WO2024130383A1 - Methods and apparatus for selective freezing of a beverage in bottles or containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a device and methods for selectively cooling a portion of a bottle or container to form ice, while leaving the rest of the liquid in the container in a cool, but unfrozen state. The device comprises a freezing cold source, a conductive element, and two insulated, sealable chambers divided by an insulating divider with an opening for the bottle or container insertion. The bottle is positioned so that a portion of it is in contact with the conductive element in the freezing chamber, forming ice, while the rest of the bottle resides in a second, warmer chamber, keeping the liquid cool but unfrozen. The invention is adaptable to various types of bottles or containers and allows for the creation of a solid piece of ice rather than slush, enhancing the refreshment's coolness and improving the overall drinking experience.

Description

Title: Methods and Apparatus for Selective Freezing of a Beverage in Bottles or Containers

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application claims the benefit of US provisional Application No. 63/477,173 filed on 12/23/2022.

Field of Invention.

The present invention relates to a device and method for forming ice in a specific section of a bottle or container while not affecting the liquid state of the medium in a second portion adjacent to the container opening.

Background

[001] A multitude of solutions for maintaining the cool temperature of beverages in bottles or containers are currently available. These range from internal cooling mechanisms to endothermic reactions employed to chill the bottle's exterior, along with insulation-based solutions. Each of these solutions, however, carries inherent challenges and limitations, often rendering them unsuitable for specific use-cases.

[002] One of the existing methods involves substituting the interior contents of the bottle or container with a cooling material. This approach, as exemplified in the Chill Rod (USD715143S1), does not adequately address the requirements of single-use or disposable bottles or containers, frequently sold at convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, gas stations, sporting events, and similar outlets. The need to open the bottle or container to place the cooling device can lead to potential spills or contamination, making it a less ideal solution for sealed containers.

[003] Another prevalent method employs an endothermic reaction to cool the exterior of a cup or container, as illustrated in the Disposable self-cooling, self-heating container (US6564558B1). This approach presents limitations due to the high cost of the chemicals used and potential toxins left after the reaction. These challenges make the bottle or container effectively non-recyclable and non- reusable, thus limiting its practicality and ecological viability. [004] Insulated containers represent another common approach to keeping beverages cool. As depicted in patents Beverage Cooler (US4741176A), Beverage insulating and cooling receptacle (US4338795A), and Beverage cooler (US5009083), these solutions fail to provide prolonged coolness to pre-sealed bottles or containers. Moreover, their intricate construction often hampers easy recycling once the beverage is consumed, making them less suitable for disposable or recyclable containers.

[005] Several patented methods aim to create slush or semi-frozen beverages, including the Supercooled beverage crystallization slush device (US10149487B2) and Frozen beverage and icemaking machines (US7647782B2). While these devices create a unique beverage experience, they fail to allow for the separation of ice from the liquid, a feature often preferred by many consumers.

[006] Collectively, these prior solutions underscore a need in the industry for an improved cooling solution that enables the formation of ice within a specific portion of a sealed bottle or container, while leaving the liquid near the bottle's opening in a liquid state for unobstructed consumption. The solution should accommodate single-use, recyclable, and reusable bottles or containers, to ensure prolonged cooling without the need for chemical reactions, and allow for the distinct presence of ice and liquid in the same container.

[007] Furthermore, the consumer preference for a noticeable presence of ice in their drinks, offering a refreshing experience, underscores the market demand for such a solution. A viable solution should cater to this preference while also accommodating single-use, recyclable, and reusable bottles or containers, contributing positively to sustainability efforts. In addition, the solution should enable the formation of ice in a pre-sealed bottle or container without the need for opening the container, thus preventing potential spills and avoiding the introduction of another medium that could contaminate the liquid inside.

[008] The need in the industry for an efficient, practical solution that allows ice formation within a particular section of a sealed bottle or container, providing a cool and refreshing drink over a more extended period without hindering drinkability, sets the context for the present invention. The solution should cater to a broad range of bottle or container types, including disposable, recyclable, and reusable ones, without introducing contaminants or other undesired materials into the beverage. This necessity for an efficient, user-friendly cooling solution forms the backdrop for the current invention, whose device and methods aim to overcome these shortcomings and offer a superior cooling experience for beverages in diverse contexts.

Summary

[009] The present invention provides a unique device and related methods for forming ice at a specific section of a bottle or container while maintaining the liquid state of the medium in a second portion adjacent to the container opening. This solution addresses various deficiencies and limitations inherent in current methods employed to keep bottled or containerized beverages cool.

[010] The device comprises a sub-freezing cold source and a conductive element. The cold source is connected to the conductive element, which is in contact with the bottle or container during use. The device features two sealable, insulated chambers, separated by a divider and each having a separately controllable temperature. The first chamber, containing the conductive element connected to the cold source, is capable of quickly reaching freezing temperatures, while the second chamber maintains a cool but above-freezing temperature.

