U.S. patent application number 11/123518 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for temperature regulation device for a fluid-containing receptacle and use thereof.
Invention is credited to Adam Hunnell.
Application Number | 20060248902 11/123518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37392870 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060248902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hunnell; Adam |
November 9, 2006 |
Temperature regulation device for a fluid-containing receptacle and
use thereof
Abstract
A temperature regulation device for a fluid-containing
receptacle and use thereof. The device preferably includes a
temperature regulation means for maintaining the fluidic contents
of the receptacle at a desired temperature (e.g., a relatively
lower temperature, a relatively higher temperature, etc.) and an
insulation means for retarding heat loss from the receptacle. In a
preferred embodiment, the temperature regulation means is provided
as a thermoelectric module.
Inventors: |
Hunnell; Adam; (Marianna,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Justin S. Rerko & Associates, LLC
19836 Ellsworth Drive
Strongsville
OH
44149
US
|
Family ID: |
37392870 |
Appl. No.: |
11/123518 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.6 ;
62/3.64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2331/802 20130101;
F25B 2321/023 20130101; F25B 21/02 20130101; F25D 31/006 20130101;
F25B 2321/0251 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/003.6 ;
062/003.64 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02 |
Claims
1. A temperature regulation device adapted for coupling with a
fluid-containing receptacle and for maintaining the fluid thereof
at a desired temperature state, wherein the device comprises: a
temperature regulation means adapted for maintaining fluidic
contents of a receptacle at a desired temperature; and an
insulation means, associated with the temperature regulations
means, for insulating the receptacle against heat loss.
2. The temperature regulation device of claim 1, wherein the
temperature regulation means comprises a thermoelectric module
comprising a cooling surface and a heating surface, and wherein the
cooling surface is adapted to be disposed in proximity to a surface
of the receptacle.
3. The temperature regulation device of claim 2, wherein the
temperature regulation means additionally comprises a heat sink
associated with the heating surface of the thermoelectric module,
and wherein the heat sink is adapted to dissipate heat from the
thermoelectric module.
4. The temperature regulation device of claim 3, wherein the
temperature regulation means additionally comprises a fan member
associated with the heat sink for dissipating heat therefrom.
5. The temperature regulation device of claim 3, wherein the
temperature regulation means additionally comprises a thermally
conductive material disposed along at least a portion of the
cooling surface of the thermoelectric module, and wherein the
thermally conductive material is adapted for increasing touching
engagement between the thermoelectric module and the surface of the
receptacle.
6. The temperature regulation device of claim 4, wherein the
temperature regulation means additionally comprises a thermally
conductive material disposed along at least a portion of the
cooling surface of the thermoelectric module, and wherein the
thermally conductive material is adapted for increasing touching
engagement between the thermoelectric module and the surface of the
receptacle.
7. The temperature regulation device of claim 5, wherein the
temperature regulation means additionally comprises a spacer
disposed between the thermoelectric module and the heat sink.
8. The temperature regulation device of claim 5, wherein the
temperature regulation means additionally comprises a spacer
disposed between the thermoelectric module and the thermally
conductive material.
9. The temperature regulation device of claim 6, wherein the
insulation means comprises a foam rubber sheeting member.
10. The temperature regulation device of claim 9, wherein the foam
rubber sheeting member is constructed from one or more of neoprene,
vinyl and a nitrile.
11. The temperature regulation device of claim 9, wherein the
insulation means additionally comprises a polyester mat having an
inner face and an outer face, and wherein the foam rubber sheeting
is associated with the inner face thereof.
12. The temperature regulation device of claim 8, wherein the
insulation means comprises an inner face and an outer face, and
wherein the inner face is adapted to be disposed in proximity to
the surface of the receptacle.
13. The temperature regulation device of claim 12, wherein the
thermoelectric module is associated with the inner face of the
insulation means.
14. The temperature regulation device of claim 13, wherein the heat
sink is associated with the outer face of the insulation means.
