WO2015068149A2 - Chambre froide et bac à glaçons à réfrigération naturelle - Google Patents

Chambre froide et bac à glaçons à réfrigération naturelle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015068149A2
WO2015068149A2 PCT/IB2015/050183 IB2015050183W WO2015068149A2 WO 2015068149 A2 WO2015068149 A2 WO 2015068149A2 IB 2015050183 W IB2015050183 W IB 2015050183W WO 2015068149 A2 WO2015068149 A2 WO 2015068149A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ice bin
refrigerated cooler
refrigerator compartment
ice
naturally
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2015/050183
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2015068149A3 (fr
Inventor
Richard Y. LEE
Original Assignee
Pivot Capital Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pivot Capital Llc filed Critical Pivot Capital Llc
Publication of WO2015068149A2 publication Critical patent/WO2015068149A2/fr
Publication of WO2015068149A3 publication Critical patent/WO2015068149A3/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
    • F25D3/06—Movable containers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
    • F25D23/028—Details
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/06—Walls
    • F25D23/062—Walls defining a cabinet
    • F25D23/063—Walls defining a cabinet formed by an assembly of panels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/002—Liquid coolers, e.g. beverage cooler
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
    • F25D2303/0844—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled above the product

Definitions

  • Refrigerated coolers, refrigerators, coolers or other similar apparatus are commonly used to keep food and beverages cold for storage prior to being used and/or consumed.
  • Such refrigerators or refrigerated coolers are commonly employed in restaurants, bars, pubs, fast food establishments, concessions, convenience stores, kiosks, boats, recreational vehicles, portable concession carts, residential households, outdoor kitchens, and the like.
  • conventional refrigerated coolers or refrigerators rely on electrical components and gases to facilitate the cooling process and to maintain a constant temperature in the ambient range to keep food products and beverages cold. This reliance on electrical components and gases limits their use geographically to locations where electricity is available and also creates an environmental burden.
  • Conventional ice bins, insulated ice wells or ice well coolers typically employ either insulated or non-insulated boxes, sinks or coolers to store and dispense ice cubes for use in beverages or other food and beverage related purposes. Ice bins are commonly used in bars, pubs, restaurants, kiosks, concessions, convenience stores, portable concession carts and the like for the purpose of food or beverage service. However, their functionality is conventionally limited to the provision of service ice. [0005] Accordingly, a need exists for an integrated naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin to provide a refrigerated cooler and service ice bin without the use of conventional electrical refrigeration components or gases.
  • the present disclosure describes a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin designed to provide a refrigerated cooler as well as a service ice bin without the use of conventional electrical refrigeration components or gases.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin can be an all-in-one unit that utilizes ice cubes loaded into an ice bin as the coolant method for the refrigerated cooler.
  • the present disclosure provides for a large vertical ice bin with a refrigerator compartment.
  • the refrigerator compartment can be used as the refrigerated cooler and can be suspended inside the lower portion of this large ice bin.
  • the ice bin and refrigerator compartment can be designed such that ice cubes, and the resulting cold water from the melting of the ice cubes, surround the refrigerator compartment from all sides with the exception of the front.
  • the front side of the refrigerator compartment can be used to access the items inside through the use of an insulated access door.
  • heat from within the refrigerator compartment can be transferred through the refrigerator compartment walls via thermal contact with the ice cubes and cold water.
  • natural cold water convection moves heat from the refrigerator compartment through the refrigerator compartment walls to the ice cubes and cold water surrounding the refrigerator compartment and, finally, to the top of the ice bin.
  • the refrigerator compartment can be constructed of a highly thermally conductive material to facilitate the thermal conductivity of the refrigerator compartment to the ice cubes and cold water surrounding it.
  • the refrigerator compartment can be accessed through a front door similar to a conventional refrigerator.
  • the front door can be also insulated to provide a thermal barrier and sealed using a gasket.
  • the refrigerator compartment can contain shelves or remain open in design.
  • the large ice chamber of the ice bin can be located vertically above the refrigerator compartment.
  • This ice bin can be top loading with direct access to the top, back, right and left side of the inner compartment cooler.
  • the inner compartment can be also suspended from the bottom of the ice bin providing a reservoir underneath the refrigerator compartment with direct access to the left, right and back side of the ice bin.