[Oil] The divider includes an opening for inserting a bottle or container, and the design allows the portion of the bottle within the first chamber to be cooled to form ice while keeping the portion within the second chamber liquid. Bottles should always be positioned so that the portion furthest from the bottle opening is in the first, sub-freezing chamber, ensuring that ice formation does not obstruct the bottle's opening.

[012] The invention comes with two distinct embodiments. In the first embodiment, bottles or containers are held upright in the device, with the conductive element positioned in the lower, freezing chamber. In the second embodiment, the orientations are reversed, with the bottle or container held upside down, and the freezing chamber on top.

[013] The device may also include optional components such as insulation for enhanced freezing efficiency, openings between chambers for temperature regulation via natural or forced convection, temperature sensors in both chambers for maintaining predefined temperature ranges, the ability to freeze multiple bottles or containers simultaneously, and a spring-loaded or electro-mechanical flap that closes the divider opening when a bottle is removed. [014] This device allows the use of pre-existing, single-use bottles or containers, negating the need for opening the container to insert a cooling medium and potentially cause spills. It also allows the use of reusable bottles or containers that can be filled with the intended beverage by the user. It can be used on recyclable single-use bottles or containers and forms a solid piece of ice inside the bottle or container for cooling, instead of a slushy mix that may be less enjoyable to consume. This invention marks a significant advancement in beverage cooling solutions, offering a practical, user-friendly, and efficient method for prolonged beverage cooling in various contexts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[015] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[016] FIG.l - Illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the first embodiment of the invention, detailing the method of forming ice at the bottom of an upright factory-sealed bottle or container, while not affecting the liquid state of the medium above. The main components depicted include a cold source, a conductive element, a seal, a cooling chamber, and a door.

[017] FIG.2 - Depicts a cross-sectional side view of the second embodiment of the invention, emphasizing a method of forming ice in a factory-sealed bottle or container without obstructing the pouring spout or drinking port. Key elements shown involve a plug inserted into the bottle's neck, a freezing chamber, and a cooling chamber.

[018] FIG.3 - Showcases a cross-sectional side view of the third embodiment of the invention, identical to the first embodiment except for the replacement of the cold plate with a liquid nitrogen bath. This novel aspect is highlighted in the illustration, along with components similar to those depicted in FIG.l.

[019] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims. Detailed Description and Preferred Embodiment

[020] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.

[021] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

DEFINITIONS:

[022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[023] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[024] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[025] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[027] The terms "first," "second," and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[028] The present disclosure addresses the shortcomings of the existing solutions by providing a device that enables the formation of ice in a specific portion of a bottle or container. This device is designed to keep a liquid refreshment cool for an extended period, and at the same time, prevents the obstruction of the drinking port of the bottle or container.

[029] The device includes a sub-freezing cold source, a conductive element linked to the cold source, and two sealable chambers separated by an insulating divider. The first chamber contains the conductive element and can reach sub-freezing temperatures rapidly due to the connection with the sub-freezing cold source. The second chamber is capable of maintaining a temperature above freezing point, thereby allowing the liquid in this section of the container to remain unfrozen.

[030] The divider separating the two chambers has an opening through which a bottle or container can be inserted. With the bottle in place, the part of the bottle within the first chamber makes contact with the conductive element and can be cooled sufficiently to form ice. The part of the bottle within the second chamber remains liquid due to the higher temperature maintained in that chamber.

[031] The orientation of the bottle or container within the device is such that the section furthest from the bottle's opening is in the first (freezing) chamber, making contact with the conductive element. This ensures that the ice formation does not block the bottle's opening.

[032] The disclosed device comes in two configurations. The first configuration has the bottle or container held upright in the device, with the conductive element being a conductive plate positioned at the bottom of the lower (first) chamber that comes into contact with the base of the container. This facilitates the formation of ice within desired sections of the sealed container. [033] The second configuration has the bottle or container held in an inverted position, with the upper chamber being the freezing chamber and the lower one being the cooling chamber. The conductive element in this configuration can either be a conductive plate or the medium filling the upper chamber (cold air or liquid).

[034] It should be noted that the conductive element in both configurations can be substituted with other suitable cooling mechanisms, such as a liquid nitrogen spray or a liquid nitrogen submersion, as long as these mechanisms can be applied to the part of the bottle exposed in the freezing chamber.

[035] In addition to these core elements, the device may also include the following features:

Insulation around the bottle or container to enhance freezing efficiency.

Openings between the freezing and cooling chambers for temperature regulation via forced or natural convection.

A temperature sensor and control system in each chamber to maintain predefined temperature ranges.

The capacity to freeze multiple bottles or containers simultaneously.

A spring-loaded flap that closes the opening in the divider when a bottle is removed.

[036] One unique aspect of the disclosed device is its ability to be used with any pre-existing, singleuse, recyclable or reusable bottles or containers. This not only includes the convenience of not having to open the bottle to insert a cooling medium but also allows for the use of recyclable single-use bottles or containers. The device is designed to form a solid piece of ice rather than a slush, resulting in a more enjoyable drinking experience.

[037] FIG 1. - Cross Section/Side View - Method of forming ice at the bottom of an upright bottle or container while not affecting the liquid state of the medium above. [038] The first embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG.l, provides a method of selectively freezing a portion of a bottle or container in the upright position, without affecting the liquid state of the medium in the upper portion of the bottle or container.

[039] The device comprises several distinct parts forming a comprehensive, multi-station system for bottle or container freezing. The system comprises two thermally-controlled zones forming a freezing chamber 101 and a cooling chamber 102, segregated by an insulating seal 103. Each chamber operates at a separate temperature, controlled to achieve desired conditions in both sections.

[040] The freezing chamber 101 houses the conductive element 105 which is in direct contact with the freezing cold source 104, which can vary in type and includes, but is not limited to, traditional freezer evaporator coils, Peltier coolers, free piston Stirling engines, liquid nitrogen or dry ice (carbon dioxide). The conductive element 105, which, for optimal performance, should be composed of a high thermal conductivity material such as copper or aluminum, although it is not limited to these materials. This conductive element 105 serves to effectively transfer the extreme cold from the source 104 to the lower portion of the bottle or container, thereby inducing the formation of ice in this region.

[041] The body of the device 106 can be composed of common materials used in refrigeration and freezer technology, including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, and insulating materials. The bottle or container rests within the seal 103, which serves to thermally isolate the freezing chamber 101 from the cooling chamber 102, preventing the freezing conditions from affecting the upper portion of the bottle or container.

[042] The cooling chamber 102, which holds the top portion of the bottle or container, maintains a temperature above freezing, ensuring the liquid remains in a cooled, but unfrozen state. This chamber 102 is sealed with a hooded door 107, connected to the body of the device 106 via a hinge 108. A handle 109 is incorporated into the door 107 to facilitate easy access to the chamber 102.

[043] The present invention may also include a bottle or container restocking mechanism to maintain a continuous supply ready for freezing, enhancing the system's throughput.

[044] FIG.2 - Cross Section/Side View - Method of forming ice in a factory-sealed bottle or container while not obstructing the pouring spout/drinking port. [045] The second embodiment of the invention, as depicted in FIG.2, outlines a method of forming ice in a specific section of a bottle or container, without hindering the functionality of the pouring spout or drinking port.

[046] The innovative system comprises several components including a freezing chamber 201 and a regulated cooling chamber 202. The bottle or container is inverted and inserted, cap and neck first, into the temperature-regulated cooling chamber 202.

[047] While in this inverted state, the bottom portion of the bottle or container is exposed to the freezing chamber 201, causing the liquid at the bottom to freeze. After the freezing process is complete, the bottle or container can be removed from the device, returned to its upright position, rendering it ready for consumption.

[048] The system can be equipped with additional features for enhanced performance, such as insulation around the bottle or container to improve freezing efficiency, temperature sensors in both the freezing chamber 201 and the cooling chamber 202, a control system to maintain predefined temperature ranges, the capacity to freeze multiple bottles or containers simultaneously, and a spring- loaded or electro-mechanical flap that isolates the freezing chamber 201 from the cooling chamber 202 when a bottle or container is removed. An LED light system and LCD screen can be incorporated to indicate readiness for consumption.

[049] The freezing and cooling chambers, 201 and 202 respectively, are separated by an insulating seal 204. The body of the apparatus 206 can be constructed from common materials used in refrigeration and freezer technology, such as, but not limited to, plastics, metals, and insulating materials.

[050] FIG.3 - Cross Section/Side View - Method of forming ice at the bottom of a factory-sealed bottle or container using a liquid nitrogen bath.

[051] In this third embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG.3, we present an alternate method of forming ice at the bottom of a factory-sealed bottle or container, which is virtually identical to the first embodiment (FIG.l), with one significant difference: instead of a cold plate, we employ a liquid nitrogen bath for freezing the liquid portion at the bottom of the bottle or container. [052] The innovative system of this embodiment primarily comprises multiple bottle or container freezing stations, two temperature-controlled zones to govern the conditions of the freezing and cooling chambers, separated by a seal or insulating device, a restocking system for consistent availability of full stock, and most notably, a bath that holds liquid nitrogen.

[053] The liquid nitrogen bath 301 replaces the conductive element in the first embodiment. It is strategically positioned to hold the liquid nitrogen cold source in contact with the bottom of the bottle or container, thus causing the liquid in that portion to freeze rapidly. The use of liquid nitrogen ensures a quick freezing process without affecting the liquid state of the medium above in the bottle or container.

