Cooling Utensil for Anti Freezing Crack or Distortion
A cooling utensil has developed for anti freezing crack and distortion to serve a food or beverage, comprising that: first member formed dual container with opening, on outer lateral surface of outer container formed male thread, cavity between the inner and outer container filled water or coolant; inner container is for containing the served food; second member opposite the first member forms female thread on inside lateral surface for mating to the mail thread of the first member; elastic plate disposed between the first and second members for removable sealing the cooling cavity. The elastic plate has properties of flexibility, restoring capability. The cavity is fully-filled water or coolant to constantly contact with the inner surface of food containing portion, which has either one of dual cylindrical, dual square or other pitcher-shaped containers. The cooling cavity allows the coolant expanding when it freezes, so the utensil prevents from the freezing crack or distortion.
This application is a Divisional of patent application Ser. No. 12/733,285, which is filed Feb. 22, 2010 and claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0088704, which is filed Sep. 1, 2007 and entire disclosure of which is herewith incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cooling utensil for maintaining cold temperature, while the food is serving. More particularly, the utensil has a special built-in compartment forming a cavity with a flexible plate to fill the water or coolant for freezing or cooling in a freezer. The cooling utensil will not crack or distort while the water in the utensil compartment is freezing in the refrigerator.
2. Related Prior Art
A conventional cooling utensil has an internal cavity to fully or partially fill the water for cooling or freezing. If the cavity is fully filled the water, it will cause the utensil broken due to the volume expansion while the water is freezing in the freezer. Depending on the material, the utensil will be cracked for the ceramic or glass, and will be distorted or burst for the metal plate or plastic product. As a result, the damaged utensil can be used no longer to serve the food.
Accordingly, the internal cavity of the utensil is not fully filled the water for providing an air pocket. If the water is freezing, the air pocket formed on top of the water compensates the ice expansion, but it causes an inferior heat transfer between the ice and the serving food on the utensil.
On the other hand, if the utensil is put upside down while the water is freezing in the freezer, the freezing utensil might be good heat transfer at the beginning of usage, but it will not go longer as the ice start melting to form the air pocket underneath the food contacting surfaces. The cooling effect between the ice and the served food on the utensil will be rapidly decreased. Therefore, it is hard to achieve the purpose of maintaining the served food cool, fresh and testy during the eating.
Other conventional cooling utensil has a separated cooling unit, which has formed a drawer for filling ice or dry-ice and inserting into underneath of the utensil to indirectly contact with the serving food. However, this kind of conventional cooling utensil usually has a big gap between the drawer and the utensil body. Due to the large gap, the cooling effect is rapidly vanished.
It is also inconvenient to handle the main body of the utensil and the separated cooling unit for separately preparing the ice or dry ice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn order to solve the problems mentioned above of the conventional utensils, a cooling utensil for anti-crack and distortion of the present invention has developed. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flexible tube or a compartment being made of an elastic plate with restoring capability. The compartment is enveloped by the upper part and the lower part of the utensil with a plug for filling the water.
A new cooling utensil is demanded that would not be cracked or distorted during the freezing process due to the volume expansion of the ice. Even if the ice is melting inside of the utensil, it must be maintained the low temperature to keep the served food in cool condition for a long time. It is also required a simple structure for easily manufacturing by using the various materials and assembling the product with lower cost. So, the utensil must be designed simple and versatile to assemble in the various styles. It must have durability not to explode, even if the utensil is heated on the flame by a mistake.
In order to achieve the aforementioned purpose, a cooling utensil of the present invention has adopted a special design of compartment to fill the water or coolant for freezing to serving. Such a compartment, which is made of an elastic plate having restoring capability, has formed a cooling cavity between the upper part and lower part of the utensil. The outer surface of the upper part forms the various shapes of dishes or containers for directly contacting the served food, and an outer feature of the lower part forms a base of the utensils, such as a disk-shaped foundation, a standing legs or supporters. The upper part and lower part are brought together to be one body of the utensil by binding means, such as an assembling or welding.
The usage of the cooling utensil of the present invention is simple as follows: first, fill the water or coolant in the compartment, next, the utensil is placed in the freezer until the water is freezing. After completely freezing the water, the utensil is used to serve the food on it. The upper part, which is directly contacting the food, has assembled with the lower part to form a body. An elastic tube is installed between the upper part and the lower part for filling the water. A water inlet is connected the elastic tube, and a plug bolt is used for sealing the inlet.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a cooling utensil for anti freezing crack and distortion comprising that: a upper part (2) forming a plate shape for containing a food; a lower part (3) having the same shape of the upper part (2) for assembling the upper part (2) to be one body, the lower part (3) to be a base; an elastic plate (4) having properties of flexibility, restoring capability and water proof, formed in a smaller shape than that of the lower part (3) for fitting; a cavity (25) formed between the upper part (2) and elastic plate (4) for filling with water or coolant; a cooling cavity (31) formed between the elastic plate (4) and the lower part (3); and a plug bolt (5) to seal a cavity water inlet (25), a fastening bolt (7) and sealing ring (6) for assembling the upper part (2), the lower part (3) and the elastic plate (4); wherein the upper part (2) be a top plate, which has formed either one of a flat plate, a concave plate or a convex plate with a circular shape or rectangular shape, a condensed water drain means for draining the condensed water, and a coolant supplying means to fill the water or coolant forming a coolant inlet with a flanged circular opening and a female thread for mounting the plug bolt.
Preferably, a tube type supporting post (26) integrally attached under the upper part (2), a water channel (26a) directed to both lateral sides, the lower part water inlet (33) integrally attached to the lower part (3) forming a flowing passage around the fastening bolt (7) to match with the supporting post (26), the elastic plate (4) located between the upper part (2) and the lower part water inlet (3) forming an opening for passing through the water inlet (33), the cavity (25) being selectively filled with either water or coolant, and the fastening bolt (7) inserted through the supporting post (26) to tightly assemble the elastic plate (4), upper part (2) and lower part (3), all together.
More preferably, the plug bolt (5) further comprising a bolt head (51) forming an outer hollow and an inner hollow, an outer sealing seat (54a) formed on a step adjacent to the outer hollow and the inner hollow inside of a plug cap bolt (55) to mount an outer sealing ring (57) and an outer valve (54), an inner sealing seat (53a) forming on a step adjacent to the inner and outer hollows for mounting an annular sealing ring (56) and an inner valve (53) threaded to a tip of a T-shaped valve rod (52) and the outer valve (54) formed at a head of a T-shaped valve rod (52), and a compression spring (58) mounted on a stem of the T-shaped valve rod (52) for exerting a tension between the inner valve (53) and the plug cap bolt (55), wherein, the inner valve (53) and the outer valve (54) mounted on the T-shaped valve rod (52) is simultaneously acting as a safety valve when the utensil is over pressurized.
Further, the cooling utensil is alternatively comprising that; the upper part and lower part forming a rectangular tray shape including a pair of springs (8) for mounting on a mounting seat, which is located between the elastic plate (4a) and the lower part (3a) for assisting the restoring force when the elastic plate (4a) is exerting a recovering force and preventing deflection of the elastic plate (4a).