15. The temperature regulation device of claim 14, wherein the
insulation means comprises an aperture therein for enabling fluidic
communication between the thermoelectric module and the heat
sink.
16. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the
device comprises at least four thermoelectric modules associated
with the insulation means.
17. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the
device is adapted to couple to a household outlet source of
electrical power.
18. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the
device is adapted to couple to a battery source of electrical
power.
19. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the
device is adapted to couple to an automobile cigarette lighter
adaptor source of electrical power.
20. A temperature regulation device adapted for coupling with a
fluid-containing receptacle and for maintaining the fluid thereof
at a desired temperature state, wherein the device comprises: a
thermoelectric module comprising a cooling surface and a heating
surface, and wherein the cooling surface is adapted to be disposed
in proximity to a surface of the receptacle; and an insulation
means, associated with the thermoelectric module, for insulating
the receptacle against heat loss.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a temperature
regulation device. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to a temperature regulation device particularly adapted
for maintaining the fluidic contents of a receptacle, such as a
conventional beer keg, at a desired, especially cooled,
temperature.
BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] A plurality of receptacles are conventionally used for
housing a fluid. Of particular relevance to the present invention
are receptacles commonly employed for drinking beverages (e.g.,
beer, wine, soda, water, and the like). Common receptacles are beer
kegs, wine boxes, wine bottles, coolers, and the like, especially
those having an integral dispensing mechanism. Such receptacles are
often used in connection with a social gathering, such as a party,
and it is often desirable to maintain the fluidic contents thereof
at a reduced temperature state for increased enjoyment in
consumption. Typical approaches for cooling a receptacle include
maintaining the receptacle in a refrigerator, especially when the
receptacle is a small item, such as a wine box, wine bottle and the
like. With regard to a beer keg, a commonly employed approach for
cooling the same involves positioning the keg in a large plastic
refuse container and surrounding the keg with ice, which ice
generally maintains the beer at a reduced temperature for a period
of time.
[0003] As known, conventional approaches for cooling a beer keg
suffer from significant disadvantages. For example, ice remains
cold for only a limited period of time. Accordingly, the ice must
be periodically replaced to continue to maintain the beer at a
desired temperature. By way of another example, the system of
employing ice with a refuse container is often a messy endeavor, as
water and ice are easily diverted from the container, especially as
motor functions become impaired. Various additional examples could
be provided to illustrate the loss of efficiency of conventional
approaches.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one example aspect, the present invention
is directed to a temperature regulation device adapted for coupling
with a fluid-containing receptacle and for maintaining the fluid
thereof at a desired temperature state. The device generally
includes a temperature regulation means adapted for maintaining
fluidic contents of a receptacle at a desired temperature; and an
insulation means, associated with the temperature regulations
means, for insulating the receptacle against heat loss. In a
preferred embodiment, the temperature regulation means comprises a
thermoelectric module.
[0005] In accordance with another example aspect, the present
invention is also directed to a temperature regulation device
adapted for coupling with a fluid-containing receptacle and for
maintaining the fluid thereof at a desired temperature state. The
device generally includes a thermoelectric module comprising a
cooling surface and a heating surface, and wherein the cooling
surface is adapted to be disposed in proximity to a surface of the
receptacle; and an insulation means, associated with the
thermoelectric module, for insulating the receptacle against heat
loss.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] These and other features and a more thorough understanding
of the present invention may be achieved by referring to the
following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a temperature regulation
device according to the present invention including, inter alia, a
temperature regulation device and an insulation means, wherein the
device is associated with a fluid-containing receptacle;
[0008] FIG. 2 is side view of an example temperature regulation
device according to the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a generally plan view of an inner face of the
temperature regulation device; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a generally plan view of an outer face of the
temperature regulation device.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Disclosed according to the present invention are a
temperature regulation device for a fluid containing receptacle and
use thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed
to a device adapted for regulating the temperature of any of a
plurality of types of receptacles. As used herein, temperature
regulation generally includes both maintaining the fluidic contents
of a fluid containing receptacle at an elevated temperature, and
also at a reduced temperature, both relative to an ambient
temperature. Example receptacles having fluidic contents regulable
by the device of the present invention include, but are not limited
to, e.g., a standard conventional keg receptacle adapted for
storing and dispensing beer or similar beverage, a miniature keg,
any size and/or configured keg (e.g., a standard cylindrical keg, a
keg having generally bowed sides, and the like), portable coolers,
portable coolers having integral dispensing mechanisms, any size
and/or configured carboy for beer or similar beverage brewing, wine
bottles, wine boxes, water bottles, aluminum cans of beverages
(e.g., soda, beer, etc.), baby bottles, catering bowls and/or pans,
sports medicine, and the like.
