WO2016110820A1 - Self-cooling beverage container - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-cooling beverage can includes a cylindrical can sidewall defines a closed beverage reservoir therein, a cooling process chamber assembly having a closed cooling process chamber therein disposed adjacent to the beverage reservoir, separated by a relatively high thermally conductive common wall, such as a relatively thin (such as a 0.1" metallic wall, wherein the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber are pneumatically and fluidically isolated from each other. In a form, an endothermic reaction material, or a pressurized refrigerant, is disposed within the cooling process chamber. No cooling occurs in an initial stage wherein no initiation conditions are effected, and a cooling process occurs involving the endothermic reaction material, or the refrigerant, depending on the form, in the cooling process chamber following the occurrence of initiation conditions.

Description

SELF-COOLING BEVERAGE CONTAI NER

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/100,538 entitled "Self-Cooling Beverage Container", filed January 7, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to beverage containers, and more particularly to systems and methods for constructing containers that are adapted for self- cooling contained beverages.

Background

[0003] Temperature control is very important to a modern society. Many everyday processes and goods require some form of temperature control, whether it is, for example, for comfort, prevention of overheating, keeping food fresh for longer, or having a cold beverage. Buildings are kept at a desirable temperature for comfortable operating conditions. Manufacturing processes may require very hot or very cold environments, such as in drying processes or cold storage. Electronic devices may require temperature control so that devices do not overheat and cause damage. When it comes to food, it is important to keep meat, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products at cool temperatures so that they do not decompose as quickly as compared to being left outside at room temperature or higher. Certain beverages such as soda pop, alcoholic beverages (for example, beer), and even drinking water, are usually refrigerated so that they are more refreshing to drink. All these examples generally utilize temperature control devices which provide cooling or heating to the products. In many real-world scenarios it is inconvenient or not possible to have conventional refrigeration for the cooling of beverages.

[0004] Typically, most beverages are cooled in refrigeration systems, for example, in refrigerators. A refrigeration system extracts thermal energy from one medium and transfers that extracted heat to a second medium, often referred to as a heat sink.

[0005] When a container having a relatively warm beverage disposed in an interior region of the container, is placed in a chilled interior region of the refrigerator, thermal energy is transferred out of the beverage, through the container, and into the chilled interior region of the refrigerator surrounding the container. The thermal energy that is received by the chilled interior region of the refrigerator is absorbed by, and thus transferred to, a refrigerant circulating adjacent to the interior of the refrigerator, warming the refrigerant. The so-warmed refrigerant is applied to a heat exchanger that extracts the heat added to the refrigerant and transfers that heat to the ambient surroundings of the refrigerator, which act as a heat sink. Thus, overall, the refrigerant extracts thermal energy obtained from the contained beverage, cooling the beverage, and expels that thermal energy into the air surrounding the refrigerator. This occurs pursuant to a "refrigeration cycle" where the refrigerant undergoes compression and throttling to provide a means to take thermal energy, or heat, from interior region of the refrigerator and then expel that thermal energy to the surroundings.

[0006] In certain scenarios, cooling of beverage products is required where a refrigerator is not available. For example, during an outdoor picnic, barbeque, or camping trip, it may be desired to have a cold drink. The conventional method used today to obtain such a cooled beverage, is the use of a passive cooler box. Passive cooler boxes are boxes which have thermally insulating walls characterized by relatively low thermal conductivity. In use, such cooler boxes may be filled with ice, or other cold material, along with relatively high thermal conductivity containers, each holding a beverage-to-be-cooled, and in thermal contact with the ice. The beverages are cooled due to transfer of heat from the relatively warm beverages, through the walls of the containers, to the relatively cold ice.

[0007] However, this beverage-cooling method only works for a usually marginally significant period of time, e.g., 2-3 hours. The cooler box and all of the contents inside eventually reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient surroundings. Thus, there is a time limitation on how long the drinks can remain cool. It is also an inconvenience to carry additional equipment to provide the necessary cooling. A potential solution to having a cold beverage at any time one desires, which does not have the immediately above limitation of a cooler box, is the utilization of a selectively activatable self-cooling device. An example of such device is the common "ice pack" which can be found in most medical and first aid kits. Such an "ice pack" includes materials which support an endothermic chemical reaction upon "activation." While such an "ice pack" is "self-cooling," the device is costly relative to the cost of a single-serve beverage-to-be-cooled in a container.

[0008] For a number of years, the bottling and canning industry has searched for a single- serve, or low multiple-serve, beverage container, for example, made of aluminum, pursuant to a "drawing and ironing" manufacturing procedure, and capable of cooling its beverage contents independent of an external refrigeration vessel, and at the demand of a consumer. Such a container in a commercial form would be a "self-cooling" container which satisfies market needs.

[0009] Numerous attempts have been made for various containers that would accomplish this goal. Each has failed to meet the demands of the industry for a variety of reasons applicable to their respective designs. In each instance, the container has proven either too costly to be commercially viable, or ineffective and/or inefficient in its ability to cool the beverage contents within the container.

[0010] From an industry perspective, a cooling assembly for a container is required that (i) is integral with the beverage-containing portion of the can, (ii) together with the beverage containing portion of the can, is amenable to low cost mass production (such as a "drawn and ironed" aluminum can of the type typically used for a single-serving beer can), (iii) can cool the beverage contents of the can by 20° C within a reasonable time frame (for example, under 3 minutes), (iv) includes internal chemical components which do not come in contact with the beverage contents of the can, and (v) is at least environmentally neutral.

Moreover, the entire assembly must add only a low cost relative to current pricing of beverage cans, as well as being adaptable to existing canning operations.

[0011] These primary requirements are preferable for the successful adaptation of any technology into a commercially viable beverage container product. Once met, such containers would have broad product appeal to participants in targeted markets e.g.

campers, hunters, day trippers, hikers, military personnel in the field or participants in other outdoor endeavors where refrigeration is not readily available, cost prohibitive or unwieldy. Summary

[0012] Self-cooling beverage containers (or cans) and related methods are disclosed below. In one form, a beverage can include a cylindrical can sidewall having end assemblies at each end thereof, a cooling process chamber assembly and a cooling material disposed within that cooling process chamber.

[0013] In that form, the cylindrical can sidewall extends along and about a central axis A from a first end to a second end. A first end assembly spans the first end, and a second end assembly spans the second end. Together, the cylindrical can sidewall, the first end assembly and the second end assembly define a closed beverage reservoir therein.

[0014] As a part of a cooling attachment affixed to the second end, the cooling process chamber assembly defines a closed chamber therein, wherein the cooling process chamber is disposed adjacent to the beverage reservoir, with the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber being separated by a common (and preferably, metallic) wall. The beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber are pneumatically and fluidically isolated from each other.

[0015] Depending on the embodiment, a refrigerant or an aerosol propellant, or an endothermic reaction material, is disposed within a localized region of the cooling process chamber. No cooling process occurs involving the refrigerant, or propellant.. or the endothermic reaction material, in the cooling process chamber in an initial stage wherein no process initiation conditions are effected. Following the occurrence of initiation conditions in response to a predetermined physical change in the cooling process chamber pursuant to a user action, an expansion-absorption process for the refrigerant, or an expansion-expelling process for the propellant, or an endothermic reaction with the endothermic reaction material, occurs in the cooling process chamber involving one of the refrigerant, the propellant and the endothermic reaction material, respectively, depending on the embodiment.

