Bottle cooling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage cooling device (1) comprising a cooling tank (2) having an internal volume (20) and cooling means, and an opening (3) with a receptacle (4) forming a sleeve for receiving a beverage container, means for attaching said receptacle (4) through the opening (3) to a pouch (40) made of flexible material, extending from said opening (3) into said tank (2), characterized in that said attachment means are provided to be removable and ensure the airtight retention of said receptacle (4) with said corresponding opening (3), by means of a ring (5) integral with the periphery of said opening (3), and a ring (6) having an upper end (60) for snapping into said ring (5), and a lower end (61) forming a tube for fitting into the upper peripheral wall of said pouch (40). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Bottle cooling device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of cooling and refrigerating beverages in containers, such as bottles.

[0002] The invention will find a preferential, but in no way limiting, application in the refrigeration of beverages in bottle-type containers, in particular glass or plastic, or even a metal can.

[0003] The drink can be of any type, preferably wine or spirits, but also beer, or even juice or soda. State of the art

[0004] As is well known, refrigeration aims to lower the temperature by artificial means. With regard to a bottled beverage, such as wine, refrigeration is achieved by storing it in a refrigerated environment, such as a refrigerator or a wine cellar.

[0005] However, once outside the refrigerated enclosure, the bottle quickly returns to room temperature.

[0006] Therefore, to maintain the lower temperature, the cooled bottle is classically placed in a bucket or bag filled with ice and / or cold water, or in a specific tubular receptacle called a "wine brick", the material of which (such as terracotta) allows the lower temperature of the bottle to be maintained for a longer time.

[0007] There are also cooling packs, in the form of a sleeve made of a flexible material enclosing a gel, which are positioned around the bottle.

[0008] Such solutions have a major drawback in that the container becomes wet, due to immersion, but especially due to the formation of dew. The container becomes slippery, particularly in the case of a glass bottle, so that a cloth is needed to wipe it or to prevent the container from dripping.

[0009] In addition, the labels on the bottle can be damaged by humidity, or even come off, which is detrimental to a good presentation of the drink, especially in the case of wine.

[0010] An alternative solution consists of a cooling device, electrically powered and provided with a housing to receive a bottle for the purpose of refrigerating it.

[0011] This operation can be carried out by a thermoelectric cooling system, such as by Peltier effect, applied to the walls in contact with the container at To cool, especially the bottom of the container. For example, the CLIMADIFF® bottle cooler is a good example.

[0012] However, this refrigeration remains limited to contact with said refrigerated wall.

[0013] Another solution consists of a chilled liquid bath, for example glycol-based, ensuring better distribution of the chilled contact area with the walls of the container to be cooled. To this end, a tank comprises an internal volume filled with the coolant and is equipped with means for cooling said internal volume, in particular the liquid it contains. This tank also has an opening at the top leading into a receptacle forming a sleeve for receiving a beverage container. In order to improve the contact of the fluid contained in the tank with the walls of the container inserted into the receptacle, such a sleeve is formed from a flexible material pouch. Thus, the pressure of the fluid applies pressure to the membrane of the pouch to envelop the container, optimizing the heat exchange surface area.Moreover, with the pouch enveloping the container, heat transfer occurs by conduction, preventing the formation of a dew point across the entire surface of the contact areas.

[0014] In addition, a metal support can be inserted within the sleeve. In the form of a rod with an orthogonal base, such a support ensures that the container is held in place by the bottom, preventing damage to the lower end of the pouch.

[0015] While such a sleeve cooling device limits dew formation and humidification of the container, it is observed that the refrigeration generates frost on the upper part of the receptacle, around the opening and along the support. This frost risks damaging the membrane of the sleeve and reducing contact with the container, thus limiting the exchange surface and increasing dew formation, which in turn generates even more ice.

[0016] In addition, frost can stick to the container and / or the bag, which ends up rolled up when the container is extracted, which is undesirable and risks damaging the bag, in particular when in contact with the base of the support against which the bag is torn. Description of the invention

[0017] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a cooling device with a coolant tank in which a sleeve-shaped receptacle is immersed, such a device providing for a removable and airtight fixing of the receptacle, in particular of its sleeve.

[0018] To this end, the beverage cooling device containing the beverage comprises - a cooling tank, provided with an internal volume with at least one upper opening equipped with means for cooling said internal volume, - at each opening, a receptacle forming a sleeve for receiving a beverage container, - means for fixing said receptacle through the corresponding opening, - each sleeve further comprising a pocket of flexible material, plunging from said opening into said tank.

[0019] Advantageously, said cooling device is characterized in that - said fastening means are provided to be removable and ensure the airtight retention of said receptacle with said corresponding opening, said fastening means comprising for this purpose - on the one hand, a ring fixed to the periphery of said opening, - on the other hand, a ring provided with an upper end for snapping with said ring, and a lower end forming a tube for fitting the upper peripheral wall of said pouch.

[0020] According to additional, non-limiting features, said ring may internally comprise at least one snap-on means, while said ring may externally comprise at least one lug formed complementary to said snap-on means, said snap-on means comprising a vertical slot extended by a horizontal housing, ensuring - on the one hand, the insertion and extraction of the corresponding lug along said slot in a vertical direction, and - on the other hand, the vertical maintenance of said lug inserted within said housing, as well as the horizontal movement of said lug along said housing, through the rotation of said ratchet ring relative to said ring.

[0021] According to one embodiment, said housing may include a stop opposite said slot, limiting the stroke of the horizontal movement of said lug along said housing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the fastening means may include a seal, said ring having a groove below, forming a space for receiving said seal in airtight support against a complementary wall of said ring.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said cooling device may include an annular ring having convex rounded walls, mounted as a fastener on said ring.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the ring and the band are made of plastic or composite material.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the receptacle may include a support extending to the inside of said pocket, said support comprising a base surmounted by at least two rods having distal ends for mounting with said ring.

[0026] According to one embodiment, said support may be made of plastic or composite material.

[0027] Thus, this fixing of each receptacle considerably reduces the creation of dew and frost within said receptacle.

[0028] In addition, the improved removable and airtight fastening makes it easier to replace the pouch of each receptacle. Presentation of the drawings

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a perspective view of one embodiment of a cooling device:

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically represents a perspective view of a tank of a cooling device, provided with three openings, showing in particular one of the openings equipped with a receptacle and a receptacle in the form of a sleeve to be inserted into one of the other openings;

[0032] [Fig.3] schematically represents a perspective view of a single receptacle, showing in particular the assembly of the upper part of a pocket onto the sheath of the ring, to form a receptacle;

[0033] [Fig.4] schematically represents an exploded perspective view of a receptacle, showing in particular the assembly by insertion of the support within said receptacle and covering by a band;

[0034] [Fig. 5] schematically represents a perspective view of the ring attached to an opening, showing in particular an example of a means for snapping said ring into the fastening means; and

[0035] [Fig.6] schematically represents a view according to a vertical section of the means of fixing a receptacle at the level of an opening, in the clicked position of the ring with the ring and covering in fixing a band in holding the upper ends of a support, with a zoom of the means of fixing provided with a seal. Detailed description

[0036] The present invention relates to a device 1 for cooling (or refrigerating) a beverage container.

[0037] Such a container can be of any type, such as a bottle, in particular made of glass or plastic, or even a metal can.

[0038] The beverage contained in said container may be of any type, preferably of wine or spirits, but also beer, or even juice or soda.

[0039] According to the invention, the cooling device 1 comprises a cooling tank 2. Such a tank 2 has an internal volume 20. Thus, the tank 2 is closed at the bottom by a base, laterally by peripheral walls and at the top by a fixed ceiling, or even a removable or hinged lid.

[0040] Preferably, the tank 2 is made of metallic or composite material.

[0041] Furthermore, said tank 2 is equipped with means for cooling said internal volume 20.

[0042] Such cooling means can be of any type.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the cooling means comprise a heat transfer fluid or refrigerant, such as a fluid mixed with ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, partially filling said internal volume 20 of the tank 2. For example, the mixture may be a ratio of 45% glycol with 55% water, allowing the freezing point to be lowered to -40°C (degrees Celsius).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the tank 2 may include a drain hole in the lower part, in particular provided through the bottom of the tank 2, intended for maintenance during the replacement of the refrigerant.

[0045] The cooling means also include a heat exchanger for said refrigerant liquid, said heat exchanger penetrating inside said tank 2. This heat exchanger ensures, on the one hand, the cooling of the refrigerant liquid within said tank 2 by absorption of its heat and, on the other hand, the dissipation of said heat to the outside, in particular by means of a heat sink such as a radiator in contact with atmospheric air, with or without a ventilation system.

[0046] Furthermore, the device 1 may include means for regulating the cooling temperature. This regulation is configured at the factory during the manufacture and assembly of the device 1. Preferably, the target cooling temperature is configured to the nearest degree between -30°C and -40°C, preferably at -35°C.

[0047] Furthermore, the cooling device 1 may include control means, with an interface in the form of a control panel 101 allowing the user to adjust several parameters, such as the cooling time, in particular by means of a timer with an audible alarm at the end of the elapsed time, or a cooling acceleration mode forcing the activation of the cooling means, in particular the heat exchanger to lower the temperature of said heat transfer fluid.

[0048] In this respect, the cooling device 1 may include an enclosure 100, with a housing, inside which its various components are placed, such as the cooling means as well as tank 2. Said control panel 101 can be placed on the upper face of such enclosure 100.

[0049] Further on, the tank 2 is provided with at least one upper opening 3. In other words, each opening 3 is provided through the ceiling or lid of the tank 2.

[0050] According to the preferred embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the tank 2 comprises three upper openings 3. In other words, the openings 3 form holes at the top of the enclosure 100, ensuring communication between the outside and the inside of the tank 2.

[0051] The openings 3 can have any shape, preferably circular or ovoid. The openings 3 can have identical dimensions, namely equal or equivalent diameters, or different dimensions, in particular one diameter of an opening 3 is compatible with a standard format of a bottle with a capacity of 75 centiliters (cl), while another opening 3 can have a smaller diameter compatible with a narrower container, such as a can or a bottle with a capacity of 33 cl, or even larger, for a bottle with a higher capacity, such as a magnum (1.5L).

[0052] In addition, the tank 2 has a shape complementary to the number of openings 3. In the case of three openings 3, the tank 2 can have a shape of a parallelepiped prism with a triangular base, while for two or four openings 3, the tank 2 can have a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0053] In addition, the shape of the tank 2 ensures that the internal volume 20 extends downwards around the openings 3, leaving space around what is introduced through said openings 3.

[0054] In this respect, the cooling device 1 includes at each opening 3, a receptacle 4 forming a receiving sleeve for a beverage container, such as a bottle.

[0055] In other words, to receive such a container, in particular a bottle, such a receptacle 4 has a complementary shape, preferably elongated hollow, tubular or generally cylindrical.

[0056] Furthermore, this receptacle 4 forms a blind hole, open at the top and closed at the bottom. Thus, when a container is inserted into it from the open top, said container becomes surrounded by said receptacle 4.

[0057] Advantageously, in order to optimize heat exchange between the refrigerant liquid, each sleeve further comprises a flexible material pouch 40 extending from said opening 3 into said tank 2. Such a pouch 40 can be made of any type of material, in the form of a film, preferably of plastic or composite material, such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0058] Thus, once introduced into the receptacle, a container is surrounded by the pouch 40, whose flexible material is pressed against the peripheral walls of said container by the force of the refrigerant liquid contained in the tank 2. This contact around the entire perimeter of the container increases the heat exchange surface and ensures a peripheral contact area limiting the formation of dew on the container.

[0059] Further, in order to ensure that the receptacle 4 is held with the tank 2, the cooling device 1 includes means for fixing said receptacle 4 through the corresponding opening 3.

[0060] Due to the flexible nature of the pouch 40, the attachment is made in the upper part of the tank 2, on rigid elements and walls.

[0061] Advantageously, said fastening means are provided to be removable and ensure that said receptacle 4 remains hermetically sealed with said corresponding opening 3. Thus, when a receptacle 4 is inserted into an opening 3, the fastening means prevent the refrigerant liquid from escaping from the tank 2 or from entering the pouch 40. They also ensure that no gaseous emissions escape from the tank 2.

[0062] To achieve this, said fastening means include complementary elements intended to be assembled together.

[0063] On the one hand, they comprise a ring 5 fixed to the periphery of said opening 3. Such a ring 5 is therefore fixed to the tank 2, at its upper part, namely at the level of its ceiling or lid. Thus, the tank 2 is provided with the ring 5 and the fixing means.

[0064] On the other hand, a ring 6 is provided with an upper end 60 for snapping with said ring 5.

[0065] Thus, the ring 6 can be inserted and fixed within said ring 5, and conversely removed.

[0066] Furthermore, said ring 6 includes a lower end 61 forming a sleeve tube for the upper peripheral wall of said pocket 40. In particular, the external dimensions of said sleeve tube are equivalent to the internal dimensions of the pocket 40, ensuring, with minimal play or plastic deformation of the flexible material of said pocket 40, the insertion of said tube of the ring 6 into the pocket 40, the wall of which is then pressed against said tube.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the tube at the lower end 61 of the ring 6 is frustoconical, flaring out from the bottom upwards, to facilitate the fitting of the pocket 40 onto said ring 6.

[0068] According to one embodiment, retaining means allow the pouch 40 to be kept in the position fitted onto the tube of the ring 6. Such retaining means can be of any type, in particular mechanical, by means of a additional ring, or preferably in adhesive form, such as glue applied to said external wall of the tube and / or adhesive tape applied over the portion of the wall of the pocket 40 fitted onto said tube.

[0069] Such a fitting of the pocket 40 on the lower end of the ring 6 is visible in [Fig.3].

[0070] Therefore, the pocket 40 mounted on the ring 6 of the fastening means forms the receptacle 4, the latter comprising said ring 6.

[0071] Thus, the ring 6 is made hermetically fixed to said pocket 40. This assembly can then be inserted into one of the openings 3 and fixed hermetically and removably with the ring 5 of said opening 3.

[0072] According to one embodiment, said ring 5 internally comprises at least one snap-on means 50. Additionally, said ring 6 externally comprises at least one lug 62 conforming to said snap-on means 50.

[0073] Thus, when the receptacle 4 is inserted through an opening 3 and the ring 5, the pouch 40 is immersed in the refrigerant liquid until the ring 6 is at the level of said ring 5. The lug 62 is then clicked with the click-in means 50, ensuring the mechanical connection between these two elements.

[0074] Preferably, the average snap-lug 62 couple 50 can be three or four in number, distributed regularly around the opening 3, ensuring the correct positioning, in particular horizontal, of the elements relative to each other.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, said snap-on means 50 comprises a vertical slot 51 extended by a horizontal housing 52. The snap-on means 50 then has an L-shaped (or inverted L) recess.

[0076] In particular, said housing 52 is provided by internal projections relative to the internal wall of the ring 5, the slot 51 then being created between the projections.

[0077] Thus, the shape of the snap-on means 50 ensures, on the one hand, the insertion and extraction of the corresponding lug 62 along said slot 51 in a vertical direction.

[0078] On the other hand, it ensures the vertical retention of said lug 62 inserted within said housing 52, as well as the horizontal movement of said lug 62 along said housing 52, through the rotation of said ratchet ring 6 relative to said ring 5. Thus, the housing 52 limits the vertical freedom of movement of said lug 62, allowing only horizontal freedom of movement in rotation.

[0079] Furthermore, depending on the orientation of the housing 52, the locking of the lug 62 is performed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and vice versa for unlocking. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 4], the locking is performed in a clockwise direction.

[0080] According to one embodiment, said housing 52 includes a stop 53 opposite said slot 51, limiting the stroke of the horizontal movement of said lug 62 along said housing 52.

[0081] According to one embodiment, in order to improve the sealing of the fastening means, in particular of the ring 5 with the ring 6 in the snap-in position, the fastening means include a seal 7. This seal 7 is then pressed between the surface of the ring 5 and the underside of the ring 6.

[0082] Such a seal 7 can be of any type, preferably an O-ring resistant to the rotation of the ring 6 with the ring 5 during snap-fitting.

[0083] Preferably, said ring 6 includes below a groove 63, forming a receiving space for said seal 7 in hermetically sealed support against a complementary wall 54 of said ring 5. In short, the seal 7 is positioned inside the groove 63 and is pressed against the complementary wall 54, forming an overhang around the central space of said ring 5.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the cooling device 1 comprises an annular ring 8 having convex rounded walls. This ring 8 forms a collar, with a rounded funnel shape, ensuring the protection of the ring 5 and the ring 6, as well as the periphery of the opening 3, against possible impacts during the insertion and removal of a container. Said ring 8 also has an aesthetic function, visually concealing the aforementioned elements.

[0085] According to one embodiment, said band 8 is made of metal, preferably aluminum, the thermal and physical properties of which are compatible with low-temperature use. In particular, aluminum helps to limit frost formation, even though it is a metal.

[0086] Furthermore, said ring 8 is mounted as a fixing on said ring 6. In particular, this fixing is carried out by screwing from the underside of the ring 6 and through holes provided through the thickness of said ring 6, to cooperate within complementary threads provided on the underside of said ring 8.

[0087] Such screwing can be carried out at three or preferably four fixing points, ensuring the fit and flatness of the rim with the ring 6.

[0088] Such a screw fixing is notably visible in [Fig.4].

[0089] According to one embodiment, the ring 5 and the ring 6 are made of plastic material or composite, preferably made of plastic material such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). While its resistance to impact and cold is more limited (than, for example, metal), such a plastic material reduces the formation of dew point and, above all, frost at the opening 3.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the receptacle 4 comprises a support 9 extending inside said pocket 40. Such a support 9 makes it possible to maintain the elongated shape The flexible material pouch 40 is held in place during insertion and removal from the refrigerant-filled tank 2, as well as during the removal of a container. The pressure of the refrigerant in tank 2 would tend to cause the pouch 40 to stick to the rim of the container, which would then fold back upon removal. The support 9 thus holds the pouch 40 in place within tank 2.

[0091] To this end, said support 9 comprises a base 90 surmounted by at least two rods 91 having distal ends 92 for mounting with said ring 6. Such a support 9 has an overall U-shaped form. Thus, the base 90 forms a bottom to receive a container on its upper support, which is surrounded on both sides by each of the two rods 91. The spacing of the rods 91, diametrically opposed with respect to said base 90, allows the wall of the flexible pouch 40 to come into contact with the container introduced into the receptacle 4, ensuring its cooling, while limiting the formation of dew.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the support 9 is mounted in a locking insertion between the ring 6 and the band 8. To do this, the distal end 92 of each rod 91 has an offset 93 outwards, forming a laterally projecting tooth cooperating in a fit supported from below on the top of the ring 6, while the band 8 comes inwards to support from above said offset 93. Thus, by fixing the band 8 with the ring 6, the support 9 is secured to this assembly.

[0093] Such an assembly is particularly visible in [Fig.6].

[0094] According to one embodiment, under the offset 93, the distal end 92 of each rod 91 includes a groove 94, with a height complementary to the thickness of the ring 6, in particular at the level of its tube located below, in order to ensure a clipping of said support 9 with said ring 6.

[0095] Such an assembly is particularly visible in [Fig.6].

[0096] According to one embodiment, in order to further limit the formation of dew, said support 9 is made of plastic or composite material.

[0097] Thus, the cooling device 1 with its specific fixing of its receptacle 4, with a seal ensured by the gasket 7 between the ring 6 snapped with the ring 5, facilitates the replacement of a bag 40, while limiting heat exchanges, in particular thermal bridges between the tank 2 filled with refrigerant liquid and said receptacle 4. Thus, the formation of dew is considerably reduced, preventing the formation of frost, in particular in the upper part around the opening 3 having the most surface area in contact with the atmosphere.

Claims

Demands

1. A device (1) for cooling a beverage in a container, comprising: - a cooling tank (2) having an internal volume (20) with at least one upper opening (3) and equipped with means for cooling said internal volume (20); - at each opening (3), a receptacle (4) forming a sleeve for receiving a beverage container; - means for securing said receptacle (4) through the corresponding opening (3); - each sleeve further comprising a pouch (40) made of flexible material extending from said opening (3) into said tank (2), characterized in that: - said securing means are provided to be removable and ensure the airtight retention of said receptacle (4) with said corresponding opening (3), said securing means comprising for this purpose - on the one hand, a ring (5) fixed to the periphery of said opening (3), said ring (5) comprising internally at least one snap-on means (50) provided with a vertical slot (51) extended by a horizontal housing (52) with a stop (53) opposite said slot (51), - on the other hand, a ring (6) provided with an upper end (60) for snapping into said ring (5), and a lower end (61) forming a tube for fitting into the upper peripheral wall of said pocket (40), said ring (6) externally comprising at least one lug (62) shaped complementaryly to said snapping means (50), ensuring - on the one hand, the insertion and extraction of the corresponding lug (62) along said slot (51) in a vertical direction, and - on the other hand, the vertical maintenance of said lug (62) inserted within said housing (52), as well as the horizontal movement of said lug (62) along said housing (52), through the rotation of said ratchet ring (6) relative to said ring (5), said stop (53) in opposition to said slot (51), limiting the stroke of the horizontal movement of said lug (62) along said housing (52); and in that said cooling device (1) further comprises - an annular ring (8) having convex rounded walls, mounted as a fixing on said ring (6).

2. Cooling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fastening means comprise - a seal (7) - said ring (6) comprising below a groove (63), forming a receiving space for said seal (7) in hermetic support against a complementary wall of said ring (5).

3. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (5) and the ring (6) are made of plastic or composite material.

4. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (4) comprises - a support (9) extending inside said pocket (40), - said support (9) comprising a base (90) surmounted by at least two rods (91) having distal ends (92) for mounting with said ring (6).

5. Cooling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said support (9) is made of plastic or composite material.