Dry ice dispenser

Abstract

The present inventions provides a container for dry ice, an entrance for the dry ice and a permeable surface wherein for the duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor created by the dry ice inside the container and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the entrance is configured to open and securely close. In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the container further comprises a patch to close the entrance.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/204,258, filed Jan. 6, 2009 and titled “Method, process and associated apparatus for the safe dispensation of dry ice in food applications”

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to the field of safe dispensation of dry ice in food applications.

Dry ice can be used to create a visual fog effect using fluid.

Dry ice can be hazardous and cause injury if handled incorrectly or ingested.

Dry ice can cause frostbite and asphyxiation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application aims to solve safety issues related to the dispensation of dry ice in food applications for creating a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of the server or being accidentally swallowed by the consumer and causing frostbite. It is also designed to increase the rate of consumption of food and beverages by creating greater demand and by creating a perception that a food serving has lost some utility once the visual fog effect is over. This perceived loss of utility might encourage the consumer to order a replacement.

The following definitions are to be used in this application when referring to dry ice and its properties, characteristics and elements.

Vapor: The gaseous state of a substance that is liquid or solid under ordinary conditions.

Vaporization: Conversion of a substance from the liquid or solid phase into the gaseous, or vapor phase.

The present invention provides a dry ice container, an entrance to insert the dry ice into the container and a permeable surface wherein during vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the entrance is configured to receive dry ice and securely close.

In another preferred aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a lid to close the entrance.

In another preferred aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a fastener that functions to insure the seal of the entrance.

In another preferred aspect of the invention, the permeable surface functions to carbonate and cool a fluid outside the container.

In another preferred aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a handle that is made of a stick, a chain, a string or a foodstuff.

The present invention also provides a method for dispensing dry ice by providing the invention apparatus, inserting a dry ice into the invention, closing the entrance, and then submerging the invention in a fluid.

The present invention also provides a dry ice dispensing system, comprising a fluid, a fluid container, a dry ice supply, a dry ice container, and a permeable surface wherein for a substantial duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and substantially prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

In another preferred aspect, the dry ice dispensing system further comprises an automation apparatus configured to insert the dry ice into the container entrance and close the container entrance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment with the entrance open.

FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment with the entrance closed.

FIG. 2a shows a schematic view of a dry ice dispensing system with the entrance open.

FIG. 2b shows a schematic view of a dry ice dispensing system with the entrance closed and submerged in a fluid.

FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flap and the entrance open.

FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flap and the entrance closed.

FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flexible arm and fastener and with the entrance open.

FIG. 4b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flexible arm and fastener and with the entrance closed.

FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with the entrance open.

FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with the entrance pinched closed.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a cover attached to an axle.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a cover attached to a hinge.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional chain.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the use of “a”, “an”, or “the” can refer to the plural. All examples given are for clarification only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b,

an embodiment of a dry ice dispenser includes:

a dry ice container 101 that is comprised of a permeable surface such that there are a plurality of holes 102 in the dry ice container 101. The shape of the dry ice container 101 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or may be a shaped to resemble a figure or icon that may be used to create a marketing message. The container 101 may be comprised of plastic, metal, glass, wood, or edible material. Preferably there may be approximately at least 1 to 120 holes 102 in the container 101. The individual holes 102 may have surface areas that are at least equal to a circle 1 mm to 4 mm in diameter, more preferably 2 mm to 3 mm in diameter, so as to prevent a potentially hazardous amount of dry ice from exiting the dry ice container 101. The dry ice container 101 has an entrance 105 where dry ice may be inserted and sealed closed. FIG. 1a shows the entrance 105 open and FIG. 1b shows the entrance 105 closed making use of a hinge 103, although it would be obvious that the entrance 105 may open and close without a hinge 103. Additionally this embodiment includes a handle 104 although it is not essential to the invention. The handle 104 may be accessorized with a multitude of elements that may include decorative elements, foodstuff elements, lighting elements, text elements, or marketing materials.

In operation the dry ice entrance 105 would be open allowing a piece of dry ice to be inserted inside the dry ice container 101. The entrance 105 would then be securely closed and thereby allow the safe dispensation of dry ice into a food application.

Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b,

an embodiment of a dry ice dispensing system includes:

dry ice 201 contained inside a dry ice container 101 that is submerged in a fluid 203 that is contained inside a fluid container 202. (such as a drinking glass or a bowl). FIG. 2a shows the dry ice 201 inside the dry ice container 101 and FIG. 2b shows the dry ice container 101 submerged in a fluid 203. When the dry ice container 101 is submerged in the fluid 203, the permeable surface 102 allows the fluid 203 to flow into the dry ice container 101 and create vapor. The vapor exits the dry ice container 101 via the permeable surface 102 and mixes with the fluid 203. Some of the vapor will dissolve into the fluid 203 creating carbonic acid effectively carbonating the fluid. Since vapor gas is less dense than fluid 203, majority of the vapor will rise to the top surface of the fluid 203. When the vapor rises to this level a visual fog effect results. The fluid 203 chosen may be of any kind of fluid preferably with a high water content. One skilled in the art will realize a plethora of good fluids 203. Since dry ice 201 has a temperature of −78.5° C. the fluid 203 that comes in contact with the dry ice 201 may be cooled.

Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b,

in another embodiment dry ice container 101 has an adhesible surface 302 that surrounds the dry ice entrance 105. The dry ice entrance 105 may be sealed with a flap or patch 301. The flap 301 may be comprised of a flexible material that seals well, such as plastic, foam, aluminum foil, or laminated cardboard. The flap 301 may adhere to the adhesible surface 302 using adhesives, high temperature bonding, or zip lock bond. FIG. 3b shows the flap 301 mid way to sealing the dry ice entrance 105.

Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b,

in another embodiment dry ice container 101 has a flexible arm 401 that is attached to lid 402. The lid may securely seal the dry ice entrance 105 using a fastener, preferably a zip tie. The fastener may be comprised of a gear rack 403 and ratchet 404. Preferably the ratchet 404 allows linear movement of the gear rack 403 in one direction only. All the elements including the dry ice container 101, flexible arm 401, lid 402 and fastener may be manufactured as a single component and may be comprised of plastic. FIG. 4b shows the dry ice entrance 105 sealed by the lid 402 while the flexible arm 401 is still attached to both the dry ice container 101 and lid 402. FIG. 4b also shows the gear rack 403 pulled through the ratchet 404 thus securely closing the entrance 105.

Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b,

in another embodiment dry ice container 101 is comprised of a flexible material such that the dry ice entrance 105 may be pinched closed and sealed. FIG. 5b shows the dry ice entrance 105 pinched closed. The seal 501 may be achieved using adhesives, high temperature bonding, or zip lock bond.

Referring to FIG. 6,

in another embodiment dry ice container 101 has a dry ice entrance 105 that is closed using a disc 601 that may rotate on an axle 602 that is attached to the dry ice container 101. The disc 601 may rotate in a direction such that the planer surface of the disc 105 significantly covers the surface area of the dry ice entrance 105.

Referring to FIG. 7,

in another embodiment, dry ice container 101 has a dry ice entrance 105 that is closed using a cover 701 that is attached to a hinge 702. The hinge 702 is attached to both the container 101 and the cover 701.

Referring to FIG. 8,

in another embodiment dry ice container 101 is attached to a chain 801 that is further attached to an anchor 802. The anchor 802 may function to allow the chain 801 to drape over the edge of a container without falling. The chain 801 and anchor 802 may be comprised of materials such as metal, plastic, or fibers.

Referring to FIG. 9,

in another embodiment dry ice container 101 is attached to a hollow tube 901. The tube 901 pierces the container 101 thus providing an exit for vapor inside the container 101. The tube 901 could also be configured not to pierce the container 101 and run along the side of the container 101 thus allowing the tube 901 to function as a drinking straw.

An advantage of all the embodiments shown is that the dry ice container 101 may contain dry ice 201 and create a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of the server or being accidentally swallowed by the consumer and causing frostbite.

Of course, the various aspects of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9 may be mixed and matched as desired, where possible.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to only those embodiments shown.

For example, the container 101 may be comprised of three or more modular pieces that join together to comprise a container.

For another example, the container 101 and handle 104 may be comprised of any edible substance.

For another example, the handle 104 may be comprised of a string, chain, wire, or cable.

For another example, the holes 102 may be configured to display a textual image.

For another example, the hollow tube 901 may be have a manifold arrangement.

Claims

1) A dry ice dispenser comprising:

a dry ice container;

a dry ice entrance; and

a permeable surface wherein for a substantial duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and substantially prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

2) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 1, wherein the permeable surface is configured to allow a fluid outside the dry ice container to enter the dry ice container.

3) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 1, wherein the permeable surface is configured to allow dry ice inside the container carbonate a fluid outside the dry ice container.

4) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is configured to substantially receive dry ice.

5) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 1, wherein the entrance is configured to substantially securely close.

6) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least a flap and a patch configured to substantially securely close the entrance.

7) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 6, further comprises a fastener configured to substantially seal the entrance.

8) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 1, further comprising a handle member configured to provide a user interface.

9) A dry ice dispenser comprising

a container for a dry ice member;

an entrance for the dry ice member; and

a permeable surface

wherein the container is configured to substantially receive the dry ice member,

wherein the entrance is configured to substantially securely close,

wherein for a substantial duration of vaporization and sublimation the permeable surface is configured to provide an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice member, prevent the dry ice member from exiting the container, allow fluid outside the container to enter the container, and carbonate fluid outside the container

10) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 9, further comprises at least a flap and a patch configured to substantially securely close the entrance.

11) The dry ice dispenser claimed in claim 9, further comprising a handle member configured to provide a user interface.

12) A method of dispensing dry ice comprising:

providing the apparatus as claimed in claim 2,

substantially inserting a vaporizer through the entrance,

substantially securely closing the entrance, and

substantially submerging the apparatus in a fluid.

13) A dry ice dispensing system, comprising:

a fluid;

a fluid container;

a dry ice;

a dry ice container; and

a permeable surface wherein for a substantial duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the dry ice container created by the dry ice and substantially prevents the dry ice from exiting the dry ice container.

14) The dry ice system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the permeable surface is configured to allow the fluid from the fluid container to enter the dry ice container.

15) The dry ice system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the permeable surface is configured to allow dry ice inside the dry ice container carbonate the fluid in the fluid container.

16) The dry ice system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the dry ice container comprises an entrance configured to substantially receive the dry ice and substantially securely close.

17) The dry ice system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the dry ice container further comprises at least a flap and a patch configured to substantially close the entrance.

18) The dry ice system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a handle member configured to provide a user interface.

19) The dry ice system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a dry ice manufacturing apparatus configured to create a supply of dry ice.

20) The dry ice system as claimed in claim 13 further comprising an automation apparatus configured to substantially insert the dry ice into the dry ice container entrance and substantially close the dry ice container entrance.