U.S. patent application number 11/895740 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for chilling apparatus.
Invention is credited to Harvey S. Fink, Jerry J. Jagodzinski, Lawrence J. Nolan.
Application Number | 20090056369 11/895740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40405350 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090056369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fink; Harvey S. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2009 |
Chilling apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for chilling beverage containers such as bottles or
cans includes a fluid tank containing chilling liquid cooled by a
refrigeration unit and a membrane of collapsible thermoplastic
polyurethane includes an internal chamber for supporting the
container in the liquid, the membrane in the form of a shaped
sleeve that surrounds the container to prevent the container coming
into direct contact with the chilling liquid but which permits the
liquid to transfer heat from the container to cool the contents of
the container. A vacuum withdraws air from the internal chamber to
draw the membrane into contact with the container and a drive
arrangement rotates the sleeve and bottle. A refrigerated fluid
supply system directs externally chilled fluid at the rotating
membrane and recycles heated fluid for rechilling.
Inventors: |
Fink; Harvey S.; (Bloomfield
Hills, MI) ; Nolan; Lawrence J.; (Livonia, MI)
; Jagodzinski; Jerry J.; (Farmington Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Weintraub Group, P.L.C.
Suite 240, 32000 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills
MI
48334
US
|
Family ID: |
40405350 |
Appl. No.: |
11/895740 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.4 ;
62/452; 62/454; 62/457.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 17/02 20130101;
F25D 2700/16 20130101; F25D 31/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/457.4 ;
62/452; 62/454; 62/457.8 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/00 20060101
F25D003/00; F25D 19/00 20060101 F25D019/00 |
Claims
1. Cooling apparatus for chilling a beverage container, comprising
a housing defining internally thereof a chilling tank adapted to
receive a low freezing point chilling fluid and a shaped sleeve of
resiliently deformable material closed at a lower end and open at
an upper end and defining internally thereof an internal chamber
for receiving, encircling and supporting the beverage container to
be chilled and an exterior surface in contact with and cooled by
the chilling fluid, means for withdrawing the air and lowering the
pressure in said internal chamber and thereby cause the sleeve
material to be drawn, at least in part, into engagement with the
exterior surface of the beverage container and transfer heat
between the chilling fluid and the beverage container, and means
for controlling and maintaining the temperature of the chilling
fluid at a predetermined temperature.
2. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
means for moving the sleeve within the chilling fluid and in a
predetermined manner based in part on the geometry and external
shape of one and the other, respectively, of said beverage
container and sleeve.
3. The cooling apparatus according to claim 2, further wherein said
sleeve is generally longitudinally elongated, cylindrical shaped
and thin walled.
4. The cooling apparatus according to claim 3, further including
means for controlling the shape of the sleeve during collapse of
the wall into engagement with the exterior surface of the beverage
container.
5. The cooling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said means
for controlling comprises an axially elongated rib on the exterior
surface of the sleeve, the rib extending between the opposite ends
of the sleeve and operating to permit inward radial collapse of the
wall but inhibit axial movement of the lower end towards the upper
end and shortening of the sleeve shape.
6. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is a single
piece.
7. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises a
thermoplastic material.
8. The cooling apparatus of claim 7, wherein the thermoplastic
material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.
9. The cooling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means
for controlling and maintaining the temperature of the chilling
fluid includes a fluid pump and a refrigeration unit in fluid
communication with a reservoir to pump chilling fluid from the
refrigeration unit to the chilling tank and circulate and withdraw
chilling fluid from the chilling tank the temperature of which
fluid is raised as a result of heat transfer between the sleeve
during contact with the chilling fluid circulated in the tank, and
a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the chilling fluid in
the chilling tank at a predetermined temperature.
10. The cooling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the
thermostat operates to maintain the chilling fluid at a temperature
of between -30.degree. C. and 5.0.degree. C.
11. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chilling fluid is
selected from a group consisting of a glycol, a mixture of glycol
and water, and brine.
12. The cooling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means
for moving includes a motor and mechanical linkage arrangement for
rotating the sleeve and an adjustable timer mechanism for setting
and controlling the duration of sleeve rotation relative to the
chilling fluid, the adjustable timer when timed-out stopping the
rotation of the beverage container and the operation of the means
for maintaining and controlling.
13. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a screen element disposed in encircling relation about the sleeve,
said screen element operating to maintain the cross-sectional shape
of the sleeve during positioning of the container therewithin and
movement of the screen and bottle assembly but not inhibiting fluid
circulation against and heat transfer between the exterior surface
of the screen.
14. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
housing includes an opening communicating with said chilling tank,
and a closure movable between closed and open positions relative to
said opening for gaining and closing access to the chilling tank,
said sleeve extends downwardly from said opening, said means for
withdrawing the air and lowering the pressure in the internal
chamber of said sleeve comprises a port in said closure operably
connected to apparatus to withdraw air through the port and from
said compartment when the closure is in said closed position, and
further comprising means for transmitting a signal that the closure
is interlocked and in sealed relation with the housing opening.
15. A method of cooling a container comprising the steps of: (a)
providing a cooling apparatus, the apparatus including a tank
provided with a low freezing point cooling fluid and a thin walled
sleeve of a resiliently deformable polymeric material immersed, at
least in part, in the cooling fluid, the sleeve being upwardly open
and including an internal chamber sized to receive the container,
(b) placing the container in the internal chamber of the sleeve,
and (c) withdrawing the air in the chamber to lower the pressure
therein and draw the wall of the sleeve into engagement with the
container, the engagement of the sleeve wall material with the
container causing heat to transfer from the container to the
cooling fluid.
16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps
of rotating the container in the chilling fluid and directing
externally chilled cooling fluid about the sleeve.
17. The method according to claim 15, further wherein the step of
directing is performed by an array of fluid jets that substantially
simultaneously direct chilled fluid external to the tank towards
the exterior of the sleeve, and further wherein the duration of
fluid circulation is set according to a desired degree of cooling
of the container.
18. A wine bottle cooler comprising a housing defining an interior
tank for receiving a mixture of low freezing point liquid for
cooling the bottle, a sleeve open at an upper end and closed at a
lower end and defining internally thereof a chamber for receiving
the bottle, the sleeve disposed in the tank for supporting the
bottle in the cooling liquid, a closure juxtaposed with the upper
end and movable between open and closed positions for gaining and
closing access to the internal chamber, means for evacuating any
air from the sleeve when the closure is in said closed position,
and fluid pumping means for circulating chilling fluid at a
predetermined temperature into the tank and around the bottle and
from the tank.
19. The wine bottle cooler as claimed in claim 18, wherein a motor
and a mechanical linkage is provided to rotate the sleeve about a
central longitudinal axis thereof and sufficiently rapidly relative
to the chilling fluid to induce turbulent flow in the fluid and
effectuate heat transfer between the bottle and the chilling fluid
when the air is evacuated from the sleeve.
20. The wine bottle cooler as claimed in claim 19, wherein said
fluid pumping means comprises a pump for introducing chilled fluid
external to the tank into the tank, an elongated fluid distribution
tube fluidly connected to the pump and disposed, at least in part,
in the tank and in juxtaposed relation along and between the
opposite ends of the sleeve, and a plurality of outlet nozzles to
discharge and circulate the external chilled fluid passed through
the distribution tube radially inwardly towards the sleeve.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to cooling or chilling
apparatus, which in a particular but not exclusive aspect, may be
applied to the chilling of beverages such as beer, wine and soda
drinks in bottles or cans or other containers but which may be
applied to cooling or chilling other articles. The invention also
pertains to a preformed thermoplastic polyurethane body for
receiving, supporting and contracting into engagement with the
exterior of the beverage container to transfer heat from the
beverage container to a chilling fluid in the apparatus.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Beverages in containers are normally cooled in conventional
refrigerators, or in larger commercial establishments, cold rooms.
There is, however, usually a considerable period of time, which
elapses between the time at which the beverage container is placed
into a refrigerator or cold room and the time at which its
temperature is acceptable for drinking. More rapid cooling can be
achieved by using ice. However, ice is not readily available in
many situations and additionally cannot be contained easily without
melting. The above problems are accentuated in establishments,
which are involved in the supply of cold beverages such as
restaurants. In these situations, it is often impossible for a
large range of wines or other beverages to be stored and maintained
at a low temperature for service and supply. Some arrangements have
been proposed whereby bottles or other containers are placed into a
container carrying a chilled liquid; however, in these arrangements
the bottles or other containers become wet and therefore are not
immediately suitable for use. Additionally, there is a danger that
wet bottles or containers can slip from the grasp of a user.
[0005] It is well known that interest in and consumption of wines
has increased dramatically in recent years, to the point where the
discriminating consuming public has expanded rapidly and
extensively. In this context, previously known apparatus for
cooling bottles of wine, particularly, have proved to be
inadequate.
[0006] Similarly, there has been a need, substantially unfulfilled,
for apparatus to warm containers of materials to be consumed, such
as jars of baby food.
[0007] Clarke et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,514 describes apparatus
for cooling or chilling beverages in containers, such as a wine
bottle. In this apparatus, a bag of liquid impervious material
(i.e., plastic) is submerged in a solution of chilling fluid, and a
thin resilient U-shaped strip of plastics material is positioned in
the bag and forms a support for the beverage container. The support
includes a pair of sidewalls and a cross-arm and the pressure of
the cooling liquid operates to collapse the bag and force the arms
into engagement with the side of the bottle.
[0008] Such apparatus does not provide active movement of the
beverage container relative to the chilling fluid and relies on the
chilling fluid to force the closure bag against the U-shaped
support. The heat transfer is not believed to be effective. First,
the chilling fluid, alone, must act to press the bag against the
sidewalls of the U-shaped support. Second, the fluid pressure
against the bag must collapse the sidewalls of the U-shaped support
inwardly and against the bottle. Third, the support member is
designed to prevent a vacuum being created between the bag and the
bottle to prevent from the bottle from "loading" (i.e. rupturing)
the bag during withdrawal of the bottle from the bag. The
requirement that fluid pressure must force the bag and support
member inwardly but that the support member prevents the bag and
bottle from engaging one another to prevent the bag from rupturing
during withdrawal therefrom appears to limit the rate and
effectiveness of any possible heat transfer.
[0009] Other approaches for chilling and cooling are disclosed in
the following patent documents; U.S. Pat. No. 2,061,427, King,
issued Nov. 17, 1936; U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,092, Fisher, issued Jun.
10, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,195; Kucza, issued Dec. 29, 1987;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,763; Provost, issued May 1, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.
5,191,773; Cassell, issued Mar. 9, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,835;
Brochier, issued Aug. 24, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,845; Forshaw et
al., issued Apr. 25, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,943; Coelho et al.,
issued Sep. 24, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,343; Baker, III, issued
Jun. 3, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,963, Surber, et al., issued Mar.
5, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,093; Fink et al., issued Nov. 5, 2002;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,945, McCall, issued May 10, 2005; and foreign
Patent documents GB 2,301,172 A, and FR 2,602324 A1.
[0010] It is to be appreciated that there is a need for
improvements for cooling and chilling beverage containers in
apparatus that is simple and rapidly effectuates the chilling
process.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide
means for changing the temperature of containers of wine or other
materials to be consumed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention aims to provide in a preferred aspect,
apparatus for cooling or chilling beverages and in particular
beverage containers such as wine bottles, beer and soft drink
bottles, cans or the like, and the contents thereof, in a rapid and
efficient manner while maintaining the beverage containers
substantially dry. The present invention, while particularly
applicable to the cooling or chilling of beverages may be used for
cooling or chilling of other articles.
[0013] A first preferred embodiment according to the present
invention is presented in apparatus for chilling articles such as
beverage containers and the contents thereof, the apparatus
including: a chamber for holding a chilling liquid; a flexible
membrane means including a portion downwardly into the chamber and
having an open upper end or mouth for receiving the article and
supporting the article within the flexible membrane means, and
means for reducing the air pressure in the membranes means to draw
the membrane means into direct thermal contact with the beverage
container and exchange heat between the beverage container and the
chilling fluid.
[0014] In another preferred embodiment according to this invention,
a cooling apparatus for chilling a beverage container is disclosed,
the apparatus comprising a housing defining internally thereof a
chilling tank adapted to receive a low freezing point chilling
fluid and a shaped sleeve of resiliently deformable material closed
at a lower end and open at an upper end and defining internally
thereof an internal chamber for receiving, encircling and
supporting the beverage container to be chilled and an exterior
surface in contact with and cooled by the chilling fluid, means for
withdrawing the air and lowering the pressure in said internal
chamber and thereby cause the sleeve material to be drawn, at least
in part, into engagement with the exterior surface of the beverage
container and transfer heat between the chilling fluid and the
beverage container, and means for controlling and maintaining the
temperature of the chilling fluid at a predetermined
temperature.
[0015] The means for controlling and maintaining the temperature of
the chilling fluid includes a fluid pump and a refrigeration unit
in fluid communication with a reservoir to pump chilling fluid from
the refrigeration unit to the chilling tank and circulate and
withdraw chilling fluid from the chilling tank the temperature of
which fluid is raised as a result of heat transfer between the
sleeve during contact with the chilling fluid circulated in the
tank, and a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the chilling
fluid in the chilling tank at a predetermined temperature. Although
the temperature will depend on the application desired by the user,
preferably the thermostat operates to maintain the chilling fluid
at a temperature of between about -30.0.degree. C. and 5.0.degree.
C.
[0016] The sleeve is generally longitudinally elongated membrane or
bladder, preformed into a single piece from a suitable
thermoplastic, cylindrical shaped and thin walled, and is provided
with means for controlling the shape of the sleeve during collapse
of the wall into engagement with the exterior surface of the
beverage container. In one preferred embodiment, the means for
controlling comprises at least one axially elongated rib on the
exterior surface of the sleeve, the rib extending between the
opposite ends of the sleeve and operating to permit inward radial
collapse of the wall but inhibit axial movement of the lower end
towards the upper end and shortening of the sleeve shape.
[0017] The cooling apparatus according to this embodiment further
comprises means for moving the sleeve within the chilling fluid and
in a predetermined manner based in part on the geometry and
external shape of one and the other, respectively, of said beverage
container and sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the means for
moving includes a motor and mechanical linkage arrangement for
rotating the sleeve and an adjustable timer mechanism for setting
and controlling the duration of sleeve rotation relative to the
chilling fluid, the adjustable timer when timed-out stopping the
rotation of the beverage container and the operation of the means
for maintaining and controlling.
[0018] According to this preferred embodiment, the cooling
apparatus further comprises a mesh screen element disposed in
encircling relation about the sleeve, said screen element operating
to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve during
positioning of the container therewithin and movement of the screen
and bottle assembly but the mesh or openings therein not inhibiting
fluid circulation against and heat transfer between the exterior
surface of the screen.
[0019] According to this embodiment, the housing includes an
opening communicating with said chilling tank, and a closure
movable between closed and open positions relative to said opening
for gaining and closing access to the chilling tank; the sleeve
extends downwardly from said opening and into the chilling fluid;
and the means for withdrawing the air and lowering the pressure in
the internal chamber of said sleeve comprises a port in said
closure operably connected to pumping apparatus to withdraw air
through the port and from said compartment when the closure is in
said closed position.
[0020] Further, the cooling apparatus comprises means for
transmitting a signal that the closure is interlocked and in sealed
relation with the housing opening and regulating the pressure in
the sleeve.
[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, there is
disclosed a wine bottle cooler comprising a housing defining an
interior tank for receiving a mixture of low freezing point liquid
for cooling the bottle, a sleeve open at an upper end and closed at
a lower end and defining internally thereof a chamber for receiving
the bottle, the sleeve disposed in the tank for supporting the
bottle in the cooling liquid, a closure juxtaposed with the upper
end and movable between open and closed positions for gaining and
closing access to the internal chamber, means for evacuating a
predetermined amount of air from and lowering the air pressure in
the sleeve when the closure is in said closed position, and fluid
pumping means for introducing, directing and circulating chilling
fluid at a predetermined temperature into the tank and around the
bottle and withdrawing fluid from the tank.
[0022] In the wine bottle cooler, there is provided a motor and a
mechanical linkage to rotate the sleeve about a central
longitudinal axis thereof and sufficiently rapidly relative to the
chilling fluid to induce turbulent flow in the fluid and effectuate
heat transfer between the bottle and the chilling fluid when the
air is evacuated from the sleeve. The fluid pumping means comprises
a pump for introducing chilled fluid external to the tank into the
tank, an elongated fluid distribution tube fluidly connected to the
pump and disposed, at least in part, in the tank and in juxtaposed
relation along and between the opposite ends of the sleeve, and a
plurality of outlet nozzles or spray jets to discharge and
circulate the external chilled fluid at the sleeve.
[0023] In yet another preferred embodiment according to this
invention there is provided a method of cooling a container
comprising the steps of providing a cooling apparatus, the
apparatus including a tank provided with a low freezing point
cooling fluid and a thin walled sleeve of polymeric material having
an internal chamber and immersed, at least in part, in the cooling
fluid, supporting the beverage container in the internal chamber,
and withdrawing the air in the chamber to lower the pressure
therein and draw the wall of the sleeve into engagement with the
container, the engagement of the sleeve wall with the container
causing heat transfer between the container and the cooling
fluid.
[0024] Preferably, the method includes the steps of rotating the
container in the chilling fluid and directing externally chilled
cooling fluid about the sleeve. Further, the directing is performed
by a longitudinal array of fluid jets that direct chilled fluid
external to the tank towards and along a central longitudinal axis
of the sleeve
[0025] According to this method, the steps of removing the air from
the sleeve to pull a vacuum, rotating the sleeve, and directing
external chilled cooling fluid at the sleeve are substantially
concurrent and results in fluid circulating about and along the
sleeve. Preferably, the duration of rotation of the sleeve and
beverage container assembly and fluid circulation about the sleeve
is set according to a desired degree of cooling of the beverage
container.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a sleeve
for positioning a beverage container into a chilling fluid at a
lower temperature than the beverage temperature to chill the
beverage in the container by heat exchange, comprising a
resiliently deformable one-piece membrane formed into a generally
cylindrical longitudinally elongated thin-walled body that is
closed at a lower end and open at an upper end and defines an
exterior surface in contact with and cooled by the chilling fluid
and internally thereof an internal chamber for receiving,
encircling and supporting the beverage container to be chilled, the
membrane being thin walled and adapted to collapse radially
inwardly and into engagement with the beverage container and
provided with at least one longitudinally extending rib for
controlling the cylindrical shape of the sleeve during collapse of
the wall by inhibiting axial movement of the lower end towards the
upper end and shortening of the sleeve shape.
[0027] Advantageously, in the chilling apparatus herein the closed
loop chilling fluid (e.g, glycol) circuit prevents exposure of the
glycol to the product and permits recycling and recharge.
[0028] Temperature feedback electronics, enhanced by IR sensors,
ensure that the bottle reaches a desired temperature and without
operator intervention.
[0029] Provision of a spray jets/nozzles, such as in circular array
in a manifold ring, and immersion of the bladder in bath of
chilling glycol fluid, accelerates the chilling sequence.
[0030] Provision of an overflow valve desirably ensures constant
renewal of temperature state. Additionally, fluid evacuation by
computer controlled solenoid valves enhance the temperature
reaching and maintaining a desired state.
[0031] The present invention will be more clearly understood with
reference to the accompanying drawings and to the following
Detailed Description, in which like reference numerals refer to
like parts and where:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is an operational view of an arrangement according to
the present invention for cooling or chilling beverage
containers;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view looking down at the top of a
cooling apparatus with a closure lid in an open position and a wine
bottle to be chilled disposed in a chilling tank of the cooling
apparatus;
[0034] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are, respectively, a side elevation view,
a front elevation view and a top plan view of the cooling apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the cooling apparatus of
FIG. 4 but with the closure lid in the closed position and
illustrating the wine bottle relative to a membrane or heat
exchanging sleeve, a support screen, and a drive mechanism for
rotating the membrane and bottle assembly relative to the
apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cooling apparatus of FIG.
6;
[0037] FIG. 8 is an enlarged section view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6 showing detail of the drive mechanism and mechanical linkage
arrangement;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a partial section view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 6 showing detail of the cooling apparatus and the drive
mechanism;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an alternate preferred
embodiment of a cooling apparatus, similar to FIG. 3, including the
resilient membrane for supporting the bottle, the support screen
encircling the membrane, and a ring manifold jet spray arrangement
encircling the bottle for radially directing coolant fluid at the
membrane;
[0040] FIGS. 11 and 12 are, respectively, a side elevation view and
a top plan view of the support membrane;
[0041] FIG. 13 is an axial section view of the support membrane
taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11; and
[0042] FIG. 14 is an enlarged portion of the axial section as seen
in FIG. 13 showing detail of the support membrane sidewall and a
rib thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an
arrangement for cooling or chilling a beverage container, such as
bottles or cans, and beverages to be cooled or chilled, such as
beer, wine, soda, fruit juices and other fluids to be cooled. The
arrangement for cooling is generally indicated by the reference
number 10 and includes a cooling or chilling apparatus 12, which
includes a chill housing 14 and closure lid 16, a refrigerator
system 18 for chilling fluids, a fluid pump 20 in operable relation
with the refrigerator system and the chill housing, and a vacuum
pump 22 in operable relation with the closure lid 16. The
interrelationship and operation of the above note elements will be
described in greater detail herein below.
[0044] Importantly, not should be made that the chilling fluid is
distributed via a closed loop circuit that prevents exposure of the
chilling fluid to the atmosphere or to the product being
chilled.
[0045] Turning to FIGS. 2-5 and 10, the chill housing 14 is
generally cylindrical, upwardly open, and defines an upper annular
end face 24 and an interior tank 26 for receiving a supply of low
freezing point cooling or chilling fluid 28. The housing 14 also
includes an inlet port 30 for receiving externally supplied
chilling fluid and an outlet discharge or evacuation port 32 for
discharging fluid from the interior tank 26 heated by the chilling
process.
[0046] The refrigeration system 18 and fluid pump 20 are
conventional and will not be described in detail. In general, the
refrigeration system 18 includes cooling coils and a thermostat.
The fluid pump 20 draws heated fluid from the tank 26 via the
outlet port 32 and into the refrigeration system 18, and the coils
then cool the discharged fluid. The pump 20 then passes the fluid
that has been cooled to a desired preset temperature and directs
this chilled fluid into the inlet port 30. As will be described
herein below, this cooled fluid in then passed through a fluid
distribution tube 34.
[0047] Preferably, the refrigerator system 18 operates to maintain
the temperature of the chilling fluid 28 at between at a
temperature of between about -30.0.degree. C. and about 5.0.degree.
C.
[0048] While many cooling or chilling liquids are known, preferably
the chilling liquid comprises a low freezing point liquid and more
preferably a solution containing food quality glycol. The cooling
or chilling liquid is preferably a solution of propylene glycol and
water of 50% concentration, or brine.
[0049] The closure lid 16 is hingedly disposed at 17 atop the
housing and movable between an open position (see FIGS. 2, 3 and
10) and a closed position (see FIG. 6). The lid 16 is dome shaped
and defined by an interior surface that includes an outer annular
end face 36 and a dome shaped central cavity 38. When in the closed
position, the annular end faces 24 and 36 form a seal with one
another. In some applications, such as for use in long-necked wine
bottles, the dome cavity may also be formed to include a
cylindrical recess or socket 40 for nesting the upward end of the
wine bottle.
[0050] Due to the quick nature of the chilling, humidity may be
condensed to a liquid inside the membrane. In some applications, a
fan in the vacuum lid 16 may be provided for a short operation or
cycle initiated after the bottle is removed.
[0051] According to an important aspect of this invention, there is
provided a resilient membrane or sleeve 44 and a drive system 46
including a drive motor and mechanical linkage arrangement for
mounting and supporting the membrane in the cooling fluid and
rotating the membrane relative to the fluid.
[0052] Additionally an outlet port 42 is provided in the closure or
vacuum lid 16, which is in communication with the vacuum pump 22,
the chamber 38, and the interior of a wine receiving membrane
44.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 11-13, the membrane 44 comprises a
body of resiliently deformable material, preferably preformed and
one piece, such as by an extrusion process, into a sleeve or shaped
bladder. The bladder or shaped sleeve 44 includes a cylindrical
sidewall 53 that is closed at a lower end 48, open at an upper end
50, and defines internally thereof an internal chamber 52 for
receiving, encircling and supporting the beverage container "B" to
be chilled. The exterior surface 54 of the sidewall 53 is adapted
to be immersed in and cooled by the chilling fluid 28 by contact
therewith. The sleeve 44 is generally longitudinally elongated,
thin walled, and centered about a central geometrical longitudinal
axis.
[0054] The upper end 50 defines an annular flange that is generally
perpendicular to the sleeve longitudinal axis and is adapted to
seat in a keeper or drive disk 56 that is rotated by the drive
system 46. When the lid 16 is in closed relation with the housing
14, the annular end faces 24 and 36 form a closure seal with the
annular flange 50.
[0055] Desirably, the closed-end bladder or sleeve 44 enables a
wine bottle to be chilled in the sleeve without ever being exposed
to the chilling fluid 28.
[0056] While many materials are suitable, the sleeve is preferably
a thermoplastic material, and preferably, thermoplastic
polyurethane, and wherein the longitudinally extending cylindrical
sidewall or collapsible deformation element thereof comprises a
thickness of about 0.125 mm.
[0057] In the embodiments illustrated, the material of the sleeve
is preferably thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and like materials
as providing a combination of high elongation and wear and tensile
strength tear-cut resistance and toughness and form a bridge
between rubber polymers and thermoplastics. Further, these
materials are soft, resiliently flexible, have good low temperature
flexibility as well as excellent resistance to solvents and
chemicals. Additionally, these materials provide excellent damping,
rebound and elasticity characteristics, such as providing increased
elastic memory, providing good stretch from 2-6 times with
endurance and elasticity. Stretch according to the thickness
elasticity keeps in normal condition from +70.degree. C to
-35.degree. C.
[0058] An example of a suitable TPU is the the Elastollan.RTM.
brand TPU from BASF, based in Wyandotte, Mich.
[0059] Further and according to this invention, and referring to
FIGS. 11-14, one or more axially elongated longitudinal ribs 58 are
provided about the exterior surface 54 of the sidewall 53 of the
membrane 44, the ribs extending between the opposite ends of the
sleeve. The ribs 58 control the shape of the sleeve 44 during
collapse of the wall into engagement with the exterior surface of
the beverage container, as will be described herein below.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the drive system or arrangement 46
includes a drive motor and mechanical linkage or coupling
arrangement for mounting and supporting the membrane in the cooling
fluid and rotating the membrane relative to the fluid. In general,
the keeper or drive disk 56 is connected to a crank wheel 60 via a
link arm 62 and driven by a motor 64. Operation of the drive system
46 by the motor 64 causes the assembly of the sleeve 44 and the
beverage container B to rotate relative to the sleeve longitudinal
axis and the captivation thereof relative to the drive disk 56. The
drive disk is rotated by the drive arrangement relative to a
central geometrical axis of the housing 14.
[0061] It should be noted that the present invention is amenable to
other drive systems such as a servo-electric drive, cam drivers,
and fluid-hydraulic drives.
[0062] While not shown, an adjustable timer mechanism for setting
and controlling the duration of sleeve rotation relative to the
chilling fluid is provided. The adjustable timer when timed-out
stops the rotation of the beverage container and the operation of
the means for maintaining and controlling the temperature of the
chilling fluid.
[0063] A cylindrical protector screen 64 of mesh material projects
downwardly into the tank 26 and is disposed in encircling relation
about the sleeve 44. The mesh size and spacing of the screen from
the sleeve depends on the application but is such as to permit
cooling fluid to contact the exterior surface of the membrane 44.
The purpose of the screen 64 is to limit physical stress that is
placed on the membrane 44 when inserting or extracting a bottle or
product to be chilled as well as maintain some degree of axial
alignment during rotation of the sleeve 44 by the drive arrangement
46.
[0064] The vacuum pump 22 operates to withdraw air through the port
and from within the interior chamber of the sleeve, and thereby
reduce the air pressure therein, much like a straw in withdrawing
liquid from a glass. By this process, the cylindrical sidewall 53
of the sleeve 44 collapses and is pulled into engagement with the
exterior surface of the wine bottle.
[0065] Important to this invention, the size, location, and number
of the ribs 58 allow for improved heat transfer by controlling the
behavior of the membrane 44 in the vacuum cycle allowing a thinner
membrane or bladder 44 to be constructed for a faster heat transfer
over a larger surface area. Additionally, the ribs 58 also operate
to obviate mechanical stresses induced into the membrane 58 in the
movement cycle of the process.
[0066] When the vacuum is initiated, the bottle B and the sleeve 44
are sucked toward the lid 16, creating an unpredictable position,
so the ribs 58 help maintain the bottle properly positioned. The
amount of surface area that does not get excess crinkled membrane
could also be controlled for common diameter of wine bottle to
membrane envelope diameter.
[0067] Additionally when the vacuum is removed the ribs 58 will act
as a memory for the membrane to return to its original size and
position in the relaxed state. This will allow for easier
extraction of the bottle and less likelihood that the membrane will
cling to the bottle.
[0068] The vacuum device can be of any type initiated by an "on"
signal coupled with system interlocks. This will also create a seal
for the lid to maintain the environment of rapid chilling.
[0069] The fluid distribution tube 34 in the fluid cooling fluid is
axially elongated and provided with an array of spaced apart spray
jets 66. While two are shown, depending on the application, one may
be sufficient. The jets 66 are positioned along the exterior of the
protection screen 64 and direct refrigerated cooling fluid received
from the refrigeration system 18 at the membrane 44. Depending on
the application, the jets direct and circulate the chilled fluid
relative to the sleeve in manner to induce turbulent flow in the
fluids thereabout and effectuate heat transfer between the bottle
and the chilling fluid.
[0070] In an aspect of this invention, an infra red (IR) sensor 68
is integrated into the lid 16 with the sensing portion thereof
adapted to beam a signal off of the wine bottle when disposed in
chilling relation in the membrane 44 whereby to read the
temperature of the wine bottle. The sensor 68 provides a
non-contact, non-destructive test method that utilizes a thermal
imager to detect, display and record thermal patterns and
temperatures across the surface of the wine bottle, or other object
of interest. Infrared thermography provides the user with
meaningful data about thermal condition of the bottle being chilled
as well as information about the electrical, mechanical and
structural systems of the chilling arrangement.
[0071] Additionally, the IR sensor senses and transmits a signal
that the closure is interlocked and in airtight or vacuum-sealed
relation with the housing opening and regulating the pressure in
the sleeve. Infrared sensing desirably provides continuous
operation control information for temperature control feedback on
the chilling sequence and fluid evacuation process.
[0072] A process control unit "C" is in electrical circuit relation
with the sensor 43 to ensure, substantially simultaneously and in a
continuous fashion, that the refrigeration system 28 is properly
supplying chilled fluid 28 and that the fluid temperature in the
chilling tank is maintained at a desired temperature, that the
vacuum pump 22 and drive system 46 are operating properly, and to
indicate when a desired bottle temperature has been achieved. The
sensor also enables temperature control feedback on the chilling
operation and the fluid evacuation process of fluid 28 from the
chilling chamber 26.
[0073] In this regard, the control unit "C" is adapted to impart a
controlled motion to the product being chilled to facilitate a more
even chilling method in a controlled temperature bath. This
imparted motion is not limited to a single type of motion but one
that can execute pre-programmed motion profiles to maximize
internal product mixing based on differing geometry of product
containers and fluid characteristics. Important to the chilling
process is evacuation of the chilling fluid for temperature control
to the product being chilled. Fluid evacuation manages efficiencies
of refrigeration and renewal of fluid to a constant temperature
state as well as disabling the heat exchange process in a
controlled state.
[0074] Vacuum containerization of the product (wine bottle) to the
chilling bladder 44 provides for faster and more effective heat
exchange with the product contained therein. As will be understood,
the geometry of the internal chamber 52 may be other than shown for
dimensional control of the bladder 44 as well as functional
operation.
[0075] Additionally, in an important aspect, the control system "C"
is provided with software procedures wherein algorithms receive
information on a real time basis and initiate and control a
sequence of steps to be followed by the systems described herein.
Importantly, the algorithm can be based on product containerization
of the product to the chilling bladder and preferred product
consumption temperatures. This is in relation to the volume and
sizes of product to be chilled (e.g., 20 ounces, 750 milliliter, 1
liter, etc.), the thickness and/or overall geometrical shape of the
container, and materials used to containerize the product, (e.g.,
glass, plastic, metal, cardboard) along with the motion profile of
the product, wherein to provide the desired chilling construct.
[0076] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 10, an alternate
embodiment of a container chilling apparatus 112 is shown, wherein
other like numbers refer to like structures described herein above.
Further, certain elements are not shown (e.g., the drive system 46)
as having been described above. The complete operation (e.g.,
chilling of the fluid 28, monitoring the temperature of the fluid,
cycling of the chill fluid 28, rotating the bottle, and monitoring
the temperature of the bottle) is controlled by a predetermined
algorithm and appropriate computer system to continuously monitor a
chilling operation.
[0077] Importantly and according to this embodiment, an annular
flange 113 is secured to the inner wall of the chill housing 114
and an elongated cylindrical wire frame protector screen 164 is
supported from the flange. As before, the protector screen 164
encircles the cylindrical membrane sleeve 44 and the wine bottle B
disposed within the sleeve for controlling stresses to the bladder
and chilling components.
[0078] Instead of a series of angularly arranged longitudinally
extending fluid distribution tubes 34, each with a linear array of
spray jets 66 for directing chilling fluid inwardly at the
membrane, an annular fluid distribution manifold or ring 134 is
supported, or positioningly mounted, atop the flange 113. The
manifold ring 134 is disposed like a "halo" about the upper end
portion of the sleeve 44, proximate to the neck N of the bottle,
and positions the outlets from a plurality of spray jets 66
disposed equiangularly therearound to direct cooling fluid from the
reservoir radially inwardly towards the membrane. Desirably, the
manifold ring 134 imparts immediate chilling when the operation
commences.
[0079] Chilling fluid is presented from the reservoir to the
chilling apparatus 112, whereupon the fluid passes through the
inlet port 30, through the vertically disposed fluid distribution
tube 34, into the fluid manifold ring 134, and outwardly of the
jets 66. The term halo is used in the sense that the outlet of the
distribution tube 34 is connected to a ring shaped structure, but
in fluid communication therewith.
[0080] A fluid overflow line 135 operates to return excess fluid 28
from the interior tank 26 to the system reservoir.
[0081] An IR sensor 168 is provided in the central cavity 38 of the
lid 16 and directs a beam 169 towards the neck of the bottle in the
membrane 44 to determine if the desired bottle temperature has been
achieved.
[0082] As before, a vacuum pump 22 is operable to withdraw air from
the internal chamber 52 of the bladder 44 to draw the sidewall 53
of the bladder towards the bottle exterior surface of the bottle
and enhance heat transfer between the temperature of the chilling
fluid 28 and the exterior surface of the bottle.
[0083] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this
detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto and
the equivalents thereof.
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