  • the outer ice bin walls i.e., the entire exterior of the unit
  • the outer ice bin walls can be double walled and insulated to provide a thermal barrier to restrict heat loss from the ice bin.
  • materials used for the walls can include, for example and without limitation, 304 Stainless Steel, molded plastic, steel (outer wall only), galvanized steel (outer wall only), vinyl-lined aluminum or other suitable material used to provide a thermally insulated barrier as well as waterproof structure.
  • a sliding, removable or flip up door can be used to access the top of the ice bin. It is contemplated that the ice bin top access door can be or can not be insulated. In other aspects, the top of the ice bin can include, for example and without limitation, a draft tower with drain collection pan, cold water dispensing unit, cold drain pan tray, or the like.
  • a valve can be located at the bottom of the unit and can be used to discharge the water from the ice bin. Such a valve can be hooked up to external plumbing or simply used as a dump valve.
  • the valve can comprise, for example and without limitation, a ball joint valve, a gate valve, a tee valve or any other valve device operable to restrict water in external or internal plumbing.
  • condensation from within the refrigerator compartment can be directed through a drain from within the refrigerator compartment and plumbed to the valve located on the outside of the unit.
  • the condensation from the refrigerator compartment can be directed to a water reservoir located within or connected to the ice bin.
  • a draft (or draught) version of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin comprises a draft tower with draft lines that can be inserted through the top of the refrigerator compartment, upwards through the top of the ice bin to a draft tower and dispensing faucet.
  • the draft tower and dispensing faucet can be located either on top or on the top side of the ice bin.
  • the draft lines can be fed through a draft line tube constructed of a highly thermally conductive material and into the draft tower. It is contemplated that the draft line tube can be in direct contact with the ice cubes and cold water inside of the ice bin.
  • the present disclosure provides an apparatus and system that can be used to cool the draft lines for an optimal direct draw draft system.
  • the liquid (or beverage) can be stored in kegs, boxes, liter cylinders or the like. It is further contemplated that these items can be stored inside the refrigerator compartment and linked through draft lines to the draft tower and faucet through the above-mentioned draft line tube.
  • Such a draft version of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin can be used to store and dispense beer, wine, cocktail or any other beverage served through a draft tower.
  • a cold plate can be provided on the top of the refrigerator compartment, inside of the ice bin in order to enable the use of a soda system or any other beverage system that utilizes a cold plate cooling design.
  • a cold water dispenser can be provided in the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin. It is contemplated that the cold water dispenser comprises a hand pump, a pressure chamber, an in-line filter, a water line and a dispensing means. In a further aspect, the water line is configured to take water from the bottom of the ice bin, filter it through an in-line filter, and dispense the cold water from the top or the side of the ice bin. It is contemplated that a hand pump will provide the necessary pressure to pull the water through the water lines and filter to the dispensing unit.
  • the present disclosure provides for a naturally refrigerated cooler with ice bin configured to be an environmentally friendly and energy saving appliance.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin of the present disclosure does not utilize power or gas related refrigeration components.
  • the present disclosure provides an ergonomic, space-saving, multipurpose design such that the naturally refrigerated cooler with ice bin can provide many years of trouble-free service.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler with ice bin can be provided in many sizes, configurations and designs such as, for example and without limitation, a free standing rolling design, a slip-in design similar to a conventional stove/oven, a drop-in counter design and the like.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler with ice bin can be adapted for many applications such as, for example and without limitation, restaurants, fast food establishments, bars, pubs, coffee houses, concessions, convenience stores, gas stations, kiosks, portable concession carts, recreational vehicles, outdoor kitchens, residential kitchens, poolside, events, tradeshows, convention booths or virtually any place, portable or fixed, that requires refrigeration.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one exemplary implementation of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a basic configuration (i.e., an ice bin with a refrigerator compartment) in a free standing rolling design.
  • Figures 2A and 2B illustrate one exemplary implementation of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a basic configuration (i.e., an ice bin with a refrigerator compartment) in a free standing rolling design.
  • Figure 2A is a side elevational view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin of Figure 1
  • Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin taken across line A-A of Figure 2A showing the refrigerator compartment, the inner ice bin space (or void) that can be filled with ice, and the insulated inner and outer ice bin walls.