[0016] In a form, the refrigerant is pressurized ammonia (N H3) or an ammonia-water mixture (preferably having an approximate ammonia concentration of over 50% by weight) disposed within a closed region (such as a closed capsule or small closed container), disposed within the cooling process chamber. By way of example, the ammonia can be pressurized to 8 to 9 bar (110 - 130 psi) in an initial (not-yet-activated) state. Also, by way of example, the ambient pressure within the cooling process chamber but outside of the ammonia capsule, can be in the range of a slight vacuum, e.g, negative 0.07-0.34 barg (negative 1-5 psig ), in the initial (not-yet-activated) state. In alternative form, again by way of an example, ammonia is mixed with water in 50%-50% by weight, and the vapor pressure in the pressurized refrigerant container is reduced to 2 atm gage (30 psig). This form requires less material for the container, but more refrigerant volume to compensate for the lower cooling effect of ammonia-water compared to use of ammonia only. The percentage of ammonia in an ammonia-water mixture can be varied from approximately 50% up to 100% and is subjected to technical-economic analyses to make the process more business- effective at large production scale.

[0017] To activate the can to cool a beverage in its beverage reservoir, a user effects a physical change in the container holding the pressurized ammonia, by way of a trigger assembly, for example resulting in fracture of the container and allowing the pressurized ammonia (or ammonia-water) to escape into, and expand throughout, the cooling process chamber, partially changing from a liquid state to a gaseous state, pursuant to a throttling produced by a calibrated orifice in the ammonia container. The expansion and change of state of the ammonia causes a cooling effect, absorbing heat from the surroundings, principally extracting heat from the beverage in the beverage chamber, passing by way of the common (preferably metallic, but which could be another material which supports good heat transfer, as opposed to a thermal insulator) wall between the cooling process chamber and the beverage reservoir, resulting in a desired cooling of the beverage.

[0018] In a form, a first end assembly of the can includes a port assembly (for example, like a conventional "pop top" on a soda or beer can) which can be used to permit a user to gain access to the beverage, and a second end assembly supports an inner cylinder within and concentric with the cylindrical can sidewall, open at a proximal end closest to the second end, and closed at a distal end closest to the first end. In such a form, the reaction assembly can include an outer wall extending from the second end of the cylindrical can sidewall, forming, together with the second end assembly, the closed reservoir chamber. In such a form, the cylindrical wall of the inner cylinder can be made of metal and provides a common wall for the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber, with a relatively high (compared to a thermal insulating material) heat transfer coefficient, supporting heat transfer therethrough in response to the cooling of the ammonia due to transition to gas and expansion of the released pressurized ammonia.

[0019] In a form, to enhance the cooling effect, a porous aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃) matrix coats the inner surface of the inner cylinder, providing an increase in surface area

(compared to the inner surface by itself) which allows greater amounts of the cool ammonia (some in gas form and most in liquid form) to be in good thermal communication with the beverage in the beverage reservoir That structure enhances, via capillary effects, the rate of evaporation of the ammonia. In a form, an electro-spinning process is used as a relatively inexpensive method of coating the aluminum surface with porous alumina.

[0020] In a form, to absorb the gaseous ammonia (or ammonia-water vapor) that results after the expansion and evaporation process, another porous matrix is disposed in an absorption chamber which is a part of the cooling attachment. In a form, the absorption chamber is charged with a porous absorbent matrix consisting of aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃) mixed with an ammonia gas absorbent such as magnesium chloride or calcium chloride (both in anhydrous form). The magnesium chloride and calcium chloride absorb the gaseous ammonia or gaseous ammonia-water mixture, minimizing the likelihood of leakage, or escape from the cooling process chamber, of the released ammonia or ammonia-water fumes. That matrix also maintains the pressure inside the cooling process chamber at reasonable low values at all times. Eventually, the pressure decreases to atmospheric value or slight vacuum after the ammonia gas is sufficiently absorbed into the matrix. The amount of absorbent and porous alumina mixture is determined such it allows for all initial charge of ammonia to be absorbed in minutes after the cooling process end.

[0021] Initially, the encapsulated pressurized ammonia, primarily in pressurized liquid form, is released, enabling expansion to a cooled, gaseous plus liquid mixture, optionally followed by absorption of the gaseous NH₃ into the magnesium chloride (or calcium chloride) supported by the aluminum oxide matrix, which is optionally established by a powder bed. This absorption caps an emission-free cooling process, all in a closed chamber in good thermal contact with a reservoir containing the beverage-to-be-cooled. Preferably, the beverage-to-be-cooled is disposed in a beverage reservoir, a wall of which separates the beverage from the cool medium in the cooling process chamber (or "cooling agent chamber" or "CAC"). In a form, the beverage and the cool medium are mutually separated by a thin, relatively high thermal conductivity, preferably metallic (such as aluminum), wall to provide the good thermal contact.

[0022] In another form, two initially-separated salts (salt-1 and salt-2), for example, are disposed in distinct closed salt chambers (SC-1 and SC-2) within a closed cooling agent chamber. Upon activation, or "triggering" (to effect self-cooling), a change in the geometry of the salt-1 chamber (SC-1 ) and/or the salt-2 chamber (SC-2) enables and effects a physical mixing of the two salts , thereby initiating an endothermic chemical reaction. The reaction establishes a low temperature medium posed by the mixed salts in a cooling agent chamber (CAC), optionally followed by an absorption of resultant gaseous NH3 onto a magnesium chloride (MgCI₂) and aluminum oxide (AI0₂) powder bed. The absorption provides a basis for an overall emission-free cooling reaction. The beverage-cooling process all occurs in a closed chamber in good thermal contact with a reservoir containing the beverage-to-be- cooled. Preferably, a beverage-to-be-cooled is disposed in a beverage reservoir, a wall of which separates the beverage from the cool medium in the cooling agent chamber so that the beverage and the cool medium are mutually separated by a thin, relatively high thermal conductivity, metallic (such as aluminum) wall to provide the good thermal contact.

[0023] In the above-described forms, the beverage containers are shelf-stable and have a shelf life at least as long as the contained beverages that they are to cool.

[0024] Four exemplary forms of the novel self-chilling beverage cans are disclosed below, which meet or exceed the criteria for a commercially viable product for the beverage- canning industry. Each form has the ability to cool a contained beverage by a minimum of 20° C within a time frame of 2-3 minutes. Each form is environmentally neutral, reduces the respective carbon footprints (compared to prior attempts at self-chilling beverage cans), and is amenable to 100% recyclability. The various forms each use readily available components that are low cost and effective in the application. Moreover, each of the forms is easily adapted to the techniques of existing-type can manufacturing facilities with minimal impact or modification required. The cooling components do not come in contact with the beverage which requires cooling, simplifying governmental approvals, if such are required.

