Portable Beverage Chilling Device

Abstract

A portable device for cooling a beverage-containing container, comprises a heat transfer liner, a heat barrier shell, a heat exchanger and a receiver. The heat transfer liner has an inner diameter selected to receive a beverage container, such as a can or a bottle. The heat barrier shell has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the heat transfer liner, so that the heat barrier shell can coaxially receive the heat transfer liner. A heat exchanger is disposed in an annulus between the heat transfer liner and the heat barrier shell. The heat exchanger is adapted to receive a heat transfer medium for cooling a beverage contained in the beverage container. The device also has a connection member adapted for directly or indirectly connecting at least one of the heat transfer liner and the barrier shell to a receiver for receiving a heat transfer medium. The receiver is further adapted to be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of beverage containers, and more particularly to devices for chilling beverages, especially beverages in cans or bottles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people enjoy cold beverages, which require a refrigeration unit or some type of ice cooling method. Often people enjoy a beverage from a can or a bottle, they are travelling, attending or participating in a sporting event or some other activity where it may not be convenient to find a cup or glass of ice to pour the beverage into. Furthermore, some beverages do not mix well with ice cubes, and sometimes, the quality of the ice may be in question. Still further, ice and/or a refrigerator may not be readily available.

A well-known device for retaining chill to a beverage container is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,293,015 (McGough). The insulated beverage cozy and generations thereof of fabric, foam and plastic sleeves are widely used. However, the beverage cannot maintain its cool state for long, especially in warmer conditions. The Rambler Colster® by YETI Coolers increases the length of time that a beverage can maintain its chill by providing a double-wall vacuum insulated metal body with a gasket on the top end for gripping the top sides of a can or bottle. However, in both types of devices, the beverage should be in a chilled condition prior to using the device.

To overcome these drawbacks, several patents and applications describe insulated devices with frozen refrigerant, more particularly water, built into the sleeve. Among this type of device is included U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,226 (Moore) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,604 (Pier et al). Alternate insulated designs include a refrigerant puck at the bottom of the container. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,963 (McGinnis), US 2010/005828A1 (Fedell) and US 2015/0362248A1 (Robb et al) with a refrigerant puck at the bottom of the container. While these devices do not require the beverage to be in a chilled condition prior to use, they do require the frozen refrigerant (water) to be frozen prior to use. This may not always be practical for on-demand use of the device, as the devices themselves or refrigerant pucks must be keep in a freezer prior to use.

Several patents and applications describe devices that are either inserted into a beverage container or built into the beverage container, requiring a dedicated and specific beverage container. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,633 (Mills), U.S. Pat. No. 3,803,867 (Willis), U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,866 (Anthony et al), U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,649 (Sillince) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,891,199B2 (Anthony).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,501A (Stonehouse et al) describe a chilling device for a beverage container. A helically wrapped tubing coil is filled with a liquefied refrigerant gas and sealed at both ends. A few embodiments are shown that involve breaking the coil, poking a hole in the coil, or exposing a hole in the coil to cause cooling by phase change from liquid to gas. It appears that the device can be used only once and, in fact, one embodiment shown in the drawings requires the coil to be wrapped around the can before assembling the remaining parts for use.

There is a need for a portable device for chilling a beverage without requiring a refrigerator or freezer. There is also a need for a portable device that can be reused and/or refilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for cooling a beverage-containing container, comprising: a heat transfer liner having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter, the first inner diameter being selected to receive a beverage container; a heat barrier shell having a second inner diameter; the second inner diameter being larger than the first outer diameter for coaxially receiving the heat transfer liner; an annulus between the heat transfer liner and the heat barrier shell; a heat exchanger disposed in the annulus for receiving a heat transfer medium for cooling a beverage contained in the beverage container; and a connection member adapted for directly or indirectly connecting at least one of the heat transfer liner and the barrier shell to a receiver for receiving the heat transfer medium, the receiver further adapted to be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the drawings referenced therein, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the portable device for chilling a beverage according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a heat transfer liner of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a heat barrier shell of the present invention, illustrating another shape of the heat barrier shell, a double-walled embodiment of the heat barrier shell, as well as an alternative embodiment for spent heat transfer medium;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a heat barrier shell of the present invention, illustrating a further shape of the heat barrier shell, another double-walled embodiment of the heat barrier shell, as well as another alternative embodiment for spent heat transfer medium;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a tubing heat exchanger of the present invention, with longitudinal wrappings of tubing;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention, with particulates providing a tortuous path for heat transfer medium flowing through the heat exchanger;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention, with particulates packed between fins providing a tortuous path for heat transfer medium flowing through the heat exchanger, the remaining fins having no particulate packed between them for illustration purposes only;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a heat transfer liner of the present invention showing several embodiments of fins that may be used in the particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a heat barrier shell of the present invention showing several embodiments of fins that may be used in the particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of one embodiment for a carrier for particulates in a particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention, where the carrier has a closed-ended ring shape;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a further embodiment for a carrier for particulates in a particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention, where the carrier has an open-ended ring shape;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a yet another embodiment for a carrier for particulates in a particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention, where the carrier has a helical shape;

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded side elevational view of yet a further embodiment for a carrier for particulates in a particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention, where the carrier has connectable longitudinal sections;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of still a further embodiment for a carrier for particulates in a particulate heat exchanger embodiment of the present invention, where in the carrier has connectable ring-shaped sections;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a monolithic heat exchanger, in the form of a closed-ended ring;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a monolithic heat exchanger, in the form of an open-ended ring;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a monolithic heat exchanger, with arcuate sections;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of a monolithic heat exchanger, with rectangular sections;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a particulate heat exchanger or a monolithic heat exchanger showing an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a gel pack heat exchanger of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portable device for chilling a beverage according to the present invention, illustrating a threadable connection between the base of the beverage chilling device and the receiver, a pair of spring clips for accommodating a smaller diameter beverage container, and a flexible collar for gripping a beverage container;

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a portable device for chilling a beverage of FIG. 1 illustrating embodiments of a heat transfer medium supply system;

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portable device for chilling a beverage illustrating a refillable receiver, lighting and temperature sensors;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a portable device for chilling a beverage connected to a heat transfer medium supply system incorporated into a vehicle beverage holder;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention having a charging station for charging heat transfer medium into four portable devices for chilling a beverage according to the present invention, the charging station provided with receivers adapted to receive a canister of heat transfer medium;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the present invention having a charging station for charging heat transfer medium into four portable devices for chilling a beverage according to the present invention, the charging station provided with receivers having recesses adapted to receive of heat transfer medium;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of the present invention having a charging station for charging heat transfer medium into four portable devices for chilling a beverage according to the present invention, the charging station provided with a main supply reservoir fluidly connected to receivers adapted to receive the heat transfer medium; and

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of still a further embodiment of the present invention having a chilling station with four built-in beverage chilling devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device for chilling a beverage, particularly beverages contained in cans or bottles.

Referring now to the drawings, it should be understood that the scale of the drawings and parts thereof may or may not be rigorously to scale, but provided in the manner presented for illustrative purposes.

One embodiment of a beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The beverage chilling device 10 has a heat transfer liner 12 and a heat barrier shell 14. A heat exchanger is disposed in an annulus 16 formed between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger is a helical coil 18.

The inner diameter of the heat transfer liner 12 is selected to receive a beverage container. In FIG. 1, the beverage container is depicted as a beverage can 20. However, other beverage containers of different diameters can be accommodated either by selecting the inner diameter of the heat transfer liner 12 or by providing a diameter-adjusting member, as will be discussed below with respect to FIG. 21. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the beverage container is a refillable container selected to be compatible with the beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention.

The heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14 are connected at the top ends thereof with an end cap 22. The end cap 22 may be integrally formed with one or the other of the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14. Alternatively, the end cap 22 may be removably connected to the heat transfer liner 12 and/or the heat barrier shell 14 by threading, press fit, and the like. In another alternative, the end cap 22 may be permanently affixed to the heat transfer liner 12 and/or the heat barrier shell 14. A variety of materials are suitable for forming the end cap 22. For example, the end cap 22 may be formed of metal or plastic.

The end cap 22 may further be provided with a flexible collar (depicted in FIG. 21) for conforming to the shape of the beverage container or portion thereof, so as to reduce heat exchange with the surrounding environment from the top of the beverage chilling device 10.

Heat transfer medium is supplied to the heat exchanger from a receiver 24 disposed at the bottom of the beverage chilling device 10. The receiver 24 has a recess 26 for receiving a canister 30 containing heat transfer medium. The receiver 24 is shown in FIG. 1 as being locked to a base 32 with a locking pin 34 assembly. Alternatively, the receiver 24 may be connected to the base 32 by threading, a ball detent mechanism, a press fit, magnetic, and the like. The receiver 24 may be retained in or on the beverage chilling device 10 while the user enjoys the beverage. Alternatively, after the desired amount of heat transfer medium is released from the canister 30, the receiver 24 may be disconnected from the beverage chilling device 10 while the user enjoys the beverage.

Heat transfer medium is supplied to the heat exchanger through a heat transfer medium supply system, generally shown in FIG. 1 with reference number 50. Embodiments of the heat transfer medium supply system 50 will be discussed in more detail below. As will be discussed in more detail below, the heat transfer supply system 50 may be provided with an inlet control to control flow of the heat transfer medium from the canister 30 to the heat exchanger (in FIG. 1, helical coil 18). In general, the heat transfer supply system 50 allows a user to release heat transfer medium from canister 30 on demand. When the heat transfer medium is a gas, it expands rapidly as it is released from canister 30, causing the temperate to drop significantly.

The canister 30 may be disposable and/or refillable. Preferably, the canister 30 is refillable with heat transfer medium. The canister 30 may be exchangeable and/or refillable for example at a kiosk or vending machine having replacement canisters 30 or a system for dispensing predetermined amounts of replacement and/or additional heat transfer medium.

The heat transfer medium flows through the heat exchanger, for example helical coil 18 in FIG. 1. The heat transfer medium may be vented to the atmosphere through a vent supplied in the annulus 16 (as shown in FIG. 20) or the heat barrier shell 14, as depicted by vent 36 in FIG. 1.

The heat transfer liner 12 may be made of any material suitable for transferring heat from the beverage container to the heat exchanger. Advantageously, the heat transfer liner is formed from a thin sheet of stainless steel or aluminum, preferably aluminum. Aluminum will effectively allow heat transfer, without adding undue weight to the device. The heat transfer liner 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a solid wall, straight-sided cylindrical shape.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the heat transfer liner 12 is formed with a plurality of apertures 38 to assist in both heat exchange and reduction in overall weight to the portable beverage chilling device 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the apertures 38 are depicted as square openings, extending substantially the length of the heat transfer liner 12. However, other shapes and configurations of apertures 38 may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Returning to FIG. 1, the heat barrier shell 14 is intended to minimize heat exchange with the ambient environment, so that a majority of heat exchange is between the heat exchanger and the beverage container 20, through the heat transfer liner 12. As well, the heat barrier shell 14 provides a surface for a user to grip comfortably.

The heat barrier shell 14 may be made from a variety of materials. For example, the heat barrier shell 14 may be formed of a metal cylinder with an insulating material adhered to or disposed proximate the metal cylinder. Alternatively, the heat barrier shell 14 may be formed of an insulating material alone. In another embodiment, the insulating material has a skin coating of the same material used to fabricate the insulating material or another fabric or polymeric material. In a further embodiment, the heat barrier shell 14 is formed of plastic with a foam insulating material adhered to or disposed proximate to the plastic. In the embodiment of the FIG. 1, the heat barrier shell 14 is shown as a straight-sided cylindrical shape. The heat barrier shell 14 can be made of a variety of materials and in a variety of configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Other embodiments of the heat barrier shell 14 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The heat barrier shell 14 may have a concave or a convex shape as an alternative shape to a straight-sided cylinder. FIG. 3 also shows a hand-hold 42 that may be formed with or applied to the heat barrier shell 14. For example, in FIG. 3, the heat barrier shell 14 may be formed of stainless steel with a rubber, natural or synthetic leather, or plastic hand-hold 42.

FIGS. 3 and 4 also illustrate two variants of a double-walled heat barrier shell 14. When the heat barrier shell 14 is formed with a double wall, it may not be necessary to further provide an insulating foam material, as the double wall will provide a sufficient barrier to undesired heat exchange with ambient air outside the beverage chilling device 10.

In the case of a double-walled heat barrier shell 14, spent heat transfer medium may be advantageously vented from the heat exchanger into the space between the walls of a double-walled heat barrier shell 14 through vent hole 44, which may advantageously be provided with a one-way valve to allow flow of spent heat transfer medium from the heat exchanger, but not vice versa. The spent heat transfer medium may be vented to atmosphere through a hole in the heat barrier shell 14.

Alternatively, the double-walled heat barrier shell 14 may be provided with a vent control device 46, for providing further control of the flow rate of heat transfer medium through the heat exchanger and heat barrier shell 14. As more heat transfer medium is desired the flow rate from the canister 30 may be regulated by the heat transfer medium supply system 50 in cooperation with the vent control device 46.

In a further embodiment, the double-walled heat barrier shell 14 may act as a reservoir for spent heat transfer medium. In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium can be released in a controlled environment and/or recovered for recycling, neutralization or alternate disposal. Another variant of the present invention contemplates “packaging” the spent heat transfer medium in a reservoir pouch 48, depicted in FIG. 4 as a flexible pouch 48. The flexible pouch 48 may be provided with a vent 52 that may be used as described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the heat barrier shell 14 has a detachable portion for removing and reconnecting the flexible pouch 48 for recycling, neutralization or alternate disposal.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger is shown as a helical coil 18 of tubing. FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the heat exchanger formed by longitudinal wrappings 54 of tubing parallel to the length of the heat transfer liner. Whether a helical coil 18 or longitudinal wrappings 54, the heat exchanger can be made of metal, especially aluminum or copper, or plastic. Factors for choosing a material of construction for the heat exchanger tubing include weight, workability, availability, price, and tolerance to temperature changes. Preferably, the tubing is aluminum.

In an alternative embodiment, the heat transfer liner 12 is integral with the inner surface of the helical coil 18. In yet another embodiment, the heat transfer liner 12, the heat barrier shell 14 and the helical coil 18 or longitudinal wrappings 54 are integrated into a unitary structure, for example, by molding from a suitable polymer.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention with particulates 58 for providing a tortuous path for heat transfer medium flowing through the particulate heat exchanger 56. The particulates 58 may be formed of metal, ceramic, including glass, or plastic, or composites or combinations thereof. The particulates 58 may be in the form of powder, granules, agglomerates, and/or beads. The particulates 58 may be packed into the annulus 16 formed between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14, as depicted in FIG. 6. Preferably, the particulates 58 are packed in a manner so as to reduce the chance of by-pass flow of heat transfer medium through the particulates 58, where the heat transfer medium takes a path through the particulate heat exchanger 56 that is too short to effectively cool the beverage.

In another embodiment of the particulate heat exchanger 56, shown in FIG. 7, fins 62 are provided on the outer side of the heat transfer liner 12 to provide some structure to the tortuous path of heat transfer medium through the particulates 58. In this way, while the particulates 58 provide a random path for fluid flow through a section of particulates 58, the fins 62 direct the heat transfer medium generally through a path depicted by arrows 64. For ease of discussion, FIG. 7 shows particulates 58 only in the three right-most sections defined by the fins 62. Particulates 58 are not shown in the three left-most sections defined by fins 62, for better illustrating an embodiment for placing fins 62 to provide some structure to the tortuous fluid flow path.

Also, for ease of illustration, FIG. 7 shows the fins 62 placed longitudinally and in a substantially straight line on the outer side of the heat transfer liner 12. However, it will be understood that the fins 62 may be formed helically in a continuous or semi-continuous strip around the heat transfer liner 12, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Likewise, the fins 62 may be placed in concentric open-ended ring sections with gaps to provide the desired fluid flow, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. And, furthermore, the fins 62 may have other shapes, for example, zig-zag to add additional tortuosity to the fluid flow, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The fins 62 may be integrally formed with the heat transfer liner 12, or affixed to the heat transfer liner 12 by welding, adhering, creating a cooperating recess for slidably connecting the fins 62, and the like.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the fins 62 are incorporated with the outside surface of the heat transfer liner 12. However, it is also within the spirit of the present invention that the fins 62 are integrally formed with the inner surface of the heat barrier shell 14, or affixed to the heat barrier shell 14 by welding, adhering, creating a cooperating recess for slidably connecting the fins 62, and the like.

Several embodiments of fins 62 are depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. The fins 62 may be formed in two parts, one on the outer surface of the heat transfer liner 12 and the other on the inner surface of the heat barrier shell 14, with a male component 62a on one of the two surfaces and a corresponding female component 62b on the other of the two surfaces. Each pair of male component 62a and female component 62b are slidably connected for this embodiment. In another embodiment, the fin 62 has a trapezoidal profile 62c. In a further embodiment, the fin 62 has a substantially isosceles triangular profile 62d. In yet another embodiment, the fin 62 has a right-angled triangular profile 62e. In still another embodiment, the fin 62 has a substantially rectangular profile 62f. And in yet a further embodiment, the fin 62 has a semi-circular profile 62g. Some of these embodiments are better suited to having a cooperating fin 62 on an opposing surface. Alternatively, fins 62c, 62d, 62e, 62f, 62g may be formed on one or the other of heat transfer liner 12 or heat barrier shell 14, without cooperating fins 62c, 62d, 62e, 62f, 62g on the opposing surface of heat barrier shell 14 or heat transfer liner 12, respectively. An example of a cooperating fin 62 configuration may be the right-angled triangle profile 62e can enable a pair of such triangle profiles 62e on opposing surfaces to form a better seal between sections of particulates 58. Similarly, a pair of rectangular profile 62f fins can cooperate to form a better seal between sections of particulates 58.

The fins 62 may be formed from metal, ceramic, plastic or a combination thereof. Selection of the fin material, shape and configuration in the particulate heat exchanger 58 may be dependent on ease of construction, behavior under fluctuating temperature conditions (e.g., ambient vs. cooled), the heat transfer medium used, reactivity to the heat transfer medium used, and the like. For example, it may be desirable for the semi-circular profile 62g fin to be provided as an internally open structure as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, especially if the material of construction provides some malleability (for example, a thin metal or a rubbery plastic) for compressing the semi-circular profile 62g fin against an opposing surface for better sealing the fin 62 to the opposing surface.

In a similar fashion, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the heat exchanger may be built into the heat transfer liner 12 and/or the heat barrier shell 14, so that when the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14 are fitted together, a tortuous route for the heat transfer medium is created. For example, cooperating helical grooves may be incorporated on the outer surface of the heat transfer liner 12 and the inner surface of the heat barrier shell 14 to create the tortuous path.

Alternatively, the particulates 58 may be packed into one or more carriers 66 that are then placed in the annulus 16 between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14.

The carrier 66 may be made from, for example, plastic or metal. The carrier may be one or more closed-end rings 66a (as shown in FIG. 10), one or more open-ended rings 66b (as shown in FIG. 11), a helical structure 66c (as shown in FIG. 12), or a sectional structure 66d (as shown in FIG. 13) with rectangular or arcuate sections. In FIG. 13, one embodiment for connection for rectangular sections of a sectional carrier 66d is depicted, where heat transfer medium flows, for example, from the bottom of the left-most carrier, through particulates (not shown) packed in the carrier 66d to the top of that section. The heat transfer medium is then driven to flow through a fluid communication member, for example tubing or a channel formed in the longitudinal side of the left-most or central carrier 66d, or a channel (not shown) formed by connection of the left-most and central carrier section 66d. Likewise, after flowing through the particulates of the central carrier section 66d, the heat transfer medium exits at the top and is driven in a similar manner to the right-most section. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the heat transfer medium can be driven to flow through successive carrier sections (not illustrated) in a similar manner.

Similarly, FIG. 14 depicts fluid communication between two or more open-ended ring 66b or closed-ended ring 66a sections that are connected in a similar manner to drive the heat transfer medium through successive carrier sections 66a, 66b from the receiver 24 upwardly to the top of the particulate heat exchanger 56.

In another embodiment, the carrier 66 may be provided with internal fins 62, as discussed above for fins 62 integral with or attached to the heat transfer liner 12 and/or the heat barrier shell 14. Accordingly, the fins 62 may have a variety of shapes or configurations as proposed in FIG. 8 or 9.

As discussed above, the carrier 66 or carrier sections may be placed in the annulus 16 formed between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14. However, in another embodiment, the inwardly facing surface of the carrier 66 acts as the heat transfer liner 12, i.e., the heat transfer liner 12 is integral with the carrier 66.

Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be formed of a monolithic material capable of providing a tortuous path for fluid flow of the heat transfer medium. For example, the monolithic material may be reticulated foam, formed from a polymer, a ceramic, a metal and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the monolithic material may be formed of a body of sintered metal, sintered ceramic, sintered plastic and combinations thereof. In a further alternative, the monolithic material may be formed by heating, fusing, compacting and/or a chemical process for forming a shaped body from metal, ceramic, and/or plastic particulates. The shaped body may be in a unitary structure, for example, a closed-ended ring, an open-ended ring, an arcuate structure, a helical structure, rectangular sections, and the like.

FIG. 15 shows a monolithic heat exchanger 68 made of a monolithic material formed into a closed-ended ring 72a. FIG. 16 shows a monolithic material formed into an open-ended ring 72b. FIG. 17 shows a monolithic material with arcuate sections 72c to form the monolithic heat exchanger 68. FIG. 18 shows a monolithic material with rectangular sections 72d to form the monolithic heat exchanger 68. The closed-ended rings 72a of FIG. 15 and the open-ended rings 72b of FIG. 16 can be formed to extend through substantially the entire length of the annulus 16 between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14. Alternatively, the monolithic material may be formed into ring sections with two or more ring sections cooperating to extend substantially the entire length of the annulus 16, with or without a gap between sections. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the arcuate sections 72c and rectangular sections 72d each cooperate with other arcuate sections 72c and/or rectangular sections 72d to extend substantially around the entire circumference of the annulus 16 between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14, with or without a gap between sections.

The monolithic heat exchanger 68 can be placed within the annulus 16 between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14. Alternatively, the monolithic heat exchanger 68 may be formed with or integrated with a skin, coating, or casing. This is particularly advantageous when the monolithic heat exchanger 68 is formed with sections of monolithic material. In this embodiment, sections of monolithic material 72c, 72d are provided with inlets and outlets and fluid communication connectors between inlets and outlets of cooperating sections of monolithic material 72c, 72d. Preferably, the inlet and outlet are provided at a furthest distance and/or path with respect to one another to effectively use a larger portion of monolithic material.

In another embodiment, the inwardly facing skin, coating or casing of the monolithic heat exchanger 68 acts as the heat transfer liner 12, i.e., the heat transfer liner 12 is integral with the monolithic heat exchanger 68. In yet another embodiment, the heat barrier shell 14 is also integral with the monolithic heat exchanger 68. Preferably, the monolithic material is moldable.

In a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the carrier sections 66d or the monolithic sections 72d are fluidly connected to an inlet manifold 69 through inlet ports 71 proximate the heat transfer medium supply. Heat transfer medium flows through the inlet manifold 69 through inlet ports 71 to each carrier section 66d or each monolithic section 72d. The heat transfer medium travels upwardly through the particulates or monolith, respectively, to an outlet manifold 73 fluidly connected to the carrier sections 66d or monolithic sections 72d. Preferably, the outlet manifold 73 communicates with a vent 36. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the outlet manifold 73 is shown within the end cap 22. However, the outlet manifold 73 may also be positioned proximate the top of the annulus 16. Likewise, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the inlet manifold 69 is shown within the base 32. However, the inlet manifold 69 may also be positioned proximate the bottom of the annulus 16.

In a further embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention, FIG. 20 illustrates a gel pack heat exchanger 74 with gel pack sections 76 cooperating to define a tortuous path for fluid flow of the heat transfer medium through the gel pack heat exchanger 74. As shown, gel sections 76 are formed in a carrier 78 around a stepwise fluid flow path 82. Advantageously, the gel pack heat exchanger 74 also becomes colder and potentially freezes in whole or in part, adding further cold life to the beverage container 20.

Gel materials suitable for the gel pack heat exchanger 74 embodiment of the present invention include, without limitation, hydroxyethyl cellulose (CELLOSIZE™, by Dow Chemical Company), sodium polyacrylate, vinyl-coated silica gel, mixtures containing those gels, and combinations thereof.

The carrier 78 for holding the gel material and forming the fluid flow path 82 for the heat transfer medium can be made of metal or plastic. The plastic may be rigid or flexible. One configuration for providing a fluid flow path 82 through the carrier 78 is shown in FIG. 20. However, other configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art, armed with the discussion herein, that the various embodiments of the heat exchanger, whether tubing, particulate, monolithic material or gel, can be further adapted and configured to also provide heat transfer at the base of the beverage container, for example, by coiling tubing, providing particulate in a base carrier, a monolithic base or a gel carrier base, in or on the base 32 of the beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 with an inlet manifold 69 and an outlet manifold 73 may advantageously incorporated into other embodiments of the heat exchanger contemplated herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention may further comprise a member for accommodating different diameter beverage containers, for example ranging in diameter from 2.25 inches to 2.75 inches. Referring now to FIG. 21, one embodiment for accommodating different diameter bottles and cans is shown. The beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 21 as holding a beverage bottle 40 instead of a beverage can 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The diameter of the bottle 40 is depicted with a smaller diameter than would be expected, when proportionally compared to a beverage can 20 in FIG. 1, for ease of demonstrating a mechanism for accommodating different diameters. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 21 also depicts a longer heat transfer liner 12 and a longer heat barrier shell 14, for threadably connecting the receiver 24 with threads 84. Also, FIG. 21 depicts a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the vent 36 is disposed in the annulus 16.

Beverage containers of different diameters can be accommodated in the beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention with compressible spacers (not shown) or a spring mechanism, for example two or more spring clips 86, as shown in FIG. 21. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21, the end cap 22 has a flexible collar 88 for reducing heat transfer from ambient air through the top of the beverage chilling device 10.

The canister 30 used with the beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention may be refillable and/or disposable. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the canister 30 may be a different shape without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the shape and size of the recess 26 and/or the receiver 24 may be changed to accommodate the change in size and/or shape of the canister 30. Likewise, the configuration of the heat transfer medium supply system 50 may also be adapted to accommodate changes in canister 30, receiver 24 and/or recess 26. In any case, the receiver 24 may be removed from the beverage chilling device 10 of the present invention after charging the device with heat transfer medium.

In another embodiment, the receiver 24 has a detachable cap 98 (shown in FIG. 21) for accessing the recess 26 for inserting and/or removing a canister 30.

The heat transfer medium is preferably a pressurized refrigerant. Suitable refrigerants include, without limitation, CO2 (R-744), HFC-134a HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze, and mixtures including one or more of these including R-404A, R-407A, R-407B, R-407C, R-407D, R-407E, R-407F, R-410A, R-410B, R-413A, R-416A, R-417A, R-417B, R-418A, R-419A, R-420A, R-421A, R-422A, R-422B, R-422-C, R-422D, R-423A, R-425A, R-426A, R-427A, R-434A, R-437A, R-438A, and R-440A. The refrigerant is selected based on cost, availability, flammability, effectiveness, low global warming potential (LGWP), and other factors.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, the heat transfer medium supply system 50 has a heat transfer medium flow valve 502 and an operation valve 504 connected by tubing 508. Preferably, the operation valve 504 is a solenoid valve or a mechanical valve. The operation valve 504 is actuated by button 506. Accordingly, the operation valve 504 is in a normally closed position, inhibiting flow of heat transfer medium to the heat exchanger. The heat transfer medium flow valve 502 may be, for example, a check valve. Preferably, the check valve 502 is a spring loaded ball bearing or disc type check valve 502. When the receiver 24 is locked onto the base 32 of the beverage chilling device 10, a spring, which detains the ball bearing or disk in the check valve 502 is compressed. The compressed spring opens the check valve 502, allowing heat transfer medium to flow partially into the heat transfer medium supply system 50. Flow beyond the operation valve 504 to the heat exchanger is restricted in the operation valve's 504 normally closed position. When the operation valve 504 is opened by pushing, turning, or pulling button 506 (depending on the type of button used) heat transfer medium that entered the heat transfer medium supply system 50 by actuating the heat transfer medium flow valve 502 is allowed to flow through to a port 510 engaging the heat exchanger.

Preferably, the canister 30 is coupled to the heat transfer medium supply system 50 with a quick connect mating system 512, for example, with a female portion of the quick connect on the canister 30 and a male portion of the quick connect on the heat transfer medium flow valve 502. It will be understood by those skilled in that art that other types and configurations of connections are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the recess 26 is adapted to receive the heat transfer medium directly, i.e., without requiring a canister 30. In this embodiment, the recess 26 is coupled to the heat transfer medium supply system 50 with a quick connect mating system 512, for example, with a female portion of the quick connect on the recess 26 and a male portion of the quick connect on the heat transfer medium flow valve 502. Again, it will be understood by those skilled in that art that other types and configurations of connections are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also as discussed above regarding the canister 30, the recess 26 of the embodiment of FIG. 23 may be exchangeable and/or refillable for example at a kiosk or vending machine having replacement bases 24 or a system for dispensing predetermined amounts of replacement and/or additional heat transfer medium into the recess 26.

The heat transfer medium supply system 50 of the present invention is preferably equipped with a beverage container sensing member for enabling and disabling flow of heat transfer medium from the canister 30. The beverage sensing member may operate mechanically, electrically, optically, or a combination thereof. For example, referring to FIG. 22, a contactor plate 514 may be placed at the base of the beverage chilling device 10. The contactor plate 514 cooperates flexibly to move downwardly when a beverage container 20, 40 is placed in the beverage chilling device 10. This is accomplished in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 by compressing springs 516 between the contactor plate 514 and the base 32. When a beverage container 20, 40 is placed in the beverage chilling device 10, the contactor 514 moves downwardly to contact the base 32 directly or a contactor button 518 on the base 32 to complete a circuit. The completed circuit then allows the heat transfer medium supply system 50 to be operational. When the beverage container 20, 40 is removed, the springs 516 expand, pushing the contactor plate 514 upwardly, thereby breaking the circuit and disabling the heat transfer medium supply system 50.

FIG. 23 shows another embodiment for a beverage container sensing member with a compressible actuator 520 for completing a circuit for allowing flow of heat transfer medium supply system 50 to be operational.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23 also depicts a temperature sensor 522 for causing the heat transfer medium supply system 50 to stop and/or start according to a predetermined set point or range. While the temperature sensor 522 is shown being attached to or embedded in the base 32, it will be understood by those skilled in the art of thermodynamics, electronics and/or heat exchange systems that other configurations and locations in the beverage chilling device 10 are possible, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 23 also has lights 524. While the lights 524 are shown as being recessed into the bottom of the base 24, other configurations and positions are possible throughout the device, for example, with the device where the beverage container is disposed, on an outer wall of the base 24 or the heat barrier shell 14 and the like. The lights 524 may be activated for example by sensing devices sensing temperature, activity of the heat transfer medium supply system, absence or presence of beverage container, movement of the beverage container (e.g. lifting), and the like. The lights 524 may be, for example, LED lights or other suitable lights.

The heat transfer medium supply system 50 may be built into the base 32 of the beverage chilling device 10 or into the top or body of the receiver 24. Likewise, any batteries that may be needed to operate one or more valves 502, 504 can be placed in the base 32 or the top of body of the receiver 24. Alternatively, any batteries need for operating the operation valve 504 may be placed into the wall of the heat barrier shell 14.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that features of the invention illustrated in specific embodiments illustrated in drawings herein may be combined with other embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the receiver is advantageously built into a beverage holder 612 of a vehicle, for example in a center console 614 of a vehicle. The heat transfer medium supply system 50 may be supplied, for example, as OEM by the car manufacturer or dealership to be integrated into the vehicle's air conditioning system, thereby supplying heat transfer medium directly in through the vehicle's air conditioning system. Alternatively, a heat transfer medium supply system 50 may be connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system through an after-market retrofit kit.

Referring now to FIG. 25, two or more receivers 24 may be provided in a charging station 620 for charging two or more portable beverage chilling devices 10. Specifically, in FIG. 25, the charging station 620 is provided with four receivers 24, each adapted to receive a canister 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the charging station 622 has four receivers 24 with recesses 26 adapted to receive heat transfer medium. The embodiments of FIGS. 25 and 26 may be suitable for example as a charging station for personal use at home or work. These embodiments are also readily adaptable to commercial operations, for example with a payment device (not shown) for customers to pay for charging their beverage chilling device 10 with heat transfer medium, for example in a store, at a kiosk, in a vending machine, and the like.

Referring then to FIG. 27, two or more receivers may be provided in a charging station for charging two or more portable beverage chilling devices 10. Specifically, in FIG. 27, the charging station 624 is provided with four receivers 24, each adapted to receive heat transfer medium from a main supply of heat transfer medium, for example, reservoir 626. The four receivers 24 are each fluidly connected to the main supply of heat transfer medium, in this case reservoir 626, through tubing 628.

Finally, referring to FIG. 28, a further embodiment of the portable chilling device 10 is a chilling station with two or more compartments for chilling a beverage. As shown in FIG. 28, a chilling station has four compartments, each with a heat transfer liner 12 (not shown), a heat barrier shell 14 and a heat exchanger disposed in an annulus 16 (not shown) formed between the heat transfer liner 12 and the heat barrier shell 14. The chilling station has a charging station 624 provided with four receivers 24, each adapted to receive heat transfer medium from a main supply of heat transfer medium, for example, reservoir 626. The four receivers 24 are each fluidly connected to the main supply of heat transfer medium, in this case reservoir 626, through tubing 628. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for group events, for example on a picnic, around a poolside, at an outdoor patio table, and the like.

Claims

1. A portable device for cooling a beverage-containing container, comprising:

a heat transfer liner having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter, the first inner diameter being selected to receive a beverage container;

a heat barrier shell having a second inner diameter; the second inner diameter being larger than the first outer diameter for coaxially receiving the heat transfer liner;

an annulus between the heat transfer liner and the heat barrier shell;

a heat exchanger disposed in the annulus for receiving a heat transfer medium for cooling a beverage contained in the beverage container; and

a connection member adapted for directly or indirectly connecting at least one of the heat transfer liner and the barrier shell to a receiver for receiving a heat transfer medium, the receiver further adapted to be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger.

2. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising the receiver having a recess for receiving the heat transfer medium.

3. The portable device of claim 2, wherein the recess in the receiver is adapted to receive a canister containing the heat transfer medium.

4. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is formed of tubing.

5. The portable device of claim 4, wherein the tubing is formed in a helix coaxial with the heat transfer liner.

6. The portable device of claim 4, wherein the tubing is formed in longitudinal wrappings parallel to the length of the heat transfer liner.

7. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is formed of particulates packed in the annulus to provide a tortuous path for the heat transfer medium for cooling the beverage, the particulates selected from the group consisting of metal powders, granules, agglomerates, and beads, ceramic powders, granules, agglomerates, and beads, plastic powders, granules, agglomerates, and beads, and composites and combinations thereof.

8. The portable device of claim 7, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises fins incorporated with at least one of the heat transfer liner and the heat barrier shell, the fins cooperating with the particulates to provide the tortuous path for the heat transfer medium.

9. The portable device of claim 7, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises at least one carrier for packing the particulates.

10. The portable device of claim 9, wherein the heat transfer liner is integral with a surface of the carrier opposing the heat barrier shell.

11. The portable device of claim 9, wherein the carrier has one or more fins incorporated internally for cooperating with the particulates to provide a tortuous path for the heat transfer medium.

12. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold fluidly connected to opposing ends of the heat exchanger.

13. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is formed of one or more sections of a monolithic material selected from the group consisting of metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, polymers, and combinations thereof.

14. The portable device of claim 13, wherein the monolithic material is selected from the group consisting of reticulated foam, a sintered body, a shaped body formed by heating, a shaped body formed by compacting, a shaped body formed by fusing, a shaped body formed by a chemical process, and combinations thereof.

15. The portable device of claim 13, wherein the heat transfer liner is integral with a surface of the monolithic material opposing the heat barrier shell.

16. The portable device of claim 15, wherein the heat barrier shell is integral with an outer surface of the monolithic material.

17. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a carrier for holding freezable gel and for providing a path for fluid flow of the heat transfer medium.

18. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir for capturing spent heat transfer medium.

19. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the heat barrier shell is a double-walled assembly.

20. The portable device of claim 19, further comprising a reservoir for capturing spent medium, the reservoir disposed within the double-walled assembly of the heat barrier shell.

21. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the heat barrier shell is formed of an insulating material.

22. The portable device of claim 2, wherein the receiver is detachable from the portable device once a desired amount of heat transfer medium has been communicated to the heat exchanger.

23. The portable device of claim 2, further comprising a heat transfer medium supply system including a valve communicating with the recess.

24. The portable device of claim 3, further comprising a heat transfer medium supply system including a valve communicating with the canister.

25. The portable device of claim 23, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system further comprises a valve communicating with the heat exchanger.

26. The portable device of claim 24, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system further comprises a valve communicating with the heat exchanger.

27. The portable device of claim 25, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system further comprises an actuator operational by a user for controlling the heat transfer medium supply system.

28. The portable device of claim 26, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system further comprises an actuator operational by a user for controlling the heat transfer medium supply system.

29. The portable device of claim 23, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system is disposed in the receiver.

30. The portable device of claim 24, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system is disposed in the receiver.

31. The portable device of claim 23, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system further comprises a temperature sensor.

32. The portable device of claim 24, wherein the heat transfer medium supply system further comprises a temperature sensor.

33. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising a vent for spent heat transfer medium.

34. The portable device of claim 33, wherein the vent is disposed in the heat barrier shell.

35. The portable device of claim 33, wherein the vent is disposed in the annulus.

36. The portable device of claim 33, wherein the vent is provided with a flow control mechanism.

37. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer liner, the heat barrier shell and the heat exchanger are formed as a unitary structure.

38. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising one or more lights.

39. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the receiver is incorporated in a heat transfer medium charging station.

40. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the receiver is incorporated in a beverage holder of a vehicle.