  • Figures 3A and 3B illustrate one exemplary implementation of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a basic configuration (i.e., an ice bin with a refrigerator compartment) in a free standing rolling design.
  • Figure 3 A is a top elevational view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin of Figure 1
  • Figure 3B is a cutout view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin taken across lines A-A of Figure 3 A showing the refrigerator compartment, the inner and outer ice bin walls with insulation, and the refrigerated cooler door having a double wall with insulation. Insulation is indicated with hash lines.
  • Figures 4A-4C illustrate one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a draft configuration (i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower) in a free standing rolling design.
  • Figure 4A is a top elevational view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin
  • Figure 4B is a cutout view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin taken across lines A-A of Figure 4A
  • Figure 4C is an enlarged view of a portion of the cutout view of Figure 4B.
  • the cutout view shows a refrigerator compartment with support rails.
  • the support rails can be used to support and suspend the refrigerator compartment from the bottom of the ice bin.
  • the suspension rail design can also incorporate ports (or holes) that can allow water to freely pass under the refrigerator compartment between the rails. While Figures 4A and 4B exemplarily show two rails, it is anticipated that additional rails can be utilized depending on the size of the unit and the weight capacity desired in the refrigerator compartment.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cutaway view of one exemplary implementation of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a basic configuration (i.e., an ice bin with a refrigerator compartment) in a free standing rolling design.
  • This view shows a refrigerator compartment and a drain located at the bottom of the ice bin below the refrigerator compartment.
  • this drain can be either 1 1 ⁇ 2 inch or 2 inch depending on application.
  • Such a drain assembly can be configured to extend through the bottom of the inner ice bin wall, through the insulation and exit through the outer ice bin wall.
  • this drain can be threaded to receive an elbow and a drain valve such as, but not limited to, agate valve, a ball joint valve, a tee valve or the like.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a front side elevational view of one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a draft configuration (i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower) in a free standing rolling design.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a side elevational view of one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a draft configuration (i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower) in a free standing rolling design.
  • a draft configuration i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower
  • Figure 8 illustrates a top elevational view of one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a draft configuration (i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower) in a free standing rolling design.
  • a draft configuration i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower
  • Figure 9 illustrates an top perspective view of one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a draft configuration (i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower) in a free standing rolling design.
  • a draft configuration i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower
  • Figures 1 OA- IOC illustrate a one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a draft configuration (i. e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower) in a free standing rolling design.
  • Figure 10A is a top elevational view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin
  • Figure 10B is a cutout view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin taken across lines A-A of Figure 10A
  • Figure IOC is an enlarged view of a portion of the cutout view of Figure 10B.
  • the draft line tube can penetrate the top of the refrigerator compartment and can be sealed with a gasket and inner/outer flange design.
  • the draft line tube can be constructed of a thermally conductive material (e.g. aluminum) and can be positioned in direct contact with the ice cubes inside of the ice bin.
  • the draft line tube can be configured to continue up inside of the draft tower prior to the connector to the draft tower faucet.
  • the draft line tube can be used to keep the draft line and liquid in the lines cold, resulting in a cooled direct draw draft configuration.
  • Figure 1 1 illustrates an top perspective view of one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a cold plate configuration (i. e. , an ice bin with refrigerator compartment having a cold plate installed on top of the refrigerator compartment in direct contact with the ice).
  • tube connectors can be provided on the outside of the ice bin, each tube connector providing a connection point through which to run a single supported soda type through the cold plate.
  • Figures 12A and 12B illustrate one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a cold plate configuration (i.e. , an ice bin with refrigerator compartment having a cold plate installed on top of the refrigerator compartment in direct contact with the ice).
  • Figure 12A is a side elevational view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin and
  • Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin taken across line A-A of Figure 12A.
  • Figure 13 illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of one exemplary aspect of a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin in a draft configuration (i.e., an ice bin with refrigerator compartment with draft line tube and draft tower) in a free standing rolling design.
  • the refrigerator compartment can be suspended inside of the ice bin and supported by a plurality of ported support rails.
  • the free standing rolling design can be configured to support at least four wheels (some locking), legs, level glides or some other component that can be operably connected to the bottom of the ice bin.
  • the wheels, legs, level glides, or the like can be mounted onto caster plates and affixed to the ice bin with bolts.