[0025] A fifth exemplary form is disclosed in which a refrigerant is released into surrounding air during the cooling process initiation, in a similar manner as in a prior art US Patent No. 5,214,933 but with improvements described subsequently. In a form, the beverage has an extruded well similar to that described above, coated with alumina, and operates in an "upside down", or inverted, position when the cooling process is initiated. A refrigerant of the type that is used in common aerosol or spray propellants, such as a pressurized butane- propane mixture, is kept in a closed container attached to the can bottom. When the can is "triggered", an orifice is pierced and the refrigerant is sprayed to the then-"bottom" of the extruded well placed "upside-down" with the can. Vapor produced by the expansion and evaporation process is released to the atmosphere. That vapor has no significant health effect, being similar to the gases used to propel asthma medicine or to sprays used as deodorant or computer screen cleaners. In some jurisdictions, the public use of a device which releases a butane-propane refrigerant, may not be permitted. In such places, the process for this embodiment may be applicable only in special niche applications, including outdoor sports, military and medical needs of self-cooled materials, and other outdoor applications.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Fig. 1 shows, in a side sectional view, a first exemplary form of a self-chilling beverage container.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows, in a side sectional view, a second exemplary form of a self-chilling beverage container.

[0028] Figs. 3A and 3B show, in side sectional views, a third exemplary form of a self-chilling beverage container, before activation, and after activation, respectively.

[0029] Figs. 4A and 4B show, in side sectional views, a fourth exemplary form of a self- chilling beverage container, before activation, and after activation, respectively. [0030] Fig. 5A shows in side sectional view, an exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 1, showing detail of a trigger structure, a needle/orifice structure and an absorbent/diffusion medium structure, all of a cooling attachment of the container.

[0031] Fig. 5B shows a 3-D vertical cut of the exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 5A.

[0032] Fig. 5C shows in plan view from A-A of Fig. 5A, the interior of cooling attachment CA of container 10 of Fig. 5A.

[0033] Fig. 5D shows a bottom/side view of a can of the exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 5A, showing an internal cooling well extending from a bottom end of the can.

[0034] Fig. 5E shows a side view of a can and cooling attachment of the exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 5A.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a side view of an apparatus for charging liquid ammonia of the exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 5A.

[0036] Figs. 7A and 7B show test results demonstrating cooling performance of the exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 5A.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary an exemplary configuration for recovering liquid ammonia and absorbent salt from used cooling attachments.

[0038] Fig. 9 shows in side sectional view, another exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 1.

[0039] Fig. 10 shows in side sectional view, a variant of the self-chilling beverage container of Fig. 9, together with a barbeque grill.

Detailed Description

[0040] The exemplary self-cooling beverage containers (or cans) disclosed in detail below, all take advantage of (i) pressurized liquid refrigerant expansion with cooling effect, or (ii) an endothermic chemical reaction, in a closed chamber, in intimate thermal contact with a beverage reservoir containing a beverage-to-be-cooled, to provide readily available self- cooling for a beverage in the reservoir.

[0041] In a form, the cooling is primarily based expansion of pressurized ammonia (NH₃) optionally followed by absorption of resultant ammonia vapor in a magnesium chloride (MgCI₂) (or, alternatively, calcium chloride (CaCI₂) and aluminum oxide powder bed, all in a closed chamber.

[0042] In another form, two initially separated salts are mixed to effect an endothermic chemical reaction optionally followed by absorption of resultant (from the endothermic chemical reaction) ammonia vapor in a magnesium chloride (MgCI₂) (or, alternatively, calcium chloride (CaCI₂) and aluminum oxide powder bed, again, all in a closed chamber.

[0043] A first exemplary self-cooling beverage container 10 is shown in FIG. 1, employing a form of pressurized ammonia/gas expansion to effect cooling of a contained beverage on demand. In a form, can 110 is used with a cooling material, and more particularly, a liquid (when confined in a relatively high pressure region)/gas (when released to a relatively low pressure region) coolant, preferably in the form of a refrigerant like ammonia (or an ammonia-water solution), or an aerosol propellant, as described below.

[0044] Three additional exemplary self-cooling beverage containers, or cans, 110, 210 and 310, are shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, respectively, employing a form of an endothermic chemical reaction to effect cooling of a contained beverage on demand.

[0045] Self-cooling beverage containers 10, 110, 210 and 310, all are devices which can cool a beverage contained therein on demand, e.g., by user "activation". There are several common parts of the respective exemplary cans, denoted by the same reference designations. First, there is a beverage reservoir BR for containing a beverage-to-be-cooled. As in a conventional beer can, for example, the beverage reservoirs in a preferred form, include a port portion (for example, a "pop-top" on the top of a beer can) which may be actuated to enable a consumer to gain access to, and drink, or pour, as desired, the beverage in the reservoir BR. Second, there is a cooling attachment (or assembly) 30, 130, 230 and 330, in the respective cans 10, 110, 210 and 310, having a closed cooling agent chamber (CAC) for housing cooled ammonia gas (upon triggering/activation, released from a pressurized reservoir in the device of Fig. 1, and from the endothermic chemical reaction in the devices of Figs. 2-4). In the forms of Figs. 1-4, the cooling agent chamber CAC has a boundary in intimate contact with a relatively high thermal conductivity outer wall (such as may be provided by a metal) of the beverage reservoir BR.

[0046] A third common part is a trigger assembly TA which is integral to respective beverage-containing cans 10, 110, 210 and 310, provided to initiate the cooling process on demand. The trigger assemblies TA of the respective beverage-containing cans 10, 110, 210 and 310, vary from can to can.

[0047] The can 10 is shown "inverted" in Fig. 1, with bottom end 10B above top end 10A. Can 10 employs an ammonia expansion and desiccant capture system. Can 10 includes an outer cylindrical side wall 12 extending along a central axis A, having a top lid assembly 14 and a bottom closure assembly 16, all defining a closed interior region, or beverage reservoir, BR. The top lid assembly 14 spans the cylindrical side wall 12 at a first ("top") end 10A thereof, and as illustrated, the top lid assembly 14 is in the form of a conventional "pop- top" assembly, as in a common beer or soda pop can. The bottom closure assembly 16 spans the cylindrical side wall 12 at a second ("bottom") end 10B thereof opposite top end 10A. As illustrated, bottom closure assembly 16 includes an annular section 16A extending transverse to axis A and inward from end 12B of the cylindrical wall 12, to a closed end inner cylindrical wall 16B extending along axis A from the innermost edge of the annular section 16A into the beverage reservoir, BR.

[0048] A cooling activation and absorption assembly 30 is affixed to can 10 at the second end 10B. The cooling activation and absorption assembly 30 includes an ammonia reservoir 32 extending along, and slidably disposed about axis A and further includes an annular salt chamber 34 disposed about the reservoir 32, and also extending along, and disposed about axis A. An absorption salt mixture ASM is disposed within the annular salt chamber 34. An exemplary absorption salt mixture ASM is magnesium chloride (MgC ) or calcium chloride (CaCI₂) powder on an aluminum oxide bed. Ammonia (NH₃) is disposed under pressure P₀ (for example, the range of 8 to 9 bar (116 - 130 psi), or greater) within the ammonia reservoir 32. Prior to activation, a vacuum region VR interior to inner cylindrical wall 16B is free space, or vacuum (for example, at a pressure 0.07-0.34 bar (1-5 psi) or less). In the illustrated form of Fig. 1, an annular portion of the absorption salt mixture ASM disposed within the annular chamber 34 is adjacent to and in direct contact with the free space or vacuum region V .

