Temperature regulation device for a fluid-containing receptacle and use thereof

Abstract

A temperature regulation device for a fluid-containing receptacle and use thereof. The device preferably includes a temperature regulation means for maintaining the fluidic contents of the receptacle at a desired temperature (e.g., a relatively lower temperature, a relatively higher temperature, etc.) and an insulation means for retarding heat loss from the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature regulation means is provided as a thermoelectric module.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a temperature regulation device. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a temperature regulation device particularly adapted for maintaining the fluidic contents of a receptacle, such as a conventional beer keg, at a desired, especially cooled, temperature.

BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

A plurality of receptacles are conventionally used for housing a fluid. Of particular relevance to the present invention are receptacles commonly employed for drinking beverages (e.g., beer, wine, soda, water, and the like). Common receptacles are beer kegs, wine boxes, wine bottles, coolers, and the like, especially those having an integral dispensing mechanism. Such receptacles are often used in connection with a social gathering, such as a party, and it is often desirable to maintain the fluidic contents thereof at a reduced temperature state for increased enjoyment in consumption. Typical approaches for cooling a receptacle include maintaining the receptacle in a refrigerator, especially when the receptacle is a small item, such as a wine box, wine bottle and the like. With regard to a beer keg, a commonly employed approach for cooling the same involves positioning the keg in a large plastic refuse container and surrounding the keg with ice, which ice generally maintains the beer at a reduced temperature for a period of time.

As known, conventional approaches for cooling a beer keg suffer from significant disadvantages. For example, ice remains cold for only a limited period of time. Accordingly, the ice must be periodically replaced to continue to maintain the beer at a desired temperature. By way of another example, the system of employing ice with a refuse container is often a messy endeavor, as water and ice are easily diverted from the container, especially as motor functions become impaired. Various additional examples could be provided to illustrate the loss of efficiency of conventional approaches.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one example aspect, the present invention is directed to a temperature regulation device adapted for coupling with a fluid-containing receptacle and for maintaining the fluid thereof at a desired temperature state. The device generally includes a temperature regulation means adapted for maintaining fluidic contents of a receptacle at a desired temperature; and an insulation means, associated with the temperature regulations means, for insulating the receptacle against heat loss. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature regulation means comprises a thermoelectric module.

In accordance with another example aspect, the present invention is also directed to a temperature regulation device adapted for coupling with a fluid-containing receptacle and for maintaining the fluid thereof at a desired temperature state. The device generally includes a thermoelectric module comprising a cooling surface and a heating surface, and wherein the cooling surface is adapted to be disposed in proximity to a surface of the receptacle; and an insulation means, associated with the thermoelectric module, for insulating the receptacle against heat loss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and a more thorough understanding of the present invention may be achieved by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a temperature regulation device according to the present invention including, inter alia, a temperature regulation device and an insulation means, wherein the device is associated with a fluid-containing receptacle;

FIG. 2 is side view of an example temperature regulation device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a generally plan view of an inner face of the temperature regulation device; and

FIG. 4 is a generally plan view of an outer face of the temperature regulation device.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed according to the present invention are a temperature regulation device for a fluid containing receptacle and use thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a device adapted for regulating the temperature of any of a plurality of types of receptacles. As used herein, temperature regulation generally includes both maintaining the fluidic contents of a fluid containing receptacle at an elevated temperature, and also at a reduced temperature, both relative to an ambient temperature. Example receptacles having fluidic contents regulable by the device of the present invention include, but are not limited to, e.g., a standard conventional keg receptacle adapted for storing and dispensing beer or similar beverage, a miniature keg, any size and/or configured keg (e.g., a standard cylindrical keg, a keg having generally bowed sides, and the like), portable coolers, portable coolers having integral dispensing mechanisms, any size and/or configured carboy for beer or similar beverage brewing, wine bottles, wine boxes, water bottles, aluminum cans of beverages (e.g., soda, beer, etc.), baby bottles, catering bowls and/or pans, sports medicine, and the like.