[054] The rest of the system retains the structure and function as in the first embodiment. The body of the machine 302 can be constructed from common materials used in refrigeration and freezer technology, such as, but not limited to, plastics, metals, and insulating materials. The cooling chamber 303 is separated from the freezing chamber 304 via a seal 306. The cooling chamber is sealed off with a door 305 that is connected to the body of the machine 302 by a hinge 307. The door 305 is equipped with a handle 310 for easy operation.

[055] The bottle or container is situated in a seal 306 that insulates the freezing chamber from the cooling chamber 303 on top. The cooling chamber is equipped with temperature regulation system 308 to maintain the upper portion of the bottle or container at a temperature that ensures the liquid remains in a non-frozen state, while the lower portion is subjected to the freezing process.

[056] This invention can function as a stand-alone unit or be integrated into pre-existing freezer units. It has the capability to process multiple bottles or containers simultaneously, offering powerful freezing capabilities. This embodiment shows one potential configuration of the device, and it should be understood that modifications can be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. CONTROL COMPONENTS

[057] A temperature control system may be implemented in the device using any suitable computer, but most likely using a microprocessor. [058] A computer may advantageously contain control logic, or program logic, or other substrate configuration representing data and instructions, which cause the computerto operate in a specific and predefined manner as described herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable a control processor to perform and/or cause the performance of features of the present disclosure. The control logic may advantageously be implemented as one or more modules. The modules may advantageously be configured to reside on the computer memory and execute on the one or more processors. The modules include, but are not limited to, software or hardware components that perform certain tasks. Thus, a module may include, by way of example, components, such as, software components, processes, functions, subroutines, procedures, attributes, class components, task components, object-oriented software components, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, micro code, circuitry, data, and/or the like.

[059] The control logic conventionally includes the manipulation of digital bits by the processor and the maintenance of these bits within memory storage devices resident in one or more of the memory storage devices. Such memory storage devices may impose a physical organization upon the collection of stored data bits, which are generally stored by specific electrical or magnetic storage cells.

[060] The control logic generally performs a sequence of computer-executed steps. These steps generally require manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It is conventional for those skilled in the art to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, text, terms, numbers, files, or the like. It should be kept in mind, however, that these and some other terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities for computer operations, and that these terms are merely conventional labels applied to physical quantities that exist within and during operation of the computer based on designed relationships between these physical quantities and the symbolic values they represent.

[061] It should be understood that manipulations within the computer are often referred to in terms of adding, comparing, moving, searching, orthe like, which are often associated with manual operations performed by a human operator. It is to be understood that no involvement of the human operator may be necessary, or even desirable. The operations described herein are machine operations performed in conjunction with the human operator or user that interacts with the computer or computers.

[062] It should also be understood that the programs, modules, processes, methods, and the like, described herein are but an exemplary implementation and are not related, or limited, to any particular computer, apparatus, or computer language. Rather, various types of general-purpose computing machines or devices may be used with programs constructed in accordance with some of the teachings described herein. In some embodiments, very specific computing machines, with specific functionality, may be required.

[063] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[064] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the device and related methods have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.

[065] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A cooling device for freezing a specific portion of a beverage within a bottle or container, comprising: a sub-freezing cold source; a conductive element or medium connected to said cold source; a first sealable chamber containing said conductive element or medium and capable of reaching subfreezing temperatures; a second sealable chamber capable of maintaining an above-freezing temperature; a divider, separating said first and second chambers, and having a first opening for inserting said bottle or container.

2 The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first chamber is positioned belowthe second chamber and the bottle or container is held in an upright position during the freezing process.

3 The cooling device of claim 1, wherein said conductive element in the first chamber is a conductive plate or coil abutting against the bottom and/or sides of said bottle or container when in use.

4 The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first chamber is positioned above the second chamber and the bottle or container is held in an upside down position during the freezing process.

5 The cooling device of claim 1, wherein said conductive medium in the first chamber is liquid nitrogen.

6 The cooling device of claim 1, wherein said chambers are insulated to maintain a temperature differential.

7 The cooling device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor and a control system in each chamber to maintain a predefined temperature range in each chamber.

8 The cooling device of claim 1, further comprising insulation around the openings of the divider for improved freezing efficiency.

9. The cooling device of claim 1, further comprising one or more second openings in the divider between said freezing and cooling chambers to allow for temperature regulation via convection.

10. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first opening in the divider comprises a spring-loaded or electro-mechanical flap that closes the opening in the divider when a bottle is removed.

11. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein said device is capable of freezing multiple bottles or containers simultaneously.

12. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the bottle or container is oriented such that the portion distal from the bottle opening is in contact with the conductive element in the first chamber.