[0049] An exemplary trigger assembly TA is shown in Fig. 1 for can 10. In that figure, the trigger assembly TA includes the ammonia reservoir 32 which is slidably positioned along axis A, and includes a piercing element P at bottom end 10B which extends toward ammonia reservoir 32 in the direction of axis A. A wall 32A of reservoir 32 which is closest to and facing the free space or vacuum region VR is a piercable by the piercing element P, in response to an external force applied along axis A by a user, to trigger activation of the cooling and absorption assembly 30.

[0050] When triggered, ammonia reservoir 32 is moved toward piercing element P, piercing that wall 32A and creating a thus-opened orifice in wall 32A through which the pressurized ammonia can flow. In response to the piercing of wall 32A, the pressurized ammonia flows through the orifice and out of reservoir 32 and into the free space or vacuum region VR, expanding and cooling as it flows.

[0051] Another exemplary piercing method is described below in conjunction with Fig. 5A, Detail A, wherein a piercing needle N is disposed in the interior for the refrigerant reservoir 32 and is actuated by a rubber trigger T passing through a wall of the reservoir 32. In use, a user presses the trigger T in the direction of axis A, causing the tip of the needle N to pierce a membrane disposed over an orifice O, effecting a throttled flow of refrigerant through the orifice O and into the free space or vacuum region VR of the cooling chamber.

[0052] The resultant just-released and increasingly cold, and initially still liquid, ammonia accumulates at the bottom part of the cylindrical cavity formed by inner cylinder wall 16B. In a preferred form, a capillary-porous medium (for example, aluminum Al₂0₃) is disposed on the vacuum region-facing inner surface of wall 16B and inner surface of salt chamber 34.

[0053] The porous medium on wall 16B serves to provide an increased surface area for heat transfer for, as well as to disperse released ammonia, via capillary flow of cold ammonia liquid upwardly along the walls 16B of the inner cylinder. This enhances the evaporation rate of the ammonia and the cooling rate. Because the wall 16B is formed from a relatively high thermal conductivity material, e.g., a metal such as aluminum, the beverage contained in vacuum region V is in good thermal contact with the evaporating ammonia at the inner surface of wall 16B (and within the porous aluminum oxide on that wall. As a result, the cool evaporating ammonia absorbs heat from the beverage in beverage reservoir BR, resulting in cooling of the beverage. Further, since during the cooling process, the cooling well is at the "upper" part of the can, strong convective currents are induced on the liquid beverage due to a buoyancy effect created by the temperature difference between the cold inner wall and the warmer outer wall. This structure enhances the cooling rate of the beverage by creating a natural mixing process within the beverage. At the inside of the cooling well, as the ammonia reaches a gaseous state, and after absorbing the heat from the beverage, the ammonia is absorbed into the magnesium chloride on the aluminum oxide bed located in the salt chamber 34. The resultant cooled beverage in beverage reservoir BR is ready to drink.

[0054] The ammonia-expansion-based process includes three sequential sub-processes: ammonia throttling (or expansion), ammonia evaporation, and ammonia absorption.

Ammonia expansion and ammonia evaporation are physical processes with no chemical reaction involved. Also, ammonia absorption is a physical-chemical process in which a physical process of absorption occur simultaneously with a chemical reaction in which ammonia and magnesium chloride react as follows: 6NH₃(g)+MgCI₂(s) ->MgCI₂- 6NH₃(s), creating an ammoniated salt. A similar reaction occurs when CaCI₂ is used instead of MgCI₂.

[0055] The can 110 shown in Fig. 2 employs an endothermic chemical reaction system for effecting cooling of a contained beverage. Can 110 includes an outer cylindrical side wall 12 extending along a central axis A, having a top lid assembly 14 and a bottom closure assembly 16, all defining a closed interior region, or beverage reservoir, BR. The top lid assembly 14 spans the cylindrical side wall 12 at a first end 10A thereof, and as illustrated, the top lid assembly 14 is in the form of a conventional "pop-top" assembly, as in a common beer can. As illustrated, bottom closure assembly 16 includes an annular section 16A extending transverse to axis A and inward from end 12B of the cylindrical wall 12, to a closed end inner cylindrical wall 16B extending from the innermost edge of the annular section 16A into the beverage reservoir, BR along and about axis A. In a form, the side wall 12 and bottom closure assembly 16 (including annular section 16A and the inner cylindrical wall 16B extending therefrom) are an integral structure made from aluminum.

[0056] A cooling activation and absorption assembly 130 is affixed to can 110 at the second end 10B. The cooling activation and absorption assembly 130 includes (i) two closed salt chambers adapted for holding and selectively dispensing two solid, particulate salts for effecting an endothermic chemical reaction when the two salts are physically mixed, (ii) a manually rotatable shaft, (iii) a peeling assembly coupled between the shaft and the salt chambers, and (iv) a salt mixing brush mounted on a distal (as shown) end of the shaft, all within a closed cooling agent chamber CAC for housing ammonia gas (upon

triggering/activation) released during the endothermic chemical reaction.

[0057] In this form, with a 1:2 ratio, a first salt, salt-1 (ammonium thiocyanate, solid, 1 unit) is initially disposed in a first closed salt chamber SC-1, and a second salt, salt-2 (barium chloride octahydrate, solid, 2 units) is initially disposed in a second closed salt chamber SC-2. In this configuration, salt-1 and salt-2 are initially physically separated and do not react until they come in contact with each other.

[0058] Other salt pairs may be used in other forms, for example:

(i) ammonium thiocyanate + barium octahydrate (1:2 ratio),

(ii) ammonium thiocyanate (or ammonium nitrate or ammonium chloride) + barium hydroxide (1:2 ratio),

(iii) potassium chlorate + Water (up to solubility limit) , and

(iv) ammonium nitrate + Water - (0.625 kg of salt/L of water).

[0059] An annular absorption chamber 34 is disposed between the salt chambers SC-1 and SC-2 and the bottom end 10B, and also extending along, and disposed about axis A. An absorption salt mixture ASM is disposed within the annular absorption chamber 34.

Exemplary absorption salt mixture ASM are magnesium chloride (MgCI₂) powder, or calcium chloride (CaCI₂) powder, on an aluminum oxide bed.

[0060] A trigger assembly TA includes a shaft 42 extending from bottom end 10B along the axis A from a proximal end adjacent to and through the bottom closure 16A to a distal end adjacent the closed end of inner cylindrical wall 16B. A peeling assembly 44 is coupled to the shaft 42 adjacent to an end of chambers SC-1 and SC-2 farthest from bottom closure assembly 16 and to lines of tear points on each of the chambers SC-1 and SC-2. A turning key 46 is affixed to the proximal end of shaft 42. A mixing brush 48 extends along and from a portion of shaft 42 between the peeling assembly 44 and closed end of inner cylindrical wall 16B.