  • nuts can be welded to the inside of the outer wall of the bottom of the ice bin (within the insulation).
  • a design enables the wheels, legs, level glides, or the like to be readily replaced with a bolt on/off design.
  • Figure 14 is a graph depicting the measured temperature at Tl, T2 and T3 over a period of seven days when the refrigerator compartment was empty.
  • Figure 15 is a graph depicting the measured temperature at Tl, T2, T3 and T4 over a period of six days when the refrigerator compartment contained a half barrel keg maintained at room temperature.
  • Figure 16 is a graph depicting the measured temperature at Tl, T2, T3 and T4 over a period of six days when the refrigerator compartment contained a cold, half barrel keg of beer.
  • Implementations described herein are directed toward devices, systems and methods for natural refrigeration. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a natural refrigeration system. For example, one or more implementations described herein provide a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 designed to provide a refrigerated cooler as well as a service ice bin without the use of conventional electrical refrigeration components or gases. In other aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a naturally-refrigerated cooler and ice bin that is configured as an integrated or all-in-one unit that utilizes ice cubes loaded into the ice bin 102 as a coolant.
  • the varying modalities of the present disclosure are directed towards apparatus, systems and method for natural refrigeration.
  • the modalities described herein all comprise a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 designed to provide a refrigerated cooler as well as a service ice bin without the use of conventional electrical refrigeration components or gases.
  • the present disclosure provides for a naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin containing no electrical components, no gases or none of the powered components of a conventional refrigerator or refrigerated cooler.
  • the cooler comprises a large ice bin 102 having a refrigerator compartment 108 suspended within it.
  • the ice bin and cooler compartment are configured such that when the ice cubes and the resulting cold water are loaded into the ice bin, the ice cubes and resulting cold water surround the refrigerator compartment and act to remove heat from inside the refrigerator compartment. It is contemplated that the refrigerator compartment can be accessed from the front similar to a conventional refrigerator.
  • naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin of the present disclosure can provide service ice and a refrigerated cooler, and can be further adapted for the inclusion of one or more of a draft dispensing cooler (for draft products like beer, wine, cocktails, etc.), a cold plate for soda systems, a hand pump and filter to provide cold drinking water, and the like.
  • the disclosure is directed to a naturally- refrigerated cooler and ice bin that is configured as an integrated or all-in-one unit that utilizes ice cubes loaded into the ice bin as a coolant.
  • a naturally refrigerated cooler with ice bin 100 having a basic configuration in a free standing rolling design is shown.
  • the basic configuration consists of an ice bin 102 having a refrigerator compartment 108.
  • a free standing rolling design is provided.
  • a free standing rolling design is just one of a myriad of configurations that can embody the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin of the present disclosure.
  • the example of a free standing rolling design is used herein for the sake of clarity.
  • the ice bin 102 can be configured to be top loading.
  • the top of the ice bin can comprise a means for access such as, for example and without limitation, insulated sliding doors, folding doors, pull out doors, a draft tower with a pull out door, a flip up door with a cold water dispenser, and the like.
  • access to the refrigerator compartment 108 can be provided through a refrigerator cooler door 116.
  • the design of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 comprises an ice bin 102 with a refrigerator compartment 108 suspended within it.
  • the exterior wall can be a double wall design comprising an exterior wall 104, an interior wall 106, and insulation 105 disposed therebetween.
  • the exterior wall can be constructed of 304 stainless steel, steel, galvanized steel, vinyl-lined aluminum or any other metal, plastic, wood, or ceramic material known to one skilled in the art to be suitable.
  • the interior wall can be constructed of 304 stainless steel, formed plastic, or other material known to provide a high thermal barrier as well as capable of sealing to be water tight.
  • the insulation 105 between the exterior and interior wall can comprise "foam in place” polyurethane, "pour in place” polyurethane, extruded polystyrene or other suitable insulation material known in the art.
  • this double wall design can be found on all four sides and the bottom of the ice bin.
  • the refrigerator compartment 108 can be suspended within the bottom portion of the inside of the ice bin 102.
  • the ice When ice is loaded through the top of the ice bin, the ice will fill in the void around the refrigerator compartment from the top, left, right and back side.
  • cold water generated by the melting of the ice can fill the void under the refrigerator compartment.