Preferably, the upper part and the lower part forming a bowl shape, the elastic plate having property of flexibility and elasticity for attaching on a surface of the bowl, and the fastening bolt (36) for assembling the upper part and the lower part to form a body, the fastening bolt (36) having a function of safety valve.
Preferably, the fastening bolt (36) further comprising the plug bolt (5i) forming a hollow channel at center with no bolt head, a sealing seat (53b) forming at a conjunction point of diameter step down inside of the hollow channel for mounting an annular sealing ring (56a), and a T-shaped valve (53c) having a round head and a tip forming a pin hole for inserting a split pin (59a), the annular sealing ring (56a) is inserted into the channel, a spring (58a) and a washer (59) are inserted into the stem of the T-shaped valve (53c), and the split pin (59a) put into the pin hole to be the plug bolt (5i) having a function of a safety valve.
Preferably, the upper part (2j) has formed a convex-shaped top with a series of grooves (23) from top to edge in the radial directions to drain the condensed water, an expansion circular flange (20) forming thin layers with a hollow between the layers at a junction of the upper part (2j) and the lower part (3j) for absorbing expansion or shrinking, the lower part (3j) forming a bellows-type handle (10) having elastically restoring force for preventing the distortion of the utensil, and alternatively having a cap nut (11) forming a female thread to close the lower part water inlet.
Preferably, the cooling cavity (31) formed in an inner space of a cooling bowl, the lower part (3k) having a circular opening at one lateral wall to form a water inlet (33), the circular opening mounted an inlet bushing, a water inlet (33) having a bushing (33a) and the plug bolt (5k) mounted at the center for sealing the cavity, an elastic tube (4k) made of material having flexibility, elastically restoring force and water proof is inserted into the cooling cavity (31) through the water inlet, and a plug bolt (5k) for closing the water inlet (33), wherein the lower part (3k) has built a dual wall to form a vacuum gap between the inner wall and the outer wall for insulation, the upper part (2k) has formed a plurality of protrusions (22) for draining the condensed water.
More preferably, the upper part (2p) forms a hemispherical-shaped top plate inclined to summit and a plurality of grooves (23) formed in the radial direction from the summit to a circumferential edge for draining the condensed water, a lower part water inlet (33) formed with a flanged circular opening and a female thread for mounting the plug bolt (5p).
Preferably, the upper part (2q) forms a hemispherical-shaped top plate inclined surface from circumferential edge to a center with a plurality of protrusions (22) to drain the condensed water, the lower part water inlet (33) forming female thread to mate a male thread of a cap nut (5n).
Further, another embodiment of a cooling utensil for anti freezing crack and distortion is used to serve a food or beverage, the cooling utensil comprising that: a first member forming an inner container and an outer container with openings, on outer surface of the outer container formed a coupling means, and the inner container being able to contain the serving food or beverage; a second member forming the container with top opening opposite to the first member and forming the coupling means for coupling to the first member; a cavity formed between the inner container and the outer container of the first member with downward opening to fill a coolant or water; an elastic plate (4d) located between the first member and the second member for sealing the coolant filled cavity of the first member, the elastic plate having properties of flexibility, restoring capability and water proof; a cooling cavity (31) formed between the elastic plate (4d) and the second member for providing a room to expand when the coolant is expanded; and a supporting means for assisting to restore the elastic plate (4d) when the coolant is shrunken; wherein the cavity is fully filled with the coolant or water without a gap, so that the coolant can be entirely contacted with inside surface of the inner container for properly heat transferring to the served food or beverage.
Preferably, the first member is formed a food containing portion, which has either one shape of a dual cylindrical container, dual square container or other pitcher-shaped container to contain the serving food or beverage.
Preferably, the food contacting part is evenly divided into two or several compartments by partitions.
Preferably, the coupling means is comprising a male thread formed at a lower lateral surface of the outer container of the first member, and a female thread formed at an inside lateral surface of the second member for coupling each other to form a cup shape.
Preferably, the elastic plate further comprises that: more than one bent shape or curved shape extension is formed into cross-section of the first member.
Preferably, the elastic plate is further comprising that: a vertical bent-up flange around edge of the annular frame is formed for wrapping a rim of the first member.
Preferably, the first member is further comprising an insulation layer is coated on inner surface of the outer container of the first member.
Preferably, the supporting means is further comprising that: more than one spring is mounted between the elastic plate and the second member for assisting to restore the elastic plate when the coolant is melted.
Preferably, the supporting means is further comprising that: more than one protrusion is formed on either or both the elastic plate and/or the second member for mounting the spring(s).
Preferably, the first member is further comprising that: a vacuum is formed in the cavity located between the inner and outer containers of the first member.
Preferably, the aid first member is further comprising that: a lid is included for sealing the food contained portion by opening and closing.
Preferably, the lid is further comprising that: an air vent is installed to relief a pressure difference in the food contained portion.
Preferably, the lid is further comprising that: a female thread is formed at inner lateral surface of a flange to mate with a male thread formed at outer lateral top portion of the first member for sealing the food containing portion by closing or opening.
Preferably, the lid is further comprising that: more than one groove is formed on the outer lateral surface of the flange of the lid; more than one sealing ring is mounted on the groove(s) for sealing the food containing portion; and a stepped stopper restricts the push-depth of the lid, whereby the lid is stopped at lateral surface of the food containing portion of the first member; so that the lid is removable sealed the food containing portion by pushing into the first member and unsealed by pulling off the first member.
Preferably, the lid is formed an upside down hat shape with more than one groove for mounting the rubber sealing ring by press-closing and/or pull-opening to seal the food containing portion.
Preferably, the cavity between the inner container and the outer container of the first member is formed a vacuum.
Hereinafter, the various types of the cooling utensils of the present invention will be described in detail accompanying with the drawings.
As seen in
Further, a center post (26) having female thread is integrally formed underneath the dome shape of the upper part (2) to thread the fastening bolt (7). A water inlet (33) is connected to a water channel (26a), which is formed at a core of the fastening bolt (7) under the lower part (3).
For displaying means of the temperature, a thermometer (24) can be used an analogue, a digital or a thermo-color being varied the color depending on the temperature changes.
The lower part (3) usually forming either a circular or a rectangular shape as same size and same of the upper part (2) to be a supporter or base of the utensil.
For other kind of utensil, the upper part (2), which is declined toward the center, has integrally formed a tube typed post (26) with a female thread to thread the fastening bolt (7). A water inlet (33), which is connected to a water tube, is formed at a core of the fastening bolt (7) under the lower part (3).
The elastic plate (4) is inserted between the upper part (2) and lower part (3) and tightly sealed one another for providing a cavity (25) to fill the water. A water inlet (33), which is located at the center of lower part (3), is formed through core of the fastening bolt (7). The supporting post (26) located under the center of the upper part (2) is connected to the water channel (26a) for filling the water to the cavity (25). When the water is poured into the water inlet (33), the water flow is passed through the supporting post (26) and water channel (26a) to the cavity (25). At the center of the elastic plate (4), a pair of an annular shaped sealing seat (41) is provided on both sides of the inlet cavity (25). A pair of edge sealing ring (42) is mounted along the circumferential grooves on both sides of the elastic plate (4). As the upper part, lower part, elastic plate (4) and sealing rings are assembled one another, then the fastening bolt (7) is inserted through the supporting post (26) to tightly fasten the final product. The sealing ring (42) and the annular shaped sealing seat (41) are properly mounted to prevent the leakage.