Turning to FIG. 1, the temperature regulation device 100 of the present invention preferably includes a temperature regulation means 102 and an insulation means 104. The temperature regulation means 102 is preferably adapted to regulate the temperature of fluidic contents of any receptacle 106 (which, in the example of FIG. 1, is shown as encapsulated within the insulation means 104), especially the various example receptacles listed hereinabove. The insulation means 104, if optionally present, preferably provides a means for reducing the amount of heat loss from the receptacle 106 and for generally maintaining the temperature of the contents of the same. Preferably, the insulation means 104 additionally provides a convenient means for associating the temperature regulation means 102 with the receptacle 106, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The temperature regulation means 102 of the present invention is suitably provided as any device adapted for cooling and/or heating the fluidic contents of a receptacle 106. For example, the temperature regulation means 102 may be provided as a means adapted for maintaining the fluid contents of a receptacle 106 at a temperature generally lower than that of a surrounding ambient temperature. By way of additional example, the temperature regulation means 102 may be provided as a means adapted for maintaining the fluid contents of a receptacle 106 at a temperature generally higher than that of a surrounding ambient temperature. By way of yet another example, the temperature regulation means 102 may be provided as a single means adapted for selectably maintaining the fluid contents of a receptacle 106 at a temperature generally higher than that of a surrounding ambient temperature or a temperature generally lower than that of a surrounding ambient temperature. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that any known and/or conventional device may be employed for accomplishing the temperature regulating aims of the present invention.

Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is an example and preferred temperature regulation means 102 according to the present invention in which the regulation means 102 is provided as a thermoelectric device, even more preferably a thermoelectric module 102 employing the Peltier effect. As known, and by way of brief background, a typical thermoelectric module generally includes an array of Bismuth Telluride semiconductor pellets that have been doped so that one type of charge carrier, either positive or negative, carries the majority of current. The pellets are typically connected electrically in series, but thermally in parallel. The module typically also includes a metalized ceramic substrate upon which the pellets are arranged and small conductive tabs that connect the pellets.

Continuing with the background discussion of thermoelectric modules, when DC voltage is applied to a module, the positive and negative charge carriers in the pellets absorb heat energy from one substrate surface and then release it to the opposed substrate. Accordingly, the surface that absorbs heat becomes relatively cold, while the opposed surface, where heat energy is being released, becomes relatively hot.

Thermoelectric modules offer significant advantages relative to conventional temperature regulation devices, especially in connection with the aims of the present invention. For example, thermoelectric modules have no moving parts and do not require chlorofluorocarbons or other depletable materials, facts that provide significant maintenance free operation and greater durability in connection with keg cooling and other aims of the present invention. By way of additional example, thermoelectric modules are generally capable of exceeding 100,000 hours of steady state operation, thereby greatly extending the useful life of a module and the device 100 of the present invention. By way to yet another example, thermoelectric modules are generally small, especially relative to conventional temperature regulation devices, thereby providing greater portability for the device 100 and enabling the device 100 to require relatively less area for operation. Additionally, the direction of heat transfer in a thermoelectric module is fully reversible; as known, changing the polarity of the power supply causes heat to be transferred in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the device 100 of the present invention may suitably be employed as a heating device or a cooling device, depending on the particular configuration thereof.

Returning to the example and preferred thermoelectric module 102 of FIG. 2, the thermoelectric module 102 is preferably utilized in connection with various other devices that facilitate operation of the module 102. As shown, the module 102 is preferably associated with a fan 110, a heat sink 112, a thermally conductive material 116, and electricity coupling 118. The fan 110 and heat sink 112 generally operate to dissipate heat from the hot side of the thermoelectric module 102. More specifically, the heat sink 112 is a generally forced convection system that is preferably operably associated with the hot side of the thermoelectric module 102 and dissipates heat from the same. Any suitable heat sink 112 may be employed, such as a bonded fin heat sink, an extruded fin heat sink, a liquid cooled dissipation system, and the like. The fan 110 is preferably associated with the heat sink 112 along a surface thereof that is generally opposite the surface of the heat sink 112 that is engaged with the module 112. As known, the fan 110 generally forces a current of air onto the heat sink 112 to expedite the dissipation of heat therefrom.

The module 102 is preferably also associated with a thermally conductive material 116 for increasing the extent of contact between the module 102 and the receptacle 106. In a preferred embodiment, the thermally conductive material 116 is associated with a surface of the module 102 that is generally disposed in opposition to the surface associated with the heat sink 112. Any suitable material may be employed as the thermally conductive material 116, such as a gel pack, and the like.