  • the only portion of the refrigerator compartment not in direct contact with the ice and/or cold water can be at least a portion of the front surface which can, in turn, comprise a refrigerator cooler door 116.
  • the refrigerator compartment can be constructed of a thermally conductive material configured to facilitate heat transfer from the contents inside of the refrigerator compartment to the ice and cold water of the surrounding ice bin.
  • the thermally conductive material can be, for example and without limitation, aluminum and the like.
  • the heat drawn from the refrigerator compartment will rise towards the top of the ice bin resulting in colder temperatures at the lower part of the ice bin.
  • the cold water convection and heat transfer process described herein provides for natural refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment and the maintenance of that cold temperature for extended periods of time.
  • support rails 110 can operate to keep the refrigerator compartment 108 suspended from the floor of the ice bin 102.
  • the support rails can be configured as a structural element to further support the weight of the contents of the refrigerator compartment.
  • Figure 4B shows a close up view of one exemplary embodiment of the support rails.
  • the support rails can have ports or holes configured to allow water to flow freely across the bottom of the ice bin. In operation, the flow of cold water through the ports can facilitate heat transfer across the bottom of the ice bin, through to the sides and up to the top of the ice bin.
  • the support rails can start from about 2 to about 4 inches from the inner ice bin walls 106 and end about 2 to about 4 inches from the back of the ice bin inner walls. In operation, this can allow water to easily flow around the support rails, for example, when draining the unit.
  • an ice bin drain 112 can be provided in the bottom of the ice bin 102.
  • the ice bin drain can be about 1 1 ⁇ 2 inches to about 2 inches in diameter or any other diameter configured to accommodate any other contemplated application.
  • the drain can have a flange and a threaded end as is common in standard plumbing applications.
  • the drain can be epoxy welded into the inner wall 106 of the ice bin for a permanent and waterproof installation.
  • an elbow and a valve such as, for example and without limitation, a gate valve, a ball joint valve, a tee valve or the like can be installed and configured to facilitate water removal from the ice bin.
  • the drain can be connected to onsite plumbing in order to drain directly to a sewer line or floor drain.
  • wheels 114 can be utilized to provide mobility in the free standing rolling design.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 can have four wheels, legs, level glides, or the like. In further aspects, more than four wheels, legs, level glides, or the like can be employed for larger units.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 can further comprise a draft configuration.
  • the draft configuration comprises the ice bin 102 and suspended cooler of the basic configuration and also comprises a draft line tube 122 and draft tower 118 positioned on top of the ice bin.
  • the draft line tube can be constructed of a highly thermally conductive material such as, for example and without limitation, aluminum.
  • the draft line tube can be used to run draft lines from the refrigerator compartment 108 to the draft tower.
  • the draft line tube can have a flange and gasket coupled to one end and configured to seat the tube to the top of the refrigerator compartment.
  • an access hole can provide the draft line tube access to the refrigerator compartment, and an inner flange with gasket can secure the draft line tube and can provide a waterproof seal.
  • draft lines can run from the refrigerator compartment, through the draft line tube, to the draft tower and connect to a faucet 120 installed on the draft tower.
  • the draft line tube can be in direct contact with the ice in the ice bin. In operation, this contact transfers heat from the draft line tube, the draft lines and the liquid inside those draft lines to the ice inside of the ice bin. In light of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art will appreciate that this heat transfer can keep the liquid on the draft line tubes cold facilitating a direct draw draft setup.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 comprise a fresh water assembly disposed inside the ice bin 102 to a dispensing faucet 120 located on top of the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin.
  • the fresh water assembly further comprises an in-line pickup tube, an in-line water filter, a pumping mechanism (manual, battery operated or electrically operated) and a faucet.
  • the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 can further comprise a cold plate configuration that provides a cooling means for soda system delivery.
  • the cold plate 124 can be formed from, for example and without limitation, a ported aluminum plate with copper coils and the like.
  • a separate coil can be provided for each different soda product (i.e. coke, diet coke, sprite, mountain dew, etc.).
  • Each coil can have an inlet and outlet that can be connected on the outside of the ice bin 102.
  • the cold plate can be mounted on top of the refrigerator compartment 108.
  • the coils can be run through the inner ice bin wall 106, insulation 105 and the outer ice bin wall 104 to the exterior of the unit. Here, the coils can then be connected to an external soda delivery system.
