A beverage chilling apparatus

Abstract

A beverage chiller for rapid chilling of beverages within containers, the apparatus has a housing with a plurality of walls defining an interior volume. A chilling compartment is arranged within the interior volume of the housing with a beverage chamber located adjacent to a reservoir. The beverage chamber is rectangular with a plurality of walls extending between top and bottom walls for receiving the beverage container. The reservoir has a plurality of walls and an open top section which receives the bottom wall of the beverage chamber therein. A drive assembly is engaged with a rotating mechanism to rotate the beverage container. Chilled water is pumped from the reservoir through a chilled water outlet and onto the beverage container during rotation thereof. A refrigeration system is arranged to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

Description

[0001] A BEVERAGE CHILLING APPARATUS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a beverage chiller for chilling beverages in beverage containers and to a method of chilling beverages in beverage containers. In particular, the method and apparatus can be used to rapidly cool a beverage container and its contents from about room temperature to a temperature in the range of 3°C to 7°C so that the cold beverage can be consumed.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is not to be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art.

[0006] The most common method of chilling beverage containers is the use of commercial or household refrigerators or freezer units. The beverage container is statically placed inside the unit and the air inside the unit is cooled, this subsequently cools the beverage. Traditional refrigeration offers a relatively slow and inefficient method of cooling, requiring hours to reduce the temperature of a beverage at room temperature to a desired cold drinking temperature while using significant amounts of electrical energy. This is particularly unfavourable on a hot summer’s day, at parties or at the point of sale when the almost immediate consumption of a cold beverage is desired. Any time delay for cooling the beverage is undesirable. Therefore, no matter what the activity, there is a demand for chilled drinks and the need to have drinks cooled on demand.

[0007] Overtime, a number of devices and processes have been developed to produce chilled beverages on-demand. The devices and processes reduce the temperature of a beverage more quickly to the desired cold drinking temperature. The simplest of these is to place ice inside the beverage. While providing very rapid cooling and ‘ice-cold’ temperature, this process is problematic in that the ice waters-down the flavour of the beverage, introduces impurities to the beverage, and can cause premature de-carbonation of carbonated beverages.

[0008] It is also known that an efficient means of chilling a beverage in a beverage container is to immerse the container in a volume of chilled water or other liquid. Various attempts have been made to make use of this principle in order to achieve an apparatus for chilling beverages in beverage containers. Australian patent application 30419 / 92 entitled "Beverage Cooling or Chilling Apparatus" describes an apparatus for cooling or chilling a beverage container and the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a chamber which contains a low freezing point liquid, such as a salt solution, and a grid on which the containers are supported in an upright condition so that they can be easily retrieved. A cooling coil of a refrigeration unit is located beneath the grid and the cooling liquid is circulated over the beverage container. This apparatus is problematic due to the beverage container and the beverage contents being held stationery within the apparatus. The stationery beverage contents results in the uneven cooling of the beverage within the container with the contents closest to the outside of the beverage container possibly freezing before the inner-most contents are cooled to the required temperature.

[0009] Devices have been developed to rotate the beverage container in the cooling device. Most rotate the beverage container in an upright orientation with the cooling liquid circulated over the beverage container. The cooling liquid is described as being supplied to the cavity at a temperature of -10°C or less. As the container is rotated a vortex of the liquid in the beverage container is developed to facilitate chilling of the beverage. One disadvantage of these devices is that the product in the container can freeze, and the container can break or even explode if the container is left for too long in the cooling liquid. This can contaminate the liquid and leave broken glass in the machine.

[0010] Another disadvantage associated with any device which is designed to use a cooling liquid below 0°C is the issue of operator safety. For example, if the operator or a child has access to the liquid within the device, they could easily cause a frost bite injury to the skin or muscle if a hand or arm is immersed in the liquid. The most common cooling solution utilised in the known on-demand machines is a salt water mixture. These solutions can cause increased salt levels as a result of evaporation or can be diluted as a result of condensation. Dilution could result in freezing and damage to the machine. The salt solution can leave a residue on the outside of the beverage container. For example, it can make glass or plastic containers look cloudy and dirty. A user can experience an unpleasant taste when the user drinks directly from the beverage container.

[0011] Another disadvantage of these known machines is that a clamp or some other releasable holding device is required to successfully maintain the beverage container in an upright position for rotation. This results in the need for mechanical components which themselves require maintenance, particularly given the potential for corrosion when using a salt solution. The required complexity can be further exacerbated when the rotation device is required to provide pulsed or non-continuous rotation to achieve the vortex within the beverage container.

[0012] Other known cooling devices operate on the general method of heat transfer. The most common, involves cooling with ice or ice and water mixtures. Since ice can have substantially lower temperatures than the desired drinking temperature, heat exchange and beverage temperature lowering is facilitated and hastened. The disadvantages of using ice as a direct cooling medium can be problematic, in particular when cooling carbonated beverages. The cooling needs to be carefully monitored to avoid the freezing of the beverage. In most cases, the temperature of ice is rarely at 0°C. and can be significantly lower, as a result, if the ice temperature is sufficiently low, freezing of the beverage within the container is possible, especially with extended cooling times. This is further exacerbated given that most if not all beverage containers are closed making it difficult to monitor temperature and phase conditions of the beverage during the cooling process. Under these conditions, with excessive cooling, partially frozen carbonated beverages will erupt when the container is opened.

[0013] Another disadvantage of cooling devices which use ice is that as ice melts it needs to be replenished to obtain the required necessary cooling or chilling of the beverage container. It follows that such machines are not capable of continual, repeated operation for an extended period.

[0014] Clearly it would be advantageous if a beverage chiller for chilling beverages in beverage containers could be devised that helped to at least ameliorate some of the shortcomings described above. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a beverage chiller which quickly and efficiently reduced the temperature of a beverage at room temperature to a desired cold drinking temperature or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a beverage chilling apparatus for rapid chilling of beverages within beverage containers, the beverage chilling apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a chilling compartment arranged within the interior volume of the housing, the chilling compartment comprising: a beverage chamber adapted to receive at least one beverage container, the beverage chamber forming a substantially rectangular periphery formed by a bottom wall, a top wall and a plurality of side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall; a reservoir located adjacent to the beverage chamber, the reservoir formed with a plurality of walls with an open top section which is adapted to receive the bottom wall of the beverage chamber therein; an insulating material is applied to an internal or an external surface or between the internal and the external surfaces of the beverage chamber and the reservoir, the insulated material thermally insulating the beverage chamber and the reservoir from the interior volume of the housing; a rotating mechanism substantially disposed within the beverage chamber and adapted to rotate the at least one beverage container thereon, the rotating mechanism having a first longitudinal axis extending through the beverage chamber and positioned parallel to a second longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container when the beverage container is positioned on the rotating mechanism; a chilled fluid pump positioned within the reservoir and in fluid communication with at least one chilled fluid outlet, the at least one chilled fluid outlet is positioned in the beverage chamber to disperse a chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated; and a drainage path internally connecting the beverage chamber to the reservoir, the drainage path allowing chilled fluid in the beverage chamber to drain directly back to the reservoir; a drive assembly operatively engaged with and driving the rotating mechanism in the beverage chamber; and a refrigeration system arranged to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

[0017] Preferably, the beverage chamber may further comprise at least one beverage drawer capable of being drawn out from the beverage chamber to the exterior of the housing, the at least one beverage drawer having a base with four side walls extending upwardly from the base forming an open topped receptacle adapted to receive the at least one beverage container therein. The at least one beverage drawer may have a door positioned on one of the plurality of side walls, the door adapted to close and seal an opening in one of the plurality of walls in the housing when the at least one beverage drawer is in a stored position within the beverage chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one beverage drawer may further comprise a movement mechanism mounting the at least one beverage drawer between an opposing two of the plurality of side walls of the beverage chamber, the movement mechanism guiding the movement of the at least one beverage drawer to and from the beverage chamber of the housing. The movement mechanism may be a slide mechanism, the slide mechanism has a fixed rail attached to the opposing two of the plurality of side walls of the beverage chamber and a movable rail attached to two opposing side walls of the beverage drawer.

[0019] Preferably, the top wall of the beverage chamber may be removable from the plurality of side walls to provide an opening for access to an interior space of the beverage chamber.

[0020] Preferably, the bottom wall of the beverage chamber separating the beverage chamber and the reservoir may have at least one opening therein that aligns with at least one opening in the base of the beverage drawer to form the drainage path allowing the chilled fluid to drain directly back to the reservoir from the beverage chamber.

[0021] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise a user- operable access mechanism that is engaged with the at least one beverage drawer, the mechanism being configured to permit access to the at least one beverage drawer. The user-operable access mechanism may be an opening mechanism for displacing the at least one beverage drawer at least partially out of the beverage chamber to the exterior of the housing to provide access to the beverage drawer receptacle.

[0022] Preferably, the opening mechanism may comprise: an actuator mounted though a rear wall of the beverage chamber; an actuator drive motor mounted externally of the beverage chamber; and wherein when the actuator drive motor extends the actuator, an end of the actuator contacts a surface of one of the four side walls of the at least one beverage drawer to displace the at least one beverage drawer at least partially out of the beverage chamber.

[0023] Preferably, the drive assembly may comprise: a drive motor positioned externally of the beverage chamber within the interior volume of the housing; a transmission assembly mounted in the beverage chamber externally of one of the side walls of the at least one beverage drawer, the transmission assembly is connected to the rotating mechanism in the at least one beverage drawer; and a drive shaft having a first end connected to the drive motor and a second end releasably connected to the transmission assembly in the beverage chamber, the drive shaft extending through an opening in the beverage chamber.

[0024] Preferably, the rotating mechanism may comprise a pair of spaced shafts mounted in the receptacle of the at least one beverage drawer, each shaft extending along and parallel to the first longitudinal axis and having a first end spaced apart from a second end, each shaft being mounted for rotation between two opposing side walls of the at least one beverage drawer.

[0025] Preferably, the first ends of each shaft may extend through openings in one of the two opposing side walls of the at least one beverage drawer, the first ends of each shaft may be terminated externally of the at least one beverage drawer within the transmission assembly, and the second ends of each shaft may be supported for rotation on the other one of the two opposing side walls of the at least one beverage drawer.

[0026] Preferably, the transmission assembly may comprise a pair of drive gears or pulleys mounted for rotation on the first ends of each shaft, the drive gears or pulleys are connected by a drive belt for rotating the shafts of the rotating mechanism in the same direction. One of the pair of drive gears or pulleys may have an internal gear which mates with a drive gear on the second end of the drive shaft of the drive assembly. As the at least one beverage drawer slides into and out of the beverage chamber, the drive gear may move into and out of mesh engagement with the internal gear of one of the pair of drive gears of the transmission assembly.

[0027] Preferably, each shaft may be encased with a sleeve of a resiliently flexible material, the sleeve enhancing frictional engagement with the at least one beverage container and inhibiting damage to labelling on the at least one beverage container.

[0028] Preferably, the drive motor may be an electric motor. The electric motor may be a DC powered electric motor.

[0029] Preferably, a limit switch may monitor the position of the at least one beverage drawer, a contact of the limit switch may open when the at least one beverage drawer is displaced from the beverage chamber, the limit switch may stop the drive motor of the drive assembly and the operation of the beverage chilling apparatus. The limit switch may be mounted on the rear wall of the beverage chamber and an activating rod may be attached to one of the four side walls of the at least one beverage drawer, the activating rod extends through an opening in the rear wall of the beverage chamber to contact the limit switch.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one chilled fluid outlet may be in the form of at least one nozzle positioned in the beverage chamber to disperse chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated.

[0031] Preferably, the refrigeration system may comprise: a compressor and condenser mounted within the housing and externally of the chilling compartment; and an evaporator coil in fluid communication with the condenser and in operative engagement with the reservoir, to chill the fluid in the reservoir. The evaporator coil may be positioned in the reservoir to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir.

[0032] Preferably, a recirculating pump may be in fluid communication with the reservoir to recirculate the fluid in the reservoir. Alternatively, the recirculating pump may be mounted within the reservoir.

[0033] Alternatively, the refrigeration system may comprise: a compressor and condenser mounted within the housing and externally of the chilling compartment; a heat exchanger located adjacent to the compressor and condenser; and a recirculating pump located within the reservoir. The recirculating pump may circulate fluid through the heat exchanger located externally of the reservoir and returns chilled fluid to the reservoir.

[0034] Further alternatively, the refrigeration system may comprise: a compressor and condenser mounted within the housing and externally of the chilling compartment; an evaporator coil in operative engagement with the reservoir, to chill the fluid in the reservoir; a heat exchanger externally located of the reservoir; a recirculating pump located within the reservoir; and wherein the recirculating pump circulates fluid from the reservoir through the heat exchanger and returns chilled fluid back to the reservoir. Alternatively, the housing of the beverage chilling apparatus may be two housings. The two housings may comprise a first indoor housing and a second outdoor housing.

[0035] Preferably, the beverage chamber and the reservoir of the chilling compartment may be mounted in the first indoor housing.

[0036] Preferably, the compressor, condenser and a heat exchanger located adjacent to the compressor and condenser may be mounted in the second outdoor housing.

[0037] Preferably, the second outdoor housing may be in fluid communication with the reservoir in the first indoor housing.

[0038] Preferably, a flow switch may be connected in an inlet line between a recirculating pump in the reservoir of the first indoor housing and an inlet of the heat exchanger in the second outdoor housing, wherein the flow switch may isolate the compressor if there is no flow of fluid in the inlet line.

[0039] Preferably, the chilled fluid may be water.

[0040] Preferably, a first water sanitiser may be located within the reservoir and a second water sanitiser may be located within the beverage chamber, the first and second sanitisers may be adapted to provide clean and effective water purification within the reservoir and the beverage chamber. The water sanitiser may be a UV LED sanitiser.

[0041] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise a main control unit located within the internal volume of the housing or the first indoor housing for controlling the operation of the beverage chilling apparatus. The main control unit may be in electrical communication with a compressor control unit and at least one power supply, both located within any one of the internal volume of the housing, the first indoor housing or the second outdoor housing.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one power supply may be a DC power supply.

[0043] Preferably, the main control unit may be a programmable controller in operative engagement with at least the drive assembly and the chilled water pump, the controller may be configured so that operation of the beverage chilling apparatus can be programmed and automated.

[0044] Preferably, the main control unit may further comprise a user interface mounted on one of the plurality of walls of the housing or the first indoor housing, the user interface may allow the user to input any one or more of: i. a size or volume of the at least one beverage container in the beverage chamber; or ii. a chilling parameter relating to an extent to which the beverages in the beverage chamber are to be chilled.

[0045] Preferably, once the size or volume of the beverage container or the chilling parameter is entered into the user interface, the main control unit may calculate an amount of time required to rapidly chill the beverage within the beverage containers to a temperature of less than about 7° C so that a cold beverage may be consumed.

[0046] Preferably, the user interface may further comprise an LED display, at least one display light and / or a buzzer.

[0047] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise a temperature sensor located within the reservoir for monitoring the temperature of the chilled fluid. The temperature sensor may be electrically connected to the compressor control unit, the temperature sensor switches the compressor on and off to maintain a temperature of the chilling fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be a thermostat.

[0048] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise a fluid level sensor in the reservoir, the fluid level sensor may provide a fluid level indication on the user interface. The fluid level sensor may be electrically connected to the main control unit.

[0049] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise a drain pump in the reservoir and a drain pump activation switch on the user interface, the drain pump may allow a user to empty the fluid from the reservoir.

[0050] Preferably, the refrigeration system, the drive mechanism, the chilled water pump, the user-operable access mechanism and the drain pump may be all powered by the DC power supply.

[0051] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may be installed in a domestic property. When installed in the domestic property, a mains electricity connection may be provided to power the beverage chilling apparatus, and the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise an AC to DC converter. When the mains electricity connection is provided to power the second outdoor housing, the AC to DC converter may be provided in the second outdoor housing to convert the mains electricity to DC to power the at least one DC power supply. Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may be connected to a water supply line for filling the reservoir in the housing or the first indoor housing. A solenoid valve may be fitted into the water supply line, the solenoid valve may prevent the flow of water into the reservoir during a chilling cycle of the beverage chilling apparatus.

[0052] Preferably, a float valve may be located in the reservoir and is connected to the water supply line, the float valve may automatically control the level of water in the reservoir.

[0053] Preferably, the reservoir of the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise an overflow drain pipe, the overflow drain pipe may be positioned towards a top section of the reservoir to remove any excess fluid from the reservoir.

[0054] Preferably, the drain pump and the overflow drain pipe may be connected to a kitchen waste water pipe or any other pipes that carry or store water waste for a sewer drainage system.

[0055] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise removing the top wall of the beverage chamber and one of the plurality of walls of the housing may comprise a hinged door which is openable to allow access to place and remove the at least one beverage container from within the beverage chamber.

[0056] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may be adapted as a standalone or portable unit which can be positioned on a benchtop or other flat surface. When installed as the stand-alone or portable unit, a mains electricity connection may be provided to power the beverage chilling apparatus, and the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise an AC to DC converter.

[0057] Alternatively, when installed as the stand-alone or portable unit, the beverage chilling apparatus may be powered by a DC power supply.

[0058] Preferably, the stand-alone or portable unit may be utilised in an indoor environment, an outdoor environment or within a recreational vehicle. When installed in an outdoor environment or within a recreational vehicle, the DC power supply may be a battery or a renewable energy source. The drain pump and the overflow drain pipe may be connected to a storage tank or a vehicle grey water storage system. Preferably, the walls of the beverage chamber, the reservoir and the at least one beverage drawer may be formed from a plastics material by a moulding process. The plastics material may be polyethylene or high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the moulding process may be a rotational moulding process.

[0059] Alternatively, the walls of the at least one beverage drawer may be formed from a food-grade stainless steel.

[0060] Preferably, the walls of the housing, the first indoor housing and the second outdoor housing may be formed from any one of galvanised sheet steel, powder coated sheet steel, painted sheet steel, stainless steel, a food-grade stainless steel or a plastics material such as HDPE.

[0061] In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of rapidly chilling beverages comprising the steps of: i. providing a beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in the first aspect; ii. maintaining water in the water reservoir at a temperature of between 0°C and 3°C; iii. rotating at least one beverage container with the rotating mechanism for a predetermined duration; and iv. pumping the chilled water from the reservoir to the at least one chilled water outlet such that the chilled water impinges on the, or each, rotating beverage container for a predetermined duration.

[0062] Preferably, the method may further comprise the step of draining the water from the at least one beverage drawer back to the reservoir.

[0063] Preferably, the step of maintaining the water in the reservoir at a temperature of between 0°C and 3°C may comprise the step of recirculating the water in the reservoir, with a recirculating pump positioned within the reservoir.

[0064] Preferably, the method may further comprise the step of sanitising the water within the reservoir and the at least one beverage drawer.

[0065] In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a beverage chilling apparatus for rapid chilling of beverages in containers, the beverage chilling apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a chilling compartment arranged within the interior volume of the housing, the chilling compartment comprising: a beverage chamber forming a substantially rectangular periphery formed by a bottom wall, a top wall and a plurality of side walls; a reservoir formed with a plurality of walls with an open top section, the open top section is adapted to receive the bottom wall of the beverage chamber therein; at least one beverage drawer capable of being drawn out from the beverage chamber to the exterior of the housing, the at least one beverage drawer having a base with four side walls extending upwardly from the base forming an open topped receptacle; at least one beverage container having a longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container; a rotating mechanism substantially disposed and extending along a longitudinal axis within the at least one beverage drawer and adapted to rotate the at least one beverage container thereon, the longitudinal axis of the rotating mechanism is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container when the beverage container is positioned on the rotating mechanism; and a chilled fluid pump in the reservoir is in fluid communication with at least one chilled fluid outlet in the beverage chamber to disperse a chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated; a drive assembly operatively engaged with and driving the rotating mechanism in the beverage drawer of the beverage chamber; and a refrigeration system arranged to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

[0066] Preferably, the chilling compartment may further comprise an insulating material applied to an internal or an external surface or between the internal and the external surfaces of the beverage chamber and the reservoir, the insulated material thermally insulating the beverage chamber and the reservoir from the interior volume of the housing.

[0067] Preferably, a drainage path may internally connect the beverage chamber to the reservoir, the drainage path allowing chilled fluid in the beverage chamber to drain directly back to the reservoir.

[0068] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise any one or more of the features of the first aspect.

[0069] In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a beverage chilling apparatus for rapid chilling of beverages in containers, the beverage chilling apparatus comprising: a first indoor housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a second outdoor housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a chilling compartment arranged within the interior volume of the first indoor housing, the chilling compartment comprising: a beverage chamber forming a substantially rectangular periphery formed by a bottom wall, a top wall and a plurality of side walls; a reservoir formed with a plurality of walls with an open top section, the open top section is adapted to receive the bottom wall of the beverage chamber therein; at least one beverage drawer capable of being drawn out from the beverage chamber to the exterior of the first indoor housing, the at least one beverage drawer having a base with four side walls extending upwardly from the base forming an open topped receptacle; at least one beverage container having a longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container; a rotating mechanism substantially disposed and extending along a longitudinal axis within the at least one beverage drawer and adapted to rotate the at least one beverage container thereon, the longitudinal axis of the rotating mechanism is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container when the beverage container is positioned on the rotating mechanism; and a chilled fluid pump in the reservoir is in fluid communication with at least one chilled fluid outlet in the beverage chamber to disperse a chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated; a drive assembly operatively engaged with and driving the rotating mechanism in the beverage drawer of the beverage chamber; and a refrigeration system arranged in the second outdoor housing to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

[0070] Preferably, a compressor, a condenser and a heat exchanger of the refrigeration system may be located in the second outdoor housing.

[0071] Preferably, the second outdoor housing may be in fluid communication with the reservoir in the first indoor housing.

[0072] Preferably, a flow switch may be connected in an inlet line between a recirculating pump in the reservoir of the first indoor housing and an inlet of the heat exchanger in the second outdoor housing, wherein the flow switch may isolate the compressor if there is no flow of fluid in the inlet line.

[0073] Preferably, the beverage chilling apparatus may further comprise any one or more of the features of the first aspect.

[0074] Any one or more of the above embodiments or preferred features can be combined with any one or more of the above aspects.

[0075] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to be limitative to the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a beverage chilling apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for chilling beverages in beverage containers;

[0078] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig. 1 installed within a kitchen of a domestic property;

[0079] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a front view of the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0081] Fig. 5 shows a top plan view of the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig. 1 , with the drawer in an open position;

[0082] Fig. 6 shows a top plan view of one example of a drawer assembly for the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0083] Fig. 7 shows a bottom plan view of the drawer assembly of Fig. 6;

[0084] Fig. 8 shows a first end view of the drawer assembly of Fig. 6;

[0085] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the drawer assembly taken through line AA in Fig. 6;

[0086] Figs. 10A to 10C shows a sectional view of the drawer assembly taken through line AA in Fig. 6 with three different beverage container options for the drawer assembly;

[0087] Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of a method, in accordance with the invention, for chilling beverages in beverage containers, using the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0088] Fig. 12 shows a control system for the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0089] Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of a beverage chilling apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for chilling beverages in beverage containers;

[0090] Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a beverage chilling apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for chilling beverages in beverage containers;

[0091] Fig. 16 is a schematic view of the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig. 15 installed within a kitchen of a domestic property; and Fig. 17 shows a control system for the beverage chilling apparatus of Fig.

[0092] 15.

[0093] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The following description, given by way of example only, is described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0095] It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0096] Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of embodiments will be given numerical designations and in which embodiments will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It will be further noted that the figures are schematic and provided for guidance to the skilled reader and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various drawing scales, aspect ratios, and numbers of components shown in the figures may be purposely distorted to make certain features or relationships easier to understand. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.

[0097] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0098] In the broadest form the present invention provides a beverage chilling apparatus 20 for rapid chilling of beverages within containers 15. The beverage chilling apparatus has a housing 21 with a plurality of walls 22, 23, 24. A bottom wall 22, a top 23 and four side walls 24 joining the top 23 and bottom 22 define an interior volume 25 of the hosing 21. A chilling compartment 30 is arranged within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21. The chilling compartment 30 consists of a beverage chamber 31 in fluid communication with a reservoir 70, the beverage chamber 31 is adapted to receive at least one beverage container 15 therein. The beverage chamber 31 is formed by a substantially rectangular periphery with a bottom wall 32, a top wall and a plurality of side walls extending between the bottom wall 32 and the top wall. The reservoir 70 is located adjacent to the beverage chamber 31 , the reservoir 70 is formed with a plurality of walls with an open top section which is adapted to receive the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31. The internal or an external surface or between the internal and the external surfaces of the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 have an insulating material applied thereon, the insulated material thermally insulating the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 from the interior volume 25 of the housing 21 .

[0099] A rotating mechanism 50 having a first longitudinal axis is disposed in the beverage chamber 31 and is adapted to rotate the at least one beverage container 15 about a second parallel longitudinal axis of the beverage container 15 when the beverage container 15 is positioned on the rotating mechanism 50. A chilled fluid pump 75 is positioned within the reservoir 70 and at least one chilled fluid outlet 76 is operatively arranged with respect to the beverage chamber 31 , the chilled fluid pump 75 pumping chilled fluid from the reservoir 70 to the beverage chamber 31 and onto the at least one beverage container 15 during rotation thereof. A drainage path 33, 39A internally connects the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 so that the chilled fluid can be drained directly back to the reservoir 70.

[0100] A drive assembly 53, 56 is operatively engaged with and drives the rotating mechanism 50 in the beverage chamber 31. A refrigeration system 80 is arranged to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir 70 in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

[0101] In Figs. 1 to 5, reference numeral 20 generally indicates a first embodiment of a beverage chilling apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for chilling beverages in beverage containers 15. The beverage chilling apparatus 20 is configured for chilling beverages in beverage containers 15, such as cans or bottles. The fluid used to chill the beverages in the beverage chilling apparatus 20 is water.

[0102] The beverage chilling apparatus 20 includes a housing 21 which is considered to have a generally rectangular configuration. In other words, the housing 21 as shown in Figs. 1 to 5 can be considered to have two opposing longer or major, sides 24 and two opposing shorter or minor, sides 24. Each side 24 extends between a base 22 and top 23 of the housing 21 to form an interior volume 25. A chilling compartment 30 is located within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21 . The chilling compartment 30 houses the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70. The walls of the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 are covered either internally or externally or in between the internal and external surfaces of the walls with an insulating material which is designed to reduce the amount of energy required to keep the chilled water in the reservoir 70 and within the beverage chamber 31 at the required temperature and also prevent or at least restrict the propagation of heat into the chilling compartment 30 from the remaining internal volume 25 of the housing 21 .

[0103] In one arrangement, the chilling compartment 30 including the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 may be constructed with two layers, a plastic outer shell and a plastic inner layer with the insulating material inserted between the inner and outer shells. This will provide a chilling compartment 30 with excellent insulation. Preferably, the plastics material will be any one of polypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or any like material. The beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 are formed using any molding process. By way of example only, the molding process may be a rotational molding process where a hollow mold is filled with powdered plastic resin and the mold is rotated bi-axially and is transferred into an oven. The mold continues to rotate as the resin melts and coats the walls of the mold. The mold is cooled until the resin hardens into the desired shape.

[0104] The insulating material which covers the inner or outer surfaces or is placed between the inner and outer surfaces of the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 of the chilling compartment 30 is any form of insulation which prevents or at least restricts the propagation of heat. For example, a polyurethane insulation or spray foam or the like. Polyurethane insulation is highly adhesive and sets almost instantly making it highly durable and does not deteriorate over time. The insulating material has a high R-value or thermal resistance to heat flow and functions to provide an insulation envelope around the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 of the chilling compartment 30. The envelope ensures that the chilled water within the reservoir 70 is maintained at the required temperature for use in the beverage chilling apparatus 20. This insulating material can form a barrier to both conductive and convective heat transfer. The insulating material on the walls of the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 of the chilling compartment 30 provides a high thermal resistance which aids in reducing the operating costs of the beverage chilling apparatus 20. The insulating material prevents energy loss and provides a more energy efficient beverage chilling apparatus 20.

[0105] Both the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 are located within the chilling compartment 30. Both are located adjacent to each other and are separated by the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 . The bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 sits within an open top wall of the reservoir 70. Like the housing 21 , the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 have a substantially rectangular construction which together form the chilling compartment 30. The beverage chamber 31 has four side walls extending vertically between the bottom wall 32 and a top wall. The top wall can be removed to gain access to the interior of the beverage chamber 31 to allow for the easy installation of components within the beverage chamber 31. The reservoir 70 has a base and four side walls extending up from the base to form an open topped reservoir 70. The open top of the reservoir 70 is adapted to receive the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 to form a common wall between the reservoir 70 and the beverage chamber 31 .

[0106] The housing 21 is constructed from any one of galvanised sheet steel, powder coated sheet steel or painted sheet steel. Alternatively, the housing 21 may be constructed from a food-grade stainless steel or stainless steel. For example, the stainless steel may be a 304 or 316 grade stainless steel which can be used for sanitary food handling applications. The chilling compartment 30 including the beverage chamber 31 and reservoir 70, as noted above can be manufactured from a plastics material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, HDPE or any like material. Alternatively, the chilling compartment 30 may be constructed from any one of food-grade stainless steel, galvanised sheet steel, powder coated sheet steel or painted sheet steel. The beverage drawer 35 is constructed from a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high- density (PEHD) or the like. Alternatively, the beverage drawer 35 may be constructed from food-grade stainless steel, galvanised sheet steel, powder coated sheet steel or painted sheet steel.

[0107] The beverage chamber 31 houses the beverage drawer 35 which is capable of being drawn out of the housing 21 of the beverage chilling apparatus 20. In this embodiment as illustrated there is a single beverage drawer 35. It will be appreciated that any number of beverage drawers 35 can be arranged in the housing 21 , depending upon requirements and available space. An opening in the front wall 24 of the housing 21 receives the beverage drawer 35 and the door 40 of the beverage drawer 35 closes and seals the opening in the housing 21 when the beverage drawer 35 is located within the beverage chamber 31 in a stored position. A handle 41 is attached to the door 40 to allow the beverage drawer 35 to be easily moved in and out of the beverage chamber 31. The beverage drawer 35 is movably arranged via a slide mechanism 36 disposed on the outer opposing side walls 34 of the beverage drawer 35 and the side walls of the beverage chamber 31 . The slide mechanism 36 allows the beverage drawer 35 to be drawn out in the frontward direction from the interior of the beverage chamber 31. The beverage drawer 35 includes two drawer runners 36, each drawer runner 36 being mounted on a respective side wall 34 of the beverage drawer 35. The runners 36 are engaged with wheels or rollers or the like arranged on the side walls of the beverage chamber 31 so that the beverage drawer 35 can slide in and out of the housing 21 .

[0108] As illustrated the beverage drawer 35 has a rectangular construction with opposing side walls 34, rear wall 38 and the door 40 all extending upwardly from the base 39. The rear wall 38 is located opposite the door 40 and with the side walls 34 and base 39 form an open top elongate receptacle 37 for receiving beverage containers 15 therein.

[0109] A rotating mechanism 50 has components arranged in the beverage chamber 31 and within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21. The rotating mechanism 50 as illustrated in Fig. 5 has a pair of rollers 57 configured to support six beverage containers 15 within the beverage drawer 35 of the beverage chamber 31 . The rotating mechanism 50 has a longitudinal axis and is operable to rotate the at least one beverage container 15 about a longitudinal axis of rotation of the at least one beverage container 15. The longitudinal axis of the rotating mechanism 50 and the longitudinal axis of the beverage container 15 are arranged parallel to each other. The rotating mechanism 50 is driven by the drive assembly. The drive assembly has components located within the beverage drawer 31 and within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21. Located within the beverage chamber 31 is the transmission assembly 53 which connects the rollers 57 to the drive motor 56. The two rollers 57 are rotatably mounted between the rear wall 38 and the door 40 of the beverage drawer 35 and are positioned parallel to each other and located within the receptacle 37 of the beverage drawer 35. Each roller 57 includes a shaft 51 received within a sleeve 52. The transmission assembly 53 is positioned between the rear wall 38 of the beverage drawer 35 and the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31. An end of each shaft 51 extends through an aperture in the rear wall 38 of the beverage drawer 35 to attach to the transmission assembly 53. The transmission assembly 53 includes driven cogs or gears 55 connected by a drive belt 54. The rollers 57 are spaced apart sufficiently so as to minimise the risk of the beverage container(s) 15 being displaced off the rollers 57.

[0110] A drive motor 56 is positioned within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21 and is engageable with the transmission assembly 53 to drive the rollers 57 of the rotating mechanism 50. The drive motor 56 includes a drive shaft and motor. The motor is positioned and mounted externally of the chilling compartment 30. The drive shaft is connected to the motor and extends through an aperture in the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31 of the chilling compartment 30 and into the beverage chamber 31. By way of example only, the drive shaft of the drive motor 56 can be a stainless steel shaft with a 10 mm diameter. A gear positioned on the end of the drive shaft of the drive motor 56 engages with an internal gear on one of the gears 55 of the transmission assembly 53 on the rear wall 38 of the beverage drawer 35. As the beverage drawer 35 slides into and out of the beverage chamber 31 , the drive gear on the drive motor 56 moves into and out of mesh engagement with the internal gear of one of the pair of drive gears 55 of the transmission assembly 53.

[0111] Rotation of the drive motor 56 results in the rollers 57 rotating in the same direction. Thus, the beverage containers 15, in this case the cans 15, positioned on the rollers 57 are caused to rotate. The drive motor 56 can be any form of DC motor that has a controllable variable speed. An example of a suitable motor is a 550 rpm 12 V DC, 2 amp motor. Alternatively, the drive motor may be a fixed speed motor such as a 550 rpm 12 V DC motor.

[0112] In one embodiment of the drive assembly, and in order to reduce the size of the housing 21 , the drive motor 56 and the drive shaft may be connected by a universal joint or a right-angled flexible joint. This effectively allows the drive motor 56 to be mounted approximately vertical against the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31 of the chilling compartment 30.

[0113] The longitudinally extending shaft 51 of each roller 57 can be a steel or stainless steel shaft positioned within a sleeve 52 of resiliently flexible material, such as an expanded plastics material, or the like. The sleeve 52 enhances frictional engagement between the roller 57 and the beverage containers 15. For example, the sleeve 52 is of an extruded, closed-cell synthetic rubber with an external protective coating. As a result, the material of the sleeves 52 serves to maintain the integrity of the labels on the beverage containers 15. This is particularly important for certain types of beverages, such as wine, where the integrity of the label is important for consumers. By way of example only, the sleeve 52 on the shaft 51 of the rollers 57 can have an external diameter of 27 mm.

[0114] A user-operable access mechanism 60 is engaged with the beverage drawer 35 to push the beverage drawer 35 a small distance out of the beverage chamber 31 . The user-operable access mechanism 60 is utilised to provide an indication to the user that the chilling cycle of the beverage chilling apparatus 20 has completed and the user can now slide the beverage drawer 35 from within the beverage chamber 31 to remove the chilled beverage containers 15.

[0115] The user-operable access mechanism 60 includes drawer opening actuator 64 and pushrod 61 , with an end of the pushrod 61 operatively engaged against the rear wall 38 of the beverage drawer 35. The opening actuator 64 is positioned externally of the beverage chamber 31 of the chilling compartment 30 and within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21 . The opening actuator 64 is mounted to the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31 . The pushrod 61 extends from the opening actuator 64 and through an aperture in the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31 where the end of the pushrod 61 contacts the rear wall 38 of the beverage drawer 35. As the opening actuator 64 is activated the pushrod 61 pushes the beverage drawer 35 partially out of the housing 21 providing an indication to the user that the beverage drawer 35 can be withdrawn for access to the interior of the receptacle 37 of the beverage drawer 35. When the beverage drawer 35 is slid back into the beverage chamber 31 the rear wall 38 pushes the pushrod 61 rearward to reset the actuator 64.

[0116] In one embodiment of the user-operable access mechanism 60, and in order to reduce the size of the housing 21 , the opening actuator 64 and the pushrod 61 may be connected by a universal joint or a right-angled flexible joint. This effectively allows the opening actuator 64 to be mounted approximately vertical against the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31 of the chilling compartment 30.

[0117] A reservoir 70 is also arranged within the chilling compartment 30 of the housing 21 . A chilled water pump 75 pumps chilled water from the reservoir 70 through a conduit 77 to the chilled water outlets 76 positioned above the open topped receptacle 37 of the beverage drawer 35. A row of chilled water outlets 76, such as openings in the conduit 77 are centrally mounted inside the top wall of the beverage chamber 31 . Alternatively, the chilled water outlets 76 may be nozzles centrally mounted inside the top wall of the beverage chamber 31 . The chilled water outlets 76 are directed downwardly towards the beverage containers 15 in the beverage drawer 35, when the beverage drawer 35 is positioned in the housing 21 , with the drawer 35 in a closed condition, as can be seen in Fig. 1. An inlet of the chilled water pump 75 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 70 so that chilled water from the reservoir 70 can be pumped out of the nozzles 76 to impinge on the beverage containers 15 while the beverage containers 15 are being rotated within the beverage drawer 35. The chilled water pump 75 can take various forms depending upon requirements, such as the size of the beverage drawer 35. One example of a suitable pump is a 20L / min, 12V DC, 0.3A, 30W pump.

[0118] To chill the water in the reservoir 70 a refrigeration system 80 is arranged within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21. The refrigeration system 80 is operatively arranged with respect to the reservoir 70 and is configured to maintain a temperature of water in the reservoir 70 at above 0°C and below 3°C. For example, the refrigeration system 80 is configured or operable to maintain the temperature of the water at between 0°C and 1 .0°C. The refrigeration system 80 includes an evaporator coil 81 that is positioned in the reservoir 70 and a refrigeration compressor / condenser set 84 is positioned in the interior volume 25 of the housing 21 . The evaporator coil 81 and the compressor / condenser set 84 are connected with refrigeration pipes (not shown). The compressor 84 of the refrigeration system 80 may be a 12 or 24 V DC compressor. The operation of the refrigeration system 80 is controlled by the temperature sensor 86 in the water reservoir 70. By way of example only, the temperature sensor 86 provides a signal to the compressor PCB 80C to turn the compressor 84 on at 0.9°C and off at 0.4°C.

[0119] Alternatively, the refrigeration system 80 may include a heat exchanger mounted adjacent to the compressor 84 and externally located from the reservoir 70 to chill the water therein. The water within the reservoir 70 is pumped by the recirculating pump 82 to the heat exchanger mounted externally of the reservoir 70. The chilled water is then returned to the reservoir 70 and the chilled water pump 75 transfers the chilled water in the reservoir 70 to the water outlets 76.

[0120] As a further alternative, a hybrid system could be used were the refrigeration system 80 had both a heat exchanger located externally of the reservoir 70 and an evaporator coil 81 located within the reservoir 70. In this embodiment the heat exchanger would be used to chill the water as it is pumped from the reservoir 70 to the water outlets 76. In this arrangement, the water would be kept at a very low temperature all the way through the chilling cycle of the beverage chilling apparatus 20. Utilised in this way the heat exchanger would prevent any water temperature rises in the reservoir 70 due to the heat exchange occurring when the beverage is cooled from room temperature.

[0121] The refrigeration system 80 can, more broadly, be configured to maintain a temperature of the water at a desired level to achieve the necessary chilling effect on the beverage containers 15. For example, the refrigeration system 80 can be configured or operable to maintain the temperature of the water at between 0°C and 3°C, more specifically, for example, 0°C and 1 °C. It is to be understood that the refrigeration system 80 can, in certain circumstances, be operable to maintain a temperature of the water at other temperatures, depending upon the requirements of the beverage chilling apparatus 20. A temperature sensor or probe 86 is arranged in fluid communication with the water in the reservoir 70 to sense the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70. The temperature sensor 86 may be a thermistor, thermocouple, semiconductor based integrated circuit, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) or any like device which measures the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70. The temperature sensor 86 is in electrical communication with the compressor controller PCB 80C in the control system 90 to monitor the temperature of the chilled water and control the operation of the compressor 84.

[0122] The beverage chilling apparatus 20 includes a recirculating mechanism 82 in fluid communication with the reservoir 70 to recirculate the water in the reservoir 70. The recirculating pump 82 can take various forms. One example of a suitable pump is a 30W, 20L / min 12 / 24 V DC pump. A first water sanitiser 85 is located within the reservoir 70 to sanitise water recirculated by the recirculating pump 82 within the reservoir 70. A second water sanitiser 85A is located within the beverage chamber 31 to sanitise water in the beverage drawer 35. The water sanitisers 85, 85A are configured to, inter alia, eliminate bacteria and mould. The water sanitiser 85, 85A can be in the form of an LED UV sanitiser or the like.

[0123] The beverage chilling apparatus 20 also includes a drainage mechanism that forms a drainage path between the beverage drawer 35, the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70. The drainage path allows the chilled water to drain from the beverage drawer 35 directly back to the reservoir 70. Apertures 39A are located in the base 39 of the beverage drawer 35 which substantially align with apertures 33 in the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31. The apertures 33, 39A allow any chilled water to drain directly back to the reservoir 70. In this embodiment, there are two apertures 39A in the base 39 of the beverage drawer 35 and two corresponding apertures 33 in the bottom wall 39 of the beverage chamber 31 . The alignment of the apertures 33, 39A allow the chilled water to drain back into the reservoir 70 under gravity.

[0124] The beverage chilling apparatus 20 also includes a control system 90, power supplies 95, 95A and a user interface 100. The control system 90 and the power supplies 95, 95A are located within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21 and the user interface 100 is mounted on the front side wall 24 of the housing 21 just below the door 40 of the beverage drawer 35. The control system 90 controls the operation and various components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20.

[0125] In order to monitor the position of the beverage drawer 35 a limit switch 62 and activating rod 63 are positioned just below the access mechanism 60. The limit switch 62 has an activation rod 63 attached to a rear wall of the beverage drawer 35 which moves in response to changes in position of the beverage drawer 35. The limit switch 62 is mounted on the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31 of the chilling compartment 30 with the activation rod 63 extending from the beverage drawer 35 and through an opening in the rear wall of the beverage chamber 31 of the chilling compartment 30 where it makes contact with the limit switch 62. An end of the activation rod 63 engages with the limit switch 62 and movement of the drawer 35 is communicated to the control system 90. The control system 90 can receive a signal relating to the status of the beverage drawer 35, namely whether the beverage drawer 35 is in an open condition for access by a user, or whether the beverage drawer 35 is closed. As the beverage drawer 35 opens the activation rod 63 opens the contacts of the limit switch 62 which removes power from the drive motor 56 of the drive assembly. Also, as the beverage drawer 35 opens the drive gear on the drive motor 56 moves out of mesh engagement with the internal gear of one of the pair of drive gears 55 of the transmission assembly 53 and stops the rotating mechanism 50.

[0126] An exemplary use of the beverage chilling apparatus 20 is illustrated in Fig. 2. A domestic property such as a house or an apartment will have a kitchen 10 in which the beverage chilling apparatus 20 can be easily integrated or built into the cabinetry of the kitchen 10. When installed in this manner a mains connection is provided to the beverage chilling apparatus 20 and an AC to DC converter is installed within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21. In this embodiment a single beverage drawer 35 is installed within the front wall 24 of the housing 21 . Located just below the door 40 of the beverage drawer 35 and also on the front wall 24 is the user interface 100.

[0127] Figs. 3 to 5 show perspective, front and top views of the beverage chilling apparatus 20. Fig. 3 shows the housing 21 with the walls 24 extending between the base 22 and the top 23. On the front wall 24, the door 40 of the beverage drawer 35 is positioned to close the opening in the housing 21 and the handle 41 on the front of the door 40 facilitates the movement of the beverage drawer 35 from within the housing 21 . The user interface 100 is mounted on the front wall 24 just below the door 40. The user interface 100 in this embodiment is shown as a touchpad which is connected to the control system 90 so that a user can control operation of various components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20, described above. The touchpad includes a touchpad membrane, to protect against ingress of moisture and detritus.

[0128] Fig. 5 shows a top plan view of the beverage chilling apparatus 20 with the beverage drawer 35 in the open position to allow a user to access the receptacle 37 of the beverage drawer 35. In this embodiment six beverage containers 15, in the form of cans are positioned on the rollers 57 of the rotating mechanism 50 with three cans 15 on each side of the beverage drawer 35. In some configurations, it will be necessary for beverage containers 15 to rub against the sidewalls 34 of the beverage drawer 35. Thus, at least the sidewalls 34 are of a material or is coated with a material having a low frictional coefficient so that labels are not damaged as a result of such rubbing. Various plastics materials are suitable. An example of a suitable plastics material is HDPE or other plastics materials with similar coefficients of friction.

[0129] Figs. 6 and 7 show top and bottom views of the beverage drawer 35 removed from the beverage chilling apparatus 20. Fig. 6 shows the top view looking into the open topped receptacle 37. At one end is the door 40 and handle 41 at the opposite end is the rear wall 38. Side walls 34 extend upwardly from the base 39 and the drawer runners 36 are mounted on each side wall 34. Drainage apertures 39A are located adjacent to the rear wall 38 in the base 39. Extending between and supported for rotation on the door 40 and rear wall 38 are the two rollers 57 a part of the rotating mechanism 50. Each roller 57 has a longitudinally extending shaft 51 with an end of each shaft 51 extending through the rear wall 38 of the beverage drawer 35 for attachment to the transmission assembly 53. Mounted on the end of each shaft 51 is a gear or pulley 55 and a drive belt 54 is strung around each gear or pulley 55 so that when the transmission assembly 53 is driven by the drive 56 both shafts 51 will rotate in the same direction.

[0130] Fig. 7 and as will also be illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10 show that the base 39 of the beverage drawer 35 is formed in a trough shaped configuration. Extending from the side walls 34 are two angled sections 39B which join to the flat bottom section of the base 39. The trough shaped construction of the base 39, 39B ensures that the chilled water under gravity will flow easily back to the reservoir 70 through the apertures 39A in the beverage drawer 35 and apertures 33 in the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 and back to the reservoir 70.

[0131] Fig. 8 shows in more detail the transmission assembly 53 on the rear wall 38 of the beverage drawer 35. The gears or pulleys 55 are connected for rotation by drive belt 54. This ensures that when the transmission assembly 53 is driven by the drive motor 56 both shafts 51 will rotate in the same direction. As noted above, one of the gears or pulleys 55 has an internal gear (not shown) which engages with the driven gear on the end of the drive motor shaft.

[0132] Figs. 9 and 10 show cross-sectional views taken along line AA of Fig. 6 of the beverage drawer 35. Fig. 9 shows the beverage drawer 35 without any beverage containers 15 positioned on the rollers 57 of the rotating mechanism 50. As described above the beverage drawer 35 is formed as a substantially rectangular drawer with an open topped receptacle 37 surrounded by side walls 34, base 39, 39B and opposite ends 38, 40. A slide mechanism 36 is disposed on the outer opposing side walls 34 of the beverage drawer 35 and the side walls of the beverage chamber 31 , so that it can be drawn out in the frontward direction from the interior of the beverage chamber 31 . The beverage drawer 35 includes two drawer runners 36, each drawer runner 36 being mounted on a respective side wall 34 of the beverage drawer 35.

[0133] The rollers 57 of the rotating mechanism 50 are illustrated as having two longitudinally extending shafts 51 positioned within a sleeve 52 of a resiliently flexible material, such as an expanded plastics material, or the like, so as to enhance frictional engagement between the rotating mechanism 50 and the beverage containers 15.

[0134] Figs. 10A to 10C show examples of three different options for placement of beverage containers 15 in the beverage drawer 35. In these examples, the beverage drawer 35 and the rollers 57 of the rotating mechanism 50 are configured so that beverage containers in the form of cans 15 can be rotated by the rotating mechanism 50. The rollers 57 can be configured to support the beverage container(s) 15 parallel to the rollers 57 of the rotating mechanism 50. In Fig. 10A, there is shown a configuration in which the beverage container 15 is supported between the rollers 57. A length of the beverage drawer 35 will determine the number of beverage containers 15, positioned end to end, between the rollers 57.

[0135] In Fig. 10B, there is shown a configuration in which at least two beverage containers 15 are each supported between a respective roller 57 and an adjacent sidewall 34 of the beverage drawer 35. In this configuration, the beverage containers 15 are rotatably driven by respective rollers 57 and rub against the sidewalls 34. As set out above, the material of the sidewalls 34 is selected so that any labels that may be on the containers 15 are inhibited from being damaged.

[0136] In Fig. 10C, there is shown a configuration in which at least three beverage containers 15 are supported by the rollers 57 and the sidewalls 34 of the beverage drawer 35. In this configuration, at least two lower beverage containers 15 are supported on the rollers 57 as in Fig. 10B and at least one upper beverage container 15 is supported between the two lower beverage containers 15.

[0137] By way of example only, the beverage drawer 35 has an internal length of 455 mm, an internal width of 135 mm and an internal height of 145 mm. The rollers 57 have a spacing, between rotational axes, of 55 mm. These dimensions allow a variety of different forms of beverage containers 15 to be accommodated in a stable manner for rotation. For example, one bottle with a volume of between 700 mL up to 2 L, or four bottles each with a volume of 365 mL up to 600 mL, or six cans each with a volume of 365 mL up to 600 mL, or six bottles each with a volume of 245 mL up to 330 mL, or nine cans, each with a volume of 245 mL up to 330 mL can be accommodated in the beverage drawer 35 in the various arrangements shown in Figs. 10A to 10C. It is to be understood that the dimensions can be varied to suit different forms of containers. Furthermore, the dimensions can be varied within a range suitable for rotating the different forms of beverage containers 15 described above.

[0138] The beverage chilling apparatus 20 includes a 12 V DC 95 and 24 V DC 95A power supplies located within the interior volume 25 of the housing 21 . The power supplies 95, 95A provide DC electrical energy to various components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20, described above. When the beverage chilling apparatus 20 is utilised in a 12V DC environment such as in a caravan, or recreational vehicle such as a mobile home or marine vehicles, the vehicles DC power supply is simply connected directly to the 12 or 24 V DC power supplies 95, 95A. If the vehicle is a 12 V DC supply, then the beverage chilling apparatus 20 only requires a single 12 V DC power supply 95 and the refrigeration system 80 uses a 12 V DC compressor. When, as illustrated in Fig. 2 the beverage chilling apparatus 20 is utilised in a domestic property with a mains connection, an AC to DC converter (not shown) is employed to provide the correct voltage supply for the power supplies 95, 95A.

[0139] Fig. 1 1 shows a flowchart of a method for chilling beverages in beverage containers 15, using the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A, 20B.

[0140] In use, while the beverage drawer 35 is open, the user places the beverage containers 15 to be chilled, in this example the cans, on the rollers 57. The beverage drawer 35 is then closed at step 1 10 in Fig. 1 1 . Closure of the beverage drawer 35 results in the limit switch 62 generating a closed signal that is received by the control system 90. The control system 90 is programmed so that it can move to a ready state, for receiving the input chilling parameters via the user interface 100 at step 1 1 1. The user interface 100 is configured so that it can be used to input chilling parameters to the control system 90 relating to an extent to which the cans 15 are to be chilled. These parameters can include temperature levels, such as "cold", "very cold" or "icy", or the like. Alternatively, actual temperature values can be input. The input parameters can also include data relating to the size or volume of each beverage container 15. The control system 90 can be programmed to relate a volume to be cooled and an extent of cooling to a length of time that chilled water needs to be pumped onto the containers 15. For example, with the chilled water being maintained at between 0°C and 1.0°C, and three standard beverage cans 15, each containing 375 mL of liquid, the "cold" button can be used to set an operation of the chilled water pump 75 for four minutes. The "very cold" button can be used to set an operation of the chilled water pump 75 for six minutes. The "icy" button can be used to set an operation of the chilled water pump 75 for eight minutes. It is to be understood that the control system 90 can be programmed to accommodate the chilled water being maintained at other temperatures such as any temperature between 0°C and 3°C, or even higher, depending on the configuration of the refrigeration system 80. A further alternative parameter that can be input via the user interface 100 relates to a type of beverage being chilled. The control system 90 can be programmed to receive and store data relating to the types of beverage being chilled.

[0141] Once the chilling parameters have been input, the control system 90 is programmed to receive a start command at 1 12. Upon receipt of the start command at step 1 12, the compressor 84 and the recirculating pump 82 are activated for a period of 30 seconds. This provides a quick start to the cooling process and avoids waiting for the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70 to activate the compressor thermostat to turn on the compressor 84. Also, upon receipt of the start command, the control system 90 is configured to provide DC power to the drive motor 56 at step 1 13. The drive motor 56 is controlled by the control system 90 to rotate the beverage containers 15 at a speed of at least 50 RPM for a duration of time corresponding to the duration of time of operation of the chilled water pump 75. The control system 90 can be programmed to vary the speed of the drive motor 56. The speed can be varied to cater for the size or volume of the container or type of beverage being cooled.

[0142] At step 1 14, the chilled water pump 75 is provided with 12 V DC power from the control system 90. This causes chilled water to be pumped over the containers 15, as described above, for the duration described above. As indicated at step 1 15, the control system 90 is programmed to query the inputted time of the chilled water pump 75 and to cut power to the chilled water pump 75 after the duration described above at step 1 16.

[0143] As indicated at step 1 17, the control system 90 is programmed to query a pre-set time and at step 1 18 the control system 90 will cut power to the drive motor 56. The pre-set time is designed to provide sufficient time to allow the chilled water to drain from the beverage drawer 35 back to the reservoir 70 and allow any chilled water to run-off the containers 15 being rotated within the beverage drawer 35 before the beverage drawer 35 is opened. By way of example only, the pre-set time may be a 10 second period. At step 1 19, once the drive motor 56 has been turned off, the control system 90 is configured to supply DC power to the drawer opening actuator 64 so that the push rod 61 can act, as described above, to push the beverage drawer 35 partially out of the housing 21 as indicated at step 120. The duration of operation of the actuator 64 will depend on the specifications of the actuator 64. For example, the actuator 64, described above, can have a duration of operation of 4 seconds. At step 121 a cycle end buzzer is activated which signals the user that the beverage drawer 35 can be opened further for access to the chilled beverage container(s) 15. Alternatively, a light may also be illuminated on the user interface to indicate the completion of the chilling cycle and that the beverage drawer 35 can now be opened for access to the chilled beverage containers 15.

[0144] The limit switch 62 can also be used as an override switch arrangement or limit switch 62 that is configured to stop all operation, via the control system 90, and reset the various components. The limit switch 62 stops the operation of the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A, 20B in the event that a user tries to open the beverage drawer 35 before the chilling cycle is complete.

[0145] The user interface 100 and the control system 90 can be configured so that the user interface 100 can provide a visual signal to a user relating to a state of operation of the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A, 20B. For example, this could include an LED device that visually counts down operation time.

[0146] Fig. 12 shows an example of the control system 90 for the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A. The control system 90 is programmed to operate the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A from inputs provided from the user interface 100. The user interface 100 is a touchpad connected to the control PCB 80B so that a user can control operation of various components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20, described above. The touchpad includes a touchpad membrane, to protect against ingress of moisture and detritus.

[0147] By way of example only, the control system 90 may be a programmable controller which operatively controls the drive motor 56, the chilled water pump 75, the drawer opening actuator 64 of the user-operable access mechanism 60 and the recirculating pump 82. The control system 90 being configured so that operation of the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A can be programmed and automated. The control system 90 also receives inputs from the user interface 100 and the limit switch 62 which monitors the changes in position of the beverage drawer 35.

[0148] As illustrated in Fig. 12, the control system 90 includes a control PCB 80B which is powered by the 12 V DC power supply 95. The 24 V DC power supply 95A powers the compressor PCB 80C of the refrigeration system 80. The compressor PCB 80C provides power to the compressor motor 84, the condenser fan motor 80A and the recirculating pump motor 82. The compressor PCB 80C also receives signals from the temperature sensor 86 located within the reservoir 70 to monitor and control the temperature of the chilled water in the beverage chilling apparatus 20. The compressor PCB 80C can be programmed to control operation of the refrigeration system 80 to maintain the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70 at a required level, and to provide a readable output of the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70 to the user interface 100.

[0149] The user interface 100 can be programmed to receive inputs from a user to select the desired temperature or chilling parameter of the chilled beverage in the beverage container 15. Once the desired temperature is chosen the control system 90 will determine the time required to rapidly chill the beverage in the beverage container 15. The size or volume and type of the beverage can all be inputted to the control system 90 through the user interface 100.

[0150] The control system 90 also incorporates a cycle complete buzzer (not shown) which can be located on the control PCB 80B or on the user interface 100. As well as the control buzzer, an indicator light may also be utilised on the user interface 100 as a visual indication of the completion of beverage chilling cycle. The touchpad of the user interface 100 may have an LCD display or the like to provide a visual indication of the operation of the beverage chilling apparatus 20. For example, the temperature of the chilled water, the total cycle time and the cycle complete indicator may all be incorporated into the display. Likewise, the user interface 100 may include a countdown timer, such as a digital clock that counts down from the total cycle time to the end of the cycle. Also, the user interface 100 may include an LED display to indicate the level of water in the reservoir 70.

[0151] Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. The beverage chilling apparatus 20A can be configured as a stand-alone or portable unit which can be placed on a kitchen benchtop or any other flat surface or alternatively, used when camping or at the beach. The beverage chilling apparatus 20A can also be used in recreational vehicles such as mobile homes, marine vehicles or any other useful location were an on-demand beverage chiller is required. In this configuration the beverage chilling apparatus 20A could be connected to a battery or renewable energy source to provide power. Alternatively, when installed on the benchtop of a domestic property the beverage chilling apparatus 20A can be connected to a mains supply. When connected to a mains power supply the beverage chilling apparatus 20A has an AC to DC converter installed within the interior volume 25A of the housing 21 A to provide the correct DC voltage supply for the power supplies 95, 95A.

[0152] As shown in Fig. 13, the stand-alone or portable beverage chilling apparatus 20A has a housing 21 A with a bottom 22 and four side walls 24 extending upwardly from the bottom 22 to define an interior volume 25A. A top wall 23 extends from one of the side walls 24. A door 40A is mounted or hinged to one side of the top wall 23, the door 40A is adapted to enclose the interior volume 25A of the housing 21 A. Mounted within the top wall 23 is the user interface 100 which allows a user to input a chilling parameter or size or volume of the beverage container 15 to be chilled by the beverage chilling apparatus 20A. It should be understood that any shape may be employed for the housing 21 A of beverage chilling apparatus 20A.

[0153] The housing 21 A is preferably constructed from galvanised sheet steel, powder coated sheet steel or painted sheet steel. Alternatively, the housing 21 A is made of plastic, however any material can be used. The side walls 24, top 23, door 40A and bottom 22 of housing 21 A are preferably double walled with a layer of insulation disposed between two layers of housing material.

[0154] Fig. 14 shows the components located within the housing 21 A of the beverage chilling apparatus 20A. A chilling compartment 30 is arranged within the interior volume of the housing 21 A. The chilling compartment 30 consists of a beverage chamber 31 located adjacent to and in fluid communication with a reservoir 70 and is adapted to receive at least one beverage container 15 therein. The beverage chamber 31 has four side walls extending up from a bottom wall 32 to form an open top receptacle. The reservoir 70 is likewise formed with four side walls, a base and an open top section which is adapted to receive the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 to enclose the reservoir 70. The beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 of the chilling compartment 30 are covered either internally or externally with an insulating material which is designed to reduce the amount of energy required to keep the chilled water in the reservoir 70 and within the beverage chamber 31 at the required temperature and also prevent or at least restrict the propagation of heat into the chilling compartment 30 from the internal volume of the housing 21 A. Alternatively, the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 of the chilling compartment 30 may be constructed with two layers, a plastic outer shell and a plastic inner layer with an insulating material between the inner and outer layers. This will provide a chilling compartment 30 with excellent insulation. Preferably, the plastics material will be any one of polypropylene, polyethylene or any like material.

[0155] A chilled water pump 75 is positioned within the reservoir 70 and at least one chilled water outlet 76 is operatively arranged with respect to the beverage chamber 31 , the chilled water pump 75 pumping chilled water from the reservoir 70 through conduit 77 to the beverage chamber 31 and onto the at least one beverage container 15 during rotation thereof. A drainage path 33 is located within the bottom wall 32 internally connects the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 so that the chilled water can be drained directly back to the reservoir 70.

[0156] A refrigeration system 80 is arranged in the housing 21 A. The refrigeration system 80 is arranged to maintain a temperature of water in the reservoir 70 in the range of 0°C to 3°C. The refrigeration system 80 includes an evaporator coil

[0157] 81 that is positioned in the reservoir 70 and is connected to a refrigeration compressor / condenser set 84 with refrigeration pipes (not shown). The compressor / condenser set 84 is positioned within the interior volume 25A of the housing 21 A but externally of the chilling compartment 30. The compressor 84 may be a 12 or 24 V DC compressor. The operation of the refrigeration system 80 is controlled by a temperature sensor (not shown) in the reservoir 70. A recirculating mechanism 82 in fluid communication with the reservoir 70 is utilised to recirculate the water in the water reservoir 70. The recirculating pump 82 can take various forms. One example of a suitable pump is a 30W, 20L / min 12 / 24 V DC pump. Water sanitisers 85, 85A are also located within the reservoir 70 and the beverage chamber 31 to sanitise water recirculated by the recirculating pump

[0158] 82 within the reservoir 70 and the beverage chamber 31 .

[0159] A rotating mechanism 50 is arranged in the beverage chamber 31 and is configured to support and rotate at least one beverage container 15 on a side of the beverage container 15. The rotating mechanism 50 has a longitudinal axis and is operable to rotate the at least one beverage container 15 about a longitudinal axis of rotation of the at least one beverage container 15. The longitudinal axis of the rotating mechanism 50 and the longitudinal axis of the beverage container 15 are positioned parallel to each other. The rotating mechanism 50 consists of two rollers 57, a transmission assembly (not shown) and a drive motor (not shown). The drive motor operatively engages with the transmission assembly to drive the rollers 57 to operate the rotating mechanism 50. The two rollers 57 are rotatably mounted between opposing side walls 24 of the beverage compartment 31 and are positioned parallel to each other. Each roller 57 includes a longitudinally extending shaft 51 received within a sleeve 52. The sleeve 52 is a resiliently flexible material, such as an expanded plastics material, or the like, so as to enhance frictional engagement between the rotating mechanism 50 and the beverage containers 15.

[0160] An end of each shaft 51 extends through an aperture in a side wall 24 of the beverage chamber 31 to attach to the transmission assembly. The rollers 57 are spaced apart sufficiently so as to minimise the risk of the beverage container(s) 15 being displaced off the rollers 57 during rotation.

[0161] The beverage chilling apparatus 20A also includes a control system 90, power supply 95, 95A and a user interface 100. The control system 90 and the power supply 95, 95A which are located within the interior volume 25A of the housing 21 A and the user interface 100 is mounted on the top wall 23 of the housing 21 A. The control system 90 controls the operation and various components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20A.

[0162] Figs. 15 to 17 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. The beverage chilling apparatus 20B can be configured as a split system with an internal housing 21 B and an external housing 21 C. The internal housing 21 B can be easily integrated or built into the cabinetry of the kitchen 10 and the external housing 21 C can be mounted or positioned near an external wall 1 1 of the building. Alternatively, the internal housing 21 B may be a benchtop unit which simply sits on top of the kitchen 10 benchtop. The external housing 21 C contains the compressor 84 and heat exchanger 91 . The external mounting of these items effectively reduces the propagation of heat from the compressor 84 affecting the cooled water in the reservoir 70 and also significantly reduces any operating noise from the indoor unit 21 B that may be associated with the operation of the compressor 84.

[0163] The beverage chilling apparatus 20B includes the internal housing 21 B which is considered to have a generally rectangular configuration. In other words, the internal housing 21 B as shown in Fig. 15 can be considered to have two opposing longer or major, sides 24 and two opposing shorter or minor, sides 24. Each side 24 extends between a base 22 and top 23 of the internal housing 21 B to form an interior volume 25. A chilling compartment 30 is located within the interior volume 25 of the internal housing 21 B. The chilling compartment 30 houses the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70. The walls of the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 are covered either internally or externally or in between the internal and external surfaces of the walls with an insulating material which is designed to reduce the amount of energy required to keep the chilled water in the reservoir 70 and within the beverage chamber 31 at the required temperature and also prevent or at least restrict the propagation of heat into the chilling compartment 30 from the internal volume 25 of the internal housing 21 B.

[0164] Both the beverage chamber 31 and the water reservoir 70 are located adjacent to each other and are separated by the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 . The bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 sits within an open top wall of the reservoir 70. Like the internal housing 21 B, the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 have a substantially rectangular construction which together form the chilling compartment 30. The beverage chamber 31 has four side walls extending vertically between the bottom wall 32 and a top wall. The top wall can be removed to gain access to the interior of the beverage chamber 31 to allow for the easy installation of components within the beverage chamber 31 . The reservoir 70 has a base and four side walls extending up from the base to form an open topped reservoir 70. The open top of the reservoir 70 is adapted to receive the bottom wall 32 of the beverage chamber 31 to form a common wall between the reservoir 70 and the beverage chamber 31 .

[0165] As discussed above, the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 may be constructed with two layers, a plastic outer shell and a plastic inner layer with the insulating material inserted between the inner and outer shells. This will provide a chilling compartment 30 with excellent insulation. Preferably, the plastics material will be any one of polypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or any like material. The beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 are formed using any molding process. By way of example only, the molding process may be a rotational molding process.

[0166] The internal and external housings 21 B, 21 C are constructed from any one of galvanised sheet steel, powder coated sheet steel or painted sheet steel. Alternatively, the internal and external housings 21 B, 21 C may be constructed from stainless steel or a food-grade stainless steel.

[0167] The beverage drawer 35 is constructed from a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) or the like. Alternatively, the beverage drawer 35 may be constructed from any one of stainless steel, foodgrade stainless steel, galvanised sheet steel, powder coated sheet steel or painted sheet steel.

[0168] Most of the operating components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20 are incorporated within the split system 20B with the exception of the evaporator coil 81 which is replaced by the heat exchanger 91 in the external housing 21 C. The heat exchanger 91 is used to transfer heat between a source and a working fluid. In this system, the working fluid is the refrigerant from the compressor 84 and the source to be cooled is the water housed in the reservoir 70 which is pumped through the heat exchanger 91 by recirculating pump 82. A flow switch 92 is located within the recirculating pipeline between the recirculating pump 82 and the heat exchanger 91. The flow switch 92 ensures that water is flowing through the heat exchanger 91 before activating the compressor 84. If there is no flow through the heat exchanger 91 , the flow switch 92 will isolate the compressor 84 and prevent the water inside the heat exchanger 91 from freezing.

[0169] The external housing 21 C is connected to the internal housing 21 B by two chilled water hoses. The hoses connect the reservoir 70 and the recirculating pump 82 to the heat exchanger 91 . An electrical cable also connects the 12 VDC power supply 95, 95A to the control PCB 80B and other DC powered components within the internal housing 21 B. The electrical cable also connects the temperature sensor 86 in the reservoir 70 in the internal housing 21 B to the compressor PCB 80C in the external housing 21 C.

[0170] The beverage chilling apparatus 20B can be installed in any domestic property such as a house or an apartment and in most instances the internal housing 21 B is installed within the kitchen 10 or any other suitable position within our outside of the property and within approximately 2 metres of the external housing 21 C. When installed in the manner illustrated in Fig. 16, a mains connection is provided to the external housing 21 C of the beverage chilling apparatus 20B to power the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. An AC to DC converter is installed within the external housing 21 C to provide DC power to the power supplies 95, 95A. Also housed in the external housing 21 C is the compressor PCB 80C which controls the operation of the compressor 84.

[0171] The beverage chilling apparatus 20B can also be installed in a caravan, or recreational vehicle such as a mobile home or marine vehicles. In this arrangement, the vehicles DC power supply is simply connected directly to the 12 or 24 V DC power supplies 95, 95A in the external housing 21 C. In this arrangement and the domestic property installation, the power supplies 95, 95A provide DC electrical energy to various components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. When the beverage chilling apparatus 20B is utilised in a 12V DC environment such as in a caravan, or recreational vehicle then the beverage chilling apparatus 20B only requires a single 12 V DC power supply 95 and the refrigeration compressor 84 is a 12 V DC compressor.

[0172] As noted above the components and the operation of those components in the beverage chilling apparatus 20B is identical to those used in the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A. For example, the rotating mechanism 50 consists of a drive motor 56, a transmission assembly 53 and at least one roller 57. The user-operable access mechanism 60 is engaged with the beverage drawer 35 so that a user can open and close the beverage drawer 35. A chilled water pump 75 is positioned within the reservoir 70 to pump chilled water from the reservoir 70 to the chilled water outlets 76 in the beverage chamber 31 . A drainage path 33, 39A internally connects the beverage chamber 31 and the reservoir 70 so that the chilled water can be drained directly back to the reservoir 70.

[0173] Additionally, and as illustrated in Fig. 15, the beverage chilling apparatus 20B also comprises a drain pump 93 which allows an operator to empty the water from the reservoir 70. The drain pump 93 is controlled by an associated touch pad switch on the user interface 100, when activated the drain pump 93 empties the reservoir 70 through a drain pipe. The drain pipe can be connected to the kitchen waste water pipe or any other pipes that carry water wastes to the sewer drainage system. The drain pump 93 can also be installed in the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A.

[0174] Fig. 17 shows the control system 90A for the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. The control system 90A can also be easily modified to operate the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A. The control system 90A is programmed to operate the beverage chilling apparatus 20B from inputs provided from the user interface 100 and other components within the internal housing 21 B and the external housing 21 C. The user interface 100 is a touchpad connected to the control PCB 80B so that a user can control operation of various components of the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. The touchpad includes a touchpad membrane, to protect against ingress of moisture and detritus.

[0175] By way of example only, the control system 90A may be a programmable controller which operatively control or receive inputs from the drive motor 56, the chilled water pump 75, the drawer opening actuator 64 of the user-operable access mechanism 60, the recirculating pump 82, the drain pump 93, the water level sensor 94, the reservoir float valve 96 and the water inlet solenoid 96A. The control system 90A being configured so that operation of the beverage chilling apparatus 20B can be programmed and automated. The control system 90A also receives inputs from the user interface 100 and the limit switch 62 which monitors the changes in position of the beverage drawer 35.

[0176] As illustrated in Fig. 17, the control system 90A like the control system 90 includes a control PCB 80B powered by the 12 V DC power supply 95. The compressor PCB 80C is powered by the 24 VDC power supply 95A. The power supplies 95, 95A like the compressor PCB 80C are located within the external housing 21 C with the control PCB 80B being located within the internal housing 21 B. The control PCB 80B located within the internal housing 21 B is also used to activate the water sanitiser 85A to eliminate any bacteria and moulds which may form in the beverage chamber 31 . The compressor PCB 80C located within the external housing 21 C is used to activate the water sanitiser 85 to eliminate any bacteria and moulds which may form in the reservoir 70. The water sanitiser 85, 85A can be in the form of an UV sanitiser such as an LED ultraviolet light.

[0177] The compressor PCB 80C provides power to the compressor motor 84, the condenser fan motor 80A and the recirculating pump motor 82. The compressor PCB 80C also receives signals from the temperature sensor 86 located within the reservoir 70 to monitor and control the temperature of the chilled water in the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 86 may be a thermostat or any regulating device which senses the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70 and controls the compressor 84 so that the chilled water's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint.

[0178] The compressor PCB 80C can be programmed to control operation of the compressor 84 and the condenser fan motor 80A to maintain the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70 at a required level, and to provide a readable output of the temperature of the water in the reservoir 70 to the user interface 100. The compressor PCB 80C also provides power for the operation of the recirculating pump 82 in the reservoir 70 of the internal housing 21 B. The recirculating pump 82 is activated by the control PCB 80B energising the recirculating relay 83A which closes the contacts 83 on the compressor PCB 80C to provide 24 VDC to the recirculating pump 82. The recirculating pump 82 allows water to flow from the reservoir 70 through the heat exchanger 91 and back to the reservoir 70 if the flow switch 92 is closed.

[0179] The user interface 100 can be programmed to receive inputs from a user to select the desired temperature or chilling parameter for chilling the beverage in the beverage container 15. Once the desired temperature is chosen the control system 90B will determine the time required to rapidly chill the beverage in the beverage container 15. The size or volume and type of the beverage can all be inputted to the control system 90A through the user interface 100.

[0180] The control system 90A also incorporates a cycle complete buzzer (not shown) which can be located on the user interface 100 or on the control PCB 80B. As well as the control buzzer, an indicator light may also be utilised on the user interface 100 as a visual indication of the completion of beverage chilling cycle. The touchpad of the user interface 100 may have an LCD or LED display or the like to provide a visual indication of the operation of the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. As described above, the temperature of the chilled water in the reservoir 70, the total cycle time and the cycle complete indicator may all be incorporated into the display. Likewise, the user interface 100 may include a countdown timer, such as a digital clock that counts down from the total cycle time to the end of the cycle. When the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A, 20B is installed in the kitchen 10 of the domestic property, a caravan or mobile home, or any recreational vehicle the reservoir 70 of the housing 21 or the internal housing 21 can be connected to a water supply 96B. Fig. 15 shows a water inlet solenoid 96A and a float valve 96 is incorporated to control the automatic filling of the reservoir 70 from the water supply 96B. Alternatively, a water level sensor 94 is also incorporated with the water inlet solenoid 96A and the float valve 96 to control the automatic filling of the reservoir 70 from the water supply 96B. The water level sensor 94 also provides a visual indication on the user interface 100 of the water level in the reservoir 70. The solenoid valve 96A is controlled by the control PCB 80B to ensure that the float valve 96 or the water level sensor 94 does not attempt to fill the reservoir 70 during a chilling cycle of the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. This means that the solenoid valve 96A will allow water from the water supply 96B to refill the reservoir 70 in between chilling cycles or any other time when the beverage chilling apparatus 20B is not chilling beverage containers 15 within the beverage chamber 31. The inlet solenoid 96A is normally in a closed condition and only activated when the float valve 96 indicates that water is required to top up the reservoir 70. Alternatively, the inlet solenoid 96A is normally in a closed condition and only activated when the water level sensor 94 indicates that water is required to top up the reservoir 70 but only in between chilling cycles or any other time when the beverage chilling apparatus 20B is not chilling beverage containers 15 within the beverage chamber 31 .

[0181] The water level sensor 94 allows the user to set a minimum fluid level in the reservoir 70. When the minimum level is reached the water level sensor 94 will activate the inlet solenoid 96 to allow the water supply 96B to fill the reservoir 70, but only when the control PCB 80B acknowledges that the beverage chilling apparatus 20B is not in a chilling cycle. Also, by using the water level sensor 94 to control the inlet solenoid 96 prevents the inlet solenoid 96 from being constantly powered up if the float valve 96 opens, thus reducing energy usage by the beverage chilling apparatus 20B. The float valve 96 will open as soon as the water level falls below a certain level and stops the inflow as soon as this level is reached again. The fill level is checked by a floating body which is connected to the valve 96 by means of a lever and directly causes the valve to open and close. The height of the water surface determines the position of the float. If the float is in the upper position, the valve is closed; if the level drops, the valve opens and water from the water supply 96B can fill the reservoir 70 if the solenoid valve 96A is closed. An overflow drain 97 is positioned towards the top of the reservoir 70. If the reservoir 70 overfills due to a faulty solenoid 96B, float valve 96 or for any other reason the overflow drain will remove any excess water from the reservoir 70. Like the drain pump 93 which empties the reservoir 70 through a drain pipe, the overflow drain 97 can be connected to the kitchen waste water pipe or any other pipes that carry water wastes to the sewer drainage system or the vehicle grey water storage system.

[0182] In installations where the beverage chilling apparatus 20, 20A, 20B is not connected to a water supply, the water level sensor 94 is installed within the reservoir 70 will provide a visual water level indication on the user interface 100. When the water in the reservoir 70 drops to a pre-determined level a warning light and / or buzzer is activated on the user interface 100. Alternatively, the visual indicator on the user interface 100 may be in the form of a visual scale such as an LED scale on the user interface 100 which provides a visual indication of the water level in the reservoir 70. The user interface 100 may also have a warning light which is activated when the water level in the reservoir 70 drops to a predetermined level. The water level sensor 94 may be any one of a float level sensor, a capacitive level sensor, an ultrasonic level sensor, a pressure transducer or any other level sensor which can quantify the level of water in the reservoir 70 and provide an indicator signal to the user interface 100.

[0183] In other installations, a water outlet (not shown) can be connected to the reservoir 70 to provide chilled drinking water from the reservoir 70. A faucet and in-line filter could be connected to the reservoir 70 and positioned in any desirable position. For example, the faucet could be easily fit through the sink surface or bench top to provide fresh chilled water at the push of a lever. Alternatively, a water supply could be connected to a coiled pipe in the reservoir 70 to chill the water therein. The other end of the coiled pipe could provide chilled drinking water to an outlet.

[0184] ADVANTAGES

[0185] A number of advantages are apparent in the present invention over currently available chilling devices, such as those described in the background. The beverage chilling apparatus makes use of water that is maintained at a desired temperature of, for example, between 0°C and 1 .0°C, in a reservoir that is located within a chilling compartment adjacent to the beverage drawer in which the beverage containers are cooled. Furthermore, the water is recirculated back to the reservoir during the cooling process. As a result, the beverage chilling apparatus can be used continually and repeatedly for an extended period of time. This is further mitigated by the connection of the beverage chilling apparatus to a water supply. The use of water also allows for minimum maintenance of the cooling medium, which would not be the case with the use of cooling mediums such as salt solutions, glycol, et cetera.

[0186] The water is never below 0°C. As a result, there is little to no risk of container breakage or explosion. Furthermore, the use of water removes the risk of the user experiencing an unpleasant taste which may occur due to the deposit of salt on the beverage containers.

[0187] The rotation of the beverage container(s), while supported on its side, can provide a suitable movement of the liquid within the beverage container without the need for high spin rates, which would be the case where the beverage container is in the upright position, where it is necessary to create a vortex in the beverage container to achieve the required chilling speed.

[0188] The rotation of the beverage container(s) on two rollers and / or against the walls of the beverage drawer facilitates rotation of the beverage container(s) without having to touch any other components of the apparatus. As a result, damage to labelling on the beverage container(s) is obviated or minimised. This is further enhanced by the use of the resilient sleeves over the roller shafts, as described above.

[0189] The configuration of the beverage drawer, the rotating mechanism and the drive mechanism facilitates driving of the rotating mechanism from a position outside of the chilling compartment. It follows that there are minimal moving parts within the chilling compartment, thereby reducing maintenance and resulting downtime of the apparatus. This is in contrast to those machines described in the background in which the rotating mechanism is located within the reservoir, in a hostile environment as a result of the salt solution.

[0190] The footprint of the beverage chilling apparatus is of a size which allows the easy integration within a kitchen or the like of a domestic property. Also, by only requiring DC power the beverage chilling apparatus can be easily installed in mobile vehicles such as caravans and mobile homes. The beverage chilling apparatus does not require a mains connection for operation which extends the utilisation of the present invention to remote environments that only use battery or renewable energy power.

[0191] The beverage chilling apparatus provides a very energy efficient method of rapidly cooling a beverage container and its contents from about room temperature to a temperature in the range of 3°C to 7°C. so that the cold beverage can be consumed.

[0192] The split system embodiment of the present invention allows the separation of the compressor and heat exchanger from the reservoir. The external mounting of these items effectively reduces the propagation of heat from the compressor affecting the cooled water in the reservoir and also significantly reduces any operating noise from the indoor unit that may be associated with the operation of these components.

[0193] VARIATIONS

[0194] It will be realized that the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example only and that all other modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

[0195] As used herein the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0196] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0197] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0198] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the above described invention.

[0199] In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

[0200] Throughout this specification, the words "proximal" and "distal" are intended to refer to a position of a user operating the apparatus. Thus, "proximal", when used with reference to the drawer assembly would relate to that side corresponding to the side of the handle. The word "distal" therefore has an opposite meaning.

[0201] When any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A beverage chilling apparatus for rapid chilling of beverages within beverage containers, the beverage chilling apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a chilling compartment arranged within the interior volume of the housing, the chilling compartment comprising: a beverage chamber adapted to receive at least one beverage container, the beverage chamber forming a substantially rectangular periphery formed by a bottom wall, a top wall and a plurality of side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall; a reservoir located adjacent to the beverage chamber, the reservoir formed with a plurality of walls with an open top section which is adapted to receive the bottom wall of the beverage chamber therein; an insulating material is applied to an internal or an external surface or between the internal and the external surfaces of the beverage chamber and the reservoir, the insulated material thermally insulating the beverage chamber and the reservoir from the interior volume of the housing; a rotating mechanism substantially disposed within the beverage chamber and adapted to rotate the at least one beverage container thereon, the rotating mechanism having a first longitudinal axis extending through the beverage chamber and positioned parallel to a second longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container when the beverage container is positioned on the rotating mechanism; a chilled fluid pump positioned within the reservoir and in fluid communication with at least one chilled fluid outlet, the at least one chilled fluid outlet is positioned in the beverage chamber to disperse a chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated; and a drainage path internally connecting the beverage chamber to the reservoir, the drainage path allowing chilled fluid in the beverage chamber to drain directly back to the reservoir; a drive assembly operatively engaged with and driving the rotating mechanism in the beverage chamber; anda refrigeration system arranged to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

2. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the beverage chamber further comprises at least one beverage drawer capable of being drawn out from the beverage chamber to the exterior of the housing, the at least one beverage drawer having a base with four side walls extending upwardly from the base forming an open topped receptacle adapted to receive the at least one beverage container therein.

3. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one beverage drawer has a door positioned on one of the plurality of side walls, the door adapted to close and seal an opening in one of the plurality of walls in the housing when the at least one beverage drawer is in a stored position within the beverage chamber.

4. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the at least one beverage drawer further comprises a movement mechanism, the movement mechanism guiding the movement of the at least one beverage drawer to and from the beverage chamber of the housing.

5. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the movement mechanism is a slide mechanism.

6. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the top wall of the beverage chamber is removable from the plurality of side walls to provide an opening for access to an interior space of the beverage chamber.

7. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bottom wall of the beverage chamber separating the beverage chamber and the reservoir has at least one opening therein that aligns with at least one opening in the base of the beverage drawer to form the drainage path allowing the chilled fluid to drain directly back to the reservoir from the beverage chamber.

8. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises a user-operable access mechanism that is engaged with the at least one beverage drawer, the mechanism being configured to permit access to the at least one beverage drawer.

9. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the user- operable access mechanism is an opening mechanism for displacing the at leastone beverage drawer at least partially out of the beverage chamber to the exterior of the housing to provide access to the beverage drawer receptacle.

10. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the drive assembly comprises: a drive motor positioned externally of the beverage chamber within the interior volume of the housing; a transmission assembly mounted in the beverage chamber externally of one of the side walls of the at least one beverage drawer, the transmission assembly is connected to the rotating mechanism in the at least one beverage drawer; and a drive shaft having a first end connected to the drive motor and a second end releasably connected to the transmission assembly in the beverage chamber, the drive shaft extending through an opening in the beverage chamber.1 1. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a pair of spaced shafts mounted in the receptacle of the at least one beverage drawer, each shaft extending along and parallel to the first longitudinal axis and having a first end spaced apart from a second end, each shaft being mounted for rotation between two opposing side walls of the at least one beverage drawer.

12. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the first ends of each shaft extend through openings in one of the two opposing side walls of the at least one beverage drawer, the first ends of each shaft are terminated externally of the at least one beverage drawer within the transmission assembly, and the second ends of each shaft are supported for rotation on the other one of the two opposing side walls of the at least one beverage drawer.

13. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the transmission assembly comprises a pair of drive gears or pulleys mounted for rotation on the first ends of each shaft, the drive gears or pulleys are connected by a drive belt for rotating the shafts of the rotating mechanism in the same direction.

14. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein one of the pair of drive gears or pulleys has an internal gear which mates with a drive gear on the second end of the drive shaft of the drive assembly, wherein as the at least one beverage drawer slides into and out of the beverage chamber, the drivegear moves into and out of mesh engagement with the internal gear of one of the pair of drive gears of the transmission assembly.

15. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein each shaft is encased with a sleeve of a resiliently flexible material, the sleeve enhancing frictional engagement with the at least one beverage container.

16. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drive motor is an electric motor, and the electric motor is a DC powered electric motor.

17. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a limit switch monitors the position of the at least one beverage drawer, a contact of the limit switch opens when the at least one beverage drawer is displaced from the beverage chamber, the limit switch stops the drive motor of the drive assembly and the operation of the beverage chilling apparatus.

18. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one chilled fluid outlet is in the form of at least one nozzle positioned in the beverage chamber to disperse chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated.

19. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration system comprises: a compressor and condenser mounted within the housing and externally of the chilling compartment; and an evaporator coil in fluid communication with the condenser and in operative engagement with the reservoir, to chill the fluid in the reservoir.

20. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the evaporator coil is positioned in the reservoir to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir.21 . A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein a recirculating pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir to recirculate the fluid in the reservoir.

22. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the recirculating pump is mounted within the reservoir.

23. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration system comprises: a compressor and condenser mounted within the housing and externally of the chilling compartment;a heat exchanger located adjacent to the compressor and condenser; and a recirculating pump located within the reservoir, wherein the recirculating pump circulates fluid through the heat exchanger and returns chilled fluid to the reservoir.

24. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration system comprises: a compressor and condenser mounted within the housing and externally of the chilling compartment; an evaporator coil in operative engagement with the reservoir, to chill the fluid in the reservoir; a heat exchanger externally located of the reservoir; a recirculating pump located within the reservoir; and wherein the recirculating pump circulates fluid from the reservoir through the heat exchanger and returns chilled fluid back to the reservoir.

25. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the housing of the beverage chilling apparatus is two housings.

26. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the two housings comprise a first indoor housing and a second outdoor housing, wherein the beverage chamber and the reservoir of the chilling compartment are mounted in the first indoor housing, and the compressor, condenser and a heat exchanger located adjacent to the compressor and condenser are mounted in the second outdoor housing.

27. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the second outdoor housing is in fluid communication with the reservoir in the first indoor housing.

28. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein a flow switch is connected in an inlet line between a recirculating pump in the reservoir of the first indoor housing and an inlet of the heat exchanger in the second outdoor housing, wherein the flow switch isolates the compressor if there is no flow of fluid in the inlet line.

29. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chilled fluid is water.

30. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein a first water sanitiser is located within the reservoir and a second water sanitiser is locatedwithin the beverage chamber, the first and second sanitisers are adapted to provide clean and effective water purification within the reservoir and the beverage chamber.31 . A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein the water sanitiser is a UV LED sanitiser.

32. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises a main control unit located within the internal volume of the housing or the first indoor housing for controlling the operation of the beverage chilling apparatus, wherein the main control unit is in electrical communication with a compressor control unit and at least one power supply, the compressor control unit and the at least one power supply are located within any one of the housing, the first internal housing or the second outdoor housing.

33. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the at least one power supply is a DC power supply.

34. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the main control unit is a programmable controller in operative engagement with at least the drive assembly and the chilled water pump, the controller being configured so that operation of the beverage chilling apparatus can be programmed and automated.

35. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the main control unit further comprises a user interface mounted on one of the plurality of walls of the housing or the first indoor housing, the user interface allows the user to input any one or more of: i. a size or volume of the at least one beverage container in the beverage chamber; or ii. a chilling parameter relating to an extent to which the beverages in the beverage chamber are to be chilled.

36. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein once the size or volume of the beverage container or the chilling parameter is entered into the user interface, the main control unit calculates an amount of time required to rapidly chill the beverage within the beverage containers to a temperature of less than about 7° C so that a cold beverage can be consumed.

37. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises a temperature sensor located within the reservoir for monitoring the temperature of the chilled fluid.

38. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the compressor control unit, the temperature sensor switches the compressor on and off to maintain a temperature of the chilling fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

39. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises a fluid level sensor in the reservoir, the fluid level sensor provides a fluid level indication on the user interface.

40. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises a drain pump in the reservoir and a drain pump activation switch on the user interface, the drain pump allows a user to empty the fluid from the reservoir.41 . A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigeration system, the drive mechanism, the chilled water pump, the user-operable access mechanism and the drain pump are all powered by the DC power supply.

42. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus is installed in a domestic property, a mains electricity connection is provided to power the beverage chilling apparatus, and the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises an AC to DC converter.

43. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein the mains electricity connection is connected to the second outdoor housing, and the AC to DC converter is provided in the second outdoor housing.

44. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus is connected to a water supply line for filling the reservoir in the housing or the first indoor housing.

45. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein a solenoid valve is fitted into the water supply line, the solenoid valve prevents the flow of water into the reservoir during a chilling cycle of the beverage chilling apparatus.

46. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 44 or claim 45, wherein a float valve is located in the reservoir and is connected to the water supply line, the float valve automatically controls the level of water in the reservoir.

47. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the reservoir of the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises an overflow drain pipe, the overflow drain pipe is positioned towards a top section of the reservoir to remove any excess fluid from the reservoir.

48. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 40 or claim 47, wherein the drain pump and the overflow drain pipe are connected to a kitchen waste water pipe or any other pipes that carry or store water waste for a sewer drainage system.

49. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises removing the top wall of the beverage chamber and one of the plurality of walls of the housing comprises a hinged door which is openable to allow access to place and remove the at least one beverage container from within the beverage chamber.

50. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus is adapted as a stand-alone or portable unit which can be positioned on a benchtop or other flat surface.

51. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 50, wherein when installed as the stand-alone or portable unit, a mains electricity connection is provided to power the beverage chilling apparatus, and the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises an AC to DC converter.

52. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 50, wherein when installed as the stand-alone or portable unit, the beverage chilling apparatus is powered by a DC power supply.

53. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 51 or claim 52, wherein the stand-alone or portable unit can be utilised in an indoor environment, an outdoor environment or within a recreational vehicle.

54. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein when installed in an outdoor environment or within a recreational vehicle, the DC power supply is a battery or a renewable energy source, and the drain pump and the overflow drain pipe are connected to a storage tank or a vehicle grey water storage system.

55. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the beverage chamber, the reservoir and the at least one beverage drawer are formed from a plastics material by a moulding process.

56. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 55, wherein the plastics material is polyethylene or high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the moulding process is a rotational moulding process.

57. A method of rapidly chilling beverages comprising the steps of: i. providing a beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 56; ii. maintaining water in the water reservoir at a temperature of between 0°C and 3°C; iii. rotating at least one beverage container with the rotating mechanism for a predetermined duration; and iv. pumping the chilled water from the reservoir to the at least one chilled water outlet such that the chilled water impinges on the, or each, rotating beverage container for a predetermined duration.

58. A method as claimed in claim 57, which further comprises the step of draining the water from the at least one beverage drawer back to the reservoir.

59. A method as claimed in claim 57 or claim 58, wherein the step of maintaining the water in the reservoir at a temperature of between 0°C and 3°C comprises the step of recirculating the water in the reservoir, with a recirculating pump positioned within the reservoir.

60. A method as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 60, the method further comprises the step of sanitising the water within the reservoir and the at least one beverage drawer.61 . A beverage chilling apparatus for rapid chilling of beverages in containers, the beverage chilling apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a chilling compartment arranged within the interior volume of the housing, the chilling compartment comprising: a beverage chamber forming a substantially rectangular periphery formed by a bottom wall, a top wall and a plurality of side walls;a reservoir formed with a plurality of walls with an open top section, the open top section is adapted to receive the bottom wall of the beverage chamber therein; at least one beverage drawer capable of being drawn out from the beverage chamber to the exterior of the housing, the at least one beverage drawer having a base with four side walls extending upwardly from the base forming an open topped receptacle; at least one beverage container having a longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container; a rotating mechanism substantially disposed and extending along a longitudinal axis within the at least one beverage drawer and adapted to rotate the at least one beverage container thereon, the longitudinal axis of the rotating mechanism is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container when the beverage container is positioned on the rotating mechanism; and a chilled fluid pump in the reservoir is in fluid communication with at least one chilled fluid outlet in the beverage chamber to disperse a chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated; a drive assembly operatively engaged with and driving the rotating mechanism in the beverage drawer of the beverage chamber; and a refrigeration system arranged to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

62. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 61 , wherein the chilling compartment further comprises an insulating material applied to an internal or an external surface or between the internal and the external surfaces of the beverage chamber and the reservoir, the insulated material thermally insulating the beverage chamber and the reservoir from the interior volume of the housing.

63. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 61 , wherein a drainage path internally connects the beverage chamber to the reservoir, the drainage path allowing chilled fluid in the beverage chamber to drain directly back to the reservoir.

64. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises any one or more of the features of claims 3 to 56.

65. A beverage chilling apparatus for rapid chilling of beverages in containers, the beverage chilling apparatus comprising: a first indoor housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a second outdoor housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior volume; a chilling compartment arranged within the interior volume of the first indoor housing, the chilling compartment comprising: a beverage chamber forming a substantially rectangular periphery formed by a bottom wall, a top wall and a plurality of side walls; a reservoir formed with a plurality of walls with an open top section, the open top section is adapted to receive the bottom wall of the beverage chamber therein; at least one beverage drawer capable of being drawn out from the beverage chamber to the exterior of the first indoor housing, the at least one beverage drawer having a base with four side walls extending upwardly from the base forming an open topped receptacle; at least one beverage container having a longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container; a rotating mechanism substantially disposed and extending along a longitudinal axis within the at least one beverage drawer and adapted to rotate the at least one beverage container thereon, the longitudinal axis of the rotating mechanism is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through the at least one beverage container when the beverage container is positioned on the rotating mechanism; and a chilled fluid pump in the reservoir is in fluid communication with at least one chilled fluid outlet in the beverage chamber to disperse a chilled fluid onto the at least one beverage container while the at least one beverage container is being rotated; a drive assembly operatively engaged with and driving the rotating mechanism in the beverage drawer of the beverage chamber; anda refrigeration system arranged in the second outdoor housing to maintain a temperature of the chilled fluid in the reservoir in the range of 0°C to 3°C.

66. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 65, wherein a compressor, a condenser and a heat exchanger of the refrigeration system are located in the second outdoor housing.

67. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in claim 65 or claim 66, wherein the second outdoor housing is in fluid communication with the reservoir in the first indoor housing.

68. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 65 to 67, wherein a flow switch is connected in an inlet line between a recirculating pump in the reservoir of the first indoor housing and an inlet of the heat exchanger in the second outdoor housing, wherein the flow switch isolates the compressor if there is no flow of fluid in the inlet line.

69. A beverage chilling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 65 to 68, wherein the beverage chilling apparatus further comprises any one or more of the features of claims 3 to 24 or claims 29 to 56.

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