[0012] Turning to FIG. 1, the temperature regulation device 100 of
the present invention preferably includes a temperature regulation
means 102 and an insulation means 104. The temperature regulation
means 102 is preferably adapted to regulate the temperature of
fluidic contents of any receptacle 106 (which, in the example of
FIG. 1, is shown as encapsulated within the insulation means 104),
especially the various example receptacles listed hereinabove. The
insulation means 104, if optionally present, preferably provides a
means for reducing the amount of heat loss from the receptacle 106
and for generally maintaining the temperature of the contents of
the same. Preferably, the insulation means 104 additionally
provides a convenient means for associating the temperature
regulation means 102 with the receptacle 106, as will be more fully
described hereinafter.
[0013] The temperature regulation means 102 of the present
invention is suitably provided as any device adapted for cooling
and/or heating the fluidic contents of a receptacle 106. For
example, the temperature regulation means 102 may be provided as a
means adapted for maintaining the fluid contents of a receptacle
106 at a temperature generally lower than that of a surrounding
ambient temperature. By way of additional example, the temperature
regulation means 102 may be provided as a means adapted for
maintaining the fluid contents of a receptacle 106 at a temperature
generally higher than that of a surrounding ambient temperature. By
way of yet another example, the temperature regulation means 102
may be provided as a single means adapted for selectably
maintaining the fluid contents of a receptacle 106 at a temperature
generally higher than that of a surrounding ambient temperature or
a temperature generally lower than that of a surrounding ambient
temperature. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that any known
and/or conventional device may be employed for accomplishing the
temperature regulating aims of the present invention.
[0014] Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is an example and preferred
temperature regulation means 102 according to the present invention
in which the regulation means 102 is provided as a thermoelectric
device, even more preferably a thermoelectric module 102 employing
the Peltier effect. As known, and by way of brief background, a
typical thermoelectric module generally includes an array of
Bismuth Telluride semiconductor pellets that have been doped so
that one type of charge carrier, either positive or negative,
carries the majority of current. The pellets are typically
connected electrically in series, but thermally in parallel. The
module typically also includes a metalized ceramic substrate upon
which the pellets are arranged and small conductive tabs that
connect the pellets.
[0015] Continuing with the background discussion of thermoelectric
modules, when DC voltage is applied to a module, the positive and
negative charge carriers in the pellets absorb heat energy from one
substrate surface and then release it to the opposed substrate.
Accordingly, the surface that absorbs heat becomes relatively cold,
while the opposed surface, where heat energy is being released,
becomes relatively hot.
[0016] Thermoelectric modules offer significant advantages relative
to conventional temperature regulation devices, especially in
connection with the aims of the present invention. For example,
thermoelectric modules have no moving parts and do not require
chlorofluorocarbons or other depletable materials, facts that
provide significant maintenance free operation and greater
durability in connection with keg cooling and other aims of the
present invention. By way of additional example, thermoelectric
modules are generally capable of exceeding 100,000 hours of steady
state operation, thereby greatly extending the useful life of a
module and the device 100 of the present invention. By way to yet
another example, thermoelectric modules are generally small,
especially relative to conventional temperature regulation devices,
thereby providing greater portability for the device 100 and
enabling the device 100 to require relatively less area for
operation. Additionally, the direction of heat transfer in a
thermoelectric module is fully reversible; as known, changing the
polarity of the power supply causes heat to be transferred in the
opposite direction. Accordingly, the device 100 of the present
invention may suitably be employed as a heating device or a cooling
device, depending on the particular configuration thereof.
