U.S. patent application number 16/030398 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for machine, container, system and method for preparing ice cream or chilled desserts on demand.
The applicant listed for this patent is NESTEC S.A.. Invention is credited to Youcef Ait Bouziad, Andre Noth, Alfred Yoakim.
Application Number | 20180317518 16/030398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47115548 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180317518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noth; Andre ; et
al. |
November 8, 2018 |
MACHINE, CONTAINER, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING ICE CREAM OR
CHILLED DESSERTS ON DEMAND
Abstract
A machine for preparing frozen confectionery has the ability or
characteristic of forming a seat used for accommodating an
essentially cup-shaped container. The machine has a heat exchange
element having a heat exchange contact surface arranged to be in
contact with a heat exchange portion of the container when the
container is placed in the machine. The heat exchange element has
an inverted conical or curved shape or a number of inverted conical
sections, or a combination of curved and inverted conical sections.
The confectionery produced can be a frozen product, such as soft
ice, or a chilled dessert, such as mousse or whipped yogurt.
Inventors: |
Noth; Andre; (Pully, CH)
; Ait Bouziad; Youcef; (Echandens, CH) ; Yoakim;
Alfred; (St-legier-la Chiesaz, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NESTEC S.A. |
Vevey |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
47115548 |
Appl. No.: |
16/030398 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14439726 |
Apr 30, 2015 |
10039298 |
|
|
PCT/EP2013/072692 |
Oct 30, 2013 |
|
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16030398 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23G 9/08 20130101; A23G
9/10 20130101; A23G 9/12 20130101; B65D 65/466 20130101; B65D 85/78
20130101; A23G 9/22 20130101; B65D 1/26 20130101; A23G 9/287
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A23G 9/28 20060101
A23G009/28; A23G 9/22 20060101 A23G009/22; A23G 9/10 20060101
A23G009/10; A23G 9/12 20060101 A23G009/12; A23G 9/08 20060101
A23G009/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2012 |
EP |
12190562.4 |
Claims
1. A single-use container designed for insertion into a device for
preparing a frozen confectionary, the single-use container
comprising: a body that is at least partly rigid, the body
comprising an inner freezing surface and a heat exchange portion
designed for interacting with a cooling member of the device, the
heat exchange portion having a structure selected from the group
consisting of an inverted conical shape, an inverted curved shape,
a plurality of inverted conical sections, and a combination of
inverted curved sections and inverted conical sections; and a lid
member enclosing a compartment holding a predefined amount of
comestible ingredients, wherein the container is configured for
preparing a frozen confectionary from the comestible ingredients
within the compartment upon cooling of the comestible ingredients
by the heat exchange portion of the body.
2. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
container has a closed bottom.
3. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
container does not have a piston member pushing any product in the
container towards the bottom of the container.
4. The single-use container according to claim 1, comprising a
removable or breakable lid member closing the body.
5. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
container is adapted for serving as a container for the frozen
confectionary.
6. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
container is rotationally symmetric about a central axis of the
body of the container.
7. The single-use container according to claim 1, comprising an
upper rim portion that is selected from the group consisting of (i)
a portion of increased diameter of the body and (ii) a flange-like
rim portion.
8. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the body
comprises a side wall, and the heat exchange portion forms an
annular portion arranged at the circumference of the side wall.
9. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the heat
exchange portion is made of metal.
10. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
comestible ingredients comprise an ambient shelf-stable or chilled
confectionery and optionally a gas.
11. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
amount of comestible ingredients ranges from 20 to 60% of the
provided volume of the container.
12. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
amount of confectionary ingredients ranges from 61% to 95% of the
provided volume of the container.
13. The single-use container according to claim 1, wherein the
frozen confectionary is selected from the group consisting of ice
cream, sorbet, sherbet, water ice, granitas, frozen yoghurt, frozen
dairy, soft ice, Mellorine, frozen custard, non-dairy frozen
confection, milk ice, ice lolly, gelato, frozen jelly, chilled
desserts, mousses, milk shakes, smoothies and caffe latte.
14. The single-use container according to claim 1, comprising an
identification member integrated and/or provided on the container,
the identification member designed to provide information regarding
the product type and/or the container volume to the device.
15. The single-use container according to claim 1, comprising an
identification member integrated and/or provided on the container
and configured to enable a control unit of the device to adapt
preparation parameters.
16. The single-use container according to claim 1, comprising an
identification member selected from the group consisting of an
optical bar code, an RFID tag, and embossed structures.
17. A kit comprising a plurality of single-use containers designed
for being inserted into a device for preparing a frozen
confectionary, each container comprising a body that is at least
partly rigid, the body comprising an inner freezing surface and a
heat exchange portion designed for interacting with a cooling
member of the device, the heat exchange portion having a structure
selected from the group consisting of an inverted conical shape, an
inverted curved shape, a plurality of inverted conical sections,
and a combination of inverted curved sections and inverted conical
sections, each container comprising a lid member enclosing a
compartment holding a predefined amount of comestible ingredients,
wherein each container is configured for preparing a frozen
confectionary from the comestible ingredients within the
compartment upon cooling of the comestible ingredients by the heat
exchange portion of the body, the containers being different from
each other at least by the volume of the body, the containers
comprising at least a common heat exchange surface and a common
inner freezing surface.
