4) is of a flexible material, preferably silicone, and comprises an upper half part (10) and a lower half part (11), the said separating device being configured in such a way as to draw and contemporarily bend the upper half part with respect to the lower half part so as to favour the release of the ice cream shapes (15) into the lower half part of the mould.

9. An equipment (1), according to claim 8, wherein the upper half part is provided with an injection hole (13) for each containment volume through which the dispenser device fills the said containment volumes, each containment volume being hermetically separated from the others.

10. An equipment (1), according to one or more claims from 7 to 9, wherein a conveyor belt (3) is comprised for the transport of the said moulds (4) along the production process.

11. An equipment (1), according to claim 7, wherein the said drawing device (30) is provided with aspiration means configured to draw each ice cream shape from the mould and place it into packaging in basin (50).

12. An equipment (1), according to claim 11, wherein the said aspiration means are provided with one or more suction pads.

13. A mould (4) for the production of ice cream in single serving portions (15) characterized by the fact of being configured in such a way as to form inside it at least one or, preferably, a plurality of containment volumes (13') and separable in at least two parts (10, 11) and wherein, further, it is realized in a flexible material, preferably silicone, so that the extraction of the single portions in correspondence of the separation of a part from the other takes place through the bending of at least one of the parts (10, 11) .

14. A mould (4), according to claim 6, wherein, further, the mould is provided with an injection hole (13) for each containment volume (13') in such a way that a preparation in a fluid form results injectable into the mould to fill the said containment volumes (13').

15. A mould (4), according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the said containment volumes (13') are spherical-shaped.

16. A mould (4), according to claim 15, wherein the diameter of the sphere is comprised between 4 cm and 6 cm, preferably 5 cm.

17. A mould (4), according to one or more the preceding claims, wherein nine containment volumes are comprised.