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[0001]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[0002]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[0003]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., ref...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a unique beverage cooling system and method that offers improved cooling efficiency and structural integrity. The system can be customized and installed in new or existing structures, or used as a standalone system. It includes a beverage holder with a cooling coil and insulation, connected to a condensing unit for controlled cooling of the beverage. The system can also have a vertical channel for handling containers, or be powered by rechargeable batteries or solar cells. The technical effects of this invention include efficient cooling, customizable installation and improved cooling control.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are inherent problems with each of these distinct methods.

However, refrigeration ceases to be effective once a beverage is removed from the insulated chamber (e.g., refrigerator).

However, it is difficult to control a beverage temperature with ice and melting ice can significantly dilute a drink and affect its taste.

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.

Images