[0061] In use, the trigger assembly is activated by turning the turning key 46, and the shaft 42 coupled thereto. In response to the turning of the shaft 42, the peeling assembly is operative to tear open (starting from ones of the respective tear points) the chambers SC-1 and SC-2, and releasing the two salts into the region within the inner cylindrical wall 16B near its closed end. Also, in response to the turning of the shaft 42, the mixing brush 48 mixes the released salt-1 and salt-2, initiating the endothermic chemical reaction:

Ba(OH)₂*8H₂0(s) + 2NH₄SCN(s) -- > Ba(SCN)₂ (aq)+ 2NH₃(g)+ 10H₂O(l)

[0062] The endothermic chemical reaction absorbs heat (across the wall 16B) from the beverage in beverage reservoir BR, resulting in cooling of the beverage as desired. After absorbing the heat from the beverage, the gaseous ammonia is absorbed in the magnesium chloride and aluminum oxide bed located in the salt chamber 34. The resultant cooled beverage in beverage reservoir BR is ready to drink.

[0063] The endothermic chemical reaction is product favored, which means that the almost all of the salts are consumed and provide a high amount of cooling. The ammonia remains mostly dissolved in water. However, some gas is also produced. The magnesium chloride absorption bed absorbs the ammonia gas.

[0064] The can 210 shown in Figs. 3A and 3B also employs an endothermic chemical reaction system for effecting cooling of a contained beverage. Can 210 includes an outer cylindrical side wall 12 extending along a central axis A, having a top lid assembly 14 and a bottom closure assembly 16, all defining a closed interior region, or beverage reservoir, BR. The top lid assembly 14 spans the cylindrical side wall 12 at a first end 10A thereof, and as illustrated, the top lid assembly 14 is in the form of a conventional "pop-top" assembly, as in a common beer can. As illustrated, bottom closure assembly 16 includes an annular section 16A extending transverse to axis A and inward from end 12B of the cylindrical wall 12, to a closed end inner cylindrical wall 16B extending from the innermost edge of the annular section 16A into the beverage reservoir, BR, along and about axis A. In a form, the side wall 12 and bottom closure assembly 16 (including annular section 16A and the inner cylindrical wall 16B extending therefrom) are an integral structure made from aluminum.

[0065] A cooling activation assembly 230 is affixed to can 210 at the second end 10B. The cooling activation assembly 230 includes (i) two closed salt chambers SC-1 and SC-2 for holding and selectively intermixing two solid, particulate salts for effecting an endothermic chemical reaction when the two salts are physically mixed, (ii) a diaphragm (TA diaphragm) spanning the end of SC-1 closest to the top end 10A, and (iii) a manually depressable push button (TA Button) interfittingly and slidingly coupled to an end of SC-1 farthest from top end 10A and having a peripheral sharp edge adapted to cut the TA diaphragm spanning the end of SC-1 closest to the top end 10A when TA Button is depressed in the direction of axis A, all within a closed cooling agent chamber CAC for housing ammonia gas (upon triggering/activation, released the during endothermic reaction.

[0066] In this form too, a first salt, salt-1 (ammonium thiocyanate, solid, 1 unit) is initially disposed in a first closed salt chamber SC-1, and a second salt, salt-2 (barium chloride octahydrate, solid, 2 units), is initially disposed in a second closed salt chamber SC-2. In this configuration, salt-1 and salt-2 are initially physically separated and do not react until they come in contact with each other.

[0067] In use, the trigger assembly TA is activated by depressing the TA Button in the direction of axis A so that the sharp peripheral edge of TA button cuts the diaphragm, joining the interior of the chambers SC-1 and SC-2, and releasing the two salts into the common region within the inner cylindrical wall 16B near its closed end. In response, the released salt-1 and salt-2 initiate the endothermic chemical reaction:

Ba(OH)₂*8H₂0(s) + 2NH₄SCN(s) -- > Ba(SCN)₂ (aq)+ 2NH₃(g)+ 10H₂O(l)

[0068] The endothermic chemical reaction absorbs heat (across the wall 16B) from the beverage in beverage reservoir BR, resulting in cooling of the beverage as desired. After absorbing the heat from the beverage, the resultant cooled beverage in beverage reservoir BR is ready to drink.

[0069] The can 310 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B employs an endothermic chemical reaction system for effecting cooling of a contained beverage. Can 410 includes an outer cylindrical side wall 12 extending along a central axis A, having a top lid assembly 14 and a bottom closure assembly 16, all defining a closed interior region, or beverage reservoir, BR. The top lid assembly 14 spans the cylindrical side wall 12 at a first end 10A thereof, and as illustrated, the top lid assembly 14 is in the form of a conventional "pop-top" assembly, as in a common beer can. As illustrated, bottom closure assembly 16 includes an annular section 16A extending transverse to axis A and inward from end 12B of the cylindrical wall 12, to a closed end inner cylindrical wall 16B extending from the innermost edge of the annular section 16A into the beverage reservoir, BR. In a form, the side wall 12 and bottom closure assembly 16 (including annular section 16A and the inner cylindrical wall 16B extending therefrom) are an integral structure made from aluminum.

[0070] A cooling activation assembly 330 is affixed to can 310 at the second end 10B. The cooling activation assembly 330 includes (i) an axial shaft 38extending along axis A from the bottom closure end 10B into the region interior to the inner cylindrical wall 16B, (ii) a handle 60 affixed to a proximal end of the shaft 49 outside the can 310, and including a cylindrical sleeve 62 extending from the handle 60 at a proximal end, coaxially about the shaft 38 to a distal end having a sharpened peripheral edge, (iii) two closed salt chambers SC-1 and SC-2 for holding and selectively intermixing two solid, particulate salts for effecting an endothermic chemical reaction when the two salts are physically mixed, wherein salt chambers SC-1 and SC-2 are each formed by a stretched elastic membrane/balloon, and (iv) a propeller assembly 68 rigidly coupled to and extending from the shaft 38 at its distal end, wherein the handle and shaft are slidable (in the direction of axis A) and rotatable (about axis A) propeller at the distal end of the axial shaft, all within a closed cooling agent chamber CAC for housing ammonia gas (upon triggering/activation, released the during endothermic reaction.

[0071] In this form too, a first salt, salt-1 (ammonium thiocyanate, solid, 1 unit is initially disposed in first closed salt chamber SC-1, and a second salt, salt-2 (barium chloride octahydrate, solid, 2 units is initially disposed in second closed salt chamber SC-2. In this configuration, salt-1 and salt-2 are initially physically separated and do not react until they come in contact with each other. [0072] In use, the trigger assembly TA is activated by depressing the TA handle 60 in the direction of axis A so that the sharp peripheral edge of sleeve 62 cuts the membranes, opening the interior of the chambers SC-1 and SC-2 and releasing the two salts into the common region within the inner cylindrical wall 16B near its closed end. Then the handle 60 is rotated about the axis A, so that blades of the propeller assembly mix the released salt-1 and salt-2, initiating the endothermic chemical reaction:

Ba(OH)₂*8H₂0(s) + 2NH₄SCN(s) -- > Ba(SCN)₂ (aq)+ 2NH₃(g)+ 10H₂O(l)

[0073] The endothermic chemical reaction absorbs heat (across the wall 16B) from the beverage in beverage reservoir BR, resulting in cooling of the beverage as desired. After absorbing the heat from the beverage, the resultant cooled beverage in beverage reservoir BR is ready to drink.