The elastic plate (4) must have a property of elasticity and restoring capability. Therefore, it could be made of rubber to be stable for the coolant or water for a long period of usage. Further, a metal plate forming a bellows shape can be used to have a property of elasticity and restoring capability. The elastic plate (4) could be altered the various shapes to have a property of elasticity and restoring capability.
Because the elastic plate (4) has flexibility and restoring capability, it will properly compensate the expansion or shrink depending on the freezing water or melt the ice. The sealing portions of the cavity (25) will prevent the leakage from the expansion or shrink. The fastening bolt (7) is integrally combined the upper part (2), the elastic plate (4), and lower part (3). The fastening bolt (7) has a hollow inside to form a female thread for mating to the plug bolt (5). A sealing ring (6) is inserted when the plug bolt (5) is inserted to the fastening bolt (7) for tightly sealing the inlet
Once the cooling utensil (1) is completely assembled, the plug bolt (5) is released to fully fill the water in the cavity (25). Then, the plug bolt (5) is inserted to the fastening bolt (7) for tightly sealing the inlet.
As shown in
The structure of the safety vale in the plug bolt (5) and its assembly procedure is as follows:
As shown in
Herein, the outer valve (54) of the T-shaped valve rod (52) is not only acting as a safety valve, but also acting as a stopper to prevent invasion of the foreign object for keeping clean. Such a structure of the plug bolt (5), the inner valve (53) and the outer valve (54) are mounted on the inner sealing seat (53a) and the outer sealing seat (54a), respectively for exerting the expanding force by the spring (58). The plug bolt (5) is sealed the filled water in the cavity (25) for cooling, but vent out the steam when it is unaware heating by retrieving outward the inner valve (53) and the outer valve (54), at same time to prevent the explosion.
The assembly process of the cooling utensil of the first embodiment of the present invention is as follows:
First, the elastic plate (4) is placed on top of the lower part (3) and sealed with the sealing parts. The upper part (2) is overlap on the assembled lower part (3) and sealed with the sealing parts. The fastening bolt (7) is inserted into the water inlet (33) to fasten the pre assembled the elastic plate (4), lower part (3) and upper part (2). Thus, the cavity is formed between the elastic plate (4) and the upper part (2) to fill the water. However, an air pocket (31) is formed between the elastic plate (4) and the lower part (3). When the water is filled, the water flows through the fastening bolt (7) to the cavity. As the plug bolt (5) and the sealing ring (6) are inserted to the fastening bolt (7) and fastening it. Through the process, the cooling utensil (1) is completed the assembly for ready to freeze in the freezer.
The air pocket (31), which is located between the elastic plate (4) and the lower part (3), is acting as an insulation to prevent the condensed water under the lower surface of the utensil while the elastic plate (4) is expanding or shrinking depending on the water in the cavity is freezing or melting. Because the present cooling utensil is not required a separate insulation, the structure will be simple and save the insulating cost.
Further, the water, non-toxic coolant or mixture of the water and coolant is used to fill in the cavity (25) of the cooling utensil to prolong the cooling time.
As discussed above configuration, the function of each component in the cooling utensil (1) of the first embodiment is described in detail as follows:
When the water is fully filled in the cavity (25) of the cooling utensil (1) and freeze in the freezer, the elastic plate (4) will be expanded as expanding the volume of freezing ice. Therefore, the expansion of the elastic plate (4) prevents a crack or distortion of the utensil.
When the frozen utensil is used in the room temperature, the ice in the cavity (25) is melted. When the ice starts melting, the elastic plate (4) is exerted restoring force to shrink the cavity as shrunken the volume of the ice. Because the cavity (25) is fully filled the water, there is no air pocket inside. When the water in the cavity (25) is completely freezing, there is only ice exist. During the utensil used in the room temperature, the cavity (25) is filled with the mixture of ice and water without air. Therefore, the water in the utensil won't be fluctuated during the serving. Because the ice floats on the melted water in the cavity (25) to contact the upper part of the utensil, the serving food on the upper part of the utensil is always kept cooling.
A cooling utensil for anti freezing crack and distortion of the present invention is comprising that: a upper part (2) forming a plate shape for containing a food; a lower part (3) having the same shape of the upper part (2) for assembling the upper part (2) to be one body, the lower part (3) to be a base; an elastic plate (4) having properties of flexibility, restoring capability and water proof, formed in a smaller shape than that of the lower part (3) for fitting; a cavity (25) formed between the upper part (2) and elastic plate (4) for filling with water or coolant; a cooling cavity (31) formed between the elastic plate (4) and the lower part (3); and a plug bolt (5) to seal a cavity water inlet (25), a fastening bolt (7) and sealing ring (6) for assembling the upper part (2), the lower part (3) and the elastic plate (4); wherein the upper part (2) be a top plate, which has formed either one of a flat plate, a concave plate or a convex plate with a circular shape or rectangular shape, a condensed water drain means for draining the condensed water, and a coolant supplying means to fill the water or coolant forming a coolant inlet with a flanged circular opening and a female thread for mounting the plug bolt.
A tube type supporting post (26) integrally attached under the upper part (2), a water channel (26a) directed to both lateral sides, the lower part water inlet (33) integrally attached to the lower part (3) forming a flowing passage around the fastening bolt (7) to match with the supporting post (26), the elastic plate (4) located between the upper part (2) and the lower part water inlet (3) forming an opening for passing through the water inlet (33), the cavity (25) being selectively filled with either water or coolant, and the fastening bolt (7) inserted through the supporting post (26) to tightly assemble the elastic plate (4), upper part (2) and lower part (3), all together.
The plug bolt (5) further comprising a bolt head (51) forming an outer hollow and an inner hollow, an outer sealing seat (54a) formed on a step adjacent to the outer hollow and the inner hollow inside of a plug cap bolt (55) to mount an outer sealing ring (57) and an outer valve (54), an inner sealing seat (53a) forming on a step adjacent to the inner and outer hollows for mounting an annular sealing ring (56) and an inner valve (53) threaded to a tip of a T-shaped valve rod (52) and the outer valve (54) formed at a head of a T-shaped valve rod (52), and a compression spring (58) mounted on a stem of the T-shaped valve rod (52) for exerting a tension between the inner valve (53) and the plug cap bolt (55), wherein, the inner valve (53) and the outer valve (54) mounted on the T-shaped valve rod (52) is simultaneously acting as a safety valve when the utensil is over pressurized.
As seen in
The cooling utensil is alternatively comprising the upper part and lower part forming a rectangular tray shape including a pair of springs (8) for mounting on a mounting seat, which is located between the elastic plate (4a) and the lower part (3a) for assisting the restoring force when the elastic plate (4a) is exerting a recovering force and preventing deflection of the elastic plate (4a).
The basic configuration of the upper part (2a), lower part (3a) and the elastic plate (4a) are same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention, except the shape.