[0017] Returning to the example and preferred thermoelectric module
102 of FIG. 2, the thermoelectric module 102 is preferably utilized
in connection with various other devices that facilitate operation
of the module 102. As shown, the module 102 is preferably
associated with a fan 110, a heat sink 112, a thermally conductive
material 116, and electricity coupling 118. The fan 110 and heat
sink 112 generally operate to dissipate heat from the hot side of
the thermoelectric module 102. More specifically, the heat sink 112
is a generally forced convection system that is preferably operably
associated with the hot side of the thermoelectric module 102 and
dissipates heat from the same. Any suitable heat sink 112 may be
employed, such as a bonded fin heat sink, an extruded fin heat
sink, a liquid cooled dissipation system, and the like. The fan 110
is preferably associated with the heat sink 112 along a surface
thereof that is generally opposite the surface of the heat sink 112
that is engaged with the module 112. As known, the fan 110
generally forces a current of air onto the heat sink 112 to
expedite the dissipation of heat therefrom.
[0018] The module 102 is preferably also associated with a
thermally conductive material 116 for increasing the extent of
contact between the module 102 and the receptacle 106. In a
preferred embodiment, the thermally conductive material 116 is
associated with a surface of the module 102 that is generally
disposed in opposition to the surface associated with the heat sink
112. Any suitable material may be employed as the thermally
conductive material 116, such as a gel pack, and the like.
[0019] The module 102 may suitably also be associated with one or
more spacers 114 for increasing the amount of distance between the
heat sink and the module 102. The spacer 114, if optionally
present, is preferably constructed of aluminum, and may suitable be
disposed between the heat sink 112 and the module 102, between the
module 102 and the thermally conductive material 116, or any other
suitable configuration. Spacers 114 may be additionally useful in
connection with radially extending the module 102 so as to be in
better proximity to the receptacle 106. The various components of
the module 102 are preferably associated with each other through a
thermally conductive epoxy or similar bonding agent.
[0020] The thermoelectric module 102 is preferably associated with
an electricity coupling 118 for, inter alia, coupling the module
102 to a source of electrical power. The coupling 118 is preferably
a conventional coupling that permits the module 102 to couple to
any of a plurality of types of electrical power, such as, for
example, a battery, an automobile cigarette lighter adaptor, a
household 110V outlet, and the like. The thermoelectric module 102
may also optionally be communicably associated with a temperature
controller (not illustrated) for enabling the module 102 to operate
at a specified temperature.
[0021] The device 100 of the present invention may suitably include
any number of thermoelectric modules 102, with regard given the
particular application of the device 100. In connection with a
preferred application, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in
which the device 100 operates as a keg cooling device, the device
100 may suitably include eight thermoelectric modules 102, with two
groups of four in parallel and each of the four being in series, to
be disposed circumferentially around lower portions of a keg
receptacle 106. It is preferred that the modules 102 be associated
with lower portions of the keg receptacle 106 to ensure continual
cooling being delivered to the fluidic contents therein.
[0022] The temperature regulation device 100 of the present
invention preferably also includes the insulation means 104 for
cooperating with the thermoelectric module 102 in maintaining the
fluidic contents of the receptacle 106 at a desired temperature. In
a preferred embodiment, the insulation means 104 also operates as a
substrate for association of the modules 102, as shown in the
Figures.