18. A system comprising: a machine comprising a receiving member
forming a seat comprising a heat exchange element; and a single-use
container designed for being inserted into the machine, the
container comprising a body that is at least partly rigid, the body
comprising an inner freezing surface and a heat exchange portion
designed for interacting with a cooling member of the device, the
heat exchange portion having a structure selected from the group
consisting of an inverted conical shape, an inverted curved shape,
a plurality of inverted conical sections, and a combination of
inverted curved sections and inverted conical sections, the
container comprising a lid member enclosing a compartment holding a
predefined amount of comestible ingredients, wherein the container
is configured for or preparing a frozen confectionery from the
comestible ingredients within the compartment upon cooling of the
comestible ingredients by heat exchange between the heat exchange
element of the machine and the heat exchange portion of the
container, wherein the heat exchange portion is shaped
complementary to the heat exchange element.
19. A method for preparing a frozen confectionery comprising:
placing a single-use container containing a predetermined amount of
ingredients into a receiving member of a dedicated preparation
machine; cooling a product comprising the ingredients within the
container to a freezing temperature of the product by interaction
of a heat exchange portion of the container with a heat exchange
element of the dedicated preparation machine; and stirring the
product while cooling the product by a stirring member connected to
the machine, wherein the heat exchange portion of the container has
a shape complementary to the shape of the heat exchange element and
selected from the group consisting of an inverted conical shape, an
inverted curved shape, a plurality of inverted conical sections,
and a combination of inverted curved sections and inverted conical
sections.
20. The method according to claim 19, comprising using the
container as an initial storage container, a process container
during preparation of the frozen confectionary, and a final
container from which a consumer directly consumes the frozen
confectionary.
21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the control unit of
the machine identifies an identification member on the container by
a sensor member designed to interact with the identification member
of the container, and the control unit adapts the process
parameters to a dedicated preparation recipe stored in the control
unit or in the identification member of the container.
22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the identification
member is arranged to enable the control unit to adjust the
preparation parameters.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIMS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/439,726 filed Apr. 30, 2015, which is a National Stage of
International Application No. PCT/EP13/72692 filed Oct. 30, 2013,
which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 12190562.4
filed Oct. 30, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a system for preparing
a frozen confectionary such as ice cream or chilled desserts, the
system comprises a device and a dedicated container. In particular,
the invention relates to a container that serves at the same time
as initial container, process container and final container during
the preparation of the frozen confection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Currently, the majority of ice cream consumption at home
concerns products bought frozen at the point of sales. There are
several drawbacks such as the need to transport the products at
home rapidly in order to keep them at the frozen state, the need to
store them in a freezer and the limited number of flavors available
considering standard freezer volume. Additionally, the texture of
such product is rather hard and far from the freshly made ice
cream.
[0004] An alternative solution available today is the use of an ice
cream machine to produce fresh ice cream. Thereby, although the
obtained texture of the resulting product is more satisfactory, the
preparation procedure by means of the known ice-cream machines has
several drawbacks.
[0005] In particular, all the ingredients must be mixed previously,
the volume of such machines corresponds usually to five or more
serving portions of the same flavor and the time necessary is about
a half an hour. Moreover, the ingredients necessary for the
preparation come in contact with a large number of parts of the
preparation machine (e.g. a stirrer, tanks, or a dispenser), which
all have to be cleaned.
[0006] Other alternatives imply a preparation at ambient
temperature before the freezing phase in a standard freezer. Hence,
they are also time consuming and require cleaning tasks.
[0007] US 2006/0263490 relates to a frozen confectionary maker
comprising a cup holder for removably receiving a cup with a cavity
in its wall and base for receiving freezable solution. The cup of
the confectionary maker is designed to serve for the preparation
and serving of the cup.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,021 relates to an ice-cream maker
comprising a blade arranged in a double-walled container, and a
housing containing a driving mechanism that can generate a
blade-rotating movement in relation to the double-walled container,
the double-walled container comprising an external wall and an
internal wall defining a housing containing a phase changing
mixture having a fusion range extending at least partially below
0.degree. C. The inner wall forms a tub, and the blade having the
form of a spoon is used to scrape the inner wall.
[0009] AU 2011/236097 relates to a frozen beverage device which
comprises a container and sealable cover to convert a liquid, such
as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage into an at least
semi-frozen slurry containing ice crystals. Thereby, freezing
devices comprising, e.g. a cubical or spherical shape and which
contain refrigerant, are placed in the container such as to form
ice crystals on a deformable wall of the freezing devices. By means
of agitation due to shaking, rotating or squeezing the container
and/or the cover, at least a partial freezing of the liquid
provided within the container is obtained.
[0010] WO 2010/149509 relates to a system for preparing a frozen
confectionary, the system comprising a cylindrical container
designed for being inserted into a dedicated preparation device,
said container comprising at least one scraper arranged movable
within the container and said container containing ingredients for
producing a frozen confection when being cooled and moved. The
device of the system comprises a cylindrically formed container
holder being equipped with a heat exchange surface designed for
being in tight contact with the container when being placed in the
container holder.