The module 102 may suitably also be associated with one or more spacers 114 for increasing the amount of distance between the heat sink and the module 102. The spacer 114, if optionally present, is preferably constructed of aluminum, and may suitable be disposed between the heat sink 112 and the module 102, between the module 102 and the thermally conductive material 116, or any other suitable configuration. Spacers 114 may be additionally useful in connection with radially extending the module 102 so as to be in better proximity to the receptacle 106. The various components of the module 102 are preferably associated with each other through a thermally conductive epoxy or similar bonding agent.

The thermoelectric module 102 is preferably associated with an electricity coupling 118 for, inter alia, coupling the module 102 to a source of electrical power. The coupling 118 is preferably a conventional coupling that permits the module 102 to couple to any of a plurality of types of electrical power, such as, for example, a battery, an automobile cigarette lighter adaptor, a household 110V outlet, and the like. The thermoelectric module 102 may also optionally be communicably associated with a temperature controller (not illustrated) for enabling the module 102 to operate at a specified temperature.

The device 100 of the present invention may suitably include any number of thermoelectric modules 102, with regard given the particular application of the device 100. In connection with a preferred application, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in which the device 100 operates as a keg cooling device, the device 100 may suitably include eight thermoelectric modules 102, with two groups of four in parallel and each of the four being in series, to be disposed circumferentially around lower portions of a keg receptacle 106. It is preferred that the modules 102 be associated with lower portions of the keg receptacle 106 to ensure continual cooling being delivered to the fluidic contents therein.

The temperature regulation device 100 of the present invention preferably also includes the insulation means 104 for cooperating with the thermoelectric module 102 in maintaining the fluidic contents of the receptacle 106 at a desired temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the insulation means 104 also operates as a substrate for association of the modules 102, as shown in the Figures.

The insulation means 104 may be provided in any appropriate shape and configuration, with regard given to the specific application of the device 100. Thus, for example, the insulation means 104 may be provided as a plurality of bands adapted to be circumferentially disposed about the receptacle 106, or any other suitable configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the insulation means 104 is provided as a generally rectangular mat adapted to be wrapped around the receptacle 106, as shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 generally illustrate a preferred rectangular configuration of the insulation means 104, wherein opposite vertical ends 120 thereof are brought into abutting contact around the receptacle 106 to maintain the means 104 thereon. The means 104 may additionally include one or more locking members 122, similar situated along the ends 120, for securely associating the ends 120 together.

Despite the foregoing discussion of the insulation means 104 as a generally rectangular mat adapted to be disposed about the receptacle 106, it is to be appreciated that the insulation means 104 may be provided as any sufficient feature. Thus, for example, the means 104 may be configured as a cylindrical member that is slid onto the receptacle (especially in connection with the preferred keg cooling application). The cylindrical member may suitably also include a top portion 124 (FIG. 1) for providing insulation along a top region of the receptacle 106. Further thereto, the top portion 124 may suitably also include various apertures 126 therein for permitting various dispensing devices 128 associated with the receptacle 106 to protrude therefrom for use. By way of additional example, the means 104 may suitably also include a bottom portion (not shown) for providing insulation along a bottom region of the receptacle 106. By way of yet another embodiment, the means 104 may suitably include a removably associable drainage pan for positioning along a bottom portion of the receptacle 106 to collect condensation and other liquids therefrom.

The insulation means 104, if optionally present, may be constructed of any suitable material, with regard given the to particular application and insulation needs of the device 100. In connection with a preferred embodiment, the insulation means 104 is provided as a neoprene/vinyl/nitrile foam rubber sheeting optionally also including antistatic polyethylene foam. These materials, as known, preferably provide a thermal barrier for decreasing the amount of heat loss from the receptacle 106. The insulation means 104 may suitably also be associated with a polyester sheet, such as a vinyl laminated polyester. The polyester sheet preferably includes the insulation means 104 along one face thereof, while the opposite end thereof is a durable surface adapted to increase the durability of the device 100.