  • the coils comprise a stainless steel coil assembly used to run a variety of liquids for the purpose of in-line cooling.
  • Figures 1-13, and the corresponding text provide a number of different devices, systems, methods and mechanisms for apparatus, systems and methods for natural refrigeration.
  • implementations described herein can also be described in terms acts and steps in a method for accomplishing a particular result.
  • the duration of time that the refrigerated cooler and ice bin 100 of the present disclosure can maintain refrigerated temperatures under various conditions was tested.
  • the refrigerated cooler and ice bin was stored at room temperature (approximately 74 °F) for the duration of the tests described herein.
  • One load of ice was inserted into the ice bin 102. Additional ice was not added as the ice melted.
  • the temperature was taken at four locations :T1, T2, T3 and T4.
  • the temperature at Tl, located at the top of the ice bin, inside of the ice compartment, was measured using a thermometer.
  • the temperature at T2, located at the bottom of the ice bin and inside of the ice compartment was measured using a digital thermometer.
  • the temperature at T4 the temperature of the liquid placed within the refrigerator compartment 108, was measured using a hand-held thermometer where applicable. Moreover, the water that was generated as a result of the melting ice was not discharged from the naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin during testing.
  • Figure 14 is a graph depicting the measured temperature at Tl, T2 and T3 over a period of seven days when the refrigerator compartment 108 was empty. After placement of the ice into the ice bin 102, the temperatures at Tl, T2 and T3 were 30.0 °F, 20.0 °F and 43.0 °F, respectively. On day four, the ice melted below the top of the refrigerator compartment with temperatures of 31.8 °F, 28.0 °F and 34.5 °F at Tl, T2 and T3, respectively.
  • Figure 15 is a graph depicting the measured temperature at Tl, T2, T3 and T4 over a period of six days when the refrigerator compartment 108 contained a half barrel keg maintained at room temperature.
  • the temperatures at Tl, T2, T3 and T4 were 27.5 °F, 27.8 °F, 62.0 °F and 65.0 °F, respectively.
  • the ice melted below the top of the refrigerator compartment with temperatures of 33.8 °F, 27.6 °F, 36.0 °F and 33.0 °F at Tl, T2, T3 and T4, respectively.
  • Figure 16 is a graph depicting the measured temperature at Tl, T2, T3 and T4 over a period of six days when the refrigerator compartment 108 contained a cold, half barrel keg of beer.
  • the temperatures at Tl, T2, T3 and T4 were 27.8 °F, 27.6 °F, 50.0 °F and 33.0 °F, respectively.
  • day four the ice melted below the top of the refrigerator compartment with temperatures of 32.5 °F, 28.0 °F, 36.0 °F and 32.0 °F at Tl, T2, T3 and T4.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil, un système et un procédé pour réfrigération naturelle comprenant une chambre froide et un bac à glaçons à réfrigération naturelle contenant un bac à glaçons à l'intérieur duquel est suspendu un compartiment réfrigérateur. Le bac à glaçons et le compartiment chambre froide sont configurés de telle sorte que lorsque des glaçons et l'eau froide qui est résulte sont chargés dans le bac à glaçons, les glaçons et l'eau froide qui en résulte entourent le compartiment réfrigérateur et agissent pour éliminer la chaleur présente à l'intérieur du compartiment réfrigérateur.
PCT/IB2015/050183 2013-11-11 2015-01-09 Chambre froide et bac à glaçons à réfrigération naturelle WO2015068149A2 (fr)

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US201361902639P 2013-11-11 2013-11-11
US61/902,639 2013-11-11

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WO2015068149A2 true WO2015068149A2 (fr) 2015-05-14
WO2015068149A3 WO2015068149A3 (fr) 2015-08-20

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WO (1) WO2015068149A2 (fr)

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US10443255B1 (en) 2017-04-27 2019-10-15 Pivot Capital, Llc Modular store system

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US20150135763A1 (en) * 2013-11-11 2015-05-21 Pivot Capital Llc Naturally refrigerated cooler and ice bin
US10443255B1 (en) 2017-04-27 2019-10-15 Pivot Capital, Llc Modular store system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20150135763A1 (en) 2015-05-21
WO2015068149A3 (fr) 2015-08-20

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