[0074] In the forms of Figs 1-4B, the wall 16B establishes a boundary for heat exchange whereby the cooling process is applied to a beverage in beverage region BR. The cooling medium formed by the ammonia expansion (of the Fig. 1 form), and the intermixed salt-1 and salt-2 (of the Figs. 2-4B forms), extract heat from the beverage in beverage reservoir BR. In other forms, the released ammonia is maintained in its closed cooling agent chamber CAC.

[0075] There are several advantages that the disclosed self-cooling beverage cans have over the bare can itself which is the main container of the beverage. The disclosed cans provide an internal device which provides the cooling. The device includes a triggering mechanism to initiate the cooling process. A boundary wall separating the beverage from the cooling medium is provided for heat exchange where the cooling process may be applied to beverages.

[0076] The disclosed self-cooling beverage cans do not require any prior or continuous cooling, such as required by conventional cooler boxes. Beverages are able to cool from ambient temperature, down to a desired temperature, as if the beverage came out of a refrigerator. Self-cooling beverage cans reduce the energy spent on refrigerators in supermarkets and convenience stores which are normally stocked with soda pop, water, energy drinks etc. With such cans, there is no need to keep certain beverages refrigerated since a self-cooling beverage can cool a beverage in a matter of minutes. This technology would only apply to beverages which do not spoil in relatively short periods of time without refrigeration. Some of the beverages which are well suited for this technology are water, juice, soda pop, energy drinks, sports drinks and alcoholic beverages.

[0077] Current canning facilities are able to manufacture in excess of 200 CPM (cans per minute). Typically, cans are created from two parts, first is the can body created from an aluminum slug and expanded through a machine which draws the aluminum into the desired shape and size and, second, a lid with a tab perforation is crimped to the can bottom, post filling. Painting the can is another step in the process. In addition, some cans are sprayed on the inside of the can to stop creations occurring between the aluminum and the contents of the can.

[0078] The designs impact a canning line in four areas. First, where currently a can moves through a draw unit, the prior art would move through a draw/redraw machine to create the cavity required in the interior of the can. Second, for the cans that need to be sprayed, a two headed sprayer is usable to completely cover the redraw. A third area of impact is the addition of another spraying step to cover the inside of the redraw cavity with aluminum oxide to assist the cooling efficiencies. In a preferred form, electro-spinning is used for coating the inner surface of the extruded well with alumina in nanometer size particles. Finally, the cooling attachments containing the pressurized ammonia, as well as the desiccant salts, are affixed to the bottoms of the cans. Preferably, the cooling attachments are produced separately. The attachment of the cooling attachments to the cans is preferably effected under slight vacuum. The cooling attachments can be recycled through a process described below, in order to recover the salt and ammonia for subsequent use.

[0079] Fig. 5A shows in side sectional view, an exemplary variant form of the self-chilling beverage container 10 of Fig. 1, showing detail of a trigger structure T, a

needle(N)/orifice(0) structure and an absorbent/diffusion medium structure, all of a cooling attachment CA of the container 10. The needle N is used in place of the piercing element P of the structure of Fig. 1.

[0080] In a form, production of the cooling attachments CA involves two phases: i) charging liquid ammonia in small capsules/reservoirs, and ii) preparation of an absorbent salt cartridge in a dry atmosphere to avoid any moisture absorption during the assembly process. The charging of the ammonia is preferably done by pouring liquid ammonia under a fume hood setup or an enclosed chamber. Initially, an ammonia reservoir 32, with a fill opening for supporting a trigger structure T, is opened, prior to addition of the trigger structure to the reservoir. Ammonia is filled through the fill opening where trigger structure T is later installed. Figure 5A shows in Detail A, the shape of the exemplary ammonia reservoir 32.

[0081] Preferably, a small tube is used to inject ammonia through the fill opening in the reservoir 32. During the process, ammonia vapor formed in the fill process, is collected by a compressor, compressed and cooled to recover the lost ammonia as liquid again. The filling of liquid continues until 80% of reservoir volume is filled. Then, the trigger structure T (preferably, made of a rigid material such as metal or a rigid plastic), with an associated rubber fitting, is placed in the fill opening, mounting the trigger structure T and sealing the ammonia in the reservoir 32. Preferably, the sealed reservoir 32 is glued (for example, using aluminum weld glue) at the top (as illustrated in Fig. 5A) of the cooling attachment CA.

[0082] In a form, preparation of the absorbent involves mixing of anhydrous MgCI₂ or CaCI₂ salts with Al₂0₃ nanopowder (in proportions that vary around 30% to 50% alumina). A glove box is preferably used to create the mixture. For the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 5A, the nanopowder is formed into a paper- or textile-like torus, to produce an absorbent cartridge C which is adapted for fit in the absorbent chamber 34, and disposed about the reservoir 32. Once prepared, the cartridge is placed into the absorbent chamber 34 of cooling attachment CA, as shown in Fig. 5A, Detail C. A diffusion medium DM, for example, felt in the form of a 3-5 mm thick torus, is attached to the absorbent to lock the cartridge C in its position as shown in Fig. 5A, Detail C. In use, the diffusion medium DM distributes gaseous ammonia along the surface of the cartridge C, enchaining the mass absorption process. Fig. 5B shows a 3-D vertical cut-away view of container 10 of Fig. 5A. Fig. 5C shows in plan view from C-C of Fig. 5A, the interior of cooling attachment CA of container 10 of Fig. 5A. Fig. 5D shows a bottom/side view of a can (laterally bounded by sidewall 12) of container 10 of Fig. 5A, showing an internal cooling well (bounded by well sidewall 16B) extending from a bottom end of the can. Fig. 5E shows a side view of a can and cooling attachment CA of the container 10 of Fig. 5A. [0083] Fig. 6 shows a side view of an exemplary charging apparatus 100 for charging liquid ammonia of the exemplary form of the self-chilling beverage container 10 of Fig. 5. The charging apparatus 100 includes a metering system that effects charging of a precise dose of liquid ammonia into the lockable ammonia reservoir 32, with the cooling attachment fitted to the can of container 10. In container 10 of Fig. 5A, trigger assembly TA is disposed inside the ammonia reservoir 32. The trigger assembly includes trigger T which is movable (along axis A) as allowed by the resilient rubber bushing between trigger T and reservoir 32.

