Refrigeration – Processes – Treating an article
Patent
1997-08-27
1998-12-08
Kilner, Christopher B.
Refrigeration
Processes
Treating an article
62293, 62294, 624579, F25D 310, F25D 700
Patent
active
058455019
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns the packaging of beverages, particularly devices for cooling cans and bottles containing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages before the beverage is to be consumed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Whilst it is possible to cool packaged beverages by placing them in the refrigerator and where appropriate if transportation is required, transporting the cooled beverage in a cold box or chilled compartment, there are many situations where it is not convenient to store or transport beverage containers in this way and it is virtually impossible for the consumer to enjoy a chilled drink. The warmer the weather, the greater is the likelihood that the consumer will wish the beverage to be chilled and in those conditions, unless a chilling cabinet or container is available, the drink will probably become warm as a result of the ambient temperature making it even less acceptable than would otherwise have been the case.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable device by which the contents of a container (can or bottle) can be chilled just before consumption.
It is a prerequisite that the wall of the container will permit the transfer of heat therethrough and to this end the invention is primarily of application to thin walled metal 2 and 3 piece beverage cans, such as are formed from aluminium or steel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According the present invention, a device for chilling the contents of a beverage container comprises a shell, the interior of which is adapted to accommodate the container the contents of which are to be chilled, and the wall of which comprises an annular reservoir for liquified refrigerant gas under pressure, which surrounds the container, and means which is openable to permit the liquified refrigerant to escape from the reservoir and create a cooling effect on the wall of the container, consequent on the change of phase from liquid to gas, and expansion of the gas to chill the container and the contents thereof.
Preferably an outer surface of the shell is formed with a heat insulating layer or sleeve so that the cooling effect is preferentially directed towards the interior of the shell and towards any container (and its contents) located therein.
The venting may be provided at the upper or lower end of the shell.
The reservoir may be vented through a plurality of apertures distributed around the interior of the shell so that cooling is available at a plurality of points around the container.
The venting apertures may be small so as to restrict the flow of refrigerant and cause the cooling effect to occur over a period of time.
Preferably the reservoir comprises a coiled tube filled with the liquified refrigerant gas.
Conveniently a beverage container is a snug fit within the coiled tube.
Preferably means is provided for fracturing, or forming, or exposing at least one hole in the tube wall to form an exit orifice through which the refrigerant can issue, when cooling is required.
The coil may include more than one layer of turns.
Preferably one end of the coil is closed off by windings of ever decreasing radii in at least one layer which forms an end to the shell which will normally engage the underside of the beverage container when the Latter is fitted therein. The layer of turns which is to contact the underside of the container may be profiled so as to intimately follow any contours of the underside of the beverage container.
The free end of the tube conveniently extends generally centrally and axially from the windings below the container, in a direction away from the container.
The tip of the protruding tube end is preferably formed with a non-circular cross-section to enable it to be gripped and twisted relative to the remainder of the tube, to cause a fracture in the wall of the tube when the latter is to be vented to achieve cooling.
Preferably the wall of the tube just beyond the end region of non-circular cross-section is weakened, to facilitate its fracture.
The tube is preferably formed with a restricted inte
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Brindle Frances
Livingstone David
Nelson Craig Harvey
Stonehouse David Richard
Theaker Philip
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