The upper part (2a) forms a rectangular-shaped plate having a plurality of the square sections, which is divided by a series of ordinate and abscissa grooves (23) for draining the condensed water. A set of supporting posts (26) is integrally installed under the upper part (2a) at four corners. The center of the supporting post (26) forms a water channel (26a) in the perpendicular direction. The lower part (3a) forming a rectangular-shaped topless box has four water inlets (33) at four corners to match with the supporting posts (26) of the upper part (2a). The elastic plate (4a) is also forming a rectangular-shaped topless box, which is slightly smaller and shallower than the lower part (3a) for fitting. The four fastening bolts (7a) are thoroughly installed at four corners of the elastic plate (4a). The elastic plate (4a) is made of the rubber or plastic which has a restoring force.
The cooling utensil (1b) according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises that: an upper part (2b), a lower part (3b) and an elastic plate (4b). The upper part (2b) further comprises an upper frame (29), a frame sealing ring (27) and a cooling plate (21).
A set of fastening bolts (7b) and sealing rings (6b) are used to assemble the upper part (2b), lower part (3b) and the elastic plate (4b). The overall shape of the upper part (2b), lower part (3b) and the elastic plate (4b) of the third embodiment of the present invention is similar with that of the second embodiment of the present invention, except the frames and few other items. However, the basic functions and concept are same as the second embodiment
The upper part (2b) forming a dome shaped plate for serving the food further comprises a cooling plate (21) and an annular frame (29) to fixing the cooling plate (21).
A frame sealing ring (27) is placed between the two parts of the cooling plate (21) and annular frame (29). Then, a set of fixing brackets (28a) and fixing bolts (28) are inserted to assemble the cooling plate (21) and the annular frame (29) to be one body.
Such the cooling plate (21), which can be used for a semi-permanent, forms a series of grooves (23) to drain the condensed water. The annular frame (29), which looks like an upside down hat, has a cylindrical lateral wall with opened center and the brim is slightly and outwardly inclined. A set of built-in brackets (26) are attached inside of the cylindrical lateral wall at four places to form a water inlet (26a). The elastic plate (4b) is also forming a cylindrical-shaped basin with a flexible bottom having elastically restoring capability, such as a rubber. The annular frame (29) has a plurality of thread holes for installing the fixing bolts, a plurality of mounting holes for passing through the fastening bolts (7b) and a pair of sealing grooves (42) on both sides for sealing the water cavity (25)
The lower part (3b) forming a cylindrical-shaped container without top, has a plurality of mounting holes for passing through the fastening bolts (7b) to match with the mounting holes of the annular frame (29) for passing through the fastening bolt (7b).
The cooling utensil (1c) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises that: an upper part (2c), a lower part (3c) and an elastic plate (4c). The lower part (3c), which is for supporting the elastic plate (4c), is used as a base for supporting the utensil.
The upper part (2c), which is for serving foods, forms a hemispherical shape at the center. A cavity is formed under the upper part (2c) for filling the water. An annular frame (29) having a hat-shape is slightly inclined outward for fixing the cooling plate (21). The upper part (2c) forms a cylindrical-shaped container with downward opening having a mail thread (21a) on outer wall. The lower part forms a cylindrical-shaped container without a top and having a female thread (35) on the inner wall for mating to the mail thread (21a) of the upper part. An elastic plate (4c) forming a disk-shape and annular sealing ring (42) are installed to fit under a rim of the mail thread (21a) of the upper part (2c).
The elastic plate (4c) forming a disk shape with convex center, has a same diameter of the mail thread (21a) of the upper part (2c). Under the elastic plate (4c), an air pocket (31) is formed for expansion and shrink. A pair of springs (8) is fitted on the mounting seats formed on the lower part (3c) for assisting the restoring force of the elastic plate (4c). The elastic plate (4c) is made of the robber material having flexibility and restoring capability. An L-shaped annular sealing ring (42) is mounted into the circumferential grooves formed on both sides of the upper part (2c) to seal between the cavity (25) and the upper part (2c).
The lower part (3c) forming a cylindrical-shaped basin with closed bottom has a female thread on inner surface to match with the male thread (21a) of the upper part (2c). The elastic plate (4c) is mounted under the upper part (2c) to form a cavity (25) for filling water. The upper part (2c), lower part (3c) and the elastic plate (4c) are assemble together to be a body of the cooling utensil (1c).
The cooling utensil (1d) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises that: a first member (2d) forming a cup for beer, an elastic plate (4d) and a second member (3d) is forming a base.
Another embodiment of the cooling utensil for anti freezing crack and distortion is used to serve a food or beverage, the cooling utensil comprising that: a first member forming an inner container and an outer container with openings, on outer surface of the outer container formed a coupling means, and the inner container being able to contain the serving food or beverage; a second member forming the container with top opening opposite to the first member and forming the coupling means for coupling to the first member; a cavity formed between the inner container and the outer container of the first member with downward opening to fill a coolant or water; an elastic plate (4d) located between the first member and the second member for sealing the coolant filled cavity of the first member, said elastic plate having properties of flexibility, restoring capability and water proof; a cooling cavity (31) formed between the elastic plate (4d) and the second member for providing a room to expand when the coolant is expanded; and a supporting means for assisting to restore the elastic plate (4d) when the coolant is shrunken; wherein said cavity is fully filled with the coolant or water without a gap, so that the coolant can be entirely contacted with inside surface of the inner container for properly heat transferring to the served food or beverage.
The first member comprises a food containing portion formed either one shape of a dual cylindrical container, dual square container or other pitcher-shaped container to contain the serving food or beverage.
The first member is formed a food containing part evenly divided into two or several compartments by partition(s).
The coupling means has formed a male thread is formed at a lower lateral surface of the outer container of the first member, and a female thread is formed at an inside lateral surface of the second member for coupling each other to form a cup shape.
The elastic plate has a shallow basin shape formed with annular frame having slightly smaller diameter than that of the second member to fit inside.
The elastic plate is formed more than one bent shape or curved shape extension is formed into cross-section of the first member.
The elastic plate has a vertical bent-up flange around edge of the annular frame is formed for wrapping a rim of the first member.
The first member has an insulation layer coated on inner surface of the outer container of the first member.
The supporting means has more than one spring is mounted between the elastic plate and the second member for assisting to restore the elastic plate when the coolant is melted.
The supporting means has more than one protrusion formed on either or both the elastic plate and/or the second member for mounting the spring(s).
The first member comprises a vacuum formed in the cavity located between the inner and outer containers of the first member.
The first member comprises a lid included for sealing the food contained portion by opening and closing.
The lid further comprises an air vent installed to relief a pressure difference in the food contained portion.
The lid is further comprising that: a female thread is formed at inner lateral surface of a flange to mate with a male thread formed at outer lateral top portion of the first member for sealing the food containing portion by closing or opening.
The lid has more than one groove is formed on outer lateral surface of said flange of the lid; more than one sealing ring is mounted on the groove(s) for sealing the food containing portion; and a stepped stopper restricts the push-depth of said lid, whereby the lid is stopped at lateral surface of said food containing portion of said first member; so that the lid is removable sealed said food containing portion by pushing into said first member and unsealed by pulling off said first member.
The lid is further comprising that: an upside down hat shape with more than one groove is formed for mounting more than a rubber sealing ring for press-closing and/or pull-opening to seal the food containing portion.
The cavity of the first member forms a vacuum between the inner container and the outer container of the first member.
The first member (20, which is forming a dual cup for beer, is made of transparent glass. The cooling cavity (25) is formed between said first member (20 and said elastic plate (40 for filling the water or coolant. The elastic insulating layer (12) is attached to the inside of the said first member to assist the elastic plate (4d) action and preventing the condensed water on the outer wall of the cup.
The elastic plate (4d) forms a hat-shaped basin with an opened bottom and a spring mounting seat at the center for mounting a spring (8), which is assisted to prevent deflection of the elastic plate (4d). An annular sealing ring (42) is installed between the annular frame of the elastic plate (4d) and the bottom of the first member (2d) to seal said cooling cavity (25). A gap is formed between the second member (3d) and the elastic plate (4d) to allow expanding and shrinking of the elastic plate (4d). The elastic plate (4d) is made of a flexible material.
The second member (3d), which could be made of transparent glass, forms a cylindrical-shaped shallow basin with topless and a female thread (35) is formed inner lateral wall to mate with the male thread (21a) of the first member (2d) to fix the elastic plate (4d). Therefore, said cooling cavity (25) formed between the elastic plate (4d) and the first member (2d) is sealed. At this point, the first member (2d), the elastic plate (4d) and the second member (3d) are combined to be a body.
The cooling utensil (le) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises that: a first member (2e), an elastic plate (4e) and a second member (3e) forming a base.
The first member (2e), which is intended to use food contacting part at upper surface of said first member (2e), forms a circular basin being divided into two half circular compartments. The cooling cavity (25) is formed between said first member (2e) and said elastic plate (4e) for filling the water or coolant. The elastic insulating layer (12) is attached to the inside of the said first member (2e) to assist the elastic plate (4e) action and preventing the condensed water on the outer wall. The second member (3e) has formed a female thread (35) for mating to the male thread (21a) formed outside surface of said first member (2e).
Because said food contacting part in said first member has divided into two half circular compartments, it is possible to store the two different foods at the same time.
The configuration of the elastic plate (4e) and the second member (3e) are same that of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. A spring (8) is mounted on the spring mounting seat located at the center for assisting and preventing the deflection of the elastic plate (4d).
The cooling utensil (10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention comprises that: a first member (20, an elastic plate (40, a second member (30 forming a base and a lid (90.
The cooling utensil (1g) according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention comprises that: a first member (2g), an elastic plate (4g), a second member (3g) forming a base and a lid (9g).
The configuration of the first member (2g) is same that of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Only the difference is that the inner diameter of the lid (9g) is same as the outer diameter of said first member (2g). The upper circumferential portion of the said first member (2g) forms a male thread (21b) to close a lid (9g). The male thread (21b) may be used the double or triple pitched for rapid open and close the lid (9g).
The cooling utensil (1h) according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention comprises that: a first member (2h), an elastic plate (4h), a second member (3h) forming a base and a lid (9h).
The configuration of the first member (2h) is same that of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Only the difference is that the lid (9h) has a sealing ring (91). And inner lateral surface of said first member (2h) forms a flange (21c) which mate closely with said a sealing ring (91). The sealing ring (91) of the lid (9h) is tightly contact said flange (21c) to removable seal said food contacting part of said first member (2h).
The head (94) of the lid (9h) is larger than outer diameter of said first member (2h); preferably the lid (9h) is slightly protruded out of the first member (2h) for easily grasping to open the lid.
The cooling utensil (1i) according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention comprises that: an upper part (2i), an elastic plate (4i), a lower part (3i) forming a base and a plug bolt (Si) having safety function.
The upper part (2i) is formed a large sized deep bowl to contain a large amount of food, such as a cold noodle.
The upper part (2i) is combined to the elastic plate (4i) to form a cavity (25) for filling the water. A fastening bolt (36) with the plug bolt (Si) is installed at the center of the lower part (3i). The elastic part (4i) having flexibility and restoring capability is attached inner surface of the lower part (3i), so that it prevents penetrating of the water. Because the lower part (3i) is attached insulation material, the outer surface of the utensil will not be condensed the moisture during the serving food, and prevent the losing cool condition for prolong the serving time.
The cavity (25) contains the mixture of ice and water without air, because the cavity (25) is fully filled the water at the beginning. Further, the cavity (25) will push up by the elastic part (4i) as decreasing the volume during the ice is melting. Therefore, the ice floats on the melted water, the ice will always contact the bottom of the upper part. Accordingly, the serving food on the upper part of the utensil is always kept cooling. The water in the utensil won't be fluctuated during the serving.
The plug bolt (5i) forms a hollow channel at center with no hex head. The hollow channel has a step, which is a conjunction of inner and outer, two different diameters. A sealing seat (53b) is formed on the step for mounting an annular sealing ring (56a) and a T-shaped valve (53c). At a tip of the T-shaped valve (53c), a pin hole is formed for installing a split pin (59a). The annular sealing ring (56a) and the T-shaped valve (53c) are inserted to the hollow channel, then; install a spring (58a), a washer (59) and a split pin (59a) to assemble a safety valve.
The T-shaped valve (53c) forming a round head is not protruded out from the bottom of the lower part (3c) to be a smooth bottom surface.
The cooling utensil (1j) according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper part (2j), a bellows-type handle (10), a lower part (3j) forming a base and a sealing cap (11).
The upper part (2j) has formed a convex-shaped top with series of grooves (23) from top to edge in the radial directions to drain the condensed water, so that the food served on the utensil will not absorbed the condensed water. Thus the food maintains fresh and tasty at the cool temperature.
A expansion circular flange (20) forming double thin layers with a hollow between the layers is formed at a junction of the upper part (2j) and the lower part (3j) for absorbing the expansion or shrinking to prevent the distortion of the upper and lower parts.
The lower part (3j) working as a base, has horizontally attached a bellows-type handle (10) at one side for activating expansion or shrink according to the expanding or shrinking due to the freezing or melting of the ice, so that it prevents the distortion of the upper part and the lower part.
The cooling utensil configured with the upper part (2j), lower part (3j) and the bellows-type handle (10) without the elastic part, adopts the material having flexibility. For example, if the material, such a raisin, especially, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is used to product by the blow molding, it is possible to mass production with low cost.
The cooling utensil (1k) according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper part (2k), a lower part (3k), an elastic tube (4k) and a sealing plug bolt (33).
The upper part (2k) has a rectangular-shaped plate forming a plurality of pyramid shaped protrusions (22) for draining the condensed water, so that the food keep out of absorbing moistures. The lower part (3k) forms a rectangular-shaped box without a top for using as a base. A cavity (25) is formed between the upper part (2k) and the lower part (3k) for filling the water. The elastic tube (4k) is inserted into the cavity (25). The lower part (3k) has built a dual wall to form a vacuum gap between the inner wall and the outer wall for insulation, so that the outer wall has no condensed water gained.
The lower part (3k) has a circular opening at one lateral wall to form a water inlet (33). The water inlet (33) has formed a stepped portion (33a), which has reduced inner diameter at inner portion. The water inlet (33) has formed a female thread for inserting the plug bolt (5k). The shape of the water inlet (33) is varied depending on the materials and designs of the cooling utensil.
The elastic tube (4k) made of the material having flexibility, restoring capability and water proof, comprises an inlet busing with opened mouth, a long tube body and a sealing ring (43). The water inlet (33) has formed a bushing (33a) and the plug bolt (5k) mounted at the center for sealing the water filled cavity.
Further, the elastic tube (4k) made of the elastic material will be expanded when the water is freeze in the freezer to prevent the possible damages due to the volume expansion, and installed the sealing ring (43) to prevent a leaking from the cavity (25). The water inlet (33) is sealed by fastening the plug bolt (5k).
The cooling utensil (1k1) according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper part (2k1), a lower part (3k1), an elastic tube (4k1) and a plug nut (5k1) for closing the water inlet (33).
The basic configuration of the cooling utensil (1k1) of the thirteenth embodiment is same as the twelfth embodiment of the present invention excepting the shape.
The upper part (2k1) used for serving food, forms a circular plate with a plurality of grooves (23) in radial direction for draining the condensed water to keep off the food wet. The lower part (3k1) supporting the upper part (2k1) forms a cooling cavity (25) for inserting the elastic tube (4k1). The elastic tube (4k1) is inserted through a circular opening formed at one lateral wall of the lower part (3k1). The cooling cavity (25) is filled water through the water inlet (33). The plug nut (5k1) is mounted on the male thread of the water inlet (33).
The cooling utensil according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises a cooling bowl (1m) including an upper part (2m), a lower part (3m), an elastic tube (4m) and a plug bolt (5m) for blocking the water inlet (33) on the base and a cooling bowl cover (9) including an upper part (2m), a lower part (3m), an elastic tube (4m) and a plug bolt (5m) for blocking the water inlet (33) forming a knob (5m1) on the top.
The upper part (2m) of the cooling bowl forms a shallow dish for containing the serving food. The upper part (2m) of the cooling bowl cover (9) forms a shallow dish for protecting and reflecting the chill to the serving food.
The lower part (3m) of the cooling bowl forms a deep bowl shape for providing the cooling cavity (25) and installing the elastic tube (4m). The lower part (3m) working as a base of the cooling bowl has dual walls to form a vacuum (32) between the inner and outer walls for insulating effect. Thus, it will not gather the condensed water.
The water inlet (33) has a bushing type entrance. The inner channel of the busing has a female thread at front portion to mount a plug bolt (5m), and a step (33a) at rear portion, which the inner diameter is stepped down.
The cooling bowl (1n) according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper part (2n), a lower part (3n), an elastic tube (4n) and a cap nut (5n). The inner space of the elastic tube (4n), a spring (8) is installed. The cap nut (5n) is used to close the water inlet (33) on the bottom of a cooling bowl.
The upper part (2n) of the cooling bowl (1n) forms a hemispherical-shaped top plate with a summit at the center and a plurality of half marble-shaped protrusions on the top plate for draining the condensed water to avoid the food getting wet.
The lower part (3n) forms an inner circular shape and a step-down outer annular shape has a flanged circular opening at the center to form a water inlet (33). The outer surface of the flange forms a male thread for mating a cap nut (5n).
The upper part (2n) and the lower part (3n) are made of the metal materials, such as a stainless, aluminum, magnesium-aluminum alloy or clad plate binding two different metals, and non-metal materials.
The elastic tube (4n) forming a mushroom shaped tube is made of the material having the property of flexibility, elastically restoring force, and water proof. The inner busing tube of the water inlet (33) has formed the step (33a) for installing the sealing ring (43) and the cap bolt (5m) for sealing the tube. At the summit of the mushroom shaped tube,
The cooling cavity is formed between the upper part having the hemispherical shape and the elastic tube (4n) having the mushroom shape for filling the water. The elastic tube (4n) has enough expandable surface for absorbing the expanding and shrinking of the volume changes according to the expanding and shrinking during the freezing and melting, so that it is effectively preventing the damage or distortion of the utensil.
The water inlet (33) has a circular opening to install a busing-type tube for mounting the elastic tube (4n). The busing-type tube has the step (33a) its inner core for installing the sealing ring (43) and the cap bolt (5m) for sealing the cooling cavity.
The spring (8) is installed inside of the elastic tube (4n) for assisting the elastically restoring force when the volume is decreased due to the melting of the ice. Thus, the ice is kept contacting the bottom of the upper part for a long time.
The cap nut (5n) is used to close the water inlet (33) of the lower part (3n). The cap nut (5n) is made of either a soft material, such as a plastic or a hard material, such as a glass or ceramic. However, the cap nut (5n) must be made as same material of the lower part (3n) to prevent loosening the cap nut (5n) by itself due to the poor frictional forces between the engaged threads.
The cooling bowl (1p) according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper part (2p), a lower part (3p), an elastic tube (4p) and a plug bolt (5n) for blocking the water inlet (33) on the bottom of a cooling bowl.
The upper part (2p) of the cooling bowl (1p) forms a hemispherical-shaped top plate with a center summit and a plurality of grooves (23) formed in the radial direction from the summit to the circumferential edge on the top plate for draining the condensed water to avoid the food getting wet.
The lower part (3p) forming a disk-shaped plate has an inwardly flanged circular opening at the center to form a water inlet (33). The flanged circular opening has a stopper at its inner end. The inner surface of the flanged circular opening forms a female thread for mounting a plug bolt (5p).
The elastic tube (4p) having property of the flexibility, elastically restoring force, and water proof forms a mushroom shape with a closed-top tap protrusion. The water inlet (33) has formed an inwardly bent flanged opening on the bottom of the lower part for mounting the plug bolt (5n). A stopper is formed inside of the bent flanged opening for installing the sealing ring (43) for sealing the tube.
The elastic tube (4p) has an air filler having a press pin shaped soft valve (44) with a tiny needle hole at center and a clamp ring (45) for clamping the neck of the soft valve (44). The soft valve (44) is protruded inwardly for supplying air into the tube. The body of the elastic tube (4p) is squeezed to push into the cooling cavity (25) through the water inlet (33). Then the air is injected into the elastic tube (4p) through the need hole of the soft valve (44) for fully inflating the tube to has the elastically restoring force.
Alternatively, a check valve having an anti-reverse flow can be adopted to fill the air. Another kind of the soft tube, which is made of the elastic robber without a predrilled needle hole, could be used to prick the needle into the soft valve for injecting the air. After fully inflating the tube, then glue the needle hole to be permanently sealed.
The cooling bowl (1q) according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper part (2q), a lower part (3q), an elastic tube (4q) and a plug bolt (5q) for blocking the water inlet (33) on the bottom of a cooling bowl.
The configuration and the operational effect of the cooling bowl (1q) according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention are identical to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.
The upper part (2q) of the cooling bowl (1q) forms a hemispherical-shaped top plate with a summit at the center, an annular frame around the rim of the top plate, and a plurality of half marble-shaped protrusions on the top plate for draining the condensed water to avoid the food getting wet.
The water inlet (33) on bottom of the lower part (3q) has a rubber plug (5q), which has a smooth lateral surface without thread. The mouth of the water inlet (33) has installed a rubber bushing having slippery inner surface with elasticity to tightly sealing the tube.
If the bowl is accidentally heated, the rubber plug (5q) will be off from the water inlet (33) to release the pressurized air by itself, working as a safety valve.
The cooling utensil (1r) according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises a cooling plate unit (200) and a heat emitting unit (300). The heat emitting unit (300) comprises a base (108), cooling fan (107), heat emitting plate (106), a power source, thermal sensor and thermometer. The cooling plate unit (200) comprises a fixture plate (104), thermal element (101), rectangular-shaped insulation pad (102), thermal exchanger (103), sealant (27), upper frame (2r), lower frame (3r), elastic tube (4r) and a number of the fastening bolts (105) for assembly. The elastic tube (4r) is sealed by a plug bolt (5r). Additionally, a cover (9r) is used to cover the upper frame (2r).
The upper frame (2r), which is the surface for serving the food, forms a plurality of grooves (23) formed in the radial direction from the center to the peripheral edge for draining the condensed water to avoid the food getting wet.
As seen in
The cooling cavity (25) has surrounded by an insulation (12), which has same shape of the pre-template plate for prevent loosing cooling.
The lower frame (3r), which is a base for supporting the upper frame (2r), contains a pair of long-shaped elastic tubes (4r). The cooling cavity (25) is formed outside of the elastic tubes (4r) in the lower frame (3r) for filling water or coolant. The lower frame (3r) forms a pair of openings at one lateral wall to mount the water inlets (33) for inserting the pair of the elastic tubes (4r). The water inlets (33) have installed a pair of bushings for mounting the sealing rings (43) on the steps formed inside of the bushings and mounting the plug bolts (5r) at the mouth of the water inlets (33) for sealing the cooling cavity (25) to prevent leaking of the water.
The elastic tube (4r) made of the material having flexibility, restoring capability and water proof, comprises a long tube body, a busing at the mouth and a sealing ring (43). The water inlet (33) has installed a bushing (33a) at the openings and the plug bolts (5r) mounted at the center for sealing the cooling cavity.
The plug bolts (5r) form the mail threads without bolt head for mounting to the water inlets (33).
A frame sealing (27) is placed between the upper frame (2r) and the lower frame (3r) for sealing. The thermal exchanger (103) contacts with the thermal element (101) to absorb and heat transfer to the lower frame (3r). The rectangular shaped insulation pad (102) is installed between the upper frame (2r) and the lower frame (3r) to block the thermal exchange. However, the rectangular shaped insulation pad (102) has a square opening at the center, so that the thermal element (101) allows thermal communicating through the opening. The thermal element (101) having Peltier-Effect is located on the opening of the rectangular shaped insulation pad (102) to absorb the heat from upper portion and emit the heat to the lower portion.
The thermal element (101) adopts the Peltier-Effect, which has a butt joint of two different metal plates connected to flow the electrical current. Then, one terminal is absorbing the heat, but the other terminal emits the heat depending on the current flow direction.
Instead of the two different metal plates, the semiconductors having different conduction, such as Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te) can be adopted. Thus, it is possible to obtain the thermal element (101) having the Peltier-Effect, which has high efficient of heat absorption and emission. This thermal element (101) has a merit to easily convert the direction of heat absorption and emission by altering the current flow direction. Further it is easily to control the strength of heat absorption and emission by adjusting the intense of the current flow.
The fixture plate (104), which supports the cooling plate unit (200), is made of material having good heat conduction, such as aluminum for cooling the thermal element (101).
As shown in the figure, the cover (9r) is separately provided. At least one pair of the latches is oppositely installed on the rim of the upper frame (2r) to lock or open. The safety valve could be mounted on the upper frame (2r) or the lower frame (3r).
So far, the configuration of the cooling plate unit (200) comprises that: the rectangular shaped sealant (27) to seal the upper frame (2r) and the lower frame (3r); the thermal element (101) is installed under the center of rectangular-shaped insulation pad (102), and the thermal exchanger (103) is installed on the center of rectangular-shaped insulation pad (102). Then, the cooling plate unit (200) including the fixture plate (104) and the elastic tube (4r) is assembled by the fastening bolts (105).
The elastic tube (4r) is inserted into the upper frame (2r). Then, the cooling cavity (25) is fully filled the water through the water inlet (33) and sealed by a plug bolt (5r) to complete the assembly of the cooling plate unit (200).
The chill (heat) emitting plate (106) is made of the material having good conduction, such as aluminum or copper with multiple of fins for cooling heats generated by the thermal element (101).
The cooling fan (107) having the blade and motor is forcibly circulating the air to accelerate the cooling effect of the chill (heat) emitting plate (106) to escalate the efficiency of the thermal element (101).
Further, the heat emitting unit (300), which is mounted on the base (108), contains the chill (heat) emitting plate (106), cooling fan (107), the thermometer, the thermal sensor, power supply unit and the control unit,
The power supply unit converts the alternate current (AC) to the direct current (DC). The thermal sensor detects the temperature of the upper frame of the chill (or heat) emitting unit for transmitting the detected signal to the control unit. The control unit monitors the power supply according to the setting temperature. The thermometer, which is installed on the cooling plate unit (200), displays the current operating temperature of the heat emitting unit (300). Alternatively, the temperature of the cooling plate unit (200) can be separately displayed.
So far, the heat emitting unit (300) has assembled with the components of the chill (heat) emitting plate (106), cooling fan (107) and the power supply unit on the base (108). Further, the thermometer and the control unit are attached at the outer lateral wall of the base. However, the arrangement of components in the heat emitting unit (300) can be varied depending on the shape of the cooling unit.
Further, the power supply unit can be chargeable, either a charging means for direct contacting the both terminals or a non-contacting means, which is used a magnetic induction means that the magnetic field generated on the first coil is induced to the second coil of the battery to supply the current.
The operating process and the effects of the cooling utensil (1r) according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention are as follows:
First, the cooling plate unit (200) is placed on the heat emitting unit (300). Then, the power supply unit is turned on to supply the power, the thermal element (101) stars to absorb the heat from the upper unit to emit the lower unit. Therefore, the upper unit is get cold, but the lower unit getting hot. Accordingly, the cooling plate unit (200) is getting cold, so that the water in the cooling cavity (25) is freezing. If it is too hot, the cooling fan (107) in the heat emitting unit (300) starts rotating to cooling down the thermal element (101) for normal operation.
Herein, as expanding the volume when the fully filled water in the cooling cavity (25) of the upper frame (2r) is freezing, the elastic tube (4r) is squeezed. On the other hand, the ice is melting during the serving, the elastic tube (4r) is restored. Because the cooling cavity (25) is always fully filled with the mixture of the ice and melting water, the upper unit (2r) is contact with the ice to efficiently transfer the cooling to the serving food. Due to shrinking and expansion of the elastic tube (4r), the upper unit (2r) is prevented the possible damages or distortion from the freezing.
The cooling utensil (1s) according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises a cooling plate unit (210) and a chilling unit (310). The chilling unit (310) comprises a base (115), expansion coil (111), compressor (114), condenser (115), cooling fan (116), insulation (112), cooling plate (113), power supply unit, controlling unit, thermal sensor and thermometer. The cooling plate unit (210) comprises an upper frame (2s), sealant (27), lower frame (3s), and a number of the fastening bolts (105) for assembly. Further, the cooling plate unit (210) contains the elastic tube (4s) inside thereof, and the plug bolt (5s) is sealed the water inlet. Additionally, a cover (9r) is used to cover the upper frame (2r).
The upper frame (2s), which is the surface for serving the food, forms a plurality of grooves (23), formed in the radial direction from the center to the peripheral edge for draining the condensed water to avoid the food getting wet.
The lower frame (3s), which is a base for supporting the upper frame (2s), contains a pair of long-shaped elastic tubes (4s). The cooling cavity (25) is formed outside of the elastic tubes (4s) in the lower frame (3s) for filling water or coolant. The lower frame (3s) forms a pair of openings at one lateral wall to mount the water inlets (33) for inserting the pair of the elastic tubes (4s). The water inlets (33) have installed a pair of bushings for fixedly mounting the sealing rings (43) on the steps formed inside of the bushings and mounting the plug bolts (5s) at the mouth of the water inlets (33) for sealing the cooling cavity (25) to prevent leaking of the water.
The elastic tube (4s) made of the material having flexibility, restoring capability and water proof, comprises a long tube body, a busing at the mouth and a sealing ring (43). The water inlet (33) has installed a bushing (33a) at the openings and the plug bolts (5s) mounted at the center for sealing the cooling cavity.
As shown in the figure, the cover (9s) is separately provided. At least one pair of the latches is oppositely installed on the rim of the upper frame (2s) to lock or open.
The cooling plate (113) made of a material having good conductivity, such as copper or aluminum is effectively reflect the chilly, which is emitted from the expansion coil (111), to the cooling plate unit (210). The insulation (112) forming a rectangular box is installed on the bottom and the lateral walls to surround the expansion coil (111) to efficiently improve the cooling effect. The compressor (114) compresses the incoming coolant gas to be a highly pressurized gas with high temperature for discharging to the condenser (115).
The condenser (115) is cooling down the high pressure and temperature gas to be a low pressure and temperature by the cooling fan (116) to discharge the expansion coil (111).
The cooling fan (116) having the blade and motor is forcibly circulating the air to accelerate the cooling effect of condenser (115) to escalate the efficiency.
A rectangular box shaped base (117) contains the expansion coil (111), compressor (114), condenser (115), cooling fan (116), control unit, thermal sensor and thermometer.
The operating process and the effects of the cooling utensil (1s) according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention are as follows: first, the cooling plate unit (210) is placed above the chilling unit (310). Next, turn the power switch on, so that the expansion coil (111) is getting cold to freeze the water in the cooling cavity (25) of the cooling plate unit (210). Further, the cooling fan (116) in the chilling unit (310) starts to rotate for cooling down the condenser to improve the operating efficient.
Using such a coolant for freezing the water in the cooling cavity, it is possible to produce the various type of cooling plate unit (210). If a power supply is not available, it is conveniently separated the chilling unit (310) for using the cooling plate unit (210) only. The cooling utensils (1r, 1s) according to the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments of the present invention are installed on the dining table.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
Claims
1. A cooling utensil for anti freezing crack and distortion is used to serve a food or beverage, the cooling utensil comprising that:
- a first member forming an inner container and an outer container with openings, on outer surface of the outer container formed a coupling means, and the inner container being able to contain the serving food or beverage;
- a second member forming the container with top opening opposite to the first member and forming the coupling means for coupling to the first member;
- a cavity formed between the inner container and the outer container of the first member with downward opening to fill a coolant or water;
- an elastic plate (4d) located between the first member and the second member for sealing the coolant filled cavity of the first member, said elastic plate having properties of flexibility, restoring capability and water proof;
- a cooling cavity (31) formed between the elastic plate (4d) and the second member for providing a room to expand when the coolant is expanded; and
- a supporting means for assisting to restore the elastic plate (4d) when the coolant is shrunken;
- wherein said cavity is fully filled with the coolant or water without a gap, so that the coolant can be entirely contacted with inside surface of the inner container for properly heat transferring to the served food or beverage.
2. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said first member is further comprising that: a food containing portion is formed, which has either one shape of a dual cylindrical container, dual square container or other pitcher-shaped container to contain the serving food or beverage.
3. The cooling utensil according to claim 2, wherein said first member is further comprising that: said food containing part is evenly divided into two or several compartments by partition(s).
4. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said coupling means is further comprising that: a male thread is formed at a lower lateral surface of the outer container of the first member, and a female thread is formed at an inside lateral surface of the second member for coupling each other to form a cup shape.
5. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said elastic plate is further comprising that: a shallow basin shape is formed with annular frame having slightly smaller diameter than that of the second member to fit inside.
6. The cooling utensil according to claim 5, wherein said elastic plate is further comprising that: more than one bent shape or curved shape extension is formed into cross-section of the first member.
7. The cooling utensil according to claim 5, wherein said elastic plate is further comprising that: a vertical bent-up flange around edge of the annular frame is formed for wrapping a rim of the first member.
8. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said first member is further comprising that: an insulation layer is coated on inner surface of the outer container of the first member.
9. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said supporting means is further comprising that: more than one spring is mounted between the elastic plate and the second member for assisting to restore the elastic plate when the coolant is melted.
10. The cooling utensil according to claim 9, wherein the supporting means is further comprising that: more than one protrusion is formed on either or both the elastic plate and/or the second member for mounting the spring(s).
11. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said first member is further comprising that: a vacuum is formed in the cavity located between the inner and outer containers of said first member.
12. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said first member is further comprising that: a lid is included for sealing the food contained portion by opening and closing.
13. The cooling utensil according to claim 12, wherein said lid is further comprising that: an air vent is installed to relief a pressure difference in the food contained portion.
14. The cooling utensil according to claim 12, wherein said lid is further comprising that: a female thread is formed at inner lateral surface of a flange to mate with a male thread formed at outer lateral top portion of the first member for sealing the food containing portion by closing or opening.
15. The cooling utensil according to claim 12, further comprising that:
- more than one groove is formed on outer lateral surface of said flange of the lid;
- more than one sealing ring is mounted on the groove(s) for sealing the food containing portion; and
- a stepped stopper restricts the push-depth of said lid, whereby the lid is stopped at lateral surface of said food containing portion of said first member;
- so that the lid is removable sealed said food containing portion by pushing into said first member and unsealed by pulling off said first member.
16. The cooling utensil according to claim 12, wherein said lid is further comprising that: an upside down hat shape with more than one groove is formed for mounting more than a rubber sealing ring for press-closing and/or pull-opening to seal the food containing portion.
17. The cooling utensil according to claim 1, wherein said cavity of the first member is further comprising that: a vacuum is formed between the inner container and the outer container of the first member.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 1, 2013
Publication Date: Jun 4, 2015
Inventor: Yong Keun KIM (Incheon)
Application Number: 14/093,504