[0011] This system however suffers the drawback that due to the
cylindrical shape of the container, effective cooling is strongly
dependent on an accurate fitting of the cylindrical container in
the container holder of the machine and thus cannot be assured.
[0012] Based on the known prior art, an ice cream machine
respectively a system is sought after which enables a consumer to
eat fresh ice-cream at home, without the necessity to follow the
chain of cold and to carry out extensive cleaning steps of the
machine. In addition, it is desirable to provide a solution for
preparing ice-cream at home in a short time. Further, a solution is
sought after which enables effective cooling of the container by
the machine.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention seeks to address the above-described
problems. The invention also aims at other objects and particularly
the solution of other problems as will appear in the rest of the
present description.
[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a
machine for preparing frozen confectionery comprising receiving
means forming a seat for accommodating an essentially cup-shaped
container, said receiving means comprising an heat exchange element
having a heat exchange contact surface arranged to be in contact
with an heat exchange portion of the container when the container
is placed in the machine; wherein said heat exchange element has an
inverted conical or curved shape or a plurality of inverted conical
sections, or a combination of curved and inverted conical
sections.
[0015] The machine according to the invention enables an enhanced
and very effective temperature exchange between the heat exchange
element and the container when being accommodated in the receiving
means of the machine. Thereby, variances in the outer dimensions of
the container such as manufacturing tolerances may be compensated
by means of the particular geometrical shape of the heat exchange
element. Accordingly, an enhanced fitting of the outer container
dimensions and the inner dimensions of the heat exchange element
and/or the receiving means of the machine is obtained.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving means is adapted to
accommodate a container which is preferably rotational symmetric
about a central axis of the body of the container.
[0017] The receiving means forming the seat preferably has a shape
that is inverted conical or curved beyond the heat exchange contact
surface.
[0018] The receiving means is preferably adapted for receiving
containers of different volumes. For this, the receiving means has
a hollow configuration with an opening at the bottom end so that
containers of same heat exchange portion but different total height
can be received there-through.
[0019] The receiving means is preferably only partially composed of
the heat exchange element.
[0020] The machine may further comprise holding means designed for
selectively engaging the container within the receiving means of
the machine. The holding means may be designed for selectively
engaging with a circumferential upper rim portion of the container.
Preferably, the holding means comprise a holding and release
portion which is adapted to engage with a circumferential rim
portion of the container. Alternatively or in addition, the holding
means may comprise vacuum generating means designed to create a
vacuum between a bottom portion of the container and the receiving
means of the device.
[0021] In addition, the machine may further comprise a stirring
unit to which stirring means are selectively connectable. The
stirring unit of the machine is designed for rotating stirring
means within the container connected to the machine. The stirring
means may be provided as part of the machine or alternatively may
be provided within the container itself. Thereby, the stirring
means are preferably shaped to interact with an inner freezing
surface of the container.
[0022] The stirring means may further comprise an air transmission
means for providing air into the product to be stirred within the
container.
[0023] The machine may further comprise a control unit designed to
identify a particular type of container having a predefined volume
when being provided to the receiving means of the machine. The
control unit preferably comprises sensor means designed to interact
with identification means of the container.
[0024] The heat exchange element of the machine is preferably
integrally formed with the receiving means for the container. The
heat exchange element is preferably an evaporator connected to a
cooling circuit of the device. Thereby, the heat exchange element
is preferably an essentially annular element designed to connect to
an outer circumferential heat exchange portion of a dedicated
container. The heat exchange portion of the container is preferably
made of metal material such as steel or aluminium. The container
can be formed entirely of such metal. Alternatively, outside of the
exchange portion, the container can be made of heat insulating
material such as polymer.
[0025] The machine may further comprise a defrost system for
facilitating the removal of the container from the machine.
[0026] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a single-use
container designed for being inserted into a device for preparing a
frozen confectionary, the container comprising an at least partly
rigid body and a lid member enclosing a compartment and holding a
predefined amount of comestible ingredients, wherein the body
comprises an inner freezing surface and a heat exchange portion
designed for interacting with cooling means of the device, and
[0027] wherein the container is adapted for preparing a frozen
confectionary from the enclosed ingredients within the compartment
of the container upon cooling of the ingredients by means of the
heat exchange portion, wherein the heat exchange portion of the
container has an inverted conical or curved shape or a plurality of
inverted conical sections, or a combination of curved and inverted
conical sections.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the container according to the
invention is void of piston means arranged for pushing any product
in the container towards the bottom of the container.
[0029] According to the invention, the provided single-use
container provides an initial packaging for a predefined amount of
ingredients. Further, the container is also designed for being used
as process container, i.e. as container in which the frozen
confectionary is prepared, as well as enjoy container, i.e. as
container from which the consumer may directly consume the
resulting frozen confectionary. Accordingly, there is no need for
transferring the frozen confectionary product in an additional
receptacle or vessel for consumption.
[0030] As the container is used as initial packaging, process
container, as well as enjoy container, no cleaning operation of the
vessels and/or parts required for the preparation is necessary and
thus, the preparation of the frozen confectionary is significantly
facilitated.
[0031] The term "single-use container" when used in the present
invention encompasses any container suitable for being disposed
after being used for the preparation of the single-portion of
frozen confectionary. Thereby, the containers are preferably
recyclable.
[0032] The term "frozen confectionary" within this application is
intended to refer to different types of frozen or chilled
confectionary. Non limiting examples are ice cream, sorbet,
sherbet, water ice, frozen yogurt, frozen dairy, soft ice,
granitas, Mellorine, frozen custard, non-dairy frozen confection,
milk ice, ice lolly, gelato or frozen jelly, or chilled desserts
such as mousses, whipped yogurt, milk shakes or smoothie or coffee
latte.
[0033] The body of the container is preferably a single-wall member
forming a cavity for the ingredients. The body of the container is
preferably made from metal and/or plastic material. The body may at
least be partially made from biodegradable material.
[0034] It is preferable that the thickness of the body is small
enough to ensure the cooling of the product in an acceptable time.
In particular, the thickness of the body is preferably between 0.05
and 5 mm. For example, the thickness of the body is between 70 and
150 microns for an aluminium container. Thereby, sufficient
rigidity is preferably provided to the body at least by means of
the heat exchange portion.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the container is rotational
symmetric about a central axis of the body of the container.
[0036] The container preferably comprises an upper rim portion that
is a portion of increased diameter of the container body or a
flange-like rim portion.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the container has a closed
bottom, i.e. the container is void of any opening, breakable or
removable seals or the like.
[0038] The heat exchange portion of the container is preferably
integrally formed with the body of the container. It is also
preferably of inverted conical or curved shape or a plurality of
inverted conical sections, or a combination of curved and inverted
conical sections. The heat exchange portion may comprise an annular
portion arranged at the circumference of the container. Thereby,
the heat exchange portion is preferably made from metal, e.g. from
aluminium or steel. In order to provide an effective heat exchange
and to reduce the cooling time accordingly the heat exchange
portion represents at least 30% of the surface of the body of the
container. More preferably, it represents between 40 and 100% of
the surface of the body of the container.
[0039] The container preferably comprises a removable or breakable
lid member closing the body. The lid member together with the at
least partly rigid body of the container encloses a compartment for
holding the predefined amount of ingredients.
[0040] The lid member of the container may be any means for closing
the cavity of the body in which the ingredients are provided.
Preferably, the lid member may be a membrane sealed to a top or rim
portion of the body of the container. Before usage of the
container, the user may remove the lid member by tearing it off the
body. Alternatively, the lid member may as well be a re-connectable
member having dedicated re-connection means for being re-connected
to the body of the container after removal therefrom.
[0041] The lid member is preferably of metal such as aluminium
and/or of plastic material. In another preferred embodiment, the
lid member is of biodegradable material such as cardboard, other
natural fibre-based material or starch-PLA.
[0042] The ingredients enclosed by the container preferably
comprise an ambient shelf-stable confectionary product and
optionally also a gas. The ingredients may be present in dry and/or
liquid form. Most preferably, the ingredients are liquid. Also,
most preferably, no diluent (e.g., water or milk) is necessary to
add to the ingredients for the preparation the frozen
confectionery.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredients provide a single
portion suitable for preparing a frozen confectionary comprising 50
ml to 500 ml. Thereby, the body of the container is preferably
adapted to enclose a specific volume in which a predefined amount
of ingredients is provided.
[0044] The inner freezing surface of the container is preferably
shaped to interact with a dedicated stirring means of the container
or the device. In particular, the inner freezing surface is
preferably planar in sectional side view.
[0045] Further, the inner freezing surface is preferably
constituted by the inner surface of the heat exchange portion of
the container. Accordingly, effective freezing of the inner surface
by means of a dedicated device is enabled.
[0046] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a kit of
containers which comprises a plurality of different containers
which differ at least from each other in their volume which is
enclosed by the body of the container. Thereby, all of the
containers preferably comprise common parts such as the heat
exchange surface and an inner freezing surface. In addition, the
containers may comprise a circumferential rim portion designed for
being engaged by dedicated connection means of a device to which
the container may be connected.
[0047] Furthermore, each of the containers preferably comprises at
least a portion of equal outer diameter suitable for being
connected by the connection means of the device.
[0048] In a particular preferred embodiment, the heat exchange
portion and in particular its outer form and diameter(s) is/are
substantially equal for all of the different containers having
different volumes enclosed therein.
[0049] Depending on the resulting confectionary product to be
prepared within the specific container, the container may comprise
a dedicated volume such as for example 150 ml for light aerated
desserts, 200 ml for an ice-cream product or 300 ml for a
milkshake. The dedicated volume represents the total volume of the
container. Preferably, the kit of the invention comprises
containers having a three different dedicated volumes of
respectively 90 (+/-10) ml, 120 (+/-10) ml and 200 ml (+/-50).
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the container further comprises a
stirring member designed for being engaged by a dedicated stirring
unit of the device for preparing the frozen confectionary.
[0051] The stirring member is preferably specifically positioned
within the compartment of the body of the container such that the
stirring unit of the device may connect to the stirring member when
the container is connected to the device.
[0052] The stirring member is preferably designed to be used as
process stirring means, i.e. stirring member for the preparation of
the product, as well as enjoy spoon, i.e. spoon for consumption of
the resulting frozen confectionary.
[0053] The container may further comprise identification means
which are integrated and/or provided on the container. Thereby, the
identification means are designed to provide information regarding
the product type and/or further information such as the container
volume to a dedicated device. The identification means are
preferably designed for interacting with dedicated sensor means of
the device.
[0054] Preferably, the identification means enables the control
unit to adapt the preparation parameters in particular the speed of
rotation of the stirring means, the cooling power of the cooling
unit and optionally the amount of injected air as a function of the
sensed product temperature, optionally the product viscosity and
overrun. The control of these parameters may be carried out
according to distinct preparation phases depending on the type of
product to prepare.
[0055] The `cooling power" is generally obtained by adjusting the
speed of the compressor and by varying the opening of the expansion
valve positioned between the compressor and the evaporator in the
cooling circuit.
[0056] The identification means may comprise an optical bar code,
an RFID tag, embossed structures or other suitable means.
[0057] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for
preparing a frozen confectionery comprising the steps of placing a
single-use container containing a predetermined amount of
ingredients (non-frozen confectionery product) into receiving means
of a dedicated preparation machine, cooling the product within the
container to a freezing temperature of the product by means of a
heat exchange portion of the container interacting with a heat
exchange element of the preparation machine, stirring the product
while cooling the product by stirring means connected to the
device; wherein the heat exchange portion of the container has an
inverted conical or curved shape or a plurality of inverted conical
sections, or a combination of curved and inverted conical sections,
which is complementary to the shape of the heat exchange
element.
[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the container serves at
the same time as initial container, process container and final
container during the preparation of the frozen confectionary.
[0059] In a fourth aspect of the invention, the invention relates
to a system comprising a machine as aforementioned and a single-use
container as aforementioned, wherein the container is adapted for
preparing a frozen confectionery from the enclosed ingredients
within the compartment of the container upon cooling of the
ingredients by heat exchange between the heat exchange element and
the heat exchange portion; wherein the heat exchange portion is
complementary to the shape of the heat exchange element.
[0060] In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method for
preparing a frozen confectionery comprising the steps of placing a
single-use container containing a predetermined amount of
ingredients into receiving means of a dedicated preparation
machine, cooling the product within the container to a freezing
temperature of the product by means of a heat exchange portion of
the container interacting with a heat exchange element of the
preparation machine, stirring the product while cooling the product
by stirring means connected to the machine; wherein the heat
exchange portion of the container has an inverted conical or curved
shape or a plurality of inverted conical sections, or a combination
of curved and inverted conical sections, which is complementary to
the shape of the heat exchange element.
[0061] In particular, the container serves at the same time as
initial storage container, process container during the preparation
of the frozen confectionary and final (i.e., serving) container.
The initial storage container is preferably an aseptically filled
and hermetically sealed container containing a protective gas such
nitrogen.
[0062] According to the preferred method, the control unit of the
machine identifies an identification means on the container by a
sensor means designed to interact with identification means of the
container, and adapts the process parameters to a dedicated
preparation recipe which is stored in the control unit or directly
read from the identification means of the container. Therefore, it
is made possible to rapidly prepare a range of different types and
volumes of frozen confectionery on demand hygienically and
conveniently.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] Further features, advantages and objects of the present
invention will become apparent for a skilled person when reading
the following detailed description of embodiments of the present
invention, when taken in conjunction with the Figures of the
enclosed drawings.
[0064] FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of the system for preparing
a frozen confectionary according to the invention.
[0065] FIGS. 2a and 2b show different shapes of a container body
according to the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 3 show a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of
the fixation means for the container according to the
invention.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows a schematic drawing of another preferred
embodiment of the fixation means for the container according to the
invention.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows a schematic drawing relating to the possible
movements of the stirrer in a preferred embodiment of the
system.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows a schematic drawing of another preferred
embodiment of the system according to the invention wherein the
stirrer is equipped with air guiding means.
[0070] FIG. 7 shows a schematic drawing of another preferred
embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the
device comprises temperature sensing means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0071] FIG. 1 relates to a preferred embodiment of a system
according to the present invention comprising a single-use
container 8 and a machine respectively a device 20 designed for
preparing a frozen confectionary by means of the container 8.
[0072] The machine respectively the device 20 preferably comprises
receiving means 1 for receiving the container 8 therein. The
receiving means 1 are preferably shaped in V- or truncated conical
tubular form when seen in sectional side view as indicated in FIG.
1. Thereby, the receiving means 1 preferably comprise an insert
opening 1b in which the container 8 may be placed, as well as a
lower opening 1c.
[0073] Further, the receiving means 8 are preferably formed as an
annular ring portion. The receiving means 8 are preferably
connected to a housing of the device by dedicated support means 1d.
The support means may be simply the inlet and outlet tube of the
refrigeration fluid (e.g., gas) or may be separate mechanical
reinforcement means such as a rigid rod.
[0074] According to such an embodiment, containers 8 of different
sizes respectively volumes may be supported by the receiving means
1.
[0075] The device further comprises a cooling unit 4 (i.e., a unit
generating cold) connected to a heat exchange element respectively
cooling element 1a that is preferably connected to or integrally
formed with the receiving means 1 of the device 20. The cooling
element 1a is preferably an evaporator connected to the cooling
unit 4 of the device. The cooling element 1a thus serves as a heat
exchanger that withdraws the heat energy from the container 8 and
its enclosed confectionary product.
[0076] The cooling element 1a is preferably shaped to be adjacent
to a heat exchange portion 12 of the container 8 (see FIG. 2a,2b)
when the container is placed in the receiving means 1. Thereby, the
cooling element 1a is preferably arranged at an inner surface of
the receiving means 1. The cooling element 1a and the heat exchange
portion 12 of the container 8 are preferably complementary
shaped.
[0077] The cooling element 1a is further of a material which
provides excellent heat transfer properties, such as e.g. metal.
Accordingly, the heat transfer between the container 8 and the
cooling element 1a is significantly enhanced.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, the container receiving means 1 are
preferably only partially composed of the cooling element 1a. The
rest of the receiving means 1 is preferably formed of a material
with a lower thermal heat capacity such as e.g. a polymer.
According to such an embodiment, the thermal inertia and thus
energy losses are reduced, which allows a faster cooling of the
container 8.
[0079] The cooling unit 4 of the device 20 is adapted to cool the
cooling element 1a. Since the cooling element 1a comprises
excellent heat conductivity the container 8 and in particular the
heat exchange portion 12 of the container 8 when being in touch
with the cooling element 1a is cooled. The cooling unit 4 can
comprise any refrigeration and/or circulatory heat transfer system
to cool the cooling element 1a, the heat exchange portion 12 and
consequently the container 8 as rapidly as possible.
[0080] Optionally, the device comprises a defrosting system (not
shown) in order to minimize the frosting of the cooling element 1a,
on the heat exchange portion 12, and/or on the container 8. The
defrosting system is for example a hot gas defrost system that can
comprise a switchable reversed compressor gas flow valve, a
defrosting plate and/or a dry air circulation system with the
humidified air. In a particular preferred embodiment, the defrost
system comprises a three-way valve being part of the cooling unit 4
designed to bypass a condenser thereof such that hot gases may be
directly used for heating the evaporating element 1a.
[0081] The device 20 further comprises a liquid tank 2 for holding
liquid such as e.g. water and a dedicated pump. The liquid tank 2
is preferably connected to liquid dispensing means 2a for providing
liquid to the container 8 when being placed within the receiving
means 1a of the device 20.
[0082] Furthermore, the device 20 may comprise a topping tank 3 and
an associated valve or pump (not shown) for providing toppings in
solid or liquid form to the product 8b. The toppings may be liquid
coulis, liquid chocolate, caramel or solid products like crisps,
flakes, chocolate bits. Additionally, the toppings may be liquefied
by means of an additionally provided heating source such as e.g.
melted chocolate.
[0083] The device 20 further comprises a stirring unit 5 adapted to
connect to stirring means 9. For this reason, the stirring unit 5
is preferably equipped with connection means 5a designed for
selectively connecting to the stirring means 9. The stirring means
9 may either be part of the device 20 or be provided as integral
part of the container 8.
[0084] The device 20 further comprises a control unit 6 for
controlling the operations of the components of the device. The
control unit 6 may further comprise sensors and container
recognition means (not shown) which are arranged to interact with
identification means provided on the container 8. The control unit
preferably controls the rotational speed of the stirring means and
the cooling power of the cooling unit 6.
[0085] The topping tank 3 and the stirring unit 5 are mounted on a
mobile structure 7 of the device in order to allow the insertion
and removal of the container 8 into and from the container
receiving means 1. The mobile structure 7 is thus adapted to be
moved relatively to the rest of a housing of the device 20 from a
closing position (shown in FIG. 1) to an open position (not shown).
Thereby, the movement of the mobile structure 7 with respect to the
rest of the device 20 may be rotation or translation.
[0086] In the following, the basic working principle of the device
for preparation of frozen confectionary will be explained.
[0087] First, the mobile structure 7 of the device 20 is brought
into its open position in which a container 8 from which a lid
member provided to close a central opening 8c of the container 8
has been removed is inserted in the receiving means 1. In the open
position, the stirring means 9 may be manually connected to
stirring unit 5 of the device.
[0088] The mobile structure 7 is then brought into its closed
position in which the stirring unit 5 and the topping tank 3 are
lowered towards the container 8. In this position, the stirring
means 9 are brought into a position adjacent to the inner freezing
surface 12a and the heat exchange portion 12 of the container
8.
[0089] The control unit 6 then interacts with the identification
means provided on the container 8 for recognizing the container
type and/or the volume enclosed by the container 8. The control
unit 6 may then adapt the process parameters to a dedicated
preparation recipe, which may either by stored in the control unit
6 or be read directly from the identification means of the
container.
[0090] If the product is in a concentrated form, such as powdered
or liquid concentrate, water or other liquid such as milk may be
added from the liquid tank 2 into the container by means of the
upper opening 8c within the body 8a of the container 8.
[0091] Next, the product within the container 1 will be cooled by
means of the cooling means 1a interacting with the heat exchange
portion 12 of the container 1. Thereby, the stirring unit 5 may
provide a motion of the stirring means 9 within the container
8.
[0092] Liquid or solid toppings may then be added from the topping
tank 3 to the main product within the container 8. This preferably
takes place close to the end of the preparation process such that
liquid toppings will create an appealing visual swirl for the
consumer and solid toppings will remain crispy.
[0093] The mobile structure 7 of the device 20 is then brought into
its open position such that the container 8 may be removed from the
receiving means 1. Thereby, the stirring unit 5 is adapted to
disconnect from the stirring means 9 when bringing the mobile
structure 7 in an open state.
[0094] The stirring means 9 are disconnected from the machine to be
left in the final product and thus within the container 8. The
stirring means 9 that are preferably shaped like a spoon may then
be used for consumption of the prepared confectionary 8b.
[0095] The container thus serves at the same time as initial
container, process container and serving container during the
preparation of the frozen confection. Accordingly, no cleaning
operations of the components of the device is necessary.
[0096] With the described configuration, the cooling of the product
works efficiently. In particular, the transmission of the cold
temperature from the cooled surfaces of the cooling means 1a to the
liquid or semi-liquid product can be homogenized by rotating the
stirring means 9.
[0097] Moreover, since only one serving portion is prepared at the
same time, the waiting time for the frozen confectionary to be
prepared is effectively reduced. In particular, a ready to consume
single-portion of frozen confectionary is preferably prepared
within 5 minutes.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, different containers
8',8'',8''' may be provided each of which enclose a different
volume such as 300 ml, 200 ml or 150 ml.
[0099] Dependent on the product to be prepared by the respective
container 8, the size and volume of the container 8 is adapted to
contain a predefined amount of ingredients necessary for preparing
the specific product.
[0100] The containers preferably comprise a shelf-stable comestible
ingredient. In addition, the container may further comprise a
gaseous phase such as e.g. air which is enclosed in the compartment
11 by means a lid member (not shown). In a preferred embodiment the
amount of confectionary ingredients preferably ranges from 20 to
60% of the provided volume of the container. However, for drink
products with no or low overrun such as smoothie, the amount of
confectionary ingredients preferably range from 61% to 95% of the
provided volume of the container. In any case, the rest of the
container may be filled with gas. For example, nitrogen can be
provided within the container for aseptic filling and extended
shelf life.
[0101] As already mentioned, a lid member (not shown) is preferably
provided to each of the containers in order to close off aperture
8c of the container and thus, to enclose the ingredients
therein.
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the different capsules
8',8'',8''' all comprise common technical parts, in particular a
heat transfer portion 12 as well as an internal cooling surface
12a. Thereby, the heat transfer portion 12 is preferably of
essentially identical outer diameter for all of the different
containers 8',8'',8'''. More preferably, the heat transfer portion
12 is of the same dimensions and shape for all of the different
containers 8 8'' 8'''.
[0103] The containers 8',8'',8''' preferably also comprise an upper
rim portion 13 which is of essentially identical geometric shape.
The upper rim portion 13 may be a portion of increased diameter of
the container body 8 as indicated in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Alternatively
or in addition, the upper rim portion 13 may comprise a flange-like
rim portion 13a as indicated in FIG. 3. Further, a curled outer rim
portion 13b may be extending from the flange-like rim portion 13a
(see also FIG. 3).
[0104] According to such an embodiment, the containers 8',8'',8''
are all suitable for being inserted into the receiving means 1 of
the device 20.
[0105] The container 8',8'',8''' may be made of metal material such
as steel or aluminium. The container may however be as well made
from a polymeric material. The thickness of the preferably
single-wall container is thereby chosen to enable an effective
cooling of the container.
[0106] The thickness of the container body 8a of the different
containers 8',8'',8''' is preferably identical, but may be
different in order to obtain different thermal properties and thus
cooling properties for the respective product to be prepared.
[0107] The container 8 is preferably equipped with identification
means such as a bar code, an RFID tag, protruding embossed
structure or the like in order to provide information as to the
specific ingredients contained in each of the different containers
8' 8'' 8'''.
[0108] Each of the containers 8',8'',8''' has preferably an
essentially trunconical shape with a closed bottom. Alternatively,
the container may as well have an essentially curved shape with a
closed bottom. Alternatively, the container has a plurality of
inverted conical sections, or a combination of curved and inverted
conical sections. In the context of the invention, the term "curved
shape" relates to the curved shape (or profile) of the container in
both the axial and circumferential directions. According to such a
shape of the container 8, an extension and/or retraction of the
container body 8a due to variation of temperature will not
negatively affect the proper support of the container 8 within the
receiving means 1 of the device 20. In particular, a tight support
between the container 8 and the receiving means 1 and thus a close
contact between the heat exchange portion 12 and the cooling means
1a is ensured.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, the device 20 is further equipped with
holding means 7a,7b designed for selectively engaging the container
8 within the receiving means 1 of the device.
[0110] The holding means may comprise a holding ring 7a that
presses against a flange-like rim portion 13a of the container 8.
Thereby, the holding ring 7a may press the rim portion 13a against
the receiving means 1 of the device 20 or against a correspondingly
shaped release portion 7b provided at the lower surface of the rim
portion 13a (as shown in FIG. 3). The holding ring 7a may thus be
arranged to be movable relatively to the receiving means 1 and/or
the release portion 7b.