[0023] The insulation means 104 may be provided in any appropriate
shape and configuration, with regard given to the specific
application of the device 100. Thus, for example, the insulation
means 104 may be provided as a plurality of bands adapted to be
circumferentially disposed about the receptacle 106, or any other
suitable configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the insulation
means 104 is provided as a generally rectangular mat adapted to be
wrapped around the receptacle 106, as shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and
4 generally illustrate a preferred rectangular configuration of the
insulation means 104, wherein opposite vertical ends 120 thereof
are brought into abutting contact around the receptacle 106 to
maintain the means 104 thereon. The means 104 may additionally
include one or more locking members 122, similar situated along the
ends 120, for securely associating the ends 120 together.
[0024] Despite the foregoing discussion of the insulation means 104
as a generally rectangular mat adapted to be disposed about the
receptacle 106, it is to be appreciated that the insulation means
104 may be provided as any sufficient feature. Thus, for example,
the means 104 may be configured as a cylindrical member that is
slid onto the receptacle (especially in connection with the
preferred keg cooling application). The cylindrical member may
suitably also include a top portion 124 (FIG. 1) for providing
insulation along a top region of the receptacle 106. Further
thereto, the top portion 124 may suitably also include various
apertures 126 therein for permitting various dispensing devices 128
associated with the receptacle 106 to protrude therefrom for use.
By way of additional example, the means 104 may suitably also
include a bottom portion (not shown) for providing insulation along
a bottom region of the receptacle 106. By way of yet another
embodiment, the means 104 may suitably include a removably
associable drainage pan for positioning along a bottom portion of
the receptacle 106 to collect condensation and other liquids
therefrom.
[0025] The insulation means 104, if optionally present, may be
constructed of any suitable material, with regard given the to
particular application and insulation needs of the device 100. In
connection with a preferred embodiment, the insulation means 104 is
provided as a neoprene/vinyl/nitrile foam rubber sheeting
optionally also including antistatic polyethylene foam. These
materials, as known, preferably provide a thermal barrier for
decreasing the amount of heat loss from the receptacle 106. The
insulation means 104 may suitably also be associated with a
polyester sheet, such as a vinyl laminated polyester. The polyester
sheet preferably includes the insulation means 104 along one face
thereof, while the opposite end thereof is a durable surface
adapted to increase the durability of the device 100.
[0026] In connection with a preferred embodiment, the insulation
means 104 provides a substrate to which the temperature regulation
means 102 is associated. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the means
104 is preferably adapted to be continuously disposed about the
circumference and/or perimeter of the receptacle 106. Accordingly,
the means 104 provides a convenient vehicle for securely
associating the temperature regulation means 102 with the
receptacle 106. FIG. 3 illustrates an inner face of the insulation
means 104, which face is adapted to be disposed in generally
abutting contact with the receptacle 106. Accordingly and in
connection with the preferred keg cooling and thermoelectric module
102 embodiments, the inner face includes associated therewith the
thermoelectric module 102 and, if optionally present, the thermally
conductive material 116. FIG. 4 illustrates an outer face of the
insulation means 104, which face is adapted to be spaced apart from
the receptacle 106 and be exposed to the environment surrounding
the same. With continued reference to the above-mentioned
embodiments, the outer face includes associated therewith the fan
110 and heat sink 112. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the
temperature regulation means 102 is penetrably disposed in
association with the insulation means 104. In this penetrating
fashion, the temperature regulation means 102 is especially
configured to transfer heat from the module 102 through the
insulation means 104 and generally away therefrom.
EXAMPLE 1
[0027] Table 1 illustrates the results of an experiment performed
to compare the amount of heat loss generated by a receptacle, in
this case, a keg, alone, and the amount of heat loss generated by
the keg associated with the insulation means 104 of the present
invention, but significantly not including the temperature
regulation means 102. For each measurement, one to two quarts of
beer were poured; the first half was poured and not measured to get
the beer that was left in the tap out of the tap and the second
half was then poured and used to measure the temperature of the
beer. The results of the study indicate that the insulation means
104 alone significantly delays the onset of significant temperature
increases in the fluid maintained in the keg. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE
1 Keg with Insulation Keg Alone Temperature Minutes Hours
Temperature (F.) Minutes Hours (F.) 0 0.00 35.5 0 0.00 32.5 15 0.25
38 20 0.33 32.6 40 0.67 40.6 35 0.58 32.7 65 1.08 42.3 60 1.00 33
85 1.42 43.1 75 1.25 33.6 110 1.83 44.1 97 1.62 34.3 125 2.08 44.3
115 1.92 35.1 150 2.50 44.8 140 2.33 34.8 175 2.92 45.4 215 3.58
35.8 197 3.28 47.8 245 4.08 36.1 223 3.72 48.6 257 4.28 35.4 257
4.28 49.1 230 3.83 36.4 290 4.83 49.3 231 3.85 36.1 325 5.42 49.4
232 3.87 35.8 357 5.95 50.4 233 3.88 36 395 6.58 51.3 425 7.08 52.4
440 7.33 51.6
EXAMPLE 2
[0028] Table 2 illustrates the results of an experiment performed
to understand the amount of heat loss generated by a receptacle 106
having the temperature regulation device 100 of the present
invention associated therewith. Additionally, the device 100 in
this embodiment was modified to include spacers 114. The results of
the study indicate that the device 100 was able to maintain beer at
a cool temperature (e.g., below 42 F) for a considerable period of
time, at least that commensurate with a typical party.
Specifically, the test was performed over a period of 75 hours and
the temperature was maintained below 42 F for over 46 hours.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Device using Spacers Tested over a 76 Hour
Period Minutes Hours Temperature (F.) Measured on . . . 0 0 39 2nd
cup from keg 45 0.75 41.8 2nd cup from keg 225 3.75 41 2nd cup from
keg 255 4.25 41 2nd cup from keg 345 5.75 41.2 2nd cup from keg 765
12.75 42.5 2nd cup from keg 915 15.25 41.2 2nd cup from keg 1215
20.25 41.4 2nd cup from keg 1530 25.5 41.8 2nd cup from keg 1710
28.5 40.8 start of 4 quarts 1710 28.5 40.4 end of 4 quarts 2055
34.25 43 2nd cup from keg 2535 42.25 42.9 2nd cup from keg 2790
46.5 43 2 quarts from keg 2790 46.5 41 4 quarts from keg 2790 46.5
40.7 6 quarts from keg 2790 46.5 40.7 8 quarts from keg 2790 46.5
41 10 quarts from keg 2790 46.5 41.1 12 quarts from keg 2790 46.5
41.4 14 quarts from keg 2790 46.5 41.9 16 quarts from keg 2805
46.75 42.3 2nd cup from keg 2835 47.25 45.4 2nd cup from keg 2955
49.25 45.4 2nd cup from keg 3195 53.25 44.6 2nd cup from keg 3195
53.25 43.3 2 quarts from keg 3195 53.25 42.9 4 quarts from keg 3375
56.25 45.5 2nd cup from keg 3375 56.25 44.2 2 quarts from keg 3375
56.25 43.6 4 quarts from keg 3960 66 47.2 2nd cup from keg 3960 66
45.7 2 quarts from keg 3960 66 44.9 4 quarts from keg 4440 74 49.1
2nd cup from keg 4440 74 48.5 2 quarts from keg 4440 74 47.8 4
quarts from keg 4530 75.5 49.4 2nd cup from keg 4530 75.5 48.5 2
quarts from keg 4530 75.5 47.7 4 quarts from keg 4530 75.5 47.4 6
quarts from keg
[0029] Although the invention has been described with regard to
certain preferred example embodiments, it is to be understood that
the present disclosure has been made by way of example only, and
that improvements, changes and modifications in the details of
construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be
resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the
skill of the art are intended to be covered by the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *