Chilling apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for chilling beverage containers such as bottles or cans includes a fluid tank containing chilling liquid cooled by a refrigeration unit and a membrane of collapsible thermoplastic polyurethane includes an internal chamber for supporting the container in the liquid, the membrane in the form of a shaped sleeve that surrounds the container to prevent the container coming into direct contact with the chilling liquid but which permits the liquid to transfer heat from the container to cool the contents of the container. A vacuum withdraws air from the internal chamber to draw the membrane into contact with the container and a drive arrangement rotates the sleeve and bottle. A refrigerated fluid supply system directs externally chilled fluid at the rotating membrane and recycles heated fluid for rechilling.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to cooling or chilling apparatus, which in a particular but not exclusive aspect, may be applied to the chilling of beverages such as beer, wine and soda drinks in bottles or cans or other containers but which may be applied to cooling or chilling other articles. The invention also pertains to a preformed thermoplastic polyurethane body for receiving, supporting and contracting into engagement with the exterior of the beverage container to transfer heat from the beverage container to a chilling fluid in the apparatus.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Beverages in containers are normally cooled in conventional refrigerators, or in larger commercial establishments, cold rooms. There is, however, usually a considerable period of time, which elapses between the time at which the beverage container is placed into a refrigerator or cold room and the time at which its temperature is acceptable for drinking. More rapid cooling can be achieved by using ice. However, ice is not readily available in many situations and additionally cannot be contained easily without melting. The above problems are accentuated in establishments, which are involved in the supply of cold beverages such as restaurants. In these situations, it is often impossible for a large range of wines or other beverages to be stored and maintained at a low temperature for service and supply. Some arrangements have been proposed whereby bottles or other containers are placed into a container carrying a chilled liquid; however, in these arrangements the bottles or other containers become wet and therefore are not immediately suitable for use. Additionally, there is a danger that wet bottles or containers can slip from the grasp of a user.

It is well known that interest in and consumption of wines has increased dramatically in recent years, to the point where the discriminating consuming public has expanded rapidly and extensively. In this context, previously known apparatus for cooling bottles of wine, particularly, have proved to be inadequate.

Similarly, there has been a need, substantially unfulfilled, for apparatus to warm containers of materials to be consumed, such as jars of baby food.

Clarke et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,514 describes apparatus for cooling or chilling beverages in containers, such as a wine bottle. In this apparatus, a bag of liquid impervious material (i.e., plastic) is submerged in a solution of chilling fluid, and a thin resilient U-shaped strip of plastics material is positioned in the bag and forms a support for the beverage container. The support includes a pair of sidewalls and a cross-arm and the pressure of the cooling liquid operates to collapse the bag and force the arms into engagement with the side of the bottle.

Such apparatus does not provide active movement of the beverage container relative to the chilling fluid and relies on the chilling fluid to force the closure bag against the U-shaped support. The heat transfer is not believed to be effective. First, the chilling fluid, alone, must act to press the bag against the sidewalls of the U-shaped support. Second, the fluid pressure against the bag must collapse the sidewalls of the U-shaped support inwardly and against the bottle. Third, the support member is designed to prevent a vacuum being created between the bag and the bottle to prevent from the bottle from “loading” (i.e. rupturing) the bag during withdrawal of the bottle from the bag. The requirement that fluid pressure must force the bag and support member inwardly but that the support member prevents the bag and bottle from engaging one another to prevent the bag from rupturing during withdrawal therefrom appears to limit the rate and effectiveness of any possible heat transfer.

Other approaches for chilling and cooling are disclosed in the following patent documents; U.S. Pat. No. 2,061,427, King, issued Nov. 17, 1936; U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,092, Fisher, issued Jun. 10, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,195; Kucza, issued Dec. 29, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,763; Provost, issued May 1, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,773; Cassell, issued Mar. 9, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,835; Brochier, issued Aug. 24, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,845; Forshaw et al., issued Apr. 25, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,943; Coelho et al., issued Sep. 24, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,343; Baker, III, issued Jun. 3, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,963, Surber, et al., issued Mar. 5, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,093; Fink et al., issued Nov. 5, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,945, McCall, issued May 10, 2005; and foreign Patent documents GB 2,301,172 A, and FR 2,602324 A1.

It is to be appreciated that there is a need for improvements for cooling and chilling beverage containers in apparatus that is simple and rapidly effectuates the chilling process.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide means for changing the temperature of containers of wine or other materials to be consumed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide in a preferred aspect, apparatus for cooling or chilling beverages and in particular beverage containers such as wine bottles, beer and soft drink bottles, cans or the like, and the contents thereof, in a rapid and efficient manner while maintaining the beverage containers substantially dry. The present invention, while particularly applicable to the cooling or chilling of beverages may be used for cooling or chilling of other articles.

A first preferred embodiment according to the present invention is presented in apparatus for chilling articles such as beverage containers and the contents thereof, the apparatus including: a chamber for holding a chilling liquid; a flexible membrane means including a portion downwardly into the chamber and having an open upper end or mouth for receiving the article and supporting the article within the flexible membrane means, and means for reducing the air pressure in the membranes means to draw the membrane means into direct thermal contact with the beverage container and exchange heat between the beverage container and the chilling fluid.

In another preferred embodiment according to this invention, a cooling apparatus for chilling a beverage container is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a housing defining internally thereof a chilling tank adapted to receive a low freezing point chilling fluid and a shaped sleeve of resiliently deformable material closed at a lower end and open at an upper end and defining internally thereof an internal chamber for receiving, encircling and supporting the beverage container to be chilled and an exterior surface in contact with and cooled by the chilling fluid, means for withdrawing the air and lowering the pressure in said internal chamber and thereby cause the sleeve material to be drawn, at least in part, into engagement with the exterior surface of the beverage container and transfer heat between the chilling fluid and the beverage container, and means for controlling and maintaining the temperature of the chilling fluid at a predetermined temperature.

The means for controlling and maintaining the temperature of the chilling fluid includes a fluid pump and a refrigeration unit in fluid communication with a reservoir to pump chilling fluid from the refrigeration unit to the chilling tank and circulate and withdraw chilling fluid from the chilling tank the temperature of which fluid is raised as a result of heat transfer between the sleeve during contact with the chilling fluid circulated in the tank, and a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the chilling fluid in the chilling tank at a predetermined temperature. Although the temperature will depend on the application desired by the user, preferably the thermostat operates to maintain the chilling fluid at a temperature of between about −30.0° C. and 5.0° C.

The sleeve is generally longitudinally elongated membrane or bladder, preformed into a single piece from a suitable thermoplastic, cylindrical shaped and thin walled, and is provided with means for controlling the shape of the sleeve during collapse of the wall into engagement with the exterior surface of the beverage container. In one preferred embodiment, the means for controlling comprises at least one axially elongated rib on the exterior surface of the sleeve, the rib extending between the opposite ends of the sleeve and operating to permit inward radial collapse of the wall but inhibit axial movement of the lower end towards the upper end and shortening of the sleeve shape.

The cooling apparatus according to this embodiment further comprises means for moving the sleeve within the chilling fluid and in a predetermined manner based in part on the geometry and external shape of one and the other, respectively, of said beverage container and sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the means for moving includes a motor and mechanical linkage arrangement for rotating the sleeve and an adjustable timer mechanism for setting and controlling the duration of sleeve rotation relative to the chilling fluid, the adjustable timer when timed-out stopping the rotation of the beverage container and the operation of the means for maintaining and controlling.

According to this preferred embodiment, the cooling apparatus further comprises a mesh screen element disposed in encircling relation about the sleeve, said screen element operating to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve during positioning of the container therewithin and movement of the screen and bottle assembly but the mesh or openings therein not inhibiting fluid circulation against and heat transfer between the exterior surface of the screen.

According to this embodiment, the housing includes an opening communicating with said chilling tank, and a closure movable between closed and open positions relative to said opening for gaining and closing access to the chilling tank; the sleeve extends downwardly from said opening and into the chilling fluid; and the means for withdrawing the air and lowering the pressure in the internal chamber of said sleeve comprises a port in said closure operably connected to pumping apparatus to withdraw air through the port and from said compartment when the closure is in said closed position.

Further, the cooling apparatus comprises means for transmitting a signal that the closure is interlocked and in sealed relation with the housing opening and regulating the pressure in the sleeve.

According to another preferred embodiment, there is disclosed a wine bottle cooler comprising a housing defining an interior tank for receiving a mixture of low freezing point liquid for cooling the bottle, a sleeve open at an upper end and closed at a lower end and defining internally thereof a chamber for receiving the bottle, the sleeve disposed in the tank for supporting the bottle in the cooling liquid, a closure juxtaposed with the upper end and movable between open and closed positions for gaining and closing access to the internal chamber, means for evacuating a predetermined amount of air from and lowering the air pressure in the sleeve when the closure is in said closed position, and fluid pumping means for introducing, directing and circulating chilling fluid at a predetermined temperature into the tank and around the bottle and withdrawing fluid from the tank.

In the wine bottle cooler, there is provided a motor and a mechanical linkage to rotate the sleeve about a central longitudinal axis thereof and sufficiently rapidly relative to the chilling fluid to induce turbulent flow in the fluid and effectuate heat transfer between the bottle and the chilling fluid when the air is evacuated from the sleeve. The fluid pumping means comprises a pump for introducing chilled fluid external to the tank into the tank, an elongated fluid distribution tube fluidly connected to the pump and disposed, at least in part, in the tank and in juxtaposed relation along and between the opposite ends of the sleeve, and a plurality of outlet nozzles or spray jets to discharge and circulate the external chilled fluid at the sleeve.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to this invention there is provided a method of cooling a container comprising the steps of providing a cooling apparatus, the apparatus including a tank provided with a low freezing point cooling fluid and a thin walled sleeve of polymeric material having an internal chamber and immersed, at least in part, in the cooling fluid, supporting the beverage container in the internal chamber, and withdrawing the air in the chamber to lower the pressure therein and draw the wall of the sleeve into engagement with the container, the engagement of the sleeve wall with the container causing heat transfer between the container and the cooling fluid.

Preferably, the method includes the steps of rotating the container in the chilling fluid and directing externally chilled cooling fluid about the sleeve. Further, the directing is performed by a longitudinal array of fluid jets that direct chilled fluid external to the tank towards and along a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve

According to this method, the steps of removing the air from the sleeve to pull a vacuum, rotating the sleeve, and directing external chilled cooling fluid at the sleeve are substantially concurrent and results in fluid circulating about and along the sleeve. Preferably, the duration of rotation of the sleeve and beverage container assembly and fluid circulation about the sleeve is set according to a desired degree of cooling of the beverage container.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a sleeve for positioning a beverage container into a chilling fluid at a lower temperature than the beverage temperature to chill the beverage in the container by heat exchange, comprising a resiliently deformable one-piece membrane formed into a generally cylindrical longitudinally elongated thin-walled body that is closed at a lower end and open at an upper end and defines an exterior surface in contact with and cooled by the chilling fluid and internally thereof an internal chamber for receiving, encircling and supporting the beverage container to be chilled, the membrane being thin walled and adapted to collapse radially inwardly and into engagement with the beverage container and provided with at least one longitudinally extending rib for controlling the cylindrical shape of the sleeve during collapse of the wall by inhibiting axial movement of the lower end towards the upper end and shortening of the sleeve shape.

Advantageously, in the chilling apparatus herein the closed loop chilling fluid (e.g, glycol) circuit prevents exposure of the glycol to the product and permits recycling and recharge.

Temperature feedback electronics, enhanced by IR sensors, ensure that the bottle reaches a desired temperature and without operator intervention.

Provision of a spray jets/nozzles, such as in circular array in a manifold ring, and immersion of the bladder in bath of chilling glycol fluid, accelerates the chilling sequence.

Provision of an overflow valve desirably ensures constant renewal of temperature state. Additionally, fluid evacuation by computer controlled solenoid valves enhance the temperature reaching and maintaining a desired state.

The present invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and to the following Detailed Description, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and where:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an operational view of an arrangement according to the present invention for cooling or chilling beverage containers;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view looking down at the top of a cooling apparatus with a closure lid in an open position and a wine bottle to be chilled disposed in a chilling tank of the cooling apparatus;

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are, respectively, a side elevation view, a front elevation view and a top plan view of the cooling apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the cooling apparatus of FIG. 4 but with the closure lid in the closed position and illustrating the wine bottle relative to a membrane or heat exchanging sleeve, a support screen, and a drive mechanism for rotating the membrane and bottle assembly relative to the apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cooling apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 showing detail of the drive mechanism and mechanical linkage arrangement;

FIG. 9 is a partial section view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6 showing detail of the cooling apparatus and the drive mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a cooling apparatus, similar to FIG. 3, including the resilient membrane for supporting the bottle, the support screen encircling the membrane, and a ring manifold jet spray arrangement encircling the bottle for radially directing coolant fluid at the membrane;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are, respectively, a side elevation view and a top plan view of the support membrane;

FIG. 13 is an axial section view of the support membrane taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged portion of the axial section as seen in FIG. 13 showing detail of the support membrane sidewall and a rib thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement for cooling or chilling a beverage container, such as bottles or cans, and beverages to be cooled or chilled, such as beer, wine, soda, fruit juices and other fluids to be cooled. The arrangement for cooling is generally indicated by the reference number 10 and includes a cooling or chilling apparatus 12, which includes a chill housing 14 and closure lid 16, a refrigerator system 18 for chilling fluids, a fluid pump 20 in operable relation with the refrigerator system and the chill housing, and a vacuum pump 22 in operable relation with the closure lid 16. The interrelationship and operation of the above note elements will be described in greater detail herein below.

Importantly, not should be made that the chilling fluid is distributed via a closed loop circuit that prevents exposure of the chilling fluid to the atmosphere or to the product being chilled.

Turning to FIGS. 2-5 and 10, the chill housing 14 is generally cylindrical, upwardly open, and defines an upper annular end face 24 and an interior tank 26 for receiving a supply of low freezing point cooling or chilling fluid 28. The housing 14 also includes an inlet port 30 for receiving externally supplied chilling fluid and an outlet discharge or evacuation port 32 for discharging fluid from the interior tank 26 heated by the chilling process.

The refrigeration system 18 and fluid pump 20 are conventional and will not be described in detail. In general, the refrigeration system 18 includes cooling coils and a thermostat. The fluid pump 20 draws heated fluid from the tank 26 via the outlet port 32 and into the refrigeration system 18, and the coils then cool the discharged fluid. The pump 20 then passes the fluid that has been cooled to a desired preset temperature and directs this chilled fluid into the inlet port 30. As will be described herein below, this cooled fluid in then passed through a fluid distribution tube 34.

Preferably, the refrigerator system 18 operates to maintain the temperature of the chilling fluid 28 at between at a temperature of between about −30.0° C. and about 5.0° C.

While many cooling or chilling liquids are known, preferably the chilling liquid comprises a low freezing point liquid and more preferably a solution containing food quality glycol. The cooling or chilling liquid is preferably a solution of propylene glycol and water of 50% concentration, or brine.

The closure lid 16 is hingedly disposed at 17 atop the housing and movable between an open position (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 10) and a closed position (see FIG. 6). The lid 16 is dome shaped and defined by an interior surface that includes an outer annular end face 36 and a dome shaped central cavity 38. When in the closed position, the annular end faces 24 and 36 form a seal with one another. In some applications, such as for use in long-necked wine bottles, the dome cavity may also be formed to include a cylindrical recess or socket 40 for nesting the upward end of the wine bottle.

Due to the quick nature of the chilling, humidity may be condensed to a liquid inside the membrane. In some applications, a fan in the vacuum lid 16 may be provided for a short operation or cycle initiated after the bottle is removed.

According to an important aspect of this invention, there is provided a resilient membrane or sleeve 44 and a drive system 46 including a drive motor and mechanical linkage arrangement for mounting and supporting the membrane in the cooling fluid and rotating the membrane relative to the fluid.

Additionally an outlet port 42 is provided in the closure or vacuum lid 16, which is in communication with the vacuum pump 22, the chamber 38, and the interior of a wine receiving membrane 44.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 11-13, the membrane 44 comprises a body of resiliently deformable material, preferably preformed and one piece, such as by an extrusion process, into a sleeve or shaped bladder. The bladder or shaped sleeve 44 includes a cylindrical sidewall 53 that is closed at a lower end 48, open at an upper end 50, and defines internally thereof an internal chamber 52 for receiving, encircling and supporting the beverage container “B” to be chilled. The exterior surface 54 of the sidewall 53 is adapted to be immersed in and cooled by the chilling fluid 28 by contact therewith. The sleeve 44 is generally longitudinally elongated, thin walled, and centered about a central geometrical longitudinal axis.

The upper end 50 defines an annular flange that is generally perpendicular to the sleeve longitudinal axis and is adapted to seat in a keeper or drive disk 56 that is rotated by the drive system 46. When the lid 16 is in closed relation with the housing 14, the annular end faces 24 and 36 form a closure seal with the annular flange 50.

Desirably, the closed-end bladder or sleeve 44 enables a wine bottle to be chilled in the sleeve without ever being exposed to the chilling fluid 28.

While many materials are suitable, the sleeve is preferably a thermoplastic material, and preferably, thermoplastic polyurethane, and wherein the longitudinally extending cylindrical sidewall or collapsible deformation element thereof comprises a thickness of about 0.125 mm.

In the embodiments illustrated, the material of the sleeve is preferably thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and like materials as providing a combination of high elongation and wear and tensile strength tear-cut resistance and toughness and form a bridge between rubber polymers and thermoplastics. Further, these materials are soft, resiliently flexible, have good low temperature flexibility as well as excellent resistance to solvents and chemicals. Additionally, these materials provide excellent damping, rebound and elasticity characteristics, such as providing increased elastic memory, providing good stretch from 2-6 times with endurance and elasticity. Stretch according to the thickness elasticity keeps in normal condition from +70° C to −35° C.

An example of a suitable TPU is the the Elastollan® brand TPU from BASF, based in Wyandotte, Mich.

Further and according to this invention, and referring to FIGS. 11-14, one or more axially elongated longitudinal ribs 58 are provided about the exterior surface 54 of the sidewall 53 of the membrane 44, the ribs extending between the opposite ends of the sleeve. The ribs 58 control the shape of the sleeve 44 during collapse of the wall into engagement with the exterior surface of the beverage container, as will be described herein below.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the drive system or arrangement 46 includes a drive motor and mechanical linkage or coupling arrangement for mounting and supporting the membrane in the cooling fluid and rotating the membrane relative to the fluid. In general, the keeper or drive disk 56 is connected to a crank wheel 60 via a link arm 62 and driven by a motor 64. Operation of the drive system 46 by the motor 64 causes the assembly of the sleeve 44 and the beverage container B to rotate relative to the sleeve longitudinal axis and the captivation thereof relative to the drive disk 56. The drive disk is rotated by the drive arrangement relative to a central geometrical axis of the housing 14.

It should be noted that the present invention is amenable to other drive systems such as a servo-electric drive, cam drivers, and fluid-hydraulic drives.

While not shown, an adjustable timer mechanism for setting and controlling the duration of sleeve rotation relative to the chilling fluid is provided. The adjustable timer when timed-out stops the rotation of the beverage container and the operation of the means for maintaining and controlling the temperature of the chilling fluid.

A cylindrical protector screen 64 of mesh material projects downwardly into the tank 26 and is disposed in encircling relation about the sleeve 44. The mesh size and spacing of the screen from the sleeve depends on the application but is such as to permit cooling fluid to contact the exterior surface of the membrane 44. The purpose of the screen 64 is to limit physical stress that is placed on the membrane 44 when inserting or extracting a bottle or product to be chilled as well as maintain some degree of axial alignment during rotation of the sleeve 44 by the drive arrangement 46.

The vacuum pump 22 operates to withdraw air through the port and from within the interior chamber of the sleeve, and thereby reduce the air pressure therein, much like a straw in withdrawing liquid from a glass. By this process, the cylindrical sidewall 53 of the sleeve 44 collapses and is pulled into engagement with the exterior surface of the wine bottle.

Important to this invention, the size, location, and number of the ribs 58 allow for improved heat transfer by controlling the behavior of the membrane 44 in the vacuum cycle allowing a thinner membrane or bladder 44 to be constructed for a faster heat transfer over a larger surface area. Additionally, the ribs 58 also operate to obviate mechanical stresses induced into the membrane 58 in the movement cycle of the process.

When the vacuum is initiated, the bottle B and the sleeve 44 are sucked toward the lid 16, creating an unpredictable position, so the ribs 58 help maintain the bottle properly positioned. The amount of surface area that does not get excess crinkled membrane could also be controlled for common diameter of wine bottle to membrane envelope diameter.

Additionally when the vacuum is removed the ribs 58 will act as a memory for the membrane to return to its original size and position in the relaxed state. This will allow for easier extraction of the bottle and less likelihood that the membrane will cling to the bottle.

The vacuum device can be of any type initiated by an “on” signal coupled with system interlocks. This will also create a seal for the lid to maintain the environment of rapid chilling.

The fluid distribution tube 34 in the fluid cooling fluid is axially elongated and provided with an array of spaced apart spray jets 66. While two are shown, depending on the application, one may be sufficient. The jets 66 are positioned along the exterior of the protection screen 64 and direct refrigerated cooling fluid received from the refrigeration system 18 at the membrane 44. Depending on the application, the jets direct and circulate the chilled fluid relative to the sleeve in manner to induce turbulent flow in the fluids thereabout and effectuate heat transfer between the bottle and the chilling fluid.

In an aspect of this invention, an infra red (IR) sensor 68 is integrated into the lid 16 with the sensing portion thereof adapted to beam a signal off of the wine bottle when disposed in chilling relation in the membrane 44 whereby to read the temperature of the wine bottle. The sensor 68 provides a non-contact, non-destructive test method that utilizes a thermal imager to detect, display and record thermal patterns and temperatures across the surface of the wine bottle, or other object of interest. Infrared thermography provides the user with meaningful data about thermal condition of the bottle being chilled as well as information about the electrical, mechanical and structural systems of the chilling arrangement.

Additionally, the IR sensor senses and transmits a signal that the closure is interlocked and in airtight or vacuum-sealed relation with the housing opening and regulating the pressure in the sleeve. Infrared sensing desirably provides continuous operation control information for temperature control feedback on the chilling sequence and fluid evacuation process.

A process control unit “C” is in electrical circuit relation with the sensor 43 to ensure, substantially simultaneously and in a continuous fashion, that the refrigeration system 28 is properly supplying chilled fluid 28 and that the fluid temperature in the chilling tank is maintained at a desired temperature, that the vacuum pump 22 and drive system 46 are operating properly, and to indicate when a desired bottle temperature has been achieved. The sensor also enables temperature control feedback on the chilling operation and the fluid evacuation process of fluid 28 from the chilling chamber 26.

In this regard, the control unit “C” is adapted to impart a controlled motion to the product being chilled to facilitate a more even chilling method in a controlled temperature bath. This imparted motion is not limited to a single type of motion but one that can execute pre-programmed motion profiles to maximize internal product mixing based on differing geometry of product containers and fluid characteristics. Important to the chilling process is evacuation of the chilling fluid for temperature control to the product being chilled. Fluid evacuation manages efficiencies of refrigeration and renewal of fluid to a constant temperature state as well as disabling the heat exchange process in a controlled state.

Vacuum containerization of the product (wine bottle) to the chilling bladder 44 provides for faster and more effective heat exchange with the product contained therein. As will be understood, the geometry of the internal chamber 52 may be other than shown for dimensional control of the bladder 44 as well as functional operation.

Additionally, in an important aspect, the control system “C” is provided with software procedures wherein algorithms receive information on a real time basis and initiate and control a sequence of steps to be followed by the systems described herein. Importantly, the algorithm can be based on product containerization of the product to the chilling bladder and preferred product consumption temperatures. This is in relation to the volume and sizes of product to be chilled (e.g., 20 ounces, 750 milliliter, 1 liter, etc.), the thickness and/or overall geometrical shape of the container, and materials used to containerize the product, (e.g., glass, plastic, metal, cardboard) along with the motion profile of the product, wherein to provide the desired chilling construct.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment of a container chilling apparatus 112 is shown, wherein other like numbers refer to like structures described herein above. Further, certain elements are not shown (e.g., the drive system 46) as having been described above. The complete operation (e.g., chilling of the fluid 28, monitoring the temperature of the fluid, cycling of the chill fluid 28, rotating the bottle, and monitoring the temperature of the bottle) is controlled by a predetermined algorithm and appropriate computer system to continuously monitor a chilling operation.

Importantly and according to this embodiment, an annular flange 113 is secured to the inner wall of the chill housing 114 and an elongated cylindrical wire frame protector screen 164 is supported from the flange. As before, the protector screen 164 encircles the cylindrical membrane sleeve 44 and the wine bottle B disposed within the sleeve for controlling stresses to the bladder and chilling components.

Instead of a series of angularly arranged longitudinally extending fluid distribution tubes 34, each with a linear array of spray jets 66 for directing chilling fluid inwardly at the membrane, an annular fluid distribution manifold or ring 134 is supported, or positioningly mounted, atop the flange 113. The manifold ring 134 is disposed like a “halo” about the upper end portion of the sleeve 44, proximate to the neck N of the bottle, and positions the outlets from a plurality of spray jets 66 disposed equiangularly therearound to direct cooling fluid from the reservoir radially inwardly towards the membrane. Desirably, the manifold ring 134 imparts immediate chilling when the operation commences.

Chilling fluid is presented from the reservoir to the chilling apparatus 112, whereupon the fluid passes through the inlet port 30, through the vertically disposed fluid distribution tube 34, into the fluid manifold ring 134, and outwardly of the jets 66. The term halo is used in the sense that the outlet of the distribution tube 34 is connected to a ring shaped structure, but in fluid communication therewith.

A fluid overflow line 135 operates to return excess fluid 28 from the interior tank 26 to the system reservoir.

An IR sensor 168 is provided in the central cavity 38 of the lid 16 and directs a beam 169 towards the neck of the bottle in the membrane 44 to determine if the desired bottle temperature has been achieved.

As before, a vacuum pump 22 is operable to withdraw air from the internal chamber 52 of the bladder 44 to draw the sidewall 53 of the bladder towards the bottle exterior surface of the bottle and enhance heat transfer between the temperature of the chilling fluid 28 and the exterior surface of the bottle.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. Cooling apparatus for chilling a beverage container, comprising a housing defining internally thereof a chilling tank adapted to receive a low freezing point chilling fluid and a shaped sleeve of resiliently deformable material closed at a lower end and open at an upper end and defining internally thereof an internal chamber for receiving, encircling and supporting the beverage container to be chilled and an exterior surface in contact with and cooled by the chilling fluid, means for withdrawing the air and lowering the pressure in said internal chamber and thereby cause the sleeve material to be drawn, at least in part, into engagement with the exterior surface of the beverage container and transfer heat between the chilling fluid and the beverage container, and means for controlling and maintaining the temperature of the chilling fluid at a predetermined temperature.

2. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for moving the sleeve within the chilling fluid and in a predetermined manner based in part on the geometry and external shape of one and the other, respectively, of said beverage container and sleeve.

3. The cooling apparatus according to claim 2, further wherein said sleeve is generally longitudinally elongated, cylindrical shaped and thin walled.

4. The cooling apparatus according to claim 3, further including means for controlling the shape of the sleeve during collapse of the wall into engagement with the exterior surface of the beverage container.

5. The cooling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said means for controlling comprises an axially elongated rib on the exterior surface of the sleeve, the rib extending between the opposite ends of the sleeve and operating to permit inward radial collapse of the wall but inhibit axial movement of the lower end towards the upper end and shortening of the sleeve shape.

6. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is a single piece.

7. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises a thermoplastic material.

8. The cooling apparatus of claim 7, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.

9. The cooling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for controlling and maintaining the temperature of the chilling fluid includes a fluid pump and a refrigeration unit in fluid communication with a reservoir to pump chilling fluid from the refrigeration unit to the chilling tank and circulate and withdraw chilling fluid from the chilling tank the temperature of which fluid is raised as a result of heat transfer between the sleeve during contact with the chilling fluid circulated in the tank, and a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the chilling fluid in the chilling tank at a predetermined temperature.

10. The cooling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the thermostat operates to maintain the chilling fluid at a temperature of between −30° C. and 5.0° C.

11. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chilling fluid is selected from a group consisting of a glycol, a mixture of glycol and water, and brine.

12. The cooling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for moving includes a motor and mechanical linkage arrangement for rotating the sleeve and an adjustable timer mechanism for setting and controlling the duration of sleeve rotation relative to the chilling fluid, the adjustable timer when timed-out stopping the rotation of the beverage container and the operation of the means for maintaining and controlling.

13. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a screen element disposed in encircling relation about the sleeve, said screen element operating to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve during positioning of the container therewithin and movement of the screen and bottle assembly but not inhibiting fluid circulation against and heat transfer between the exterior surface of the screen.

14. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

said housing includes an opening communicating with said chilling tank, and a closure movable between closed and open positions relative to said opening for gaining and closing access to the chilling tank,

said sleeve extends downwardly from said opening,

said means for withdrawing the air and lowering the pressure in the internal chamber of said sleeve comprises a port in said closure operably connected to apparatus to withdraw air through the port and from said compartment when the closure is in said closed position, and further comprising

means for transmitting a signal that the closure is interlocked and in sealed relation with the housing opening.

15. A method of cooling a container comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cooling apparatus, the apparatus including a tank provided with a low freezing point cooling fluid and a thin walled sleeve of a resiliently deformable polymeric material immersed, at least in part, in the cooling fluid, the sleeve being upwardly open and including an internal chamber sized to receive the container, (b) placing the container in the internal chamber of the sleeve, and (c) withdrawing the air in the chamber to lower the pressure therein and draw the wall of the sleeve into engagement with the container, the engagement of the sleeve wall material with the container causing heat to transfer from the container to the cooling fluid.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of rotating the container in the chilling fluid and directing externally chilled cooling fluid about the sleeve.

17. The method according to claim 15, further wherein the step of directing is performed by an array of fluid jets that substantially simultaneously direct chilled fluid external to the tank towards the exterior of the sleeve, and further wherein the duration of fluid circulation is set according to a desired degree of cooling of the container.

18. A wine bottle cooler comprising a housing defining an interior tank for receiving a mixture of low freezing point liquid for cooling the bottle, a sleeve open at an upper end and closed at a lower end and defining internally thereof a chamber for receiving the bottle, the sleeve disposed in the tank for supporting the bottle in the cooling liquid, a closure juxtaposed with the upper end and movable between open and closed positions for gaining and closing access to the internal chamber, means for evacuating any air from the sleeve when the closure is in said closed position, and fluid pumping means for circulating chilling fluid at a predetermined temperature into the tank and around the bottle and from the tank.

19. The wine bottle cooler as claimed in claim 18, wherein a motor and a mechanical linkage is provided to rotate the sleeve about a central longitudinal axis thereof and sufficiently rapidly relative to the chilling fluid to induce turbulent flow in the fluid and effectuate heat transfer between the bottle and the chilling fluid when the air is evacuated from the sleeve.

20. The wine bottle cooler as claimed in claim 19, wherein said fluid pumping means comprises a pump for introducing chilled fluid external to the tank into the tank, an elongated fluid distribution tube fluidly connected to the pump and disposed, at least in part, in the tank and in juxtaposed relation along and between the opposite ends of the sleeve, and a plurality of outlet nozzles to discharge and circulate the external chilled fluid passed through the distribution tube radially inwardly towards the sleeve.