[0111] Accordingly, after the container 8 is placed into the
receiving means 1, the holding ring 7a may contact an upper surface
of the rim portion 13a of the container 8, thereby pressing said
rim portion against the receiving means 1 and/or a provided release
portion 7b (see downward arrow in FIG. 3). Hence, a perfect contact
between the container 8 and the receiving means 1 and/or the
release portion 7b is ensured.
[0112] After preparation of the frozen confectionary in the device
20, the release portion 7b may exert an upward directed force (see
upward arrow in FIG. 3) against the rim portion 13a, thereby
facilitating the removal of the container 8 from the receiving
means 1.
[0113] In a further preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the
holding means may as well comprise a vacuum generating means 10
designed to create a vacuum between a bottom portion and/or the
body 8a of the container 8 and the receiving means 1 of the device
20.
[0114] According to such an embodiment, the receiving means 1
comprise a closed bottom portion 14 such as to form a hollow
receiving chamber into which the container 8 may be placed. To said
bottom portion 14 the vacuum generating means 10 such as an air
pump or mechanically driven vacuum means are connected.
[0115] Hence, a vacuum or under pressure may be generated after the
container 8 is placed in the receiving means 1 in order to fixedly
hold the container 8 within the receiving means 1 during the
preparation process. After the preparation process, a positive
pressure respectively an overpressure may be provided between the
bottom and/or body portion 8a of the container 8 and the bottom
portion 14 of the receiving means 1 in order to facilitate removal
of the container 8 therefrom.
[0116] FIG. 5 shows a container 8 to which the stirring means 9 in
the form of a single stirring member is provided. The stirring
member 9 may be manually connected to the stirring unit 5 of the
device 20 as previously described. Thereby, connection means 5a
such as e.g. magnets or clips may be used for connecting the
stirring member 9 to the stirring unit 5 of the device 20.
[0117] Alternatively, the stirring member 9 is provided as an
integral part of the single-use container 8. Thereby, the stirring
unit 5 and the connection means 5a thereof may be designed for
automatically contacting the stirring member 9 provided within the
container 8. For this reason, the stirring member 9 may for example
be fixedly connected to a portion of an inner wall of the container
8 such that a predefined orientation of the stirring member 9 is
assured. Accordingly, the connection means 5a of the stirring means
5 of the device may easily contact the stirring member 9 at this
predefined position within the container. Alternatively, sensor
means such as a CCD camera may be provided for detecting the exact
location of the stirring member 9 within the container 8.
[0118] The stirring member 9 is preferably a spoon-shaped
member.
[0119] The stirring member 9 is preferably positioned at the inner
freezing surface 12a of the container 8.
[0120] The stirring unit 5 of the device 20 is designed for
providing a movement of the stirring member 9.
[0121] The device 20 may further comprise torque sensing means (not
shown) connected to the control unit 6. Thereby, the control unit 6
which is adapted to control the stirring unit 5 and in particular
the rotational speed and the electrical current of a dedicated
motor thereof, may sense the torque which is proportional to the
electrical current. Accordingly, the viscosity of the product to be
prepared within the container 8 can be detected by the control unit
6 in order to monitor the preparation process and detect whether
the product within the container is ready for consumption.
[0122] FIG. 6 relates to another preferred embodiment of the device
20 and the container 8 placed therein. As shown in this Figure, the
device 20 may further comprise air injection means 15 which are
designed for injection of air into the container 8.
[0123] Preferably, the air injection means 15 comprise an air pump
connected to the stirring means 5,9 such that air can be injected
through the stirring means 9 into the product 8b (see arrows B).
Thereby, the stirring means 9 may comprise an internal air channel
15a and a lower outlet opening 15b for guiding the injected air
into a lower bottom portion of the container 8. The lower outlet
opening 15b is preferably provided in the centre portion of the
stirring means 9. Alternatively the outlet opening 15b may as well
be arranged at the side surface of the stirring means 9. Thereby,
also a plurality of outlet openings may be provided at the side
and/or lower surfaces of the stirring means 9.
[0124] According to such an embodiment, improved aeration of the
product to be prepared may be obtained.
[0125] As indicated in FIG. 7, the device 20 may further comprise
temperature sensing means 16, 17. Thereby, the sensing means may
comprise for example a thermocouple, thermistor or resistance
temperature detector 17 which is provided at the receiving means
1.
[0126] Alternatively or in addition, the temperature sensing means
may comprise an infrared temperature sensor 16 designed to directly
obtain the temperature of the product 8b within the container
8.
[0127] The temperature sensing means 16, 17 are preferably
connected to the control unit 6 in order to control the cooling
unit 4 of the device 20 dependent on the actual temperature of the
product 8b within the container 8.
[0128] The present invention enables the preparation of a frozen
confectionary, which can be freshly prepared in single portions
within the initial container that serves at the same time as
process and enjoy container.
[0129] With the present invention it is further possible to prepare
several different types of frozen confections in a short time.
Since the container is dispensable and does not need to be cleaned,
the handling is simplified and the need for cleaning is
reduced.
[0130] Furthermore, the stirring means provided at the device or
initially within the container may be used as spoon in order to
facilitate consumption of the resulting product.
[0131] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and
alternations may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the
art without departing from the scope of this invention which is
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *