Portable frozen drink processor and dispensing apparatus and method of use

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a portable apparatus for the making and dispensing of frozen alcoholic or nonalcoholic, ice or dairy drinks and to methods for making and using the same.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/626,717, filed on Nov. 10, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for the making and dispensing of frozen alcoholic or nonalcoholic, ice or dairy drinks and to methods for making and using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although a number of frozen drink systems exist they suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, they are either not portable, do not have a insulated housing, require continuous power, make small quantities, are difficult to maintain or require a relatively considerable amount of time (typically greater than five minutes) to prepare the frozen drink.

Thus there is a need in the art for an improved portable frozen drink dispenser that is simple to operate, insulated and easily maintained.

The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for making and dispensing frozen alcoholic or non alcoholic ice or dairy drinks including: (1) a insulating housing for containing the frozen drink; and (2) a mechanical apparatus for preparing and dispensing the frozen drink.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a novel portable apparatus for the making and dispensing of frozen alcoholic or nonalcoholic, ice or dairy drinks and to methods for making and using the same.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is a portable frozen drink processor and dispenser comprising an electrically powered mechanical system; and, an insulated housing coupled to the electrically powered mechanical system, the insulated housing having an inner surface and an outer surface; an insulated top removably coupled to the insulated housing; the electrically powered mechanical system and the insulated housing forming a unitary construction. In one embodiment, the insulated housing further comprises a cooling circuit. In one embodiment, the electrically powered mechanical system is an AC electrically powered mechanical system. In one embodiment, the electrically powered mechanical system is an DC electrically powered mechanical system. In one embodiment, the frozen drink processor and dispenser further comprises safety means including circuitry which prevents operation of the frozen drink processor if the insulated top is removed from the insulated housing. In one embodiment, the insulated housing comprises bullet-shaped interior configuration. In one embodiment, the insulated housing has an outer surface comprising metal or plastic or a combination of metal or plastic. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the insulated housing comprises a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the insulated housing comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, PVC, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the insulated housing comprises galvanized metal. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the insulated housing comprises stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyurethane, PVC, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the frozen drink processor and dispenser further comprises an insulating material between the outer surface of the insulated housing and the inner surface of the insulated housing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a method of preparing a frozen drink comprising the steps of introducing ingredients for said frozen drink into a portable frozen drink processor and dispenser, said portable frozen drink processor and dispenser comprising an electrically powered mechanical system; and, an insulated housing coupled to said electrically powered mechanical system, said insulated housing having an inner surface and an outer surface; an insulated top removably coupled to said insulated housing; wherein said electrically powered mechanical system and said insulated housing forming a unitary construction. In one embodiment of the method, the power is AC power. In one embodiment of the method, the power is DC power.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, “a” or “an” means one or more, unless otherwise indicated. The singular encompasses the plural and the plural encompasses the singular.

The inventors have found that a portable frozen alcoholic or nonalcoholic, ice or dairy drink dispensing apparatus can be manufactured that can make a large quantity of frozen drink in under five minutes and does not require continuous electrical power to maintain the frozen drink.

The present invention relates to a portable frozen alcoholic or nonalcoholic, ice or dairy drink dispensing apparatus that is easily maintained. The apparatus includes an electrically powered mechanical system to prepare and dispense the frozen drink and an insulated housing to maintain the frozen drink. The mechanical system can be either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) powered. Preferably, the apparatus includes a safety system to prevent the operation of the apparatus when the top is removed. The raw products used to make the frozen drink can be inserted into the apparatus either through the port in the top, or by removing the top. The frozen drink is prepared by powering the unit for less then five minutes to mix the product. After this time the frozen drink is dispensed using a hand valve that operates the mechanical system and dispenses the frozen drink. In one embodiment of the design, the frozen drink is maintained in the insulated housing without a secondary cooling system. Another embodiment includes a secondary cooling system that would require continuous power to operate. The housing is designed to facilitate the preparation of the frozen drink by several methods to force the product into the mechanical system. This is done through the use of a unitary construction of the mechanical system and the housing, and preferably also through the use of a unique shape of the internal housing. The preferred shape of the internal housing is one having a bullet-shaped inner surface. The mechanical system is design to process the raw products to a consistent texture similar to a more expensive slush or frozen shake machine. This same mechanical system is utilized to dispense the drink on demand by opening a control valve that turns on the mechanical system forcing the frozen drink through the dispenser. Preferably, the system includes a safety feature which prevents operation of the mechanical system should the top be removed from the housing. One way, among others, to accomplish this is through the use of a pressure-activated switch located at the interface between the housing and the top. Other means to accomplish this objective, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art are also useful in the present invention. Preferably, there is also a ground fault interrupt circuit to prevent the operation of the unit should there be an electrical short in the electrical or mechanical system.

Suitable materials for the making of the housing include, without limitation, metals, plastics or other suitable materials or mixture or combinations thereof. Preferably the outer surface can be made of metal such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, galvanized metal, aluminum or plastics such as but not limited to, polyethylene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or mixture of combinations thereof. The inner surface of the housing can be made of any food grade material such as but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, or plastics such as but not limited to polyethylene, PVC or mixture of combinations thereof. The interstitial space between the outer surface and the inner surface can be filed with any insulating material such as but not limited to PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane or other suitable material. The interstitial space can also be evacuated, to prevent heat transfer from the inner to the outer surface. As used herein, the inner surface of the housing is that surface which contacts the frozen drink components. The outer surface of the housing is therefore, the opposite surface.

Suitable material for the making of the mechanical system include, without limitation, stainless steel or other food grade metals for the processing surfaces, and stainless steel, steels, aluminums and plastics for the remainder of the mechanical system.

A schematic of an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, 100, is shown to include an insulated housing 101 and a base 200 including the mechanical system 250. The insulated housing 101 includes a insulated top 102 with an access port 103 and carrying handle 107. The insulated housing 101 is comprised of a outer surface 110 and inner surface 111 and interstitial insulating foam 112. Wired into the insulated housing 101 is control switch 104 and safety lockouts 105 and 106 and associated wiring (not shown). Attached to the bottom of the insulated housing 101 are the base 200 and the mechanical system 250. The mechanical system 250 is composed of the processing unit 251, dispensing system 252, control valve 253, down spout 255 and Ground Fault Interrupt Circuit and power cord 254. The processing unit 251 is comprised of a electric motor 260, processing chamber 261, and an outlet port 262 to the dispensing system 252.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, 100, shown to include an insulated housing 101 and a base 200 including the mechanical system 250. The insulated housing 101 includes a insulated top 102 with a access port 103 and carrying handle 107. The insulated housing 101 is comprised of a outer surface 110 and inner surface 111 and interstitial insulating foam 112. Wired into the insulated housing 101 is control switch 104 and safety lockouts 105 and 106, wiring (not shown) and a cooling system 150. Attached to the bottom of the insulated housing 101 is the base 200 and the mechanical system 250. The mechanical system 250 is composed of the processing unit 251, dispensing system 252, control valve 253, down spout 255, cooling system electronics 256, cooling system wiring (not shown), and Ground Fault Interrupt Circuit and power cord 254. The processing unit 251 is comprised of an electric motor 260, processing chamber 261, and outlet port 262 to the dispensing system 252.

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference. While this invention has described, it should be understood, that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to its preferred embodiments, from reading this description those of skill in the art may appreciate changes and modifications that may be made which do not depart from the scope and spirit of the invention as described above and claimed hereafter.

Claims

1. A portable frozen drink processor and dispenser comprising:

an electrically powered mechanical system; and,

an insulated housing coupled to said electrically powered mechanical system, said insulated housing having an inner surface and an outer surface;

an insulated top removably coupled to said insulated housing;

said electrically powered mechanical system and said insulated housing forming a unitary construction.

2. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, wherein said insulated housing further comprises a cooling circuit.

3. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, wherein said electrically powered mechanical system is an AC electrically powered mechanical system.

4. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, wherein said electrically powered mechanical system is an DC electrically powered mechanical system.

5. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, further comprising safety means including circuitry which prevents operation of the frozen drink processor if said insulated top is removed from said insulated housing.

6. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, wherein said insulated housing comprises bullet-shaped interior configuration.

7. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, wherein said insulated housing has an outer surface comprising metal or plastic or a combination of metal or plastic.

8. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 7, wherein said outer surface of said insulated housing comprises a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and any combination thereof.

9. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 7, wherein said outer surface of said insulated housing comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, PVC, and any combination thereof.

10. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 7, wherein said outer surface of said insulated housing comprises galvanized metal.

11. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, wherein said inner surface of said insulated housing comprises stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or any combination thereof.

12. The portable frozen drink processor of claim 11, wherein said plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyurethane, PVC, and any combination thereof.

13. The portable frozen drink processor and dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an insulating material between said outer surface of said insulated housing and said inner surface of said insulated housing.

14. A method of preparing a frozen drink comprising the steps of:

introducing ingredients for said frozen drink into a portable frozen drink processor and dispenser, said portable frozen drink processor and dispenser comprising an electrically powered mechanical system;

and, an insulated housing coupled to said electrically powered mechanical system, said insulated housing having an inner surface and an outer surface; an insulated top removably coupled to said insulated housing; wherein said electrically powered mechanical system and said insulated housing forming a unitary construction.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of supplying power to said portable frozen drink processor and dispenser.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said power is AC power.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said power is DC power.