U.S. patent application number 15/352796 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-17 for rapid cooling apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Teresa Barnes. Invention is credited to Teresa Barnes.
Application Number | 20180135911 15/352796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62108358 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180135911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barnes; Teresa |
May 17, 2018 |
Rapid Cooling Apparatus
Abstract
A rapid cooling apparatus. The rapid cooling apparatus includes
a base that supports a cooling chamber and a reservoir compartment.
The cooling chamber has a floor, one or more sidewalls, and a
ceiling that form an tenor volume that can hold beverages and other
containers. A door is affixed to the cooling chamber for providing
access to the interior volume of the cooling chamber. A fluid
reservoir is positioned within the reservoir compartment and is
configured to dispense a fluid cooling agent into the cooling
chamber via one or more nozzles. The nozzles are disposed within
the cooling chamber and directed at beverages and other containers
positioned within the cooling chamber.
Inventors: |
Barnes; Teresa; (Eagle
River, AK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Barnes; Teresa |
Eagle River |
AK |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62108358 |
Appl. No.: |
15/352796 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 3/10 20130101; F25D
2400/28 20130101; F25D 31/007 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 31/00 20060101
F25D031/00; F25D 3/00 20060101 F25D003/00; F25D 29/00 20060101
F25D029/00; F25D 17/00 20060101 F25D017/00 |
Claims
1) A rapid cooling apparatus comprising: a cooling chamber
including a floor, one or more sidewalk, and a ceiling, defining an
interior volume; a door affixed to the cooling chamber for
providing access to the interior volume of the cooling chamber; a
fluid reservoir removably disposed within a reservoir compartment
one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir
via a conduit; wherein the one or more nozzles are disposed within
the cooling chamber; wherein one or more nozzles are configured to
dispense a fluid cooling agent contained in the fluid reservoir
into the interior volume of the cooling chamber.
2) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
base including an interface with one or more buttons for inputting
commands thereto.
3) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid
reservoir is configured to contain compressed carbon dioxide.
4) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the floor
comprises a rotatable tray operably connected to a rotating
mechanism.
5) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more
nozzles further comprises an actuator configured to adjust the
rotational direction of each of the one or more nozzles.
6) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling
chamber comprises one or more vents configured to control pressure
within the cooling chamber.
7) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more
nozzles comprise an upright cylinder having a plurality of
apertures.
8) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door is
pivotally affixed to the cooling chamber via a hinge.
9) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein a valve is
configured to control the pressure and dispersion velocity of the
fluid cooling agent being dispensed by the one or more nozzles.
10) The rapid cooling apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a
sensor operably connected to the valve, wherein the sensor is
configured to determine the temperature of the interior volume of
the cooling chamber, an open state or a closed state of the door,
and the fluid pressure of the valve.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to rapid cooling apparatuses.
More specifically, the present invention provides a rapid cooling
apparatus that dispenses a cooling agent, such as compressed carbon
dioxide, within a cooling chamber through one or more nozzles.
[0002] Many individuals prefer to consume certain foods and
beverages, such as wine, beer, and soda, at a relatively cold
temperature. The consumption of these chilled beverages is
especially desired during the warmer seasons. Conventional ways of
cooling foods and beverages typically involves storage within a
refrigerator or an ice box. However, these devices and methods have
several drawbacks. For instance, it is not economical to maintain a
large inventory of foods and beverages within the refrigerator or
ice box, where space is often limited. Further foods and beverages
placed within these devices may require several hours to reach a
cold temperature that is desirable.
[0003] Other technologies that rapidly chill beverages may rely on
ice or chilled water, or a combination thereof. However, submerging
foods, even those in containers, risks leaking onto the food
rendering it inedible. Further, residue from the ice bath can
contaminate beverages. Additionally, the ice bath requires ready
access to ice and water, containers for holding the ice and water,
and towels for drying excessive amounts of water that accumulate on
the food or beverage container. The submerging of beverages may
deteriorate the labels of many beverage, especially those that
utilize an adhesive for bonding the label to the beverage
container.
[0004] In light of the devices in the known art, it is submitted
that the present invention substantially diverges in design
elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there
is a need in the art for an improvement to existing food and
beverage cooling devices. In this regard the instant invention
substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of beverage cooling devices now present in the art, the
present invention provides a new rapid cooling apparatus wherein
the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user
when cooling food or beverage from a room temperature to a
relatively cool temperature of between thirty (30) degrees and
forty (40) degrees Fahrenheit.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved rapid cooling apparatus with a fluid
reservoir having a fluid cooling agent therein that is dispensed
within the cooling chamber, wherein the fluid reservoir is
removable and replaceable with a substantially similar one.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
rapid cooling apparatus that can cool a beverage without diluting
the beverage.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
rapid cooling apparatus that includes an adjustable and rotatable
nozzle and tray which facilitate the cooling of a beverage within
the cooling chamber.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
rapid cooling apparatus that may be readily fabricated from
materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with
durability.