Trigger assembly TA further includes needle N (extending from trigger T along axis A to a pointed tip, an orifice O extending through a wall of reservoir 32 and extending transverse to axis A, and a membrane 32A disposed on an inner surface of reservoir 32 and spanning orifice O, as shown in Detail A and Detail B of Fig. 5A. As shown the pointed tip of needle N is opposite orifice O. In a preferred form, the membrane 32A is a thin sheet of aluminum, and the needle is stainless steel, permitting a structure where the sharp tip of needle N can pierce the membrane 32A in response to a relatively small axial (along axis A) movement of trigger T caused by a user's action.

[0084] In use, upon depressing trigger T by a user, the tip of needle N pierces the membrane 32A, allowing ammonia in reservoir 32 to escape from chamber 34, and flow (and expand in) vacuum region VR defined by inner wall 16B, and finally to the absorbent in absorbent chamber 34, as described above in paragraph [0038]. As described above in paragraphs [0038]-[0039], the expansion and cooling of the released ammonia in the vacuum region VR cools the liquid in the beverage region BR.

[0085] Figs. 7A and 7B show results of tests performed and a can of the type illustrated in Fig. 5A, showing a quick cooling process of a test liquid (water) in beverage region BR. In Figure 7A, test results are shown using ammonia to fill the cooling space. During this test, the test liquid (water) exhibited a minimum of 7°C temperature drop for (measured at a midpoint) after 3 minutes. The temperature dropped down quickly in the following three minutes to 4°C and kept at this low temperature for four minutes. The can outer surface temperature (as indicated in Fig. 7A) was on average, 10°C during this period. The immediate drop in the can surface temperature at the beginning, was caused by ammonia liquid splash that touched the temperature sensor for a fraction of a second. The test liquid (water) temperature in the immediate surroundings of the cooling cylinder inner surface was below 0°C for more than 5 minutes during the test, which means local formation of iced water. The ice formed helps in keeping the very low temperature of the liquid water inside the can for longer time.

[0086] Fig. 7B shows experimental temperature distributions of the inner surface and midpoint temperature of water inside the can. As shown in Fig. 7B, the midpoint temperature reaches 5.5°C at 5 minutes and 4.2°C at 8 minutes.

[0087] The material utilized in the absorption cartridges can readily be recycled for re-use. The heat required to the reverse endothermic reaction of the absorption process, is supplied to used, collected cartridges in a sealed oven in a configuration shown in Fig. 8. In response to the applied heat, absorbed ammonia gas is released from the absorption salt. The released gas is collected and compressed to a desired storage pressure. The compressed gas is then condensed by passing through a condensing heat exchanger before it is then directed to storage tanks or cylinders. Optionally, the gas is passed through a cleaning process before directed to the compressor, depending on the quality of the collecting process of the used cartridges. The absorption salt can be utilized in the manufacturing of the new cartridges after going through a cleaning process to make sure it is ready to perform efficiently in the new absorption cartridges. The metal body of the cartridges is also recycled in the same process.

[0088] Alternative forms of the self-cooling beverage container are depicted in Figs. 9-10. A single-drink container (or can) 510 is shown in Fig. 9, and a large, multi-drink container 510A (such as a keg) is shown in Fig. 10. The container 510A of Fig. 10 is substantially the same as the container 510 of Fig. 9, except that container 510A is larger (to hold multiple servings of a beverage), and has a differently shaped sidewall (keg-shaped). In Figs. 9 and 10, elements that are similar to elements in the can 10 of Fig. 1, are denoted by the same reference designations.

[0089] Container 510 is shown as containing a refrigerant (such as those described above), and container 510A is shown as containing a pressurized flammable propellant (propane) in a reservoir . The reservoir R is affixed to the can of container 510 by support member SM, in a manner proving a C-shaped (about axis A) pneumatic flow path from the void region VR to regions exterior to the container 510. Upon user-actuation of trigger assembly TA, the refrigerant is released from reservoir , and transitions to gas phase and expands and flows upward (as shown) from the container 510.

[0090] Basically, container 510A functions in the same manner as container 510, but in Fig. 10, the container 510A is positioned below a barbeque cooker BBQ (supported by legs L). In use, cooling of a beverage in container 510A is initiated by a user action, releasing propane from the pressurized propane reservoir R by actuation of the trigger assembly TA (by pressing the reservoir R against the piercing element P). The released propane (in gas phase) passes vertically (as shown) through barbeque cooker BBQ, so that the propane may be used as a fuel for the barbeque BBQ.

[0091] The illustrated "upside-down" configuration of container 510A allows for a very effective cooling process. The "open" systems of containers 510 and 510A (without closed refrigerant or propellant absorbing beds) are particularly useful wherever the release of the refrigerant or propellant into the surrounding air is permitted. Refrigerants such as R134a or propane/butane can be so-used in many locales. In preferred forms of the refrigerant and propellant "release and expansion" configurations, a calibrated orifice is positioned below the liquid which, when pierced, the process triggers. The orifice is particularly configured to establish a desired outflow of the refrigerant or propellant, so as to provide an optimal cooling effect on a beverage in the container.

[0092] In the above description, refrigerants and propellants are described in connection with the various "gas-expansion-based cooling embodiments". For the most part, ammonia and ammonia-water solutions are described as "refrigerants" and butane and propane are described as forms of aerosol propellants in connection with various embodiments. Butane, propane, or butane-propane blends are also "refrigerants" as that term is used herein. At the same time, butane, propane, or butane-propane blends are also are used as fuels and aerosol propellants. As aerosol propellants, they are used in many spray-type commercial products under a pressure in the range of 25 psig to 142 psig (overpressure) as many jurisdictions permit; including in North America

[0093] In summary, various forms of the disclosed containers, and methods, generally include, inter alia, two important features: a) a beverage container with extruded well at the bottom and used in an "upside- down" position during cooling, wherein the well is preferably coated with a capillary porous substrate and the cold liquid refrigerant is injected after it throttles through an orifice. b) an ammonia (or ammonia-water) absorption attachment which absorbs substantially all of the expanded refrigerant, without allowing any escape outside the container.

[0094] In addition, in a form, beverage cooling is attained using the disclosed beverage containers, and a refrigerant such as a liquid propane blend which does not smell and has very low toxicity. As a consequence, the refrigerant is released into the atmosphere around the user when cooling is occurring, and sometimes during the cooling process.

[0095] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain

embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claims

1. A beverage container comprising:

A. a cooling process chamber assembly having a closed cooling process chamber therein,

B. a cylindrical can sidewall extending along and about a central axis A from a first end to a second end, and having a first end assembly spanning the first end, and a second end assembly spanning the second end, and defining a closed beverage reservoir therein, wherein the cooling process chamber is disposed adjacent to the beverage reservoir, and wherein the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber are joined together and separated by a common wall, and wherein the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber are pneumatically and fluidically isolated from each other, and

C. a cooling material disposed within the cooling process chamber, whereby i. no beverage reservoir cooling process occurs involving the cooling material in the cooling process chamber in an initial stage wherein no cooling initiation conditions are effected, and

ii. a beverage reservoir cooling process occurs involving the cooling material in the cooling process chamber following the occurrence of cooling initiation conditions in response to a predetermined physical change in the cooling process chamber pursuant to a user action.

2. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the common wall separating the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber, includes a common portion which is metallic,

3. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the common wall separating the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber, includes a common portion integral with the second end assembly spanning the second end.

4. A beverage container according to claim 3, wherein the common portion of the common wall separating the beverage reservoir and the cooling process chamber, includes a cooling portion extending into the beverage reservoir from the second end of the can sidewall toward the first end of the can sidewalk

5. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the beverage reservoir cooling process includes an endothermic chemical reaction and the cooling material is an endothermic reaction material.

6. A beverage container according to claim 5, wherein the endothermic chemical reaction is a thermodynamic endothermic reaction.

7. A beverage container according to claim 5, wherein the endothermic reaction material in the cooling process chamber includes a first reaction material and a second reaction material, wherein:

i. the first reaction material and the second reaction material are particulate materials and are mutually separated initially by a physical barrier, and ii. the first reaction material and the second reaction material are adapted to effect an endothermic reaction upon intermixing in response to the user action.

8. A beverage can according to claim 7, wherein the first reaction material is ammonium thiocyanate and the second reaction material is barium chloride octahydrate.

9. A beverage container according to claim 8, wherein the chemical endothermic

reaction is:

Ba(OH)₂*8H₂0(s) + 2NH₄SCN(s) -- > Ba(SCN)₂ (aq)+ 2NH₃(g)+ 10H₂O(l).

10. A beverage can according to claim 7, wherein the first reaction material is ammonium thiocyanate or ammonium nitrate or ammonium chloride and the second reaction material is barium hydroxide, in an approximately 1:2 ratio.

11. A beverage can according to claim 7, wherein the first reaction material is potassium chlorate and the second reaction material is water, up to solubility limit.

12. A beverage can according to claim 7, wherein the first reaction material is ammonium nitrate and the second reaction material is water, with approximately 0.625 kg of ammonium nitrate per liter of water.

13. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the cooling material is a

liquid/gas coolant and the beverage reservoir cooling process includes a liquid-to-gas expansion of the liquid/gas coolant.

14. A beverage container according to claim 13, wherein the liquid/gas coolant is an aerosol propellant material.

15. A beverage container according to claim 13, wherein the liquid/gas coolant is a refrigerant.

16. A beverage container according to claim 15, wherein the refrigerant comprises an ammonia composition.

17. A beverage container according to claim 15, wherein the ammonia composition is an ammonia-water solution wherein ammonia is in a concentration range

approximately-50 to 100 per cent by weight.

18. A beverage container according to claim 17, wherein the ammonia composition in the cooling process chamber includes, in an initial state, ammonia in liquid form in a closed capsule within the cooling process chamber at a pressure in the range 8 to 9 barg (116 - 130 psig) or greater, and wherein the pressure in the cooling process chamber external to the closed capsule corresponds to a vacuum of less than 0.34 barg (5 psig), and enters a second state in response to a user action which opens the capsule thereby establishing initiation conditions under which the liquid form ammonia from the capsule transforms to a gas form and expands into the cooling process chamber external to the previously closed capsule. A beverage container comprising:

A. a cylindrical can sidewall disposed about and extending along an axis A, from a first end of the can sidewall to a second end of the can sidewall,

B. a first end assembly spanning the first end of the can sidewall, extending from the first end of the can sidewall about and transverse to axis A,

C. a second end assembly spanning the second end of the can sidewall and extending about and transverse to axis A, wherein the second end assembly includes:

i. an annular portion extending from the second end of the can sidewall and transverse to and toward axis A, to an inner circular boundary disposed about axis A, and ii. a closed end inner cylindrical wall disposed about an inner interior region along and about axis A, wherein the inner cylindrical wall extends at a proximal end from the inner circular boundary, to a closure at a distal end extending transverse to axis A and spanning the inner cylindrical wall, whereby the cylindrical can sidewall , the first end assembly and the second end assembly define a closed beverage reservoir, cooling assembly having:

a first peripheral wall portion extending along and about axis A from the second end assembly and defining a closed interior cooling region, and

a second peripheral wall portion defined by the annular portion of the second and assembly and the cylindrical inner wall, wherein the first peripheral wall portion and the second peripheral wall portion define a closed cooling process chamber, wherein the closed cool process chamber is pneumatically and fluidically isolated from the closed beverage reservoir,

E. a cooling-material disposed within the cooling region of the cooling process chamber,

F. a trigger assembly operable by a user, to effect a physical change within the cooling process chamber, causing a cooling effect involving the material in the cooling region of the cooling process chamber.

20. A beverage container according to claim 19, wherein the cooling material is adapted to support a chemical endothermic reaction.

21. A beverage container according to claim-21, wherein the cooling material includes a first reaction material and a second reaction material, which materials are adapted to effect the endothermic reaction on physical contact of the first reaction material and the second reaction material, wherein the first reaction material and the second reaction material are initially in regions in the cooling process chamber which are separate and spaced apart.

22. A beverage container according to claim 21, wherein the first reaction material is ammonium thiocyanate and the second reaction material is barium chloride octahydrate.

23. A beverage container according to claim 22, wherein the endothermic chemical reaction is:

Ba(OH)₂*8H₂0(s) + 2NH₄SCN(s)— > Ba(SCN)₂ (aq)+ 2NH₃(g)+ 10H₂O(l)

24. A beverage container according to claim 21, wherein the first reaction material is ammonium thiocyanate or ammonium nitrate or ammonium chloride and the second reaction material is barium hydroxide, in an approximately 1:2 ratio.

25. A beverage container according to claim 21, wherein the first reaction material is potassium chlorate and the second reaction material is water, up to solubility limit.

26. A beverage container according to claim 21, wherein the first reaction material is ammonium nitrate and the second reaction material is water, with approximately 0.625 kg of ammonium nitrate per liter of water.

27. A beverage container according to claim 19, wherein the cooling material is a

liquid/gas coolant and the beverage reservoir cooling process includes a liquid-to-gas expansion of the liquid/gas coolant.

28. A beverage container according to claim 27, wherein the liquid/gas coolant is an aerosol dispersant material.

29. A beverage container according to claim 27, wherein the liquid/gas coolant is a refrigerant.

30. A beverage container according to claim 29, wherein the refrigerant comprises an ammonia composition.

31. A beverage container according to claim 30, wherein the ammonia composition is an ammonia-water solution wherein ammonia is in a concentration range approximately 50 to 100 per cent by weight.

32. A beverage container according to claim 31, wherein the ammonia composition in the cooling process chamber includes, in an initial state, ammonia in liquid form in a closed capsule within the cooling process chamber at a pressure in the range 8 to 9 barg (116 - 130 psig) or greater, and wherein the pressure in the cooling process chamber external to the closed capsule corresponds to a vacuum of less than 0.34 barg (5 psig), and enters a second state in response to a user action which opens the capsule thereby establishing initiation conditions under which the liquid form ammonia from the capsule transforms to a gas form and expands into the cooling process chamber external to the previously closed capsule.

33. A beverage container according to claim 32, wherein the capsule is adapted to open in response to a user-initiated force applied thereto, thereby releasing the ammonia composition to the cooling region.