METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FROZEN DRINKS, ICE CREAM AND OTHER FROZEN CONFECTIONERY

Abstract

Device for converting a liquid into a partially frozen form, comprising: an outer container; and A freezing device comprising an opening into which the liquid can be poured; wherein the freezing device comprises an outer wall and an inner wall which are sealably connected to each other to form at least one coolant cavity; wherein the freezing device can be accommodated within the outer container, wherein the freezing device is furthermore at least partially filled with a cooling material, wherein the cooling material can be cooled below a freezing temperature of the liquid, wherein the freezing device can be secured to the outer container, wherein a locking arrangement secures a circumferential edge of the freezing device to a circumferential flange of the outer container. wherein both the outer container and the freezing device are compressible or otherwise deformable to assist contact between the liquid and the freezing device and to enable the liquid to be transformed into the at least partially frozen form, wherein the device further comprises at least one stabilizing ring designed to limit deformation of the opening of the freezing device when the freezing device is compressed or otherwise deformed.

Description

[0001] These objectives are according to the invention achieved by providing an arrangement according claim 1 and a method according claim 13.

Claims

[1] Device for converting a liquid into a partially frozen form, comprising: an outer container; and A freezing device comprising an opening into which the liquid can be poured; wherein the freezing device comprises an outer wall and an inner wall which are sealably connected to each other to form at least one coolant cavity; wherein the freezing device can be accommodated within the outer container, wherein the freezing device is furthermore at least partially filled with a cooling material, wherein the cooling material can be cooled below a freezing temperature of the liquid, wherein the freezing device can be secured to the outer container, wherein a locking arrangement secures a circumferential edge of the freezing device to a circumferential flange of the outer container. wherein both the outer container and the freezing device are compressible or otherwise deformable to assist contact between the liquid and the freezing device and to enable the liquid to be transformed into the at least partially frozen form, wherein the device further comprises at least one stabilizing ring designed to limit deformation of the opening of the freezing device when the freezing device is compressed or otherwise deformed. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the freezing device is configured to define a chamber. [3] Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the freezing device comprises an outer wall and an inner wall which are sealed to form at least a plurality of coolant cavities, wherein the outer wall and the inner wall each have an upper end and a lower end and the plurality of coolant cavities extends between the upper end and the lower end. [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of coolant cavities is formed by a plurality of columns along the inner wall. [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of columns is semi-enclosed. [6] Device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: each of the columns has a substantially semicircular, triangular or other convex shape directed inwards towards the freezer compartment. [7] Device according to claim 5, wherein the freezing device comprises a bottom wall. [8] Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container is coated with or consists of an insulating material selected from foam, rubber, silicone rubber, EVA and strong plastic; and wherein the freezing device is made of a flexible plastic, flexible aluminum or flexible composite material; and wherein the cooling material is an antifreeze mixture selected from water mixed with salts, sugars, alcohols, propylene glycol and / or calcium chloride. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the freezing device has the configuration of a cup, a can or a cone and / or the outer container has the configuration of a cup, a can or a cone. [10] Device according to claim 1, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a first ring which can engage with the circumferential flange and a second ring which can engage directly or indirectly with the circumferential edge. [11] Device according to claim 1 or claim 10, wherein the locking arrangement secures a lid or cover. [12] Device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a third ring to limit deformation of the circumferential edge of the freezing device and / or the circumferential flange of the outer container when the freezing device is compressed or otherwise deformed. [13] Method for converting a liquid into a semi-frozen or frozen form using the apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: cooling the cooling material in the freezing apparatus below a freezing temperature of the liquid; arranging the liquid in the freezing apparatus; and stirring the liquid when the liquid has at least partially frozen, by squeezing, deforming or bending the walls of the outer container and the freezing apparatus and / or shaking the apparatus.