[0010] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cooling chamber with
the door in an open position.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the
control circuit of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings depict like or
similar elements of the rapid cooling apparatus. For the purposes
of presenting a brief and clear description of the present
invention, the preferred embodiments will be discusses as used for
rapidly cooling beverage bottles and containers. The figures are
intended for representative purposes only and should not be
considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a front view
of one embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view
of the cooling chamber with the door in an o position,
respectively. The rapid cooling apparatus 11 provides an appliance
that can cool food and beverage containers within a short period of
time, such as thirty seconds to a couple of minutes. The rapid
cooling apparatus 11 comprises a base 13, a cooling chamber 14, and
a reservoir compartment 15. In the shown embodiments, the reservoir
compartment 15 is positioned above the cooling chamber 14, and the
base 13 supports the cooling chamber 14 and the reservoir
compartment 15. The cooling chamber 14 includes a floor 16, one or
more sidewalls 17, and a ceiling 18, defining an interior volume.
The interior volume is configured to store food and beverage
containers therein. The cooling chamber 14 includes an open end to
provide access to the interior volume thereof. A door 20 is
pivotally affixed to one of the sidewalls and removably covers the
open end so as to control access to the interior volume of the
cooling chamber 14. The base 13 includes an interface 31 with one
or more buttons 35 for inputting commands to the rapid cooling
apparatus 11. The interface 31 includes a digital display for
displaying time, temperature of the cooling chamber 14, position of
the door 20 (open or closed), and the like.
[0017] A fluid reservoir 21 is removably disposed within the
reservoir compartment wherein the fluid reservoir 21 is configured
to store a cooling agent, such as compressed carbon dioxide and the
like. The fluid reservoir 21 is replaceable with a substantially
similar fluid reservoir, such that an emptied first fluid reservoir
is replaced with a hill second fluid reservoir. In one embodiment,
the fluid reservoir 21 is removable via removing a section of the
reservoir compartment 15.
[0018] One or more nozzles 22 are disposed within the cooling
chamber 14 and are it fluid communication with the fluid reservoir
21 via a conduit 23. The one or more nozzles 22 are configured to
dispense a cooling agent contained in the fluid reservoir 21 into
the interior volume of the cooling chamber 14. The conduit 23
includes a first end 24 and an opposing second end 25, wherein the
first end 24 is operably connected to the fluid reservoir 21 and
the second end 25 is operably connected to the nozzle 22. In use,
the release of the cooling agent into the cooling chamber 14 causes
the temperature thereof to decrease. In one embodiment, the
temperature decrease to between 32 and negative 120 degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0019] The one or more nozzles 22 are configured to discharge the
cooling agent from the fluid reservoir 21 in a desired direction
within the cooling chamber 14. The nozzle comprises a plurality of
apertures, wherein the apertures allow the cooling agent to pass
therethrough. In one embodiment, (shown in FIG. 1) the nozzle is a
dome shape and extends from the ceiling o the cooling chamber 14.
In an alternate embodiment (shown in FIG. 2) the nozzle 22 is an
upright cylinder having a plurality of in linear arrangement.
However, in alternative embodiments, the nozzle 22 and aperture
arrangement may vary. In an alternate embodiment, a second nozzle
is disposed on an opposing Side of the floor 16. In one embodiment,
an actuator, disposed on the base 13 and operably connected to the
nozzle 22, adjusts the rotational direction of each of the one or
more nozzles 22 in order to allow the cooling agent to be dispersed
over a larger area of the interior volume.
[0020] In the shown embodiments, the floor 16 supports beverages 26
atop a rotatable tray 25 configured to revolve the beverages 26
along a circular or non-circular path. In this way, each of the
beverages 26 receive exposure to the cooling agent for a more
uniform cooling process. The tray 25 may be rotated automatically
via an actuator rotating mechanism or may be manually rotated. A
vent 27 is disposed on the cooling chamber 14 to control the
pressure differences within the cooling chamber 14. In FIG. 2, the
vent 27 is disposed on the door 20 of the cooling chamber 14.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram of
one embodiment of the control circuit of the present invention. The
rapid cooling apparatus 11 comprises a valve 33 that is configured
to control the pressure and dispersion velocity of cooling agent
being dispensed by the one or more nozzles 22. In one embodiment,
the valve 33 is disposed within the conduit, between the cooling
chamber and the reservoir compartment of FIG. 1. The valve 33 is
configured to open and allow more cooling agent to pass through the
conduit when activated. The valve is adapted to close and allow
less cooling agent to pass through the conduit when
deactivated.
[0022] The rapid cooling apparatus 11 includes a sensor 34 operably
connected to the valve 33, wherein the sensor 34 is configured to
determine the temperature of the interior volume of the cooling
chamber 14, an open state or a closed state of the door, and the
fluid pressure of the valve 33. An interface 31 is operably
connected to a processor 32 and the interface 31 is configured to
receive input commands via an actuatable button. The processor 32
is operably connected to the valve 33 and sensor 34, such that the
processor 32 controls the operation of the rapid cooling apparatus
11.
[0023] The interface 31 provides for a selection and control of a
variety of settings. In one use, a user inputs commands via the
interface 31 that is executed by the processor 32. The input
commands relate to setting predetermined time, temperature, and
other settings of the rapid cooling apparatus 11. The number of
preset settings may include functions for the intensity of the
cooling, size of beverage container, desired temperature, any
combination of these and/or any other possible desired outcomes for
cooling containers of various masses and sizes at various
temperatures and speeds. The rapid cooling apparatus 11 then cools
the beverage containers within the cooling chamber 14.
[0024] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however that
departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that
obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present inventions.
[0025] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the enact
construction and operation shown and descried, and accordingly, all
suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling
within the scope of the invention.
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