COUNTER BEVERAGE COOLING SYSTEM

Abstract

An above or below surface-mounted beverage cooler and cooling system having at least one beverage holder wrapped in a cooling coil and insulated by a jacket (or any other suitable insulating product) for keeping or cooling a beverage. The cooling coil connects by piping to a condensing unit, which when operated is capable of bringing the insulated beverage holder to a desired temperature. A beverage container, such as a glass, mug, bottle or can, seated within the beverage holder is thereby cooled or at least maintained at a desired temperature. Possible installations range from small systems for home and private use to large systems for public facilities, such as restaurants, bars, banquet halls, etc. The cooling systems can be customized, pre-fabricated, provided as a DIY kit, or designed as a portable stand-alone system with multiple possible configurations.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the filing priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/055, 029, titled “In-Counter Beverage Cooling System” and filed on Sep. 25, 2014. The '029 Provisional Application is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for at least maintaining beverages at a temperature below ambient. Specifically, the invention relates to being able to actually cool, as needed, the temperature of a beverage. More specifically, the invention relates to a beverage cooling system which can be mounted into or onto a counter-top.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are currently two basic methods in use for cooling a beverage and maintaining a chilled temperature for that beverage. That is, refrigeration and ice are known to be the most practical methods, and are used in just about every restaurant, bar and kitchen in the World. The methods are often employed differently—e.g., refrigeration cools from outside the beverage container, while ice is often added to a drink to cool from within the beverage. However, there are inherent problems with each of these distinct methods.

As to refrigeration, which typically involves the use of a temperature-controlled, often insulated chamber, such as a refrigerator, provides the benefit of being able to adjust a temperature of the ambient environment to achieve a desired temperature of stored beverages. Additionally, refrigeration is capable of cooling beverages in bulk and without accessing the liquid beverage itself. However, refrigeration ceases to be effective once a beverage is removed from the insulated chamber (e.g., refrigerator). Depending on the ambient temperature of a venue, a chilled drink may warm significantly in less time than it takes to drink it.

As to the use of ice in a drink, it has the advantage of being able to keep a drink cold even when ambient temperatures are excessively warm. Ice can be used almost anywhere, unlike refrigeration. However, it is difficult to control a beverage temperature with ice and melting ice can significantly dilute a drink and affect its taste. As ice is added to maintain cooling, a drink becomes more and more watered-down. Further, many people don't like to add ice to certain drinks, e.g., wine, beer, and dairy-based beverages like milk and shakes.

Until the invention of the present application, these and other problems in the prior art went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled in the art. The present invention provides a system and method for cooling a beverage in a controlled manner within a venue and keeping it at a chilled temperature, without negatively affecting the drink's flavor and without watering-down the drink over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein a unique beverage cooling system and method. The disclosed embodiments avoid the disadvantages of prior methods, systems and devices used to cool beverages while affording additional structural and operating advantages. The embodiments of the cooling system may be customized or modular, they may be installed in a new or existing structure, or they may be constructed as a stand-alone system.

Generally speaking, the cooling system comprises at least one beverage holder mounted to, and preferably extending below a horizontal surface, the holder is wrapped by a cooling coil and insulated by a jacket (or any other suitable insulating means). The cooling coil is connected by piping back to a condensing unit, which when operated is capable of bringing the beverage holder to a desired temperature. A beverage container, such as a glass, bottle or can, seated within the beverage holder is thereby cooled or at least maintained at a desired temperature.

In an alternate embodiment, the beverage holder is mounted to and extends above the surface. The sidewall of the beverage holder may include a vertical channel to accommodate a handled container, such as a mug.

In another embodiment, the system is designed as a pre-fabricated tub having a plurality of beverage holders therein. The tub can be placed into an opening of a surface and connected to a condensing unit for operation.

In still another embodiment, a DC power source, such as rechargeable batteries and/or a solar-powered cell may be used to power the system.

These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and appendix, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the beverage holder component of the present system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a heat exchanger/refrigeration coil loop component of the present system;

FIG. 3 illustrates the beverage holder of FIG. 1 and the coil loop of FIG. 2 surrounded by an embodiment of an insulation jacket component of the present system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of a beverage cooling system having a plurality (six (6) are shown) of in-line, in-counter beverage cooling sites;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing two possible beverage holder in-counter mounting positions for a customized installation;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an embodiment of a pre-fabricated system for a modular installation;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top-view illustrations of two embodiments of optional stand-alone beverage cooling systems;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of an above-counter mounted beverage holder; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B are side and top views, respectively, of a “split-side” beverage holder for accommodating mugs and other handled containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specific embodiments illustrated.

Generally speaking, it is a goal of the invention to put into practical service a new system for use in public food and beverage facilities, such as restaurants, bars, shops, as well as private homes. The system is intended to contain multiple “cold cup” beverage holders capable of both maintaining and lowering the temperature of cold beverages. These beverage holders are to be of a self-service design within the reach of patrons. They can be “personal” cup holders built into the top of a bar, table, countertop, etc. They should be capable of accommodating single serving beverages such as cans, bottles, mugs and glasses. The system is intended to provide patrons with a more pleasant beverage consumption experience in which iced beverages incur decreased if not minimal ice melt, and non-iced beverages remain at or below a desired serving temperature throughout the entire beverage consumption.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there are illustrated components of numerous embodiments of a beverage cooling system, generally referenced by the number 10. The particular illustrated beverage cooling system 10 is for installation into and substantially below the counter surface of a bar, such as used in a restaurant, tavern or even in a home. In fact, while most of the embodiments described are directed to a bar, it should be understood that the principles of the invention can be more broadly applied to any countertop, as well as other types of horizontal surfaces such as tables, desks, benches, and the like, as long as sufficient space is available below the surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, an embodiment for above-surface use may provide additional options for installation.

Beginning with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, there are three components for the drink site 12 in a system 10. The drink site 12 is the area of a bar surface proximate where an individual will be positioned for consuming beverages. The three components include a beverage holder 14, a cooling coil 16 and an insulation jacket 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage holder 14 includes a cylindrical sidewall 20 and a flanged rim 22 around the top and a bottom wall 24. The cylindrical sidewall 20 should be sized to accommodate a standard 12 oz. can, glass or bottle with as little extra space as possible. Obviously, as such containers can vary widely in circumference; a larger diameter sidewall 20 would be more accommodating. Likewise, the depth of the holder 14 should be such that a standard can, glass or bottle can extend sufficiently above the holder 14 to be grasped by a user.

The rim 22 is used for mounting at a drink site 12 (see FIG. 5) in either top mounted—flanged rim 22 mounts to top of counter surface—or bottom mounted—flanged rim 22 mounts to underside of counter surface—applications. At least one drain hole 26 is used in the bottom wall 24 of the holder 14 to serve as a means for condensate run off and also as a drain port for washing. Alternatively, the cylindrical sidewall 20 may be tapered inward (not shown) to a diameter less than a standard container diameter with an open bottom to allow water drainage.

Preferably, the beverage holder 14 is made of aluminum for durability, light-weight, rust and stain-resistance, and to provide good heat transfer at a reasonable cost. Alternatively, stainless steel or copper with a lacquer coating may be used for some applications. Other materials may be used less-effectively, if desired.

An insulation trim ring (not shown) may be used beneath the top flange 22 as an option. Preferably the trim ring would be made of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), due to its insulative properties, synthetic non-degradable properties and water resistance. Again, other materials may be used, if desired.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a spiral wound wrapped heat exchanger/refrigeration coil loop 16. A few of the preferred features of the coil 16 include:

• • Standard heat exchanger constructed with standard ⅜ inch o.d., round tubing;
  • Solder bead retainer located in multiple (minimum of 2) locations;
  • Heat exchanger should be top fed (inlet) and bottom exit to help prevent oil logging;
  • ⅜ inch diameter soft copper ACR equivalent Refrigeration spec.;
  • One continuous circuit;
  • Copper is spiral wound tightly around cup/beverage holder in manufacturing;
  • Spiral loop locked in place with a bead of soft solder;
  • Thermal contraction during operation aids in securing tighter contact surface area and enhanced heat transfer;
  • Optional: Enhanced efficiency heat exchanger—constructed with ⅜ inch “flat wound” tubing to be ovalled to increase surface contact area while maintaining similar flow rate.

Finally, FIG. 3 illustrates the use of an insulation jacket 18 which is used to tightly encapsulate the beverage holder 14 and coil 16 to the underside of the flanged rim 22, surrounding all components. For the jacket 18, a closed-cell elastomeric foam material may be preferable, as it is easily cut to fit, can be glued at all joints, and may be reinforced, as necessary (e.g., with duct tape). All lines into and out of all assemblies should also be insulated with the same material. Alternatively, injected foam sealants may offer faster assembly construction, enhanced durability, and better “R” value and a reduced cost.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of system 10 can be more readily understood. The system 10 includes a plurality of the drinks sites 12 arranged and connected in series. As described above, the drink sites 12 are installed into, for example, a bar surface (not shown). Beneath the surface, piping to and from each of the arranged drink sites 12 leads to a refrigeration condensing unit 30 comprised of a compressor 32, condenser 34 and a receiver 36. As detailed below, additional components, features and details of the exemplary illustrated system 10 include:

• • The layout is a conventional “DX” (Direct Expansion) low-temperature refrigeration system;
  • Compressor 32 is preferably a reciprocating compressor (but any type will work);
  • Condenser 34 is preferably an air-cooled condenser (but water cooled will also work);
  • Receiver 36 connects to a liquid line sight glass 37, drier 38, and a liquid line solenoid 39;
  • A single externally equalized TXV 40 is preferably used to feed multiple refrigerated beverage holders 14 piped in series.
  • Alternatively, although not depicted, multiple circuits fed by multiple TXVs may be used on a single system unit;
  • The condensing unit 30 may be placed remote to the surface to which drink sites 12 are installed (indoor or outdoor) or it may be local (i.e., self-contained) built into the appliance;
  • A non-critically charged system with a receiver feeding one or more TXVs offers the greatest reliability. However, this may also be adapted to a critically charged system with one or more capillary tubes feeding a different arrangement of evaporators than depicted in FIG. 4;
  • A liquid line solenoid can be installed before all TXVs and circuits, and controlled by an on/off switch (not shown). System 10 is intended to run non-stop during business hours and shut off at night to thaw. The dual pressure control may be set to cycle the compressor 32 under low load to limit the temperature range, if desired; and
  • The addition of a suction accumulator (not shown) may add additional compressor protection.

FIG. 5 illustrates two possible in-counter customized installation techniques which may be used to install the drink sites 12 into an existing or new counter. The illustration on the left shows an under-counter mounting, while the illustration on the right depicts a top-mounted drink site 12. Piping to either drink site mounting is similar. These installation methods offer limitless configuration options, finishes, design layouts, unit placement, and size of system.

For quicker installation, the holder 14, coil 16 and insulation 18 assemblies for each drink site 12 would preferably be pre-fabricated. All other piping and mounting (i.e., under- or top-mounting) could be field installed to custom specifications.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modular system 110 which can be pre-built and installed in an existing counter surface. System 110 comprises an enclosed tub 50 with a bottom 52 and top surface 54. A plurality of drink sites 112 are pre-mounted to the top surface 54 with refrigerant lines 55 extending through a sidewall 53 of the tub 50. These lines 55 are connected back to a condensing unit 30, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Though illustrated as a top-mounted product, the modular system 110 could be under-mounted or even flush-mounted, using brackets or by cutting a recess in the support surface.

The modular system 110 provides for mass production, decreases manufacturing costs, decrease sales price, and simplifies installations. For DIY (“do-it-yourself”) purchasers, the system 110 could be offered as a modular kit with assembly and installation instructions. These modular kits could be offered in various sizes to fit a multitude of applications. Alternatively, the kits could also come pre-assembled and readily dropped into place where and when applicable. Installation would only require saw cutting a bar top, dropping in the pre-fabricated system 110, and then pipe line set to an engineered (sized) condensing unit. A drain line 126 could be field piped for condensate and cleaning water run-off.

In another embodiment, a self-contained pre-fabricated system 210 may be constructed as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The system 210 would be comprised of a structure 60, such as a table or cart, having a horizontal top surface and a body section below the surface. The top surface could be designed with a plurality of drink sites 212, with a condensing unit (not shown) stored in the body section. Due to the relatively low-power consumption requirements of the disclosed systems (common 115V 20 amp service is preferable, though all common alternating voltage configurations may have suitable applications) there is anticipated to be a great appeal and demand for a pre-fabricated, stand-alone system 210 which can be sold or leased (e.g., for indoor or outdoor parties, picnics, carnivals, concerts, etc.). The pre-fabricated system 210 may be manufactured and marketed in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes and then finished to customer specifications. The system 210 could include options such as custom logos, umbrellas, L.E.D. lighting, etc. The pre-fabricated system 210 could be designed as a stand-alone system offered with fixed legs, or even portable with locking casters. The system 210 may feature a plug-in cord or be hard wired with its own power source.

The pre-fabricated system 210 could address at least two specific vending needs. First, these systems 210 can provide improved customer seating, occupancy and gathering at events. That is, the stand-alone system 210 of FIG. 7A could provide multiple drink sites 212 to offer access from all sides for customers to gather around. These systems 210 could be offered in a “High-Top” model, for standing around, and a “Low-Top” model, for patrons to sit around. Second, these systems 210 can improve beverage service and sales at, for example, a fund-raising event. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, one side would be reserved for staff to prepare and serve drinks, while the other side would include a line of drink sites 212 and would be reserved for patrons to gather along and consume their cold beverages in a typical fashion.

For construction purposes, the pre-fabricated system 210 could be offered in a limited variety of gathering and vending selection options, then assembled with drink sites 212 using modular pre-fabricated inserts. The system 210 could then be finished to a customer's specified options.

As an alternative design, many of the disclosed systems 10, 110 and 210 described above can be built using DC battery-power sources, including rechargeable batteries, and a power inverter to enhance portability. Battery charging may be accomplished using an AC power cord or systems may include a solar alternative for charging or as a power source.

As shown in FIG. 8, another embodiment of the above systems 10, 110 and 210, includes an above-counter mounted beverage holder 314. This embodiment may be preferred for some applications where under-counter space is limited. The exposed outer surface of the assembly would need to be encased with a non-conductive material (e.g., a rubber or polymer foam) to insulate against skin contact by a user. Another variation of the embodiment is the placement of the flanged rim 322 of the beverage holder 314. As shown, the rim 322 would be moved to the bottom of the holder for mounting purposes. Refrigeration lines would be similar to other embodiments described herein.

The above-counter holder 314 may be designed with an alternate feature, as shown in FIGS. 9A & B, which accommodates mugs. That is, a channel 64 in the sidewall of the holder 314 allows the handle of a mug to extend outward while the beverage containing portion of the mug nests within the refrigerated holder 314.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A beverage cooling system for installation in a horizontal surface, the cooling system comprising:

a beverage holder having a sidewall defining a cavity and mounted to the horizontal surface in a manner which provides for placement of a container within the cavity;

a cooling coil in a heat exchanging contact with the sidewall of the beverage holder;

an insulator enclosing at least a portion of the cooling coil and the beverage holder to form a drink site; and

a direct expansion refrigeration condensing unit including piping connected to and from the cooling coil to provide a continuous flow of cooling fluid to the coil.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drink sites connected to one another in series.

3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder sidewall comprises a channel to accommodate a handled container.

4. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder comprises a bottom surface and the bottom surface comprises a drain opening to eliminate water from the cavity.

5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder is mounted above the horizontal surface and extends substantially below the surface.

6. The cooling system of claim 3, wherein the beverage holder is mounted above the horizontal surface and extends substantially above the surface.

7. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the beverage holder is mounted below the horizontal surface and extends substantially below the surface.

8. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a DC power source.

9. The cooling system of claim 8, wherein the DC power source comprises rechargeable batteries.

10. The cooling system of claim 9, wherein the DC power source comprises solar-power cells.

11. A beverage cooling system for installation in a horizontal surface, the beverage cooling system comprising:

an enclosed tub having sidewalls, a bottom surface and a top surface defining a cavity, the top surface having at least one opening therein;

a beverage holder having a sidewall defining a cavity and mounted to the top surface of the tub in a manner which provides for placement of a container within the cavity;

a cooling coil in a heat exchanging contact with the sidewall of the beverage holder;

an insulator enclosing at least a portion of the cooling coil and the beverage holder to form a drink site; and

a direct expansion refrigeration condensing unit including piping connected to and from the cooling coil to provide a continuous flow of cooling fluid to the coil;

wherein the enclosed tub is configured to be set into an opening in a horizontal surface and connected to the refrigeration condensing unit.

12. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, wherein the enclosed tub includes a drain opening on the bottom surface.

13. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of drink sites connected to one another in series.

14. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, wherein the beverage holder sidewall comprises a channel to accommodate a handled container.

15. The beverage cooling system of claim 11, further comprising a DC power source.

16. A self-contained beverage cooling system comprising:

a structure having a horizontal top surface and a body section;

a plurality of drink sites, each site comprising: a beverage holder having a sidewall defining a cavity and mounted to the top surface of the structure in a manner which provides for placement of a container within the cavity; a cooling coil in a heat exchanging contact with the sidewall of the beverage holder; an insulator enclosing at least a portion of the cooling coil and the beverage holder;

a direct expansion refrigeration condensing unit positioned within the body section of the structure, wherein the drink sites are connected serially to one another and the condensing unit includes piping connected to and from a first and last cooling coil to provide a continuous flow of cooling fluid to the coils; and

a power source electrically coupled to the condensing unit.

17. The self-contained beverage cooling system of claim 16, wherein each drink site comprises a drain opening to remove water from the cavity.

18. The self-contained beverage cooling system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the beverage holder sidewalls comprises a channel to accommodate a handled container.

19. The self-contained beverage cooling system of claim 16, wherein the power source comprises a DC power source.