In connection with a preferred embodiment, the insulation means 104 provides a substrate to which the temperature regulation means 102 is associated. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the means 104 is preferably adapted to be continuously disposed about the circumference and/or perimeter of the receptacle 106. Accordingly, the means 104 provides a convenient vehicle for securely associating the temperature regulation means 102 with the receptacle 106. FIG. 3 illustrates an inner face of the insulation means 104, which face is adapted to be disposed in generally abutting contact with the receptacle 106. Accordingly and in connection with the preferred keg cooling and thermoelectric module 102 embodiments, the inner face includes associated therewith the thermoelectric module 102 and, if optionally present, the thermally conductive material 116. FIG. 4 illustrates an outer face of the insulation means 104, which face is adapted to be spaced apart from the receptacle 106 and be exposed to the environment surrounding the same. With continued reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the outer face includes associated therewith the fan 110 and heat sink 112. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the temperature regulation means 102 is penetrably disposed in association with the insulation means 104. In this penetrating fashion, the temperature regulation means 102 is especially configured to transfer heat from the module 102 through the insulation means 104 and generally away therefrom.

EXAMPLE 1

Table 1 illustrates the results of an experiment performed to compare the amount of heat loss generated by a receptacle, in this case, a keg, alone, and the amount of heat loss generated by the keg associated with the insulation means 104 of the present invention, but significantly not including the temperature regulation means 102. For each measurement, one to two quarts of beer were poured; the first half was poured and not measured to get the beer that was left in the tap out of the tap and the second half was then poured and used to measure the temperature of the beer. The results of the study indicate that the insulation means 104 alone significantly delays the onset of significant temperature increases in the fluid maintained in the keg.

	TABLE 1
	Keg with Insulation
Keg Alone		Temperature
Minutes	Hours	Temperature (F.)	Minutes	Hours	(F.)
0	0.00	35.5	0	0.00	32.5
15	0.25	38	20	0.33	32.6
40	0.67	40.6	35	0.58	32.7
65	1.08	42.3	60	1.00	33
85	1.42	43.1	75	1.25	33.6
110	1.83	44.1	97	1.62	34.3
125	2.08	44.3	115	1.92	35.1
150	2.50	44.8	140	2.33	34.8
175	2.92	45.4	215	3.58	35.8
197	3.28	47.8	245	4.08	36.1
223	3.72	48.6	257	4.28	35.4
257	4.28	49.1	230	3.83	36.4
290	4.83	49.3	231	3.85	36.1
325	5.42	49.4	232	3.87	35.8
357	5.95	50.4	233	3.88	36
395	6.58	51.3
425	7.08	52.4
440	7.33	51.6

EXAMPLE 2

Table 2 illustrates the results of an experiment performed to understand the amount of heat loss generated by a receptacle 106 having the temperature regulation device 100 of the present invention associated therewith. Additionally, the device 100 in this embodiment was modified to include spacers 114. The results of the study indicate that the device 100 was able to maintain beer at a cool temperature (e.g., below 42 F) for a considerable period of time, at least that commensurate with a typical party. Specifically, the test was performed over a period of 75 hours and the temperature was maintained below 42 F for over 46 hours.

TABLE 2
Device using Spacers
Tested over a 76 Hour Period
Minutes	Hours	Temperature (F.)	Measured on . . .
0	0	39	2nd cup from keg
45	0.75	41.8	2nd cup from keg
225	3.75	41	2nd cup from keg
255	4.25	41	2nd cup from keg
345	5.75	41.2	2nd cup from keg
765	12.75	42.5	2nd cup from keg
915	15.25	41.2	2nd cup from keg
1215	20.25	41.4	2nd cup from keg
1530	25.5	41.8	2nd cup from keg
1710	28.5	40.8	start of 4 quarts
1710	28.5	40.4	end of 4 quarts
2055	34.25	43	2nd cup from keg
2535	42.25	42.9	2nd cup from keg
2790	46.5	43	2 quarts from keg
2790	46.5	41	4 quarts from keg
2790	46.5	40.7	6 quarts from keg
2790	46.5	40.7	8 quarts from keg
2790	46.5	41	10 quarts from keg
2790	46.5	41.1	12 quarts from keg
2790	46.5	41.4	14 quarts from keg
2790	46.5	41.9	16 quarts from keg
2805	46.75	42.3	2nd cup from keg
2835	47.25	45.4	2nd cup from keg
2955	49.25	45.4	2nd cup from keg
3195	53.25	44.6	2nd cup from keg
3195	53.25	43.3	2 quarts from keg
3195	53.25	42.9	4 quarts from keg
3375	56.25	45.5	2nd cup from keg
3375	56.25	44.2	2 quarts from keg
3375	56.25	43.6	4 quarts from keg
3960	66	47.2	2nd cup from keg
3960	66	45.7	2 quarts from keg
3960	66	44.9	4 quarts from keg
4440	74	49.1	2nd cup from keg
4440	74	48.5	2 quarts from keg
4440	74	47.8	4 quarts from keg
4530	75.5	49.4	2nd cup from keg
4530	75.5	48.5	2 quarts from keg
4530	75.5	47.7	4 quarts from keg
4530	75.5	47.4	6 quarts from keg

Although the invention has been described with regard to certain preferred example embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only, and that improvements, changes and modifications in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A temperature regulation device adapted for coupling with a fluid-containing receptacle and for maintaining the fluid thereof at a desired temperature state, wherein the device comprises:

a temperature regulation means adapted for maintaining fluidic contents of a receptacle at a desired temperature; and

an insulation means, associated with the temperature regulations means, for insulating the receptacle against heat loss.

2. The temperature regulation device of claim 1, wherein the temperature regulation means comprises a thermoelectric module comprising a cooling surface and a heating surface, and wherein the cooling surface is adapted to be disposed in proximity to a surface of the receptacle.

3. The temperature regulation device of claim 2, wherein the temperature regulation means additionally comprises a heat sink associated with the heating surface of the thermoelectric module, and wherein the heat sink is adapted to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric module.

4. The temperature regulation device of claim 3, wherein the temperature regulation means additionally comprises a fan member associated with the heat sink for dissipating heat therefrom.

5. The temperature regulation device of claim 3, wherein the temperature regulation means additionally comprises a thermally conductive material disposed along at least a portion of the cooling surface of the thermoelectric module, and wherein the thermally conductive material is adapted for increasing touching engagement between the thermoelectric module and the surface of the receptacle.

6. The temperature regulation device of claim 4, wherein the temperature regulation means additionally comprises a thermally conductive material disposed along at least a portion of the cooling surface of the thermoelectric module, and wherein the thermally conductive material is adapted for increasing touching engagement between the thermoelectric module and the surface of the receptacle.

7. The temperature regulation device of claim 5, wherein the temperature regulation means additionally comprises a spacer disposed between the thermoelectric module and the heat sink.

8. The temperature regulation device of claim 5, wherein the temperature regulation means additionally comprises a spacer disposed between the thermoelectric module and the thermally conductive material.

9. The temperature regulation device of claim 6, wherein the insulation means comprises a foam rubber sheeting member.

10. The temperature regulation device of claim 9, wherein the foam rubber sheeting member is constructed from one or more of neoprene, vinyl and a nitrile.

11. The temperature regulation device of claim 9, wherein the insulation means additionally comprises a polyester mat having an inner face and an outer face, and wherein the foam rubber sheeting is associated with the inner face thereof.

12. The temperature regulation device of claim 8, wherein the insulation means comprises an inner face and an outer face, and wherein the inner face is adapted to be disposed in proximity to the surface of the receptacle.

13. The temperature regulation device of claim 12, wherein the thermoelectric module is associated with the inner face of the insulation means.

14. The temperature regulation device of claim 13, wherein the heat sink is associated with the outer face of the insulation means.

15. The temperature regulation device of claim 14, wherein the insulation means comprises an aperture therein for enabling fluidic communication between the thermoelectric module and the heat sink.

16. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the device comprises at least four thermoelectric modules associated with the insulation means.

17. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the device is adapted to couple to a household outlet source of electrical power.

18. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the device is adapted to couple to a battery source of electrical power.

19. The temperature regulation device of claim 15, wherein the device is adapted to couple to an automobile cigarette lighter adaptor source of electrical power.

20. A temperature regulation device adapted for coupling with a fluid-containing receptacle and for maintaining the fluid thereof at a desired temperature state, wherein the device comprises:

a thermoelectric module comprising a cooling surface and a heating surface, and wherein the cooling surface is adapted to be disposed in proximity to a surface of the receptacle; and

an insulation means, associated with the thermoelectric module, for insulating the